StarQuest Unveils StarPipes

Enables PC and UNIX clients to access DB2 databases using TCP/IP; new
software provides fast performance, easy client configuration,
andunmatched flexibility for TCP/IP-to-SNA access to IBM databases

BERKELEY, CALIF., MAY, 7, 1996 -- StarQuest Software, Inc. (formerly
StarWare, Inc.) today announced StarPipes, a new software that enables
client-based applications to access IBM databases using TCP/IP, thereby
giving users unmatched choice in selecting their network protocol for
remote database access. The product operates with StarQuest's StarSQL Pro,
an ODBC-to-DRDA driver for Windows, OS/2, and UNIX to provide easy
database access to remote IBM databases from ODBC-enabled client
applications.

"We expect StarPipes to be especially attractive to large organizations
that are standardizing on TCP/IP in their wide area networks," said Jim
Mullen, president of StarQuest Software, Inc. "StarPipes allows customers
to use TCP/IP to achieve easy, high-performance, host data access, while
avoiding the need to support multiple protocols -- which is both costly
and time-consuming."

StarPipes also eases installation and configuration of StarSQL Pro clients.
Because these clients run over standard TCP/IP sockets, users may
configure a connection simply by setting a TCP/IP address. Unlike SNA
clients, there is no need to specify logical unit names, types, and other
network parameters. StarPipes runs on a variety of operating systems --
Windows NT 3.51, HP/UX 10.0, AIX 4.1, Solaris 2.5, or OS/400 3.1 and 3.6
-- providing unprecedented configuration options in order to meet customer
needs.

Finally, StarPipes implements DRDA over TCP/IP in accordance with IBM's
DRDA Level 3 specification. When the DRDA Level 3 support becomes
available from IBM, customers may convert to it without changing any of
their DRDA TCP/IP clients.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY A StarPipes product demo can be found on the World
Wide Web at http://www.starquest.com/demo. StarPipes, available
immediately, is priced at $2,500 (U.S. dollars). Volume discounts are
available.

ABOUT STARSQL PRO

StarPipes operates in conjunction with StarSQL Pro, which is a software
driver that enables any ODBC-compliant, Windows-based program to access
data quickly and easily from remote IBM midrange, mainframe, and UNIX
systems, which currently store more than 70 percent of corporate
databases. StarSQL Pro communicates with DB2 through the standard DRDA
facilities of all DB2 database systems. Data access is accomplished
without emulation or screen scraping.

The application enables users to bring record-by-record information from
IBM DB2 databases into Windows-based applications without having to leave
their application. At the same time, it allows programmers to develop
transparent client/server applications for DB2 data using tools such as
Visual Basic or Lotus Notes.

StarSQL Pro provides Microsoft's ODBC I.C on the client PC. This means that
any ODBC-enabled application -- there are currently more than 100 -- can
use StarSQL to access relational databases on remote IBM servers. StarSQL
Pro supports ODBC-enabled applications running Windows NT, Windows 95,
Windows 3.X, OS/2, or UNIX.

On the host side, StarSQL Pro uses standard IBM protocols such as DRDA and
APPC as the basis of data access and transport. By contrast, other
connectivity products use "proxy" software on the host systems to access
databases and to communicate to the requester. That approach causes
support problems and high costs, as vendors must constantly retain
compatibility with the latest releases of IBM hardware and software.

ABOUT STARQUEST

Headquartered in Berkeley, California, StarQuest Software, Inc., offers a
line of data communications software products for connecting PC and UNIX
systems with IBM systems. The company provides remote database access,
5250 terminal emulation, file transfer, remote command execution, remote
data queues, and remote print spooling. StarQuest products are marketed
directly by StarQuest and by StarQuest's domestic and international
resellers. The company is privately held.
 
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