CRESCENT SIMPLIFIES USE OF WINDOWS API IN VISUAL BASIC WITH CLASSACTION

Crescent Tool Also First To Exploit New Foundation Object Standard

Bedford, Massachusetts, USA, January 30, 1996 -- The Crescent Division of
Progress Software Corporation (NASDAQ: PRGS) today announced ClassAction,
an extensive collection of Windows Application Programming Interface (API)
functions. This advanced development tool provides Visual Basic
programmers with a comprehensive solution for utilizing the power of the
Windows API, in the form of easy-to-use Visual Basic objects. ClassAction
enables the experienced VB developer to use the API with confidence, and
even novice developers to gain exposure to the API in an easy-to-use and
easy-to-understand manner.

ClassAction provides developers access to the Windows API with the same
look-and-feel of Visual Basic custom objects. Visual Basic developers will
be able to reap the benefits of enhanced performance and more robust
applications using the API properties without having to learn a new
methodology. They will be able to access extensive Windows functionality
without having to understand other more complex languages, such as 'C'.

ClassAction is an implementation of the new API Foundation Object Standard.
This common Windows API object standard is being sponsored by Crescent,
Desaware, Viewpoint Technologies and other leading VB tools vendors. This
open standard makes it possible for customers to adopt an object library
approach to extending Visual Basic, with the confidence that long-term
support and enhancements will be available from a variety of leading
vendors.

ClassAction will also be introduced in the forthcoming book "PC Magazine
Visual Basic Programmer's Guide to the Win32 API" by Daniel Appleman,
author of the best selling "Visual Basic Programmer's Guide to the Windows
API" and published by Ziff-Davis Press. This book will include a "lite"
version of ClassAction, along with a "lite" version of the Desaware API
Class Library, the Desaware implementation of the Foundation Object
Standard.

In addition, ClassAction provides developers with an extensive library of
error codes and conditions. This feature assists developers by raising
errors and displaying them through Visual Basic, thus improving programmer
productivity and reducing development turnaround time.

"Visual Basic developers need a tool that will enable them to take their
Visual Basic Version 4 applications to the next level," said Jennifer
Bergantino, director of the Crescent Division of Progress Software.
"Crescent is meeting that need once again with the introduction of
ClassAction, by providing Visual Basic developers with sophisticated tools
that are elegant in their simplicity. The Foundation Object Standard
further ensures long-term support from a variety of vendors. Using
ClassAction will help ensure VB programmers success in developing and
deploying ever more robust applications."

Crescent will begin shipping ClassAction in February, 1996, at the
suggested U.S. retail price of $139.00. ClassAction will be available
through Crescent resellers worldwide, by secure purchase through the
Crescent Code Depot* on-line storefront, and directly from the Crescent
800-number.

Crescent can be reached within the United States by calling 800-352-2742;
outside the United States, users can dial 01-617-280-3000. Crescent is on
the Web at http://www.progress.com/crescent, and is also accessible by
sending e-mail to crescent@progress.com.

Crescent, headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, is dedicated to
enhancing the success of Visual Basic developers by delivering tools and
services that heighten their productivity and provide the foundation for
creating reliable, scalable, business-critical applications. By leveraging
a 10-year track record of developing successful tools and components for
the BASIC and Windows/Visual Basic environments, Crescent provides
components and corporate and client/server solutions to its customers
worldwide. Through constant interaction with application developers,
Crescent develops and markets a broad array of products, services and
support options uniquely suited to the corporate Visual Basic market.

Progress Software Corporation, also headquartered in Bedford,
Massachusetts, is a leading supplier of application development and
database software to professional IS organizations in business, government
and industry worldwide. The PROGRESS product line enables developers to
rapidly and economically build and deploy enterprise-class client/server
applications for Oracle, Sybase, PROGRESS, SQL Server,and DB2/400
databases.

Progress Software develops, market and supports the PROGRESS product line
directly to IS organizations and through more than 2,300 Application
Partners (VARs) who offer thousands of applications to a wide variety of
industries. More than $1.5 billion worth of PROGRESS-based applications
are sold each year by Application Partners globally. Progress Software
markets and supports its products in over 60 countries through a network
of 18 subsidiaries and more than 30 distributors throughout Europe,
Australia, Latin America and Asia.
 
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