POWERSOFT ANNOUNCES OPTIMA++

New Product Line Will Deliver Approachable C++ for Client/Server and
Internet Application Development

CONCORD, MA, FEBRUARY 5, 1996 -- Powersoft today announced Powersoft
Optima++, a rapid application development (RAD) tool that will enable a
broader range of developers to use the powerful C++ language for building
client/server and Internet applications. Optima++ will be a significant
addition to the Powersoft product family that will leverage proven and
successful technology from PowerBuilder, Watcom C/C++ and Sybase SQL
Anywhere.

Optima++ will address the increasing demand for high-performance,
component-based application development tools and will enable developers
to create powerful and efficient C++ applications without a steep learning
curve. The Optima++ product line will be offered in a number of editions,
with the first currently expected to ship within 90 days. Packaging and
pricing details will be announced prior to general availability.

Powersoft Optima++ is based on a component-centric architecture that will
allow developers to leverage OLE and native component technology to
quickly build custom applications. The innovative drag and drop
programming approach will enable developers to walk up and use Optima++ to
create state-of-the-art, native 32-bit C++ applications that exploit the
new user interface controls and operating system features of Windows 95
and Windows NT. Applications can be deployed as a single EXE file or with
DLLs. In addition to 32-bit Windows environments, applications will
operate on Windows 3.1 using Microsoft's Win32s.

Based on industry-leading Watcom C/C++ compiler technology, Optima++ will
deliver native 32-bit executables with highly optimized code. For
client/server application development, Optima++ will include both
data-aware bound controls and proven PowerBuilder technology, including
the DataWindow, DataPipeline and InfoMaker. As a key part of the Sybase
web.works architecture for the development and deployment of business
applications on the Internet, Optima++ will enable users to develop
Internet client and server applications as well as Sun Java applets,
Microsoft OLE sweeper controls and Netscape browser plug-ins.

"Organizations face considerable challenges meeting the growing demand for
robust, high-performance applications within increasingly aggressive
deadlines," said David Litwack, president of Powersoft. "Powersoft
Optima++ equips organizations to meet this challenge by combining the
power of C++ and RAD component assembly. This increases the productivity
of 3GL developers and flattens the learning curve for those who have been
frustrated by current C++ systems."

"Most IS shops have both 3GL and 4GL programmers, whose differing skill
sets and development environments hamper object reuse between the groups,"
said Evan Quinn, application development tools research manager at
International Data Corporation. "Together, PowerBuilder and Optima++ offer
a genuine solution for the synthesis of 3GL and 4GL development,
especially for the sharing of DataWindow and OLE controls."

"The intuitive design environment of Optima++ lets us quickly build
powerful C++ applications without the need for extra training," said Chris
Kwiecinski of Nabisco. "In particular, its drag and drop programming
capabilities and wizards easily walk you through the creation of an
application, providing instant gratification."

Approachable C++

Powersoft Optima++ will make C++ power more accessible to business
developers. Using wizards and drag and drop programming techniques,
developers unfamiliar with C++ will be able to learn to program in this
object-oriented language. Experienced C++ developers will find Optima++
dramatically increases their productivity. Optima++ developers will be
able to quickly create applications by painting forms and directly
connecting code to user interface controls.

Optima++ is designed to fully exploit the Windows 95 user interface, OLE
automation and OLE controls. OLE controls from any vendor will be
automatically integrated, enabling developers to immediately access their
capabilities with drag and drop programming, dynamically generated wizards
and on-line reference information. In addition, Optima++ will employ
background builds and advanced incremental linking to provide a responsive
development environment.

Power On Demand

Optima++ will deliver an industrial-strength development environment,
providing power on demand to allow developers to grow into the full
capabilities of C++. Developers will be able to build OLE automation
servers, OLE controls, and highly-efficient native controls with the full
object-oriented capabilities of C++ classes. Optima++ will employ advanced
optimization technology to deliver robust, high-performance native code.
Optima++ will also include integrated, industrial-strength debugging, with
support for memory tracking and library assertions. The industry-standard
C++ language will enable Optima++ developers to take advantage of a broad
range of third party tools and complementary technologies, including C++
libraries.

Right-Size Client/Server

To meet the spectrum of needs for client/server development, Optima++ will
support both data-aware bound controls and the PowerBuilder DataWindow
that provides sophisticated data access, presentation and analysis
capabilities. The DataWindow allows database manipulation without coding
SQL. Users simply select a data source and a presentation style, and the
DataWindow directly manages the interaction and manipulation of the
database.

PowerBuilder and Optima++ developers will be able to share DataWindows,
reports and PowerBuilder repository information, allowing unparalleled
cooperative development between 3GL and 4GL development teams. Optima++
will support a range of database connectivity, from ODBC to high-
performance native drivers. Optima++ will also include the compact,
high-performance Sybase SQL Anywhere relational database, the Data
Pipeline for data migration between databases and the InfoMaker query and
reporting tool.

Open Internet Solution

As a key tool within the Sybase web.works Internet architecture, Optima++
will enable users to develop clients, content and servers for the
Internet, supporting technologies from Sun, Netscape and Microsoft.
Optima++ will enable users to build extensions to browsers using Netscape
plug-ins or Microsoft document viewers. Users will be able to build
executable content for Web pages, delivered as Sun Java applets or
Microsoft OLE sweeper controls, and build custom application servers with
the Common Gateway Interface (CGI), Netscape API (NSAPI) or Microsoft
Internet Server API (ISAPI).

Building on the Powersoft Industry

Optima++ developers will have access to the comprehensive range of service
and support programs offered worldwide by Sybase and its Powersoft
division. Optima++ users will also have access to the dynamic industry of
vendors that support Powersoft products, including training and consulting
partners, Client/Server Open Development Environment (CODE) partners who
offer a wide range of complementary products and services, and Commercial
Application Partners (CAPs) who leverage Powersoft technology to offer
customized, packaged application solutions.

Sybase, Inc. is a worldwide leader in client/server software. Sybase and
its Powersoft division are focused on four major market segments: on-line
transaction processing, data warehousing, mass deployment and electronic
commerce. Sybase's software products -- database, middleware and tools --
provide customers with desktop to enterprise solutions. The company's
mission is to provide its customers with an open, adaptable information
systems architecture that enables them to develop and deliver complete
information systems solutions to facilitate rapid business change.
Headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Sybase is the sixth largest independent
software company in the world. The company's Internet addresses are
www.sybase.com and www.powersoft.com.
 
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