Sun Microsystems Inc is persevering with its Open Look graphical user interface for Unix, developed with AT&T Co, and has enhanced it with SimplifySQL, a set of tools that provide users with single consistent look and feel for all three relational databases most widely used on its Sparc family – Ingres, Oracle and Sybase. The window-based tools in SimplifySQL are designed to make it easy to perform such tasks as creating databases, formulating queries and generating reports, replacing the SQL commands that vary according to the database manager with a single set of pull-down menus – and International Data Corp reckons that almost all Fortune 1000 companies use two or more database managers. Sun performed initial product development with Ingres Corp, while Oracle Corp and Sybase Inc also provided technical assistance; support for Informix Software Inc’s database is promised as well. The thing consists of four modules: SessionManager offers a visual way to pick the database manager being used and to open and close databases; DataBrowse enables users to create database queries by using the mouse cursor driver on the desired tables and data fields rather than typing in SQL commands; ReportWrite is a graphical report editor that enables users to create customised database reports interactively; and SchemaDesign is a tool that makes possible the graphical creation, viewing and modification of database layouts, including tables, table relationships and data fields. SimplifySQL is $1,000, will start shipping in 90 days, and needs SunOS 4.0 up.
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