Approach Software Corporation Announces Approach 2.0 for Windows

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., September 21, 1992-- Approach Software Corporation
today announced Approach 2.0 for Windows, delivering a major upgrade to
the bestselling Windows database within 6 months of the original version.

Approach 2.0 for Windows packs more than 50 new features, including:
  -- PowerKeys to SQL Server, FoxPro and DB2 
  -- Automatic mail merge 
  -- Spectacular performance enhancements 
  -- State-of-the-art Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)

Approach 1.0 for Windows, which captured the award for "Best Software" at
COMDEX/Spring 1992 from the editors of BYTE Magazine, is the only 2-in-1
Windows database. It is an easy relational database that requires no
programming. It can also double as a front end to corporate data, allowing
users to work with dBASE, Paradox and Oracle SQL data in its native
format. Version 2.0 also delivers 100% compatibility with SQL Server,
FoxPro and DB2.

Kevin Harvey, President of Approach Software Corporation said, "Approach
2.0 for Windows is even easier, more compatible and more powerful than the
original version, which was so popular it instantly hit the bestseller
lists."

"We are pleased that we are able to deliver version 2.0 in record time," he
added.

Approach 1.0 for Windows rocketed to the number two spot on the August
Ingram Micro Bestsellers List within weeks of shipping. It has since
remained on various bestseller lists, including that of Ingram Micro and
Computer Chronicles.

Enhanced support for existing data 

Approach 2.0 for Windows now includes PowerKeys to SQL Server and FoxPro.
DB2 data can be accessed via the MicroDecisionware bridge. In addition,
Approach 2.0 for Windows now supports dBase and Paradox indexes.

Approach PowerKey technology is unique in being able to directly open any
data on a network -- regardless of file format -- without any type of
conversion or intermediary file, resulting in native database performance.
Data from multiple file formats can even be mixed on a single report or
form.

Additional support for existing data includes QRY technology, in which SQL
queries can be saved separately to disk, allowing users to automatically
run a query with the click of a mouse. The ability to review and edit the
SQL generated by Approach is also provided.

Speed, speed, speed 

Approach 2.0 for Windows is even faster than its predecessor. Importing and
sorting are 10 times faster and a copy of a file can be saved 100 times
faster. In addition, Approach 2.0 for Windows users accessing SQL data
will now experience dramatic speed enhancements.

Automatic mail merge 

Approach remains centered around familiar paper items: forms, reports and
mailing labels, with form letter capability added in Version 2.0. Users
can perform automatic mail merge within Approach 2.0 for Windows and can
enjoy multiple fonts, sizes and styles in the body of a letter.

Windows 3.1, including state-of-the-art OLE 

Approach 2.0 for Windows exploits Windows 3.1 by supporting standard
Windows 3.1 dialogs, TrueType and advanced OLE. Picture fields have been
expanded to PicturePlus fields, allowing users to store a wide variety of
database objects, including: sound, charts, graphics, video, and even
entire documents. Now with Approach, users can -- for the first time --
store OLE objects in dBASE, FoxPro, Paradox and SQL formats.

The "Drag 'n Drop" feature lets users choose any file from the File Manager
and drag it into a PicturePlus field with the mouse. Users can click on
any OLE object in a PicturePlus field to automatically launch the original
application. Any modifications are automatically updated in Approach.

In addition, a list of the last four files opened appear at the bottom of
the File menu for rapid access.

Streamlined database management 

Approach 2.0 for Windows provides a series of new convenient features for
day-to-day database management. Users can now automatically generate a
pull down list of values from within the same or another database. Other
features include duplicate a record, find and remove duplicates, perform
searches based on a "sounds like" option and auto-enter the date (or time)
that a record has been modified.

Variable fields have been added, letting advanced users perform
sophisticated calculations and searches by temporarily storing values
which can be passed across records.

Approach 2.0 for Windows Goes Worldwide 

Version 2.0 includes a host of features implemented for international
markets, including European date and number formatting options, metric
rulers and support for local mailing labels. French and German versions
will ship October 5, concurrent with the release of the U.S. product.

Approach 2.0 for Windows Background 

Approach 2.0 for Windows makes database power accessible to a wide range of
nontechnical users by using a radical new Windows interface based on
familiar paper concepts: reports, forms, and mailings. No programming is
necessary to work with Approach 2.0 for Windows. The product is
relational, allowing users to join up to 10 data files at one time.

Approach Software Corporation pioneered the concept of seamless database
compatibility with its exclusive PowerKey Technology. With this
technology, users can directly open any data on a network -- regardless of
file format -- without any type of conversion or intermediary file. Data
from multiple file formats can even be mixed on a single report, form,
mailing label, or form letter. PowerKey Technology differs from the
traditional data filters found in other products by delivering full-blown
native engines -- and thus native database performance.

Approach 2.0 for Windows is 100% compatible with any Novell Netware,
Microsoft LAN Manager, Banyan VINES and Artisoft LANtastic network with no
additional setup required.

Approach 1.0 for Windows is currently the best-selling Windows database,
appearing on the Ingram Micro and Computer Chronicles best-seller lists
within weeks of shipping.

Pricing 

The suggested retail price of Approach 2.0 for Windows is $399. Registered
users of Approach 1.0 for Windows may upgrade for $49. Customers who
purchased Approach 1.0 for Windows on/or after August 1, 1992 are eligible
to receive the upgrade for a minor shipping and handling charge.

Approach 2.0 for Windows will be available October 5, 1992.

Approach Software Corporation 

Approach Software Corporation was founded in 1990 in Redwood City,
California and is venture funded by Stanford University, Merrill, Pickard,
Anderson & Eyre and Integral Capital Partners. Approach 2.0 for Windows is
the second in a family of information management tools for business
professionals.

Approach Software, 311 Penobscot Dr, Redwood City, CA 94063
415-306-7890,  fax: 415-368-5182

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