Paradox 4.0 claimed to be 10 times faster than predecessor; SQL Link 4.0 also launched
Borland International Inc duly announced the 4.0 release of its Paradox personal computer relational database, Quixotically choosing Sunday to do it. Paradox 4.0 sets new standards for database performance with tremendous speed and power gains well Borland would say that, wouldn’t it? – a windows-like user interface, enhanced network performance and expanded Paradox Application Language. With version 4.0, Paradox is not only the most advanced database, but also the fastest, Borland reckons. The company also introduced Paradox SQL Link to provide secure transparent access to a variety of SQL database servers. The company claims that on average, Paradox 4.0 is 10 times faster than Paradox 3.5, and says that the performance enhancements in Paradox 4.0 are integral to the company’s dBase and InterBase development strategies as well. The performance tuning incorporated into Paradox 4.0 is designed to enable applications to manage memory more effectively to provide the fastest performance possible. The technology supports extended mode operation and provides faster data access in both stand-alone and networked environments. Paradox 4.0 incorporates a new lock manager, comprising a single lock file, to provide users with greater flexibility to work with local or shared data. Paradox 4.0 will also cache the lock file on the network and compress its size to further enhance network performance. Borland claims that Paradox 4.0 is the first personal computer database to fully support MS-DOS Protected Mode Interface memory management from Windows 3.1 and 3.0: Paradox 4.0 uses extended memory and runs in protected mode under Windows, taking advantage of all available memory. Paradox 4.0 adds a windows-like user interface with easy-to-use pull-down menus, mouse support, resizable windows, and pop-up dialogue boxes. A context-sensitive SpeedBar gives instant access to frequently used commands. Paradox 4.0 supports variable length memo fields, which can contain up to 256Mb of data per field with up to 4Gb per table, so that users store virtually any size file as a memo. A built-in memo editor enables users to create and modify memos. Queries and searches can also be performed on memo fields.
Binary Large Objects
It can also store and retrieve Binary Large Object data in memo fields, containing any type of binary data including graphics, sound and multimedia files. It is planned to be available in the summer at $800; the Paradox 4.0 LAN Pack, which adds one additional user to the network, will be $400. Registered owners of Paradox 2.0 up can upgrade for $200, $180 for the first 90 days of availability. A runtime version will be available to developers at $250, $100 for the first 90 days. The new Paradox SQL Link 4.0 includes Query By Example for fast interactive database querying and is claimed to provide secure, transparent access to data residing on several SQL database servers, providing automatic translation of Paradox QBE and menu commands to the appropriate dialect of SQL. It also enables Paradox Application Language developers to build complete database applications embedded with SQL. Paradox 4.0 SQL Link connections will support Oracle 6.0 Server, Microsoft-Sybase SQL Server, IBM OS/2 Data Base Manager, DB2 through the MDI Database Gateway 1.01 and Digital Equipment Corp’s VAX Rdb/VMS 4.1, each version being sold separately. A Paradox SQL Link connection for Novell Inc NetWare SQL 3.0 is the newest connection available. SQL Link 4.0 connections cost $500, also in the summer.
Versions of C++, Pascal for Windows 3.1, ObjectVision for OS/2
In a wide-ranging product splurge, Borland has also come out with five new language releases, all of them object-oriented. They comprise Borland C++ & Application Frameworks 3.1, Borland C++ 3.1, Turbo C++ for Windows 3.1, and Turbo Pascal for Windows 1.5, all designed to take advantage of the features of Microsoft Corp’s Windows 3.1. Borland also introduced a new member to its ObjectVision product line, O
bjectVision 2.0 for OS/2. The new releases add full Windows 3.1 and 3.0 support, Colour Syntax highlighting, and new Windows documentation. C++ 3.1 is designed to be a complete development system for professional programmers writing in C or C++ and C++ & Application Frameworks 3.1 includes all of C++ 3.1 including the ObjectWindows and Turbo Vision application frameworks, the Runtime Library source code and the Windows Applications Programming Interface reference manual. They now provide strict C++ compliance, an optimising Windows-hosted development environment, global optimisations for C++ and 80386 code generation, a WinSpector for determining the causes of unexpected errors, and integrated resource compilation. Turbo C++ for Windows 3.1 is designed to offer an inexpensive route to Windows programming for entry-level C and C++ users. It is claimed to include the basic tools necessary for creating Windows applications, but does not include the professional tool set, the optimising compiler, or library source code. Turbo Pascal for Windows 1.5 is designed to be a high-productivity application development system for resellers, consultants and educators. It enables users to take full advantage of the new features in Windows 3.1, which include Object Linking and Embedding, common dialogues, drag and drop, and TrueType fonts. Resource Workshop is a graphical design tool designed to enable users to create professional-looking user interfaces with Borland’s Custom Controls and replaces the Whitewater Resource Toolkit delivered with previous versions. Speedbar provides quick access to many common functions. ObjectVision is intended to be an easy way for programmers and non-programmers to create business applications for both Windows and OS/2 2.0 and will offer the same fundamental functionality and features under OS/2 2.0 as those introduced on Windows, including provisions for all three aspects of application creation: application interface, business rules or application logic, and connection to databases and other applications. New features that exploit OS/2 2.0 include full 32-bit implementation, multi-threading via the multiple thread process model, integrated support of OS/2 Data Base Manager through IBM’s optional Extended Services Capability, and an interface to IBM’s REXX programming language. It will also exploit the Presentation Manager user interface and the OS/2 2.0 file system. C++ 3.1 is $500. C++ & Application Frameworks 3.1 is $750. Turbo C++ for Windows 3.1 and Turbo Pascal for Windows 1.5 are $150 each. ObjectVision 2.0 for OS/2 is $250. All ship later this month.
