dB Online version 1.10 December 1, 1993 =========================================================================== Introduction ------------ Merlin Systems Inc. announces the official release of dB Online! dB Online is the first database language specifically designed for online environments. It provides a complete programming language that enables you to access, display, edit, and append to database files. dB Online accesses industry standard .DBF files with a superset of the dBASE III+ programming language. This allows you to use existing database applications, or easily create new ones. There is no need to learn new scripting languages. dB Online operates in three communications modes: In BBS Doorway Mode, dB Online operates with most popular BBS's as a seamless door. BBS and user information is passed to dB Online and is available to the developer through xBase type function calls. In Local/LAN Mode, dB Online provides a method for your local users to access the dB Online application. This mode is also useful for testing and debugging your application. In Stand Alone Mode, dB Online operates without a BBS. It will wait for callers and make a connection before executing the application. This provides an alternative method to supply database access in an online environment. dB Online is multi-user compatible and provides full file and record locking capabilities. It employs locking methods compatible to your native database management system. dB Online can be run concurrently with your existing applications and access the same data files simultaneously. While dB Online's strength is it's ability to access database files, it also provides a complete language to create any type of door for your BBS. Technical Specifications ------------------------ GENERAL - Executes dBaseIII+ .PRG files precisely - Operates over many BBS', over LANs, Stand Alone, or locally for testing. - Supports dBase III, IV, Clipper, Foxpro file formats. - Multi-user network Compatible: File and Record Locking. COMMUNICATIONS - Operates as a seamless door with PCBoard, RemoteAccess, Wildcat!, Searchlight, Maximus, Roboboard, and many more... - Will access information from CALLINFO.BBS, CHAIN.TXT, DOOR.SYS, DORINFOx.DEV, EXITINFO.BBS, PCBOARD.SYS, USERS.SYS - Operates with standard COM ports, INT 14, FOSSIL drivers, Digiboard, Arnet, and Stargate I/O Cards. - Stand Alone option does not require any BBS to operate. dB Online will answer the phone directly (Pro Version Only). - Operates locally for testing/debugging purposes. DATABASE - Supports dBASE III+, dBASE IV, Clipper, and Foxpro database, index, and memo files. - 20 Work Areas. (PRO Version Only) - Supports file aliasing - Multiple index files per database file. - One-to-One master-slave relations. (PRO Version Only) - Record filtering supported. INPUT/OUTPUT - Full Color Capability (ANSI required) - ANSI cursor/function key support. - @ SAY ... GET fields supported - Full screen input forms. - Input Picture templates - Full screen memo editor - Output file logging. PROGRAMMING - Complete dBase III+ command and function set. - Syntax checking compiler: Traps programming errors before execution Verifies procedure calls and parameter counts. Tokenizes source code and pre-processes expressions for faster execution - User defined procedures with paramater passing. - IF, ELSE structures - DO WHILE structures - DO CASE structures - RUNTIME ERROR handling - Four Variable types supported. LOGICAL, NUMERIC, CHARACTER, DATE. Variable files supported. (.MEM) PUBLIC and PRIVATE variable declaration. - BBS and User information available from dBase style function calls. Registration Levels ------------------- dB Online is available in three registration levels: 1. Shareware The Shareware version allows full access to the dB Online Language with the following exceptions. - Databases larger than 50 records are not available. - Multiple work areas are not available. - The RUN (shell to DOS) command is not available. - Stand Alone operation is not available. 2. Registered The Registered version allow the creation of a fully functional online database application. The following items are not available: - Multiple work areas are not available. - Stand Alone operation is not available. 3. Pro The Pro version removes all operation restrictions. dB Online Pro allows the creation of fully relational database applications. The Stand Alone mode allows dB Online Pro to work without a BBS. How to Register --------------- dB Online can be registered as follows: 1. Through our Online Order Door. Please contact our BBS at (613) 236-1481 and type ORDER at any prompt. 2 By voice. Please contact us at (613) 236-1138. Current pricing is available on the BBS. Merlin Systems Inc. presently accepts VISA and AMERICAN EXPRESS. Copyright (c) 1993 Merlin Systems Inc. Internet: dbonline@merlin-systems.on.ca FidoNet: 1:163/509 MHS: dbonline@merlin [cserve] BBS: 613-236-1481 Fax: 613-236-1481 Voice: 613-236-1138