Perhaps the most positive declaration in the OS/2 statements of direction at Comdex was the decision by IBM to merge its LAN Server with OS/2 LAN Manager, but Computer Systems News finds that all is not sweetness and light in the nest that brings together Microsoft Corp, Sybase Inc and Ashton-Tate Corp one step on from LAN Manager with their SQL Server – which operates with LAN Manager but doesn’t require it. Problem here is that according to Computer Systems News sources, Ashton-Tate has failed to complete the dBase IV front-end to SQL Server in the time specified in the original agreement. Ashton-Tate was included in the partnership because the others believed it could deliver a large part of its dBase III user base and upgrade them to SQL Server. Under the agreement, Ashton-Tate is the exclusive source for retail and value-added reseller sales of SQL Server, while Microsoft handles OEM sales; it is suggested that other companies with SQL Server front-ends may also be allowed to market SQL Server without licensing it from Ashton-Tate Microsoft has been working with Borland International Inc, Lotus Development Corp and Nantucket Corp on this, the paper says, and is also believed to be developing its own database front-end, code-named Omega. And Lotus Development Corp’s investment in Sybase is expected to lead to the Cambridge company playing a role in SQL Server, with its 1-2-3 users possibly replacing dBase III users as the initial primary target for SQL Server. In public, the three original partners deny that any change in the relationship or arrangements is imminent, but Ashton-Tate conceded that others might also handle retail.
