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1988-02-20
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Now that dBASE IV has finally been announced, you probably have some
questions about it. Hope this helps:
===========================================================================
1) What is dBASE IV?
dBASE IV is the newest member of the dBASE family of products and the most
comprehensive data management system available for personal computers.
dBASE IV raises the dBASE standard to new levels of ease of use, power and
performance with a combination of features never before available on
personal computers.
Whether you are a first-time computer user or an experienced dBASE III PLUS
user, dBASE IV helps you organize and fully utilize your valuable data.
It's easy to create, access and update data files such as mailing lists,
personnel directories or sales contacts. And, because of dBASE IV's
powerful relational capabilities, you can set up data management systems
that involve interaction between interdependent files such as sales orders,
customer data, inventory and billing. Most importantly, you can accomplish
these tasks without writing any programs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Can I use any other Ashton-Tate product with dBASE IV?
To provide additional capability for dBASE IV and to satisfy your
customer's special requirements, Ashton-Tate offers a number of
complementary database software products:
dBASE IV LAN Pack -- adds up to five simultaneous users to your dBASE IV
installation. LAN Pack includes a dBASE Access disk and comprehensive
documentation.
CHART-MASTER -- presents data graphically. Analyzing data and identifying
trends is much easier when viewing data in the form of pie charts, bar
graphs and scatter charts. Via the dBASE IV/CHART-MASTER Bridge, dBASE IV
applications can generate charts and graphs through CHART-MASTER.
RapidFile -- is a simple-to-use file manager ideally suited to first-time
computer users. And, the ability to share data between RapidFile and dBASE
IV provides an easy growth path to dBASE IV for RapidFile users as their
need for more sophisticated applications grows.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) What is dBASE IV's product positioning?
Our personal data management solution is the foundation of our business --
the standard of individual workstation productivity solutions. You already
know this as dBASE.
Following the introduction of dBASE III PLUS, Ashton-Tate conducted
extensive customer research which set the objectives for the next version
of dBASE.
First, we had to provide the next generation ease-of-use in database
products by developing an intuitive database interface, one which could be
used by users of all levels of PC experience.
Next, we set performance goals superior to any other DBMS to increase our
user's productivity, without compromising interface, design, connectivity,
multi-user support, or the power of the dBASE language.
It had to incorporate SQL completely compatible with the SAA standard to
establish dBASE/SQL as the long-term foundation for corporate data
management.
We had to incorporate transparent multi-user support to facilitate the
migration of single-user applications into multi-user environments.
Programmers demanded increased capability and functionality in the dBASE
language itself as well as the tools and utilities necessary to leverage
their programming time.
Finally, it had to be fully compatible with dBASE III PLUS, protecting your
investment in data and application development.
By compatibility, we mean all files, all forms, views, reports, labels,
indexes are 100% fully upward compatible. All programs run without
altering a single line of code. All file conversions are automatic and
transparent.
Furthermore, downward compatibility is assured when features introduced in
dBASE IV are omitted. This extends to data files and indexes as well.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) What are the components of dBASE IV?
dBASE IV sets new standards for ease of use with its next-generation
interface that emphasizes tasks, not the processes required to accomplish
those tasks. Using the Control Center, you can take advantage of the many
powerful features of dBASE IV to perform data entry, query and report
generation without writing programs. You simply specify the files, forms
and tasks you want to include in your application on a WYSIWYG work
surface. dBASE IV does the rest, including writing the dBASE programs for
you. And, developers can combine the program segment written by dBASE IV
with those they write themselves.
dBASE IV is best viewed as having five major components:
(1) INTERFACE
A: The Control Center -- In addition to the familiar dot prompt and
pull-down menus, dBASE IV offers a significant new user interface called
the Control Center. You simply specify your forms, reports, labels and
queries using WYSIWYG work surfaces. dBASE IV does the rest including the
generation of dBASE code.
The dBASE IV Control Center forms the heart of the new user interface. The
new user interface puts the user in command of dBASE IV. This interface
completely replaces the familiar dBASE III PLUS "Assistant." You can
develop major, complex portions of your application, including all user
interfaces, without programming.
This next-generation interface re-defines database ease of use by
emphasizing tasks, rather than the processes required to accomplish those
tasks.
Through its state-of-the-art, menu-driven, task-oriented interface, the
Control Center gives you centralized access to all the capabilities and
power of dBASE IV. From the Control Center you can efficiently perform all
your data management tasks.
The Center consists of six on-screen panels. Each panel provides WYSIWYG
access to file management, database queries, forms creation, report
generation, label designs, or the applications generator.
Within the Control Center, database files are automatically linked to their
associated forms, reports and labels.
B: Queries -- The Query design screen contains tools which help the user
organize, filter and structure data. Queries are set up using
Query-By-Example (QBE). In QBE, users tell dBASE IV what information and
database relations they want. As fields, links and filters are selected,
the resulting view appears at the bottom of the screen. The system takes
care of the rest.
QBE makes information retrieval and update easy. By simply filling in
blanks on the display, you can extract data from several data files
simultaneously, in a single operation. No knowledge of the dBASE
programming language is needed.
C: Forms -- Using a full-screen, WYSIWYG interface, you can visually
specify forms for data entry, modification or viewing. It's as quick and
easy as drawing them on paper because what you see is what you get. A form
can be quickly modified with the new editor or saved and later called by
name. Data validation forms created with the Forms Manager can be used for
both full-screen views (edit) and table views (browse).
Your forms may include:
o Fields from the database file or view
o Calculated fields not already in view
o Memory variables
o Text
o Boxes
o Lines
o Color
o Conditional data entry
o Data validation through the @..GET..VALID command
dBASE IV supports extensive pre- and post-processing in the form design.
Pre-processing allows for default data in fields, or for data to be copies
from prior records. In addition, it allows for data entry only when
specific conditions are met, such as prompting for neck size when the
customer has ordered a shirt, but not when ordering shoes.
Post-processing insures the integrity of your database by preventing
invalid data entry.
The dBASE IV Forms Manager also supports both full-screen and
partial-screen windows for memo fields, so that the contents of the memo
field can always be visible in the form.
Format specified in the Forms Manager are used by both dBASE IV's BROWSE
and EDIT commands, and are available at the Control Center as well.
D: Report Writer -- The Report Writer allows you to specify report formats
visually using a WYSIWYG interface. You can easily develop all types of
reports from simple columnar reports to presenting information on
pre-printed report forms. To handle repeating information and record
grouping, the Report Writer allows you to specify your report format using
seven types of repeating horizontal group bands; report introduction, page
header, group introduction, detail, group summary page footer and report
summary. Once a report format is specified, it can be saved and later
called by name.
E: Labels -- Label generation is also WYSIWYG using either pre-defined or
user-defined formats.
Using standard, pre-defined label sizes, users can instantly set up label
printing. There is no need to waste time with endless trial printings.
Labels can be put to one page long and can contain individual or calculated
fields. Multiple labels across a page are supported.
(2) APPLICATIONS GENERATOR
The new dBASE IV Applications Generator is designed for all levels of
users.
Once you've specified the task you want to perform and the forms, reports
and files you want to use, the dBASE IV Applications Generator ties them
together into an application. You can even add pull-down or pop-up menus
with the powerful WYSIWYG menu editor. The Applications Generator writes
all the dBASE code for you. For even faster application development, the
"Quick Application" facility provides default application designs so you
can develop complete applications in minutes.
Developers: The Applications Generator provides facilities for more
advanced developers as well. Once an object is specified, you direct the
Applications Generator to integrate the object with your program. In
addition, the Applications Generator will automatically document the dBASE
code generated, if desired.
The top level functions of the Applications Generator include:
o Design, modify and save sign-on banners
o Design, modify and save horizontal bar, pull-down or pop-up menus for
later recall by dBASE IV programs
o Specify actions to be associated with menu items
o Generate dBASE code
o Preset environmental variables
o Create and modify files, reports, labels and forms by transparently
switching to the appropriate application development facility.
A: Applications Generator Template Language -- The dBASE IV Applications
Generator utilizes a set of templates to generate dBASE code from objects
specified in the applications generation process. For example, the
developer could tell the Applications Generator to put his company name at
the top of every menu. The Applications Generator Template Language allows
you to write these instructions and to custom-tailor these templates or
specify new ones. In this way, you can adapt the program generated by the
Applications Generator to your specific requirements and extend the use of
the application generator to more of your development tasks.
The same template language is used transparently by dBASE IV when creating
forms, reports and labels.
(3) SQL, WHICH ADDS THE FULL RELATIONAL
POWER OF SQL TO THE dBASE LANGUAGE
For the experienced user or SQL programmer, dBASE IV offers a full
implementation of IBM's SAA-compatible Structured Query Language. SQL is
rapidly emerging as the industry standard for data query and manipulation.
The combination of SQL and dBASE commands brings more power than ever
before to your database applications.
SQL is rapidly becoming a de facto standard across a wide range of
departmental and mainframe computers.
By comprehensively implementing the SAA standard of SQL, dBASE IV
establishes the foundation for future growth and connectivity solutions.
SQL's powerful relational construction allows developers to build
easily-maintained and sophisticated applications with a minimum of coding.
With dBASE/SQL, users can create, modify and query databases using either
SQL or traditional dBASE commands, depending upon the user's experience
with either language.
In SQL interactive mode, dBASE IV executes SQL commands one at a time, with
the results displayed immediately after each command.
In Embedded SQL mode, users create programs that include powerful SQL
statements.
SQL ALONE, HOWEVER, DOESN'T CONTAIN THE FLEXIBILITY AND SYSTEM CONTROL
REQUIRED TO BUILD AN ENTIRE APPLICATION. SQL WORKS HAND-IN-HAND WITH THE
dBASE LANGUAGE TO PROVIDE A LEVEL OF PROGRAM CONTROL AND FLEXIBILITY
UNAVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE.
(4) THE dBASE/CHART-MASTER BRIDGE WHICH BRINGS
PRESENTATION-QUALITY GRAPHICS TO THE dBASE FAMILY
A new feature of dBASE IV is the dBASE/CHART-MASTER Bridge, dBASE IV's link
to the presentation-quality charts offered by CHART-MASTER.
CHART-MASTER Bridge provides menu-driven chart definition from within dBASE
IV.
Users select data for incorporation in charts that are automatically built
when the user enters CHART-MASTER.
(5) dBASE LANGUAGE COMPILER/INTERPRETER
This compiler is perhaps the most important module of dBASE IV. New to
dBASE IV is a built-in compiler, which automatically compiles both
interactive commands and programs, completely transparent to the user.
This provides performance nine times faster than dBASE III PLUS, visibly
increasing database productivity for users of all levels.
The Compiler/Interpreter supports 245 new or enhanced commands, making
dBASE IV the most powerful and robust database applications environment on
a PC.
In addition to the language Compiler/Interpreter, dBASE IV includes a broad
set of development tools that shorten the development cycle and leverages
your development resources.
dBASE IV accomplishes this without sacrificing full compatibility with
dBASE III PLUS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
5) I've never used dBASE before. Will I be able to use this product if I
am not a programmer?
As a first-time user, you'll appreciate the ease with which you can
organize and retrieve information. The completely new user interface, the
Control Center, allows you to perform tasks without worrying about the
processes required to accomplish those tasks. You simply describe your
queries, forms, reports, labels -- even whole applications -- using WYSIWYG
work surfaces. dBASE IV automatically generates code to carry out the
requested tasks, greatly enhancing your productivity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
6) I am an applications developer -- what does dBASE IV offer me?
Application developers have demanded a complete application development
environment that allows them to develop, test and distribute applications
quickly and inexpensively. Again, Ashton-Tate responded. dBASE IV
Developer's Edition provides a complete application development, test and
distribution environment in one package. dBASE IV Developer's Edition
includes:
o dBASE IV database management system
o A stand-alone royalty-free distribution system at no extra cost
o A multi-user development and test environment with state-of-the-art
multi-user features for easy generation of shared database
applications
o Powerful development tools and utilities
o Modular documentation package including special programming
documentation for quick reference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
7) I've heard dBASE is difficult to use. Is it?
Not any more. In addition to the traditional dBASE dot commands, dBASE IV
has a new, interactive visual interface -- the Control Center -- that is
easy to learn and straightforward to use. The Control Center puts users
immediately in command of the many capabilities of dBASE IV.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
8) Do I need to be a programmer to use dBASE IV?
There is no need to worry about learning how to program. dBASE IV is so
sophisticated, it literally writes your programs for you. Using the
powerful visual interface, you simply specify the files, forms and
operations you want to include in your application. dBASE IV does the
rest, including writing the dBASE programs for you. It is like having your
own personal programmer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
9) I've heard I have to buy a separate compiler to get the speed I need for
my applications.
dBASE IV has a built-in automatic compiler. All your applications are
automatically compiled and run, resulting in a significant increase in
speed. You get the best of two worlds because you can develop applications
in an efficient, interactive environment and run them at compiled speeds.
This Language Compiler and Interpreter is perhaps the most important module
of dBASE IV.
The Compiler/Interpreter supports 245 new or enhanced commands, making
dBASE IV the most powerful and robust database applications environment on
a PC.
The Compiler/Interpreter also includes a broad set of development tools
that shorten the development cycle and leverages your development
resources. dBASE IV accomplishes this without sacrificing full
compatibility with dBASE III PLUS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
10) What happens if I want to install a network later on?
dBASE IV has a number of built-in, next-generation, multi-user features
like single- to multi-user transparency, transaction processing, password
protection, data encryption and screen refresh. Both single- and
multi-user versions of dBASE IV are the same set of disks so you can easily
move from a single- to a multi-user environment. And your single-user
dBASE III PLUS and dBASE IV programs will automatically run as multi-user
programs without modification. dBASE IV LAN Pack lets you add five
simultaneous users to your dBASE IV installation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
11) I've invested time and money creating a database and developing dBASE
III PLUS applications. Will I be able to use them?
Yes, dBASE III PLUS data files and programs are 100% upwardly compatible
with dBASE IV. Your dBASE III PLUS programs will run without modification.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
12) I am a developer, do I have to provide dBASE IV to each of my end-users
to run my application?
No. dBASE IV Developer's Edition includes, at no extra cost, a
royalty-free distribution system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
13) What is the suggested retail price for dBASE IV?
dBASE IV: $795.00
dBASE IV Developer's Edition: $1,295.00
Upgrade to dBASE IV: $175.00
Upgrade to dBASE IV Developer's Edition: $475.00
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
14) When will it be shipping?
Second quarter (meaning fiscal year 2nd qtr).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
15) Is dBASE IV technology Ashton-Tate purchased or developed internally?
dBASE IV was developed entirely within Ashton-Tate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
16) How will dBASE IV be sold?
Full systems will sell through dealers.
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17) What kind of competitive products exist for dBASE IV? How fast is
dBASE IV? How fast is it compared to FoxBase+? to Clipper?
At the present time, dBASE IV is nine times faster than dBASE III PLUS. We
have exceeded our original performance goals, and are continuing to
increase the performance as we complete development. We believe this to be
competitive with FoxBase+'s and Clipper's performance, although we do not
have specific comparison data available.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
18) Does dBASE IV support Clipper's VALID function for data validation?
Yes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
19) What kind of support materials will be available for dBASE IV?
dBASE IV's user documentation is modularized by user level. Beginning
users need not be confused by complex programming terms, while programmers
can go straight to the essentials.
Documentation is provided for users at intermediate levels as well, so that
a complete growth path is available.
In addition, dBASE IV provides extensive context-sensitive help and an
on-line tutorial.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
20) How will technical support be handled?
Please note: the following prices and plans have not had final approval
except for the Corporate and Government Services Program. They are here
for your information only. Please call (213)329-0086 for current support
plans and costs. All plans will have 90 days of free support before a
Custom Support Plan need be purchased. Also, support will be provided via
our on-line services and through the Ashton-Tate Support BBS.
Ashton-Tate's policy of free Basic Support for 90 days from data of
registration, unlimited calls, will be in effect for dBASE IV.
After the 90 days has expired, several plans are available to dBASE IV
users:
o Extended support ($50.00 per year per product) -- includes 15 calls,
access to CompuServe, a User's Guide, and a Technical Tips booklet
o Professional Support ($150 per year per product) -- includes 20 calls,
a toll-free 800 number, access to an Express Queue for rapid access to
a technician, the Close-up remote support utility, access to
CompuServe, a User's Guide and a Technical Tips booklet
o LAN Support ($195 per product per year) -- includes 20 calls, a
toll-free 800 number, access to an Express Network Queue for rapid
access to a technician, access to CompuServe, a User's Guide and a
Technical Tips booklet (Note: Network Administrator is the only person
eligible for support through this program).
CORPORATE AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES PROGRAM
Small-, medium- and large-sized organizations, both corporate and
government, may take advantage of services offered through the Ashton-Tate
Coporate and Government Support Program. This program is designed to meet
the overall support and service needs of microcomputer support centers at
multi-product and multi-installation sites and, if appropriate, to address
unique in-depth needs.
The program provides two technical support plans, including an 800 number
for unlimited VIP calls to Ashton-Tate for product support, access to a
senior technician and, at the higher level, a dedicated Senior Software
Technician and a monthly bulletin.
Ashton-Tate periodicals and books, the Ashton-Tate Developer's Registry,
electronic communication services such as CompuServe which provides access
to the Ashton-Tate Forum, are also available. Training programs may be
customized by product and location.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
21) Will training be availabe?
Ashton-Tate standard product training programs will be provided on the
overall functionality of these products as they are released. Each
training course will be "hands-on" and will include a participant guide
with an exercise disk. These training courses will be conducted in
Ashton-Tate district offices.
Ashton-Tate will also offer courseware that can be used for self-study or
classroom instruction. These participant guides are designed to teach
beginning, intermediate and advanced microcomputer users how to master each
product.
In addition, educational consulting, public seminars and more will be
provided.
For additional inforamation, please contact Ashton-Tate Training Services
at (213)538-7738.
===========================================================================
dBASE IV LANGUAGE ENHANCEMENTS
Throughout dBASE IV, numeric precision has been increased from 31-bits to
64-bits. The Numerics have been implemented in such a way that rouding-off
errors are totally eliminated. dBASE IV also supports scientific numeric
formats for complex calculations.
To support more sophisticated applications, memory variables now include
two-dimensional arrays, and the total number of available memory variables
has been increased to 2,048.
User-defined functions broaden the power and flexibility of the dBASE
language.
dBASE IV increases the number of procedures per file to 1,170 up from the
32 allowed in dBASE III PLUS.
A new program control structure allows looping based on the content of data
in database files, yielding more compact and efficient programs.
dBASE IV greatly enhances the relational capabilities of the dBASE
language.
Relations may be established from one file to several child files.
Within a relationship, moving the record pointer to the child file allows a
one-to-many correspondence between records. When relationships are
established in a multi-user environment, record-locking is accomplished
automatically for records in all related fields.
dBASE IV introduces a new type of index file called the Master Index file.
Master Index files can hold up to 47 indexes per database file (compared to
the seven index files allowed in dBASE III PLUS), and automatically update
indexes whenever the database is changed.
dBASE IV supports descending indexes as well as ascending.
Unlike dBASE III PLUS, where memo fields could only be displayed or
printed, in dBASE IV memo fields are now available to your programs. This
allows for manipulation and processing of memo fields, as well as for
locating and organizing their data. This data can also be imported or
exported to other programs via text files.
Other field enhancements provide for international date and currency
formats. Both programming and entry of date fields is vastly simplified by
the introduction of data delimiters.
The utility of numeric fields is greatly enhanced by a broad range of
financial, statistical and trigonometric functions.
From either the Forms Generator or in the dBASE language, dBASE IV permits
extensive pre- and post-processing during data entry.
Pre-processing allows for default data in fields, or for data to be copies
from prior records. In addition, it allows for data entry only when
specific conditions are met, such as prompting for neck size when the
customer has ordered a shirt, but not when ordering shoes.
Post-processing insures the integrity of your database by preventing
invalid data entry. Programmers can define system messages for display
during data entry and upon data entry errors.
When using dBASE IV, application designs can be easily color-enhanced
employing different colors for varying screen elements.
When printing, dBASE IV supports boldfacing, italicizing, underlining,
subscripting and superscripting. It also allows for up to five different
fonts to be used at any one time.
dBASE IV employs the large library of Framework printer drivers to support
most popular printers. Large text fields can be automatically word-wrapped
to fit within user-definable margins in forms or reports.
The screen elements in the dBASE IV Applications Generator are supported
from within the dBASE language. These include user-definable windows,
horizontal bar menus, pop-ups, pull-downs and pick lists.
Programmers can assign any action to these elements, which will be
automatically performed upon selection by the user. The elements can be
colored and moved about the screen from within programs.
Dramatic enhancements have been added to dBASE IV's multi-user
capabilities.
Automatic record- and file-locking occurs whenever any changes are made to
the database. When another user has locked a file or record, dBASE IV will
tell you who has it locked and re-attempt the lock for a ser period. Since
locks in dBASE IV are shared locks, concurrency is increased.
Changes made by other users to a record on the screen are automatically
detected and displayed.
dBASE IV insures the integrity of multi-user databases through full
transaction processing, inlcuding BEGIN TRANSACTION, END TRANSACTION, and
ROLLBACK. These commands allow for full recovery from locking errors and
system failures.
dBASE III PLUS's PROTECT utility program, which provides eight levels of
password protection plus data encryption, has been integrated into dBASE
IV.
All of this means that most single-user dBASE III PLUS and dBASE IV
programs will automatically run as multi-user programs without
modification.
HIGHLIGHTS OF LANGUAGE ENHANCEMENTS:
Data Storage --
o 64-bit numeric precision
o Two-dimensional variable arrays
o Scientific (exponential) format now supported
Program Control --
o User-defined functions
o 1,170 procedures per file
o Program loop with scope and condition
Multi-File Relations --
o Multi-child relations
o Ability to move record pointer in child files
o Record locking in all related files
Indexing --
o Master index file holds 47 indexes per database file
o Automatically maintains indexes with database
o Indexes in ascending or descending order
Memo Fields --
o Automatic packaging of edited fields
o Ability to append or copy text file
o Memo field contents available for searches, program manipulation
Other Fields --
o International formats for dates, currencies
o Date delimiters
o Financial, statistical and trigonometric functions
Data Entry --
o On condition
o With message
o With default or copy
o Input validation
Data Display --
o Colors on screen
o Different fonts, typestyles on paper
o Word-wrap for text fields
Windows and Menus --
o User-definable windows, horizontal bar menus, pop-ups, pull-downs and
pick lists
Developer Pre-Defines --
o Command to be performed on menu selection
o Automatically executes when chosen
Colors, Movement supported