Ashton-Tate Corp has now confirmed that, as expected (CI No 1,319), its role in distributing the SQL Server has been renegotiated with Microsoft Inc, so that where it had a retail channel monopoly, it will distribute to retailers on a non-exclusive basis. Moreover as soon as Ashton ships a version of dBase IV that supports SQL Server – or from July 31, 1990, it will sell SQL Server only with dBase IV or other Ashton front ends that support it. Microsoft will now seek further distribution outlets.
