Data Based Advisor articles from August 1994

Data Based Advisor archives from August 1994

Gupta heats up desert DevCon. (Gupta Developer Conference)
August 1, 1994... If you were among the thousand who converged on Palm Desert to attend the Gupta Developer Conferen probably caught a glimpse of what makes CEO Umang Gupta say the latest version of SQLwindows will ma "leap into object-oriented productivity."...

KnowledgeWare gets ClearAccess. (acquisition of ClearAccess Corp, Fairfield Software Inc)
August 1, 1994... With ADW and EDA/SQL holding their own in high-end computing, KnowledgeWare wants to make strides Windows desktop computing market, which they hope to do with the acquisition of portions of ClearAcc and subsidiary Fairfield Software, Inc. ...

From our shameless self-promotion dept. (1994 Developer Competition; Access Advisor Conference and Expo)
August 1, 1994... Data Based Advisor has followed Tom Droege's Developer Competition for years, and admits that it h keen on this one-of-a-kind competition for application developers from around the world. This year, you plan on pencilling in October 6-8 on your...

Do mergers serve customers? (Editorial)
August 1, 1994... The mergers and acquisitions that keep thundering through the software industry seem to be good news for the shareholders of the involved companies. But are they good news for us customers? What happens when the merging companies have competing...

Feedback. (Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 1994... Review guidelines requested I have been reading Data Based Advisor for more than two years and I have found it to be very useful. However, I feel that DBA needs to offer clear guidelines for selecting a software product. Comparison...

The wave of the future: the information superhighway. (Developer Issues) (Column)
August 1, 1994... "Imagine this: A manager has a top priority special project... [that] depends on the use of a just-released proprietary software package. The manager dials into an |electronic information technology marketplace' and purchases the software...

Manage your survey results. (Raosoft Inc's Survey 2.5 statistical software) (Test Drives) (Software Review) (Evaluation)
August 1, 1994... Raosoft, Inc.'s SURVEY is a DOS-based program that helps you prepare, issue, analyze, and print the results of surveys. It provides the tools to design and fill out survey questionnaires, and display the responses. SURVEY takes a unique...

Recover your source code with Rescue5. (Stro-Ware Ltd Rescue 5 decompiler software) (Test Drives) (Software Review) (Evaluation)
August 1, 1994... Rescue5 is a utility from APTware Ltd., distributed by Stro-Ware, that recovers CA-Clipper 5.x source code from an executable application. It can recover code from s and object files too, if you convert them into an application (.EXE file). On...

Communicate with Telepathy. (Extrasensory Software's Telepathy database application development software) (Test Drives) (Software Review) (Evaluation)
August 1, 1994... Telepathy is a serial communications library that can answer the communication needs of many Clipper programmers. Extrasensory Software provides versions of the product compatible with Clipper Summer '87, 5.0x, and 5.2x. Telepathy also provides...

ODBC drivers. (OpenLink Software's OpenLink ODBC driver) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... OpenLink ODBC is a high performance, generic, multi ODBC driver equipped with a database independent communications layer. Generic architecture achieved through Distributed Object Management Technology, which consists of an OpenLink Request...

New Windows API. (ACI US Inc's 4D Open for Visual Basic) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... 4D Open for Visual Basic is an API consisting of a set of DLLs for the Windows environment. Enables connectivity to 4D Server client/server database. User can connect to server and perform database operations like adding, modifying, or...

Interoperability. (Dharma Systems SQL Interoperability Partners Program) (Brief Article)
August 1, 1994... The SQL Interoperability Partners Program brings together tools and database vendors to provide interoperability between client/server tools and non-SQL database management systems. Aim of the program is for Dharma to qualify, test. and publish...

COBOL reverse engineering tool. (Visible Systems Corp Application Browser COBOL Reverse Engineering Tool) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... Application Browser COBOL Reserve Engineering Tool has been acquired by Visible Systems Corp. from Hypersoft Corp. Application Browser is a PC-based tool for the analysis of existing COBOL applications. Provides multiple high level, graphical...

Software toolset. (Momentum Software X IPC application development software) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... XIPC is a software toolset for developing multitasking and distributed applications. Can speed development, insure portability and interoperability, and enhance reliability in applications, including high performance message passing and...

Configuration management utility. (CompuFlex International's CompuFlex Object Manager for SQL Server database application development software) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... CompuFlex Object Manager for SQL Server includes a repository of complete revision history, and has an open server back end that supports complete configuration management for SQL Server objects, including triggers, tables, stored procedures,...

CASE for Windows and Macintosh. (Computer Systems Advisers Inc Silverrun to Uniface bridge software) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... SILVERRUN/UNIFACE bridge is a bi-directional bridge between the UNIFACE Six model-driven client/server development environment and the SILVERRUN analysis and design workbench by Computer Systems Advisors, Inc. for Macintosh and Windows...

OS/2 PM testing software. (AutoTester Inc AutoTester 2.0 for OS/2 Presentation Manager) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... AutoTester 2.0 for the OS/2 Presentation Manager operating system is an advanced testing and verification tool that includes test synchronization, dynamic window placement and positioning, advanced control querying and manipulation, and actual...

Client/server database design. (Popkin Software and Systems SA Schema Generator 2.0) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... SA Schema Generator 2.0 is an optical, add-on module to System Architect 3.0. Runs on any PC that supports Windows 3.1, Windows NT, or OS/2 PM 2.1. Translates entity relationship diagrams, IDEFIX, object-oriented class diagrams, or physical...

Business intelligence. (Cognos Inc PowerPlay 4.0 decision support software) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... PowerPlay 4.0 is a new version of a Windows-based Business Intelligence software for providing corporate data to managers and executives. Multidimensional reporting tool that presents data in organizational context. Includes easy ranking of...

Data access upgrade. (PageAhead Software Corp SimbaEngine 2.1 software development kit, SimbaLib 2.1 software development kit) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... SimbaEngine Software Development Kit version 2.1 adds enhancements to the query optimization engine, support for transaction processing, improved security, support for SQL numerics, and support for hashed indexes. Provides full-featured SQL...

Manage Oracle objects with SQL Studio. (Stanford Technology Group Inc's SQL Studio 1.1 GUI) (Test Drives) (Evaluation)
August 1, 1994... SQL Studio 1.1 from Stanford Technology Group, Inc., is a utility for Oracle7 that supports this moral: Nothing is more important than being first to market. SQL Studio is more than a fine product; it's the only one in its class. I'm not aware...

Sneak preview of SQL Studio 2.0. (Stanford Technologies Group Inc's GUI for Oracle 7)
August 1, 1994... (Provided by Stanford Technologies. The product was still in development at press time, so this list is neither final nor binding. Check in/Check out SQL Studio 2.0 will support team development through a check in/check out feature....

New Era Application Development Tools: Buying and Strategic Planning Guide, Version 1.0.
August 1, 1994... Dr. Curt Monash is the primary author of an analytical buyer's guide called the New Era Application Development Tools: Buying and Strategic Planning Guide, Version 1.0. At $495, it's aimed at corporate customers who want help deciding on which...

Client/Server Development Tools: An Evaluation and Comparison.
August 1, 1994... Carl Potter and Dr. Therese Cory, research analysts at UK-based ButlerBloor Ltd., have assembled a similar 416-page report covering both issues and products. Happily for potential readers, there's little overlap in the products. Client / Server...

Class library for PowerBuilder. (PowerCerv PowerTOOL 3.1) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... PowerTOOL 3.1 is a methodology and class library for PowerBuilder developers, and contains a class library of objects, functions, and templates. Designed for developers using PowerBuilder 3.0a. Consists of a core library of reusable objects,...

Multidimensional analysis. (Computer Concepts Corp d.b. Express for Windows 2.1 Office Edition database access software) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... d.b.Express for Windows 2.1 Office Edition gives users multi-dimensional query, reportwriting, and business graphics functionality. Provides an intuitive model for multi-dimensional analysis, uses a unique GUI as a database query and navigation...

Document sharing. (Reach Software WorkMAN for Lotus Notes project management software) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... WorkMAN for Lotus Notes is a message-based workflow tool and engine that provides enhanced workflow capabilities to Notes apps. Client-based workflow platform provides a new visual workflow tool (WorkMAP), and active workflow engine, and an...

Bar code data collector. (TimeKeeping Systems Inc EZBarcode bar code reader) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... EZBarcode reader contains a keyboard decoder, stainless steel wand scanner and holder, and a software program to print your own barcodes. Plug and Play device connects to PC, PS2 and compativles, RS-232 terminals and Macintosh computers. Works...

Database enhancement. (MITI SQR Workbench DBMS utility) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... SQR Workbench for Gupta SQLBase RDBMSs is centered around SQR, a 4GL reporting language. Designed for portability across databases and platforms. Users can design a report of any level of complexity. Provides control over the reporting process...

Graphical interface. (Auretek International Access-EZ GUI) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... Access-EZ GUI 1.0 is an application shell that brings graphical interface features to the DOS command line prompt. Provides multi-level menu structure to launch and enhance all DOS software and commands, Including Microsoft Windows. More than...

Updated CA-Clipper tools. (Grumpfish Reporter 2.0 report generation software) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... Grumpfish Reporter 2.0 is a linkable Xbase query/reporting tool. Written in 99.9 percent Clipper, developers can link Grumpfish Reporter modules into applications with no additional memory requirements. Clip-4-DOS is a linkable CA-Clipper...

Spell checker for developers. (Wintertree Software Sentry Spelling-Checker Engine 2.0) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... Sentry Spelling-Checker Engine, release 2 is a spelling checker and dictionary that can be incorporated into software applications by developers with no royalty or runtime fees. Includes 100,000 word main dictionary, and two supplements--one...

Windows-based authoring systems. (Asymetrix Corp ToolBook 3.0 program development software) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... Asymetrix ToolBook 3.0 is a visual programming system, and Asymetrix Multimedia ToolBrook is a multimedia authoring system. Both products speed development and are designed for developers of visual front-ends and prototypes, authors of...

Application development system. (Gupta Corp SQL Windows 5.0 database application development software) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... SQL Windows 5.0 includes: Quick Objects, an architecture that provides a suite of reusable components that allow developers to assemble object-oriented apps; integration with workgroup apps like Lotus Notes and e-mail packages; and First 4GL...

Support for heterogeneous, distributed environments. (Versant Object Technology ODBMS database application development software) (Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
August 1, 1994... The Versant ODBMS offers support for production applications in heterogeneous environments by adding features like compiler-independent heterogeneity, online full and incremental backup, and performance enhancements. These include reduced...

SpareKey doorway program. (Computer Masters International Inc SpareKey data security software) (Test Drives) (Software Review) (Evaluation)
August 1, 1994... Can't remember your SUPERVISOR password to get into your Novell network? Locked out of your servers? Need a "spare key" to LOGIN with SUPERVISOR powers even without an account? SpareKey is an easy to install program that provides a "back...

Move over, Steven Spielberg. (Lotus ScreenCam presentation graphics software) (Product Discovery) (Software Review ) (Evaluation)
August 1, 1994... There's something eerie possessing my computer. The mouse cursor moves by itself and the PC is talking at me. No, this isn't a PC version of television's "Outer Limits," it's ScreenCam from Lotus. I'm watching a "movie" that I just created on...

Client/server success stories. (includes related company directory) (Client/Server Advisor)
August 1, 1994... Are client/server systems really as hard to build as some analysts say? Are they more complicated than the current mainframe or PC environments that management has decided to "rightsize" to client/server? The answer is no! So why do so...

Revamped dBASE 5 for DOS gets better. (Borland International dBASE 5 for DOS) (Software Preview) (Software Review) (Evaluation)
August 1, 1994... Despite all the hoopla about Windows, there's still a lot of life left in character-based software. dBASE 5.0 for DOS is proof that the entire world didn't suddenly go GUI. This completely overhauled 32-bit version of dBASE includes major...

Iditarod dogsled race uses 4th Dimension. (ACI Inc 4th Dimension relational database) (Case Study)
August 1, 1994... Picture 1,260 fur-swathed athletes ready to take off down the trail, with thousands of fans and reporters standing stomping their feet in freezing weather. The winter Olympics again? No, it's Alaska's annual Iditarod dogsled race from Anchorage...

Prep yourself - here comes CA-VO. (Computer Associates Visual Objects) (includes related list of products and recommended reading) (Tutorial)
August 1, 1994... It's been a long wait, Associates' Visual Objects is nearing release. Soon, it'll land on your desk, and you'll wish you'd spent time preparing. I'll try and give you a preparation roadmap. I'll outline things you can do, according to your...

Anticipation...the CA-Visual Objects third-party market. (Computer Associates database application development software) (Database Forecast) (Column)
August 1, 1994... As the long awaited Computer Associates Visual Objects (aka "CA-VO") enters the marketplace, many developers naturally wonder how the traditionally strong Clipper third-party vendors will follow the trend towards the Windows platform. ...

dBASE for Windows opportunities. (Brief Article)
August 1, 1994... Another exciting product due soon on the Windows database scene is Borland's dBASE for Windows. From a third-party perspective, the dBASE product line hasn't enjoyed the tradition of add-ons Clipper has. This is due in part to the fact that...

The CASE for client/server. (Evergreen CASE Tools EasyCASE 4.1 for Windows, Logic Works Inc ERWin/ERX 1.2a, Asymetrix InfoModeler 1.01, KASEWORKS Inc KASE:VIP for Windows 4.0, Popkin Software & Systems Inc System Architect for Windows 3.0, Visible Systems Corp Visible Analyst Workbench 5.2 CASE software) (Client/Server Advisor: Team Development) (Software Review) (Evaluation)
August 1, 1994... As client/server grows more mature as a database development paradigm, more programmers and analysts are getting into the game. The advantage to this movement is that users everywhere are enjoying the benefits of client/server applications:...

Additional client/server CASE products. (Brief Article)
August 1, 1994... Many products exist in the marketplace that were not discussed in this article. Here's information about some of the other available client/server CASE systems: Bachman/Database Design Kits (Bachman Information Systems, Inc., (617)...

I-CASE tools - the future is almost now. (Client/Server Advisor: Team Development) (Column) (Tutorial)
August 1, 1994... In an industry recognized for rapid change, it's comforting to find something that remains the same--the principle of YAN (yet another acronym). Following this tradition, let me introduce a new one, I-CASE (Integrated Computer-Aided Software...

Building a better EIS. (Executive Information Systems, Lotus Information System) (Client/Server Advisor: Case Study)
August 1, 1994... Executive Information Systems (EIS) seem to be in abundance lately, but finding a system with the key features and leading indicators of trends that relate to your business is a difficult task. This is especially true when executives have...

Implementing a Corporate Repository: The Model Meets Reality.
August 1, 1994... Do you want to understand what a repository is? Go to your local library. There you'll find Implementing a Corporate Repository: The Models Meet Reality by Adrienne Tannenbaum. In addition, you will find a real-life example of a repository in...

Constructing a base class for data maintenance, part 2. (Client/Server Advisor: PowerBuilder Pro) (Column) (Tutorial)
August 1, 1994... Last month, I started a discussion on a base class object for data maintenance, and showed how a data maintenance object might be used in application development. This month we'll explore the base class user object in detail. The library and...

QuickObjects prove SQLWin 5 is easy to use. (Gupta Corp's SQLWindows 5.0 database application development software) (Client/Server Advisor: Inside SQL Windows) (Column) (Tutorial)
August 1, 1994... Gupta categorizes the new features in SQLWindows 5.0 as "quick development; powerful development; tools integration". The latest attempt to prove to the world that SQLWindows is easy to use is the new "QuickObjects" technology. For the...

SQL Access Group helps expedite standards process. (Client/Server Advisor: Client/Server On-Line) (includes related article on members) (Interview)
August 1, 1994... Merrill Holt, like all SQL Access Group officials, wears two hats. In addition to his "normal" job as principal product manager of Open Systems and Standards with Oracle Corp.'s Server Technologies Division, Holt serves as SQL Access vice...

What are MDI Windows, anyway? (Multiple Document Interface for Windows) (Windows Developer) (Column)
August 1, 1994... Quick, what does MDI stand for? Message Direction Indicator? Nope. It has nothing to do with the Department of Motor Vehicles. As more and easier Windows development tools get into the hands of a wider range of developers, the fine points of...

Using data access objects. (includes related article on emulation of data control with PICCLIP) (Visual Basic Expert) (Column) (Tutorial)
August 1, 1994... If you've demonstrated a prototype for a client, you know all the steps you take to make sure the demo goes off without a hitch. When you ship a finished application you can't do a lot of those steps, so your application has to be able to do...

Media Architect's ImageKnife/VBX. (image processing software) (Evaluation)
August 1, 1994... Image processing is a complex and often confusing subject, and to many programmers it's still mysterious land forbidden. Media Architect's ImageKnife/VBX custom control can make adding image processing power to your VB applications much easier....

Client/server - how FoxPro gets connected. (FoxPro Developer) (Column) (includes related article on using FoxPro tutorial utility) (Tutorial)
August 1, 1994... At the closing session of the 1992 Microsoft Foxpro Developer's Conference in Phoenix, I remember waiting among the crowd who wanted to hear the closing keynote by Bill Gates. The crowd was restless, and it was already 2 p.m., time for the...

Abstraction in mouse support. (Hardcore Clipper) (Column) (Tutorial)
August 1, 1994... Mouse support is now a necessity, not a luxury, due to the rising popularity of graphical user interfaces (GUIs). To move about in a character mode or GUI application, you simply need to use a mouse. In this article, we'll survey techniques for...

Ways to make your ISxx functions better. (dBASE Developer) (Column) (Tutorial)
August 1, 1994... We're going to move away from major, thought-provoking topics this month and cover a couple of simple functions that you might find useful in your work. None of these functions require a lot of code, but each has simple lessons that you'll be...

User Groups.
August 1, 1994... User Group listings are a free service of DATA BASED ADVISOR. Please note: Listings are on a space Coordinators are responsible for keeping listings up-to-date. To list a new User Group or to update ADVISOR, 4010 Morena Blvd., Suite 200, San...

Calendar of events.
August 1, 1994... CA-Technicon--Computer Associate's annual conference for professional Xbase developers will feature the latest in CA-Clipper, CA-Visual Objects, and CA-Visual Express. Will include user and CA presentations, hands-on labs, test drive areas,...

Database confidential. (humor) (Column)
August 1, 1994... Somewhere out there, Buzz can see a public relations expert grinning (and supressing a chuckle) over the headline he or she created for a press release written just after the Sybase and Microsoft parting of ways. The headline reads: "Momentum...