Data Based Advisor articles from June 1992

Data Based Advisor archives from June 1992

The future is Windows .... (Microsoft Windows 3.1)(Editor on the Go) (Column)
June 1, 1992... Windows 3.1 is here. No surprise. You knew it was coming. But are you happy it's here? I'm not going to slide into the debate over how Windows compares to alternatives, or if it's worth the hardware investment, or if it's as good as it...

Command Center: Paradox AppGen extraordinaire. (Software Review) (Ensemble Corp. Command Center programming tools for Borland Paradox database) (Evaluation)
June 1, 1992... Ever wonder what Paradox would look like if its interface was brought into the '90s? What if Paradox's Personal Programmer (the application generator un-extraordinaire) had a sexy, GUI-like interface and about 18 times the functionality?...

PhDbase: sounds like... (Software Review) (Korenthal Associates PhDbase phonetic searching tool) (Evaluation)
June 1, 1992... A soundex search, which converts like-sounding words to numeric values, has some serious flaws. Soundex searches aren't very precise because they're coded as just four characters. What's more, a soundex search won't find a term unless it...

With RLIB, you don't have to do it all yourself. (Software Review) (RLIB Software RLIB function library for Clipper database management system)(includes related article on bundled Message Reader utility) (Evaluation)
June 1, 1992... If you're a Clipper programmer facing too much coding and a shortage of time to do it, take a close look at RLIB 3.0; it may be just the cure for the "I'd rather do it myself" syndrome. RLIB, a Clipper function library from RLIB Software,...

Windows Watch. (new products for Microsoft Windows interface) (Product Announcement)
June 1, 1992... New database and development products for Windows are being announced almost daily. Here are some new releases to watch for as you make the move to Windows. AccSys for Paradox 3.0, a function library from Copia International, Ltd., now...

dBASE IV 1.5 - a developer's look. (Borland International Inc. dBASE IV 1.5 data base management system) (Software Review) (dBASE Developer)(Column) (Evaluation)
June 1, 1992... From the developer's point of view, Borland has provided several program and language enhancements, but dBASE IV still lacks in several areas, including array handling and windowing flexibility. It's new! Borland's dBASE IV version 1.5 is...

Faster applications under Windows 3.1. (Software Review) (new version of Microsoft Windows graphical user interface makes DOS applications run faster)(Windows Developer - column) (Evaluation)
June 1, 1992... If you plan to run DOS applications under Windows 3.1, you'll find there are a number of enhancements that make it faster and easier than ever. Here are a few of the improvements that make it worth your while to upgrade to Windows 3.1. ...

Status report: the third party. (add-in tools for database programming systems)
June 1, 1992... Third-party products extend or enhance a product in important ways. Many developers say the add-on tools they use routinely save huge amounts of time, and thus money. But clients aren't always enthusiastic about relying on little-known...

A guide to Clipper's booming third party. (add-in products available for Nantucket Corp. Clipper database management system)
June 1, 1992... Since the third-party market for Clipper developers is huge, a classification scheme helps sort the current crop of products. Some future hot growth areas: object class libraries, graphical/event-driven user interfaces, replaceable database...

The newest market: FoxPro's third party. (third-party add-ins for Fox Software's FoxPro database development system)
June 1, 1992... When Fox announced an API and Library Development Kit, a number of Clipper vendors turned their attention to FoxPro 2.0. Areas to be addressed: graphics, communications, event-driven "tutoring," and connections to non-DBF data. For...

Sleeper: the Paradox third party. (add-ons available for Borland International Inc's Paradox database management system)
June 1, 1992... Areas that Paradox's healthy add-on market address include interactive tools to cut keystrokes, report generators, extenders for adding mouse support and memo fields, and programmer products like editors, script managers, application builders,...

InterBase: the OLCP server. (on-line complex processing)(Borland International Inc. InterBase data base server) (includes related article on third-party support for InterBase)
June 1, 1992... InterBase is on par with other relational database servers but different in design. What makes it unique isn't the presence or lack of features, but the way they're implemented. Before diving into the things that make InterBase unique,...

Corporate IS departments: meeting the change challenge. (Client/Server Advisor)
June 1, 1992... Some interesting changes are taking place in corporate America's information systems (IS) departments these days. Those of us who have been in IS for a number of years sometimes feel like George Jetson walking his dog Astro on the treadmill;...

Mainframes as client/server storehouses. (Client/Server Advisor) (Tutorial)
June 1, 1992... While it's generally easier and more efficient to use high-end UNIX machines or PCs as database servers, in some cases it's better to use an existing mainframe as a server. If your mainframe is serving you well, and especially if you have...

When it's time to downsize. (moving applications from mainframes to local area networks) (Tutorial)
June 1, 1992... While gateways provide a low-cost solution for accessing data stored on the mainframe, sometimes it's better to move the apps off the mainframe too. But how many, and which ones? Batch Cobol and batch DB2 programs are excellent candidates...

Your client/server budget. (implementing a client/server system for under $100,000) (Client/Server Advisor) (Tutorial)
June 1, 1992... Believe it or not, you can get up and running with client/server for less than $100,000. Here's where you should plan on spending your money. The cost of building systems based on client/server technology is dropping. It's now feasible to...

Dataline.
June 1, 1992... MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- You still have time to register for the FoxPro User Group of Minnesota user conference, taking place June 18-19. For $295 you get to hear the likes of John Hawkins, Lisa Slater, Menachem Bazian, Alan Schwartz, Neil Weicher,...

Feedback. (Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 1992... Dark shadows Mike Schinkel's "Shady Characters" (March) was quite interesting. My solution is similar; however, I define a #command directive and place it at the top of each PRG file (or use #include and place it in a header file) as...

Blackhawk Data Corp. (introduces ColorTrax screen-print routine)(Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
June 1, 1992... Blackhawk Data Corp. is shipping ColrTrax, a color screen-print routine for DOS EGA/VGA environments. It uses what the company calls "gamma-adjusted, bi-directional error-diffusion filtering technique" to provide four types of output image...

Alpha Software. (introduces dbSpell spell-checking utility for databases and spreadsheets)(Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
June 1, 1992... Alpha Software shipped dbSpell, a spell-checking utility for databases and spreadsheets. (Alpha Software acquired the spell-checking technology from Geller Software.) With dbSpell, you can check several files, fields, or columns by calling...

GREBAR Systems Inc. (introduces R-Express Pro R:BASE utility program)(Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
June 1, 1992... GREBAR Systems, Inc. released R-Express Pro, an R:BASE utility that the company claims simplifies application development. R-Express Pro uses existing R:BASE forms, reports, labels, and tables for things such as data entry; file maintenance;...

4 steps to client/server success. (implementing a client/server database) (Client/Server Advisor) (Tutorial)
June 1, 1992... To succeed in implementing client/server systems, follow these four steps: 1. Identify the business motivation 2. Analyze the flow of information 3. Establish the system architecture 4. Establish the application...

Microsoft SQL Server Resource Kit.
June 1, 1992... The Technical Resource consists of 12 sections, several of which are technical notes that were previously available. Microsoft has repackaged a lot of SQL Server information and tossed in a few new goodies, like the sections on "Maximizing...

Microsoft Windows 3.1 Resource Kit.
June 1, 1992... Windows 3.1 has changed for the better, but the Windows manual that comes with 3.1 has been stripped of most of the technical details. Previously, you could survive without the Windows Resource Kit. If you're using version 3.1, you better...

A Guide to Developing Client/Server SQL Applications.
June 1, 1992... Although this book doesn't cover the recently-released SQL Server 4.2, it has enough value to demand a place in your library. It's hard to find books that cover client/server development beyond a single product. This book does that by...

Advanced Windows Programming.
June 1, 1992... With so many books out on programming for Windows, it's hard to pick the good from the bad. If you want to start somewhere, give Advanced Windows Programming a look. Despite the name, the book starts at the novice level, and moves on to...

The Hard Disk Technical Guide.
June 1, 1992... A few months ago I mentioned the "Hard Drive Encyclopedia" from Micro House. It contains more than 1,000 pages of information about hard disks and controllers which I find useful because I often misplace the manuals. Some of you may not want...

The GUI Guild. (Guild Products Inc. introduces GUILD 2.1 development tool) (Packets)(Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
June 1, 1992... Guild Products, Inc. produced a new version of GUILD for IBM's OS/2 2.0. GUILD 2.1 is a GUI development tool used to create portable user interfaces. By recompiling and linking application code with a GUILD engine, you can provide portability...

It's all relational. (DataEase International announces plans to support Novell NetWare SQL, other database engines through software drivers) (Packets) (Brief Article)
June 1, 1992... DataEase International announced plans to support Novell NetWare SQL, IBMs Distributed Relational Database Architecture (DRDA), and Information Builders' Enterprise Data Access/SQL (EDA/SQL). A specific DataEase PRISM driver is being developed...

The new Contessa. (Contexture Systems introduces Contessa 2.0 graphical client/server development tool) (Packets)(Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
June 1, 1992... Contexture Systems has a new version of Contessa, its graphical development toolset for building X Window-based, client/server applications. The new version supports OSF/Motif and is designed for creating applications that simultaneously...

Under construction. (Information Builders Inc. introduces Enterprise Data Access/SQL 2.0 database front-end software) (Packets)(Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
June 1, 1992... Information Builders released Enterprise Data Access/SQL Release 2.0. The power of this product is that it enables desktop access to heterogeneous data on more then 50 databases, including such big guns as MVS, DB2, VSAM, Rdb, OS/400 DB, and...

Another first. (UniSQL Inc. introduces UniSQL/X DBMS object-oriented database) (Packets)(Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
June 1, 1992... UniSQL, Inc. released UniSQL/X DBMS, an object-oriented database that's also strong in multi-media. The company claims that its SQL/X is the world's first object-oriented, ANSI-compliant SQL language. Currently, it runs under the Sun/OS. The...

A new store with new ports. (Object Design Inc. introduces enhanced version of ObjectStore object-oriented database management system) (Packets) (Brief Article)
June 1, 1992... Object Design, Inc. has a new release of ObjectStore, its object-oriented database management system (ODBMS) software. In conjunction with the new release are ObjectStore ports for IBMs AIX 3.1 on the RS/6000, Digital Equipment's ULTRIX 4.1 on...

SQL Server calls in the backup. (Sytron Corp. supports Microsoft SQL Server 4.2 in Sytos Plus backup software) (Packets) (Brief Article)
June 1, 1992... Sytron Corp. offers support for Microsoft SQL Server version 4.2. The new package will give SQL Server 4.2 users the ability to access a wide range of back-up storage devices, and to take advantage of 4.2's intelligence to perform on-line...

The GUI workbench. (INTERSOLV introduces Graphical Application Workbench development tool) (Packets)(Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
June 1, 1992... INTERSOLV has a new Graphical Application (GA) Workbench for generating client/server applications. OS/2-based developers can quickly design, prototype, and generate client/server applications for OS/2 Presentation Manager and Microsoft...

Fox Software and Microsoft talk marriage. (discussion involving Fox Software Pres David Fulton and development head Janet Walker, and Microsoft Database Products Group executives Tod Nielsen and Charles Stevens) (Panel Discussion)
June 1, 1992... On March 24, Microsoft and Fox Software declared their intentions to merge (see last month's "Editor on the Go" for details). During a 12-month period rocked by Xbase technology acquisitions--both Borland International's takeover of Ashton-Tate...

dBASE for Windows divulged! (Borland International Inc. developing Windows version of dBASE database management system)(includes related article on Borland Object Component Architecture)
June 1, 1992... Borland's dBASE for Windows elevates Xbase to a new level of sophistication. It's not a port; it's a new design. It exceeds dBASE IV, and should be a force in the coming Windows Xbase wars. For several years, the rumors were consistent:...

Paradox 4.0: the excellent gets better. (Software Review) (Borland International Inc. Paradox 4.0 database management system)(includes related article on 'DynArray' technology) (Evaluation)
June 1, 1992... Borland's new release of Paradox for DOS sports these features: faster speed, new user interface, mouse support, memo fields, enhanced index capabilities, a new application generator, and dozens of new PAL commands and features. This previewer...

What about Paradox for Windows? (upcoming Windows version of Borland International Inc's Paradox data base management system)
June 1, 1992... What about Paradox for Windows? That's due from Borland real soon now. How do these two products relate? How are they compatible, and how are they different? Which one is better for your needs? Should you use both? There will probably...

Windows, client/server and connectivity dominate database show. (DB/EXPO 92 trade show highlights Microsoft Windows applications)(includes related articles in which random users questioned at show discuss how their companies use database technology) (Product Announcement)
June 1, 1992... SAN FRANCISCO, CA--DB/EXPO92, the fourth annual database and tools exposition, was the site that Microsoft Corp. chose to announce its acquisition of Fox Software (reported in last month's "Editor on the Go"). However, plenty of other...

LOOKUP()'s hidden gem. (using LOOKUP function in FoxPro database programming language)(The Expert Series: FoxPro - Column) (Tutorial)
June 1, 1992... Including the fourth parameter in the LOOKUP() function causes it to perform a SEEK instead of a LOCATE, which makes LOOKUP() Rushmore optimizable... FoxPro 2.0's help system includes the following message about the LOOKUP() function: ...

Rebuilding corrupted tables. (repairing damaged data in Paradox database management system)(The Expert Series: Paradox - Column) (Tutorial)
June 1, 1992... When System Administrators of your application locate corrupted tables, give them an option to rebuild the tables... I've been showing you how to create a "tools menu" for the people who serve as System Administrators for your applications....

Cell revision. (editing cells of columnar data in Nantucket Corp's Clipper database)(The Expert Series: Clipper - Column) (Tutorial)
June 1, 1992... To edit cells of columnar data quickly while in a TBrowse, determine which cells can be edited and then use CellEdit() Among Clipper 5 programmers, TBrowsing is all the rage. One common question during my training courses is how to write a...

Taking it all in: data entry and acquisition. (APPEND FROM, IMPORT commands in Fox Software's FoxPro database management system) (includes related article on tips for using generator directives)(Foxpro Basics - Column) (Tutorial)
June 1, 1992... Last time, we explored FoxPro 2's tools for linking your tables, creating subsets of your data, and displaying it in a flexible assortment of formats. To take advantage of these exciting features, your application needs solid information to...

Try these new 5.01 language constructs. (extensions to the database programming language in Nantucket Corp's Clipper 5.01 database development system) (Clipper Basics)(Column) (Tutorial)
June 1, 1992... Clipper 5.01 introduced basic language constructs that can make programming more efficient and effective: * TYPE() and VALTYPE() * ":=" assignment operator * Increment (++) and decrement (--) operators * "==" or "exactly...

Handling key violations. (errors caused by incorrect use of key fields in Borland International Inc. Paradox database management system) (Paradox Basics)(Column) (Tutorial)
June 1, 1992... In Paradox, only one primary key is allowed. Any number of fields can make up this key, but Paradox treats it as one value when using it as a unique identifier for the table. One reason to have a keyed table is to provide a value that...

Some foxy opinions. (Microsoft Corp's purchase of Fox Software generates lively discussion on CompuServe forum)
June 1, 1992... For people who make their living working with database management systems, a buy-out or merger involving the company producing the software they use has a major impact on their work. What kind of an impact? Will it be positive or negative? As...

Clipper 5.01. (Bugs & Fixes) (Tutorial)
June 1, 1992... The system Read the portion of your manuals and the Norton Guides supplied with 5.01 pertaining to "Environment." Use the following format for the SET CLIPPER command: SET CLIPPER=//F:nn //ParameterID:Setting Note that there's...

FoxPro 2.0. (Bugs & Tips) (Tutorial)
June 1, 1992... The {Character The following commands generate a syntax error: ??? "This is a {test}" ??? "This is a "+CHR(123) + "test}" The "{"character, CHR(123), is the source of the error. Foxpro 2.0 uses the left brace to delimit printer...

Database confidential.
June 1, 1992... As my SC400 received the final rubs of its weekly handwax, I wandered Jefferson Blvd., in search of that LA specialty--fish tacos. Just as I began to bite into the cilantro-topped delicacy, I noticed two gentlemen shaking hands across the...

Greystone Software Solutions. (introduces DB-Pipe tool for converting dBASE files to OS/2 Extended Edition Database Manager)(Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
June 1, 1992... Greystone Software Solutions released DB-Pipe, a dBASE-to-OS/2 EE Data Base Manager conversion tool. It automates the unloading, defining, and reloading of converted databases. It reads dBASE III PLUS DBF, NDX, and DBT files to create two...

IGC. (Intelligent Graphics Corp. introduces VM/386 Multiuser 2.01 operating system for using microcomputers as terminals)(Brief Article) (Product Announcement)
June 1, 1992... IGC released VM/386 Multiuser 2.01, an operating system that allows a PC to act as host to text-based terminals and graphics workstations. VM/386 features dial-up support, multi-tasking at nodes, and PCTERM terminal emulation. The company...