Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Software Development Tools Inc has announced AppBridge Express, a development tool that automatically creates graphical user interfaces from character-based screens, using the attributes of the host screen. The company, which specialises in client-server development tools and services for companies migrating from mainframes, AS/400 and VAX applications to client-server, claims the process requires no programming and the screens need no maintenance. AppBridge Express is based on the company’s Intelligent Screen Cognition technology. It converts existing character-based mainframe or AS/400 screens into graphical floating button bars using graphical user interface controls based on the attributes of the host screen. The software automatically interprets the host screen and generates menus, buttons, raised panels and indented field areas. This means Express requires no maintenance when the mainframe or AS/400 host screen changes, as it can automatically sense host changes and interp ret them into interfaces on the fly. AppBridge Express can be integrated with development tools such as Visual Basic, PowerBuilder and C++ and is part of its SDTI WorkBench, a family of client-server migration tools, it says. It is available as a stand-alone product; as part of AppBridge, a graphical user interface development environment, or as part of the full suite of SDTI WorkBench migration tools. AppBridge Express runs on Windows, Windows NT and Windows95 clients and IBM Corp mainframe and AS/400 host environments. It is out now for $7,500 for a 100-user licence.