[300] in comp.os.os2.announce archive
NEW RELEASE: Athena Design's Mesa version 2.0.4
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (info@athena.com)
Thu Oct 26 06:28:09 1995
To: os2ann.DISCUSS@bloom-picayune.MIT.EDU
Date: Thu, 26 Oct 1995 09:01:41 GMT
From: info@athena.com
Reply-To: info@athena.com
Submitted by: Phil LaBelle (info@athena.com)
Source: Tracy Kugelman, Athena Design
Date received: 1995 October 25
Date posted: 1995 October 25
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Tracy Kugelman
1-617-426-6372
1-617-426-7665 fax
info@athena.com
Athena Design Ships New Version of Mesa<TM>
Spreadsheet for OS/2 (R)
Boston - October 25, 1995 - Athena Design announced today
the immediate release of version 2.0.4 of its Mesa for OS/2
spreadsheet application. This version is available to all
registered users as a free upgrade and at a sale price of $95
to new customers.
Two weeks ago, Athena Design stopped shipment of version
2.0.3 on the scheduled release date when it discovered certain
bugs. The current release not only remedies those problems,
but contains additional enhancements as well.
"It was embarrassing to have released a product that had
serious bugs in it, but we appreciate the feedback and support
we've gotten from our user base. By acting promptly and
keeping our users informed of our progress, we are confident
that we've minimized any negative impact on them and that they
will receive a better product in the end," said David Rodger,
Product Development Manager.
"Version 2.0.3 did not die in vain," said David Kahan, the
company's chief operating officer. "Our development team has
made great strides in a short time, and we are making a much
improved product available today."
The Mesa application was built using the Mesa Developer
Object Kit (Mesa DOK<TM>). A number of corporate OS/2 users
are currently beta testing Mesa DOK which provides corporate
developers and independent software vendors the ability to
integrate Mesa's 32-bit spreadsheet functionality into their
applications with as few as 20 lines of code. This will
minimize developers' programming time and required resources
by providing embedable, commercial strength objects ranging
from a simple table view to a multi-threaded recalculating
spreadsheet.
This version of the application contains the following new
features:
* Improved display speed
* Improved recalculation speed
* Additional file filters, including Lotus 1-2-3 .WK4
files Quattro Pro .WB1 files
* Enhanced keyboard accelerator keys to speed movement through
workbooks
* A script recorder which gives users the ability to record
actions and automate scripting
* Page tabs that have been moved to the bottom of the workbook
providing more screen workspace
* The Formula Builder allows users to select formula functions and
insert them directly into the Formula Bar increasing the speed and
accuracy of formula entry
* Text Boxes can be created to emphasize sections of the workbook by
annotating graphs and labeling cells
* SmartSize<TM> can resize row height and column width to
"shrink-wrap" around cell text by double-clicking on the lines
separating row and column labels
* Better exploitation of OS/2's multi-threading ability
Mesa is a full-featured, 32-bit spreadsheet offering huge,
three dimensional workbooks. The application also provides
unlimited undo/redo, multi-threaded recalculation and
Workplace Shell interaction with OS/2's color and font
palettes. Mesa for OS/2 uses OS/2's REXX scripting language.
Mesa includes many unique usability features including
SmartFill <TM>, Formula Inheritance<TM> and drag and drop
color and fonts. Mesa also supports real-time data feeds from
a variety of sources including financial markets.
Mesa for OS/2 can be purchased directly from Athena Design by
calling 1-800-315-MESA or from major OS/2 resellers for a
sale price of $95 for commercial customers and $70 for
educational users. Mesa comes with 90 days of technical
support via fax and email. An additional 12-month support
contract which includes phone support is also available at a
suggested retail price of $99.
The updated version of Mesa is available from the following
ftp sites:
ftp://ftp.athena.com: /pub/Mesa2/mesa204.zip
ftp://ftp-os2.nmsu.edu/os2/demos/mesa204.zip
This new version will also be available on CompuServe through
the OS2AVEN forum, through America Online and the OS/2
Shareware BBS at 1-703-385-4325. Users who are unable to ftp
the software should contact their local reseller for
information on obtaining the update on floppy disks. For more
information contact the company directly at 1-617-426-6372,
or at info@athena.com.
Mesa, SmartFill, Formula Inheritance, SmartSize and Mesa DOK
are trademarks of Athena Design, Inc. OS/2 is a registered
trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Other trademarks which apply belong to their respective
companies.
