Category : Dbase (Clipper, FoxBase, etc) Languages Source Code
Archive   : TN8908.ZIP
Filename : NEWS.TXT

Product Briefs
Recent announcements regarding Ashton-Tate products and services.
Trading Places
This powerful utility transparently swaps dBASE III PLUS or dBASE IV in and
out of memory and manages up to 32 Terminate-and-Stay-Resident programs
(TSRs). Trading Places makes it possible to swap dBASE III PLUS or dBASE IV
in and out of memory through an enhanced dBASE RUN command. When this
command is used to execute another application, Trading Places will swap
dBASE III PLUS or dBASE IV out to disk. This frees up nearly all of the
memory previously occupied by the dBASE software, allowing you to run much
larger applications more efficiently under dBASE III PLUS or dBASE IV. When
you exit the application program, Trading Places restores dBASE III PLUS or
dBASE IV to memory.

Normally, when you use more than one or two TSR programs, you no longer have
the memory necessary to run your regular applications. Trading Places
eliminates this memory "handicap" by trading TSR programs between disk and
memory. This enables you to load 32 TSRs in your computer without having to
exit your application to uninstall, reload or reboot a TSR.

Suggested list price: $99.00
dBASE STATS
Developed by SPSS Inc., the makers of the critically-acclaimed PC statistical
package SPSS/PC+, dBASE STATS is a statistical package designed specifically
for dBASE III PLUS or dBASE IV software users with minimal statistical
training, but with an interest in further analysis of their dBASE data.
dBASE STATS reads or writes dBASE III PLUS or dBASE IV databases directly
with up to 256 fields and an unlimited number of records. dBASE STATS can be
used as a standalone product or it can be called from within dBASE III PLUS
or dBASE IV.

When you are ready to display your data, dBASE STATS gives you the option of
printing your findings visually with graphs and plots or in report format.
For high-resolution output, dBASE STATS directly accesses CHARTMASTER, and
outputs files in formats compatible with DRAW APPLAUSE. dBASE STATS also
lets you read and write files from Lotus 1-2-3, Symphony and Multiplan.

Suggested list price: $399.95

Release Plans for dBASE IV 1.1
dBASE IV version 1.1 will be released in two versions: dBASE IV 1.1 and dBASE
IV 1.1 Server Edition. This phased release strategy has been adopted because
of customer demand for a version of dBASE IV 1.1 without SQL Server
connections and the longer, more complex testing process required for the
Server Edition. dBASE IV 1.1 will be delivered prior to the release of dBASE
IV 1.1 Server Edition.

Although no product delivery dates are being projected for either product, in
an effort to meet stringent quality standards for dBASE IV 1.1, neither
version will ship in the third quarter.

dBASE IV 1.1 will provide stand-alone and multi-user file server capabilities
on 8088/8086, 286 and 386 systems and will be provided free to registered
users of dBASE IV 1.0.

dBASE IV 1.1 Server Edition is for use with the Ashton-Tate/Microsoft SQL
Server in local area network (LAN) environments. Designed for 286- and
386-based systems, this software acts as a front end to the SQL Server,
giving multiple personal computer users the ability to access and manipulate
data across client/server-based LANs.

In the U.S., registered users of dBASE IV Version 1.0 will be sent a free copy
of dBASE IV 1.1 and will be notified when the Server Edition is available.
They can either return their 1.1 disks for the Server Edition free of charge,
or receive an additional set of disks for the cost of materials, handling and
shipping.

The development process for the Server Edition was longer than anticipated due
to the industry wide problem of dealing with the DOS memory barriers. As a
result, it was necessary to utilize DOS Extender technology to take advantage
of the 286 and 386 capabilities. Additionally, Ashton-Tate has determined
that a longer and more rigorous internal and external testing process is
required to ensure product quality.

According to Ed Esber, chairman, president and chief executive officer, "We
based this decision on input from our customers. There is a high market
demand for a version of dBASE IV 1.1 without an SQL Server connection from
those who do not have an immediate need for SQL Server. Delivering two
versions permits us to be responsive and, at the same time, ensures that both
products meet our customers' quality standards. During Beta test, our
customers will help us determine when the product is ready to ship." s