ParcPlace Introduces VisualWorks

ParcPlace's Entry into the  Application Development Environment Market

SUNNYVALE, Calif. October 19, 1992   ParcPlace Systems, Inc. today
introduced and began shipping VisualWorks, an application development
environment (ADE) for corporate developers creating graphical,
client/server applications that are instantly portable across PC,
Macintosh and Unix platforms. The key components of VisualWorks include a
graphical user interface (GUI) builder, database access capabilities,
reusable application framework, and instant cross-platform portability. 

VisualWorks is based on ParcPlace's ObjectWorks/Smalltalk, a mature, fully
object-oriented programming environment used by Fortune 1000 companies to
develop business-critical applications.

With VisualWorks, MIS departments can quickly create graphical applications
to fill increasing user demands for information access, as well as
leverage an object-oriented architecture to address complex application
development needs.

"VisualWorks is a solid investment for corporate developers that program in
3GLs or 4GLs and are migrating to client/server computing and
object-oriented technology," said Bill Lyons, president and CEO of
ParcPlace. "In the near term, it enables developers to create graphical
applications in minutes, not months. In the long term, the object-oriented
foundation addresses the problems of managing application complexity and
diminishing the application development backlog."

VisualWorks is ParcPlace's first product in the emerging ADE market. 
Currently, software vendors from various categories are entering this
market by offering products that integrate interface builders, database
access tools, and application logic for client/server applications. 
VisualWorks sets a new standard by providing the components of an ADE with
the added advantages of instant cross platform portability, an
object-oriented foundation and an application framework.

Key VisualWorks Components

Graphical Interface Builder -- VisualWorks enables corporate developers to
create GUIs quickly with a point-and-click "palette" and "canvas."  A
standard interface layout, or canvas, is automatically generated for the
developers to begin work. Customized canvases may also be designed and
stored within VisualWorks. 

Developers use the palette and choose from a wide array of layout tools to
design the interface. These tools include a menu builder, icon painter and
color tool. The most frequently used palette tools are conveniently
located on the "Multi-Tool," enabling quick access. Once visual components
are placed on the canvas, the developer may dynamically fine-tune the
layout by re-sizing, cutting or pasting, or re-aligning the pieces
selected.

Within minutes, a functioning GUI is created and the first phase of
application development is complete. VisualWorks eliminates the drudgery
of building interfaces and allows the developer to spend more productive
time fulfilling complex application requests. 

ChameleonView, a component of the GUI builder, illustrates instant
portability of the new GUI across the most popular client/server
front-ends, including Windows, Motif, OS/2 Presentation Manager,
Macintosh, and OPEN LOOK. Also, ChameleonView allows developers to
immediately preview the new interface in the native application look of
the platforms listed above.

Database Access -- The VisualWorks database access capability allows
developers to easily combine the power of hierarchical, relational, and
object-oriented database systems with object-oriented programming
technology for client/server applications. VisualWorks' open interface
structure enables easy integration of virtually any type of database. 
VisualWorks provides direct access to Oracle and Sybase databases. Through
Information Builders, Inc.'s EDA/SQL gateway, more than 48 databases may
be accessed including hierarchical, flat file and network databases on
minicomputers, mainframes and workstations. 

VisualWorks enables a logical migration for MIS into object-oriented
application development without the need to restructure database
information. Database interaction is handled through the VisualWorks
External Database Interface (EDI). EDI makes the database interface an
object, eliminating many of the complexities of accessing multiple
database APIs, and allowing developers to apply the power of
object-oriented programming to managing relational data. The VisualWorks
EDI enables developers to map data to objects allowing access to
information regardless of the type of database. 

Reusable Application Framework -- A GUI builder is essential for corporate
developers; however, the majority of application development time is spent
linking the GUI to its designated actions and data. VisualWorks assists
developers in creating a working application with an application framework
which generates code to tie the interface and application together. The
application framework provides the structure for the application and
includes tools that prompt the developer where scripting of actions is
required. Reusable application frameworks facilitate easier application
maintenance, enhance future development efforts, and ensure high-quality
applications. 

Developers get results quickly without in-depth knowledge of the
programming language. VisualWorks supports the design of a production
application that is maintainable and extendable, not merely a prototype or
throw-away code. The application framework is completely object-oriented,
which enables developers to reuse not only the interface but the
application logic that defines the application. Applications can be reused
individually or as a part of another application. The framework enables
the application, not just the code, to leverage the features of
object-orientation. 

An application module can be created and all applications that use this
module will automatically inherit any new behavior assigned to the
original. For example, changing the five digit zip code to nine digits on
all the appropriate interfaces could require weeks of programming. With
VisualWorks, the change is made once and replicated everywhere, saving
significant time on application maintenance. VisualWorks is the only ADE
that provides a reusable application framework.

Instant Cross-Platform Portability--  Applications developed with
VisualWorks run on all leading platforms without requiring recompilation. 
It is the only ADE that provides users with such flexibility in platform
choices. This open, portable architecture applies to both the client and
server sides of the application. For example, if an application is
developed for the PC under Windows, it is automatically available on OS/2
Presentation Manager, Macintosh, and Unix systems under OPEN LOOK or
Motif. The developer only maintains one set of source code for all of the
industries leading platforms. 

Smalltalk -- VisualWorks' object-oriented foundation is Smalltalk. Most
other ADEs offer proprietary scripting languages which are not suited to
manage complexity or change. With VisualWorks, users may create simple,
graphical interfaces, as well as access the power of Smalltalk to develop
industrial-strength, reusable applications. Smalltalk is a fully
object-oriented language, incorporating mature class libraries over 400
classes and 7,000 methods and powerful development tools. Its
object-oriented  memory manager leads the industry in sophistication and
performance. With the Smalltalk foundation, VisualWorks enables users to
take advantage of true object-oriented capabilities, such as inheritance,
polymorphism and encapsulation. This facilitates code reuse, improves
programmer productivity and ensures high-quality application development.


Price and Availability

VisualWorks is currently shipping on Intel-based 386 and 486 PCs under
Windows 3.1, Apple's Macintosh, Quadra and PowerBook under System 7, Sun
4, IBM RS/6000, HP 9000 Series 700, Digital DECstation under Ultrix and
Sequent's Symmetry 2000 Series multiprocessing system under OPEN LOOK or
Motif as appropriate. VisualWorks is currently in beta on OS/2 and NeXT
platforms, and is expected to ship by January, 1993. VisualWorks is priced
at $2,995 for Windows, OS/2 and Macintosh and $4,995 for UNIX. The
database drivers are priced at $495 for Oracle or Sybase and $995 for
EDA/SQL.

ParcPlace Systems, Inc.

Based in Sunnyvale, Calif., ParcPlace Systems is the premier, full service
provider of object-oriented solutions for software developers. ParcPlace
products include integrated development tools and class libraries that
enhance application development in the two industry standard
object-oriented languages, C++ and Smalltalk. ParcPlace recently expanded
its commitment to its C++ offering with the acquisition of the Solbourne
OI Software Business Unit. ParcPlace also offers training, technical
support and consulting, as well as courses in object-oriented design and
methodology.

ParcPlace Systems, Sunnyvale, CA
PRODUCT INFO: info@parcplace.com  (Internet Email)

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