Monday 2 June 1997 European software component and tools supplier, ComponentSource™ has set up an agreement with Microsoft® to include its CDs containing hundreds of unlockable products with all quarterly European Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) product mailings.

Available to level two, three and four MSDN subscribers, the current CDs (ComponentSource MSDN disks A and B) include over 100 encrypted software components from over 50, mainly US, Vendors.

Components are pre-built pieces of application software, which can be bolted together by developers to rapidly build highly functional applications. Each component offers specific capabilities, for instance, a graphing control can make data easy to understand and presentable. To design a sophisticated graphing control from scratch could cost thousands of dollars in developer man-days, using an off the shelf, proven graphing component however, costs a couple of hundred dollars and is readily available.

Using the ComponentSource MSDN CDs, developers can buy and unlock the full retail product versions instantly by calling a local country Freefone number. The unlocking process takes a few minutes, all that is needed is a credit card or company purchase order number to buy.

Another major benefit allows the user to gain all the necessary technical information before purchasing. Freely available help files, demonstrations and evaluations on the CD make choosing the right product straightforward.

For the complete free library of ComponentSource CDs, developers should register at: http://www.componentsource.com or call the company's express registration service on the following local country Freefone numbers:France 0800 90 92 62,Germany 0130 86 07 06, Italy 1677 90046, The Netherlands 06 022 8832, Sweden 020 794 989, United Kingdom 0800 581111

ComponentSource specialises in the supply of software components, companion products and add-ons to global enterprise and software businesses. It is the first company to offer component vendors secure encryption of their retail products on a freely distributed CD-ROM aimed specifically at component users. ComponentSource CDs are distributed with all new and upgrade sales of Microsoft Visual Basic (English international edition), and to the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) in Europe.