Microsoft Announces Connectivity Kit for FoxPro 2.5 

Developers Can Now Build Client-server Applications Based on Microsoft
FoxPro 2.5, Connecting to ORACLE and SQL Server Data

REDMOND, Wash.--May 4, 1993--Microsoft Corporation today announced its
Connectivity Kit for the Microsoft FoxPro database version 2.5 for Windows
and Microsoft FoxPro 2.5 for MS-DOS. The kit enables developers to build
enterprise-wide, client-server applications based on FoxPro 2.5, the
best-selling, best-performing dBASE-compatible database management system
(DBMS) available. It will be demonstrated in Microsoft's booth (#502) at
DB/EXPO '93.

"The Connectivity Kit is our key to client-server computing using FoxPro,"
said Robert Green, vice president of Information Management Group. "Now we
can build distributed applications combining the user interface and
programming language of FoxPro with the security and transaction
processing of SQL Server and ORACLE. This is clearly the upgrade path for
existing Xbase applications."

With the Connectivity Kit, FoxPro 2.5 can be used as a client application
to access and manipulate database information on a range of standard and
proprietary PCs, minicomputers and servers throughout a multivendor
environment. FoxPro 2.5 users also gain the cost savings, flexibility and
control associated with client-server computing.

The kit will allow developers to take full advantage of the Open Database
Connectivity (ODBC) specification. ODBC is an application programming
interface for database connectivity that offers access to a variety of
PCs, minicomputers and mainframes, including platforms running the
Windows, MS-DOS, DEC VMS or Apple Macintosh operating systems.

More than 70 vendors, including Oracle, Ingres and Informix, support ODBC,
which is based on the call-level interface specification of the SQL Access
Group.

The Connectivity Kit will include library files and documentation that
developers need to create FoxPro 2.5-based applications, which are
connected to SQL data hosts. Using FoxPro 2.5 for Windows, developers can
connect to ORACLE version 6.0 and higher, Microsoft SQL Server version 4.2
and any ODBC-supporting data source. Applications based on FoxPro 2.5 for
MS-DOS can access Microsoft SQL Server 4.2.

Since ODBC is an open API, ODBC drivers for other popular enterprise data
sources such as Digital's RdB and IBM's DB2 are also under development by
independent parties. "We expect the FoxPro 2.5 Connectivity Kit to open up
FoxPro to the enterprise, making it an even better downsizing solution,"
said Tod Nielsen, group product manager for FoxPro at Microsoft.

The announcement of the Connectivity Kit marks the latest addition to the
expanding family of FoxPro products. In addition to FoxPro 2.5 for Windows
and FoxPro 2.5 for MS-DOS, Microsoft has released the FoxPro Distribution
Kit for MS-DOS and Windows and the FoxPro Library Construction Kit,
demonstrating its commitment to the FoxPro product line. The Distribution
Kits will allow developers to compile and distribute applications to their
users royalty free. The Library Construction Kit will let developers
create libraries and further extend the tools and environment of FoxPro
2.5.

Now in beta testing, the Connectivity Kit will be available from resellers
nationwide by the end of the second quarter of 1993 at an introductory
price of $295.

Since its release in January 1993, FoxPro 2.5 has become the best-selling
dBASE-compatible database. The product is three times faster in multiuser
and multitable operations than its predecessor, the award-winning
Microsoft FoxPro 2.0. In December, that earlier version was rated the
fastest PC-based DBMS by the National Software Testing Laboratory,
outperforming Borland Paradox 4.0, Borland dBASE IV 1.5 and Microrim
R:BASE 4.0.

The suggested retail price for either FoxPro version 2.5 for MS-DOS or
FoxPro version 2.5 for Windows is $495. To upgrade from Microsoft FoxPro
2.0, the price is $199. For a limited time, this upgrade will be further
discounted to the retail channel and will also be available directly from
Microsoft to users of competing desktop database products for only $149.
This offer expires on June 30, 1993.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT') is the worldwide leader in
software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of
products and services for business and personal use, each designed with
the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take
advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft Corp, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399
206-882-8080,  fax: 206-93MSFAX

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