NEWS CONTACT: David Hastings 215/497-0300 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EASILY EXCHANGE INFORMATION BETWEEN PCS AND MAINFRAMES WITH TRANSPORTAL 1.5 BOOTHWYN, PA, May 25, 1991--Cone Software, a designer of high-productivity host-to-PC data exchange software, today announced the release of a major upgrade to their scripting and data exchange tool, TransPortal 1.5. TransPortal 1.5 has major improvements in ease of use, added functions and extended compatibilities. TransPortal 1.5 transfers data from PC-to-host, from host-to-PC, and from host-to-host through a PC. The product requires no programming, no mainframe software, and works with existing communications hardware and software. Without the need to modify existing mainframe systems or install new mainframe software, TransPortal 1.5 automates mainframe data entry and retrieval tasks through intelligent manipulation of a terminal emulation session. TransPortal 1.5 works with many popular 3270 and 5250 terminal emulation products, including LAN gateways. New features to TransPortal 1.5 include the following: - Support for IBM 5250 terminal emulation products for AS/400 and 3X systems, - Support for multiple PC data base files, - "Linked" transfers to ease complex data exchange tasks, - Import and export capabilities for several popular PC data formats, - The ability to switch between host sessions in a script. In addition, TransPortal 1.5 includes an enhanced install program, reduced memory requirements, and a variable time pause option during script execution. TransPortal 1.5 offers a quick alternative to PC-mainframe file transfer products and their associated host-based file preparation effort. Commenting on TransPortal 1.5's adaptability, Cone Software president, David Hastings stated, "Anyone with minimal development skills can use TransPortal 1.5 to move data between mainframes and PCs right now. Our customers have saved hard dollars by eliminating rekeying operations, or by avoiding writing new host software for data conversion tasks." For PC users, TransPortal 1.5 handles complex details of PC-to-host communications automatically and transparently. Users can concentrate on their work without getting lost in confusing mainframe commands and screens. TransPortal 1.5 moves data between host application screens and a dBase format data file on the PC. A Transfer Script can populate an empty PC file from host screens, or can perform host data entry from a full PC data file. TransPortal 1.5 is an inexpensive alternative to writing more host-based software for data exchange tasks, and can be put to work immediately. Using TransPortal 1.5 a developer can create a Transfer Script to automate a terminal session. For example, a Transfer Script can automate a complex logon sequence, or key customer accounts and balances into a mainframe application. Scripts are easy to create using the TransPortal Transfer Builder development environment. Once created, the TransPortal Runtime system executes the Scripts. Using TransPortal 1.5, Cone Software customers have realized savings from the following product benefits: - Reduces applications backlog - Eliminates rekeying - Follows existing host security - Installs quickly - Works with existing host software and existing communications hardware and software - Requires no mainframe software and is self-contained on the PC - Speeds data conversion by entering data through existing on-line screens, instead of writing new host software TransPortal 1.5 can automate complicated mainframe terminal operator procedures. By sending keystrokes and monitoring for prompts and error messages, TransPortal 1.5 can logon to a mainframe system, traverse menus, enter commands, respond to prompts, enter data, page through multiple screens, save data to the PC, and logoff . . . all without user intervention. TransPortal 1.5 is compatible with IBM mainframe computers that support 3270-type terminals, with IBM mid-range computers that support 5250-type terminals, and with systems that support VT100 terminals. TransPortal 1.5 works with any mainframe software that produces output that can be displayed on the screen. On the PC, TransPortal 1.5 runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, and PS/2 computers or compatibles, and requires an IRMA or IBM 3270 terminal emulation board or compatible, or an IBM 5250 terminal emulation board, or an IBM, or IBM-compatible LAN gateway. Future releases of TransPortal will include runtime support for OS/2 Extended Edition. The TransPortal development system, including the Transfer Builder, is priced at $1495.00. Runtime modules are required to execute Transfers on additional PC's. Runtimes are $395 each, with quantity discounts starting at units of ten. Site licensing is also available. Cone Software is a computer software development and consulting firm specializing in PC-based business and technical application, including micro-to-mainframe communications and systems integration. Cone, with offices in the Philadelphia area and New York City, was founded in 1983, and was ranked #197 in the 1990 Inc. 500. In addition to TransPortal, the company also markets TransPortal PRO, XTRA PC, PROFS Executive, HyperHost, and Kicks/SQL. Cone also provides a full range of connectivity development services including needs analysis, database design, custom programming, installation, conversion, training, and ongoing support. rogramming, no m