[470] in OS/2_Discussion
Press Rel IBM Expands Award-Winning VisualAge to C++
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (tsipple@vnet.IBM.COM)
Thu Mar 23 19:30:19 1995
From: tsipple@vnet.IBM.COM
Date: Thu, 23 Mar 95 19:29:44 EST
To: bill.cook@gco.com, illonac@aol.com, tholen@newton.ifa.hawaii.edu,
k.royalty@genie.geis.com, os2www@MIT.EDU
From: Timothy F. Sipples
*** Resending note of 03/22/95 20:30
Subject: For comp.os.os2.announce (and other public forums)
Just in case you didn't see it...
Press Rel IBM Expands Award-Winning VisualAge to C++
March 21, 1995
BOSTON, MA., March 21, 1995...Today at Object World Boston,
IBM announced VisualAge C++ for OS/2*.
VisualAge C++ combines the unique visual programming
construction technology of IBM's award-winning VisualAge*
product with the robust, professional development tools from
its popular C Set++* product. This powerful, object-oriented
combination allows developers to visually build parts and
then combine these parts to construct programs.
VisualAge C++ provides a powerful C++ development
environment, including the IBM Open Class Library.
IBM Open Class is a comprehensive set of C++ building
blocks, which isolates developers from complex system
application programming interfaces (APIs) and provides platform
independence. The product also contains integrated C++ tools
and a complete code generation environment that allows a professional
programmer to productively develop and deploy applications across
the enterprise.
"Customers today are walking a tight-rope between business
demands and available resources," said Tim Negris, vice president,
Application Development Marketing, IBM Software Solutions.
"VisualAge C++ delivers a rich set of tools for writing parts and
constructing applications that help customers get the most out of
their developers' talent in order to meet business imperatives
responsively and productively."
POSITIVE BETA CUSTOMER RESPONSE
Since the beta program was established in late 1994, customer
response to VisualAge C++ has been strong. Over 450 customers
received the code. Cyberworks Corporation is among a number of
companies that have evaluated VisualAge C++. "I live and die by
the power of IBM's C++," said Steve Gardner, president,
Cyberworks Corporation. "This new version sets a standard
for development environments with a fabulous new browser,
powerful new tool bar and multimedia classes, and the
ability to generate SOM objects directly from the compiler.
I expect to reduce my development time by at least 30 percent."
Drew Franz, project engineer, from Campbell Soup,
added, "The IBM Open Class Library lets the C++
developer get a wide range of application function with minimal
coding - it is by far the 'best of class' in OS/2 application
development."
UNIQUE FEATURES:
o Visual Application Construction -- speeds development time
by letting the developer rapidly build applications.
Developers can construct applications from parts by visually
manipulating prefabricated objects and then automatically
generating C++ source code. Additionally, visual construction
shields developers from the details of the underlying
programming language, which significantly reduces the C++
learning curve.
o Data Access Builder -- revolutionizes the task of bringing
existing relational data into the object world. By visually
mapping DB2/2 relational database tables to objects and
generating all the necessary C++ and SQL code, a programmer
can quickly and accurately create data objects for use in
the visual builder.
o Direct-to-SOM* compiler -- extends the robustness and
portability of IBM's System Object Model (SOM)*, which
provides a CORBA-compliant, highly efficient dynamic
linking mechanism for creating and using objects across
various applications. The Direct-to-SOM compiler allows
developers to create SOM objects directly from C++ source
code by simply specifying a compiler option.
o C++ Performance Analyzer -- gives developers a high-level
view of a program's runtime behavior unavailable through
debuggers or browsers. Through a graphical representation,
programmers can quickly locate performance bottlenecks and
tune program behavior.
The VisualAge C++ family of programming tools provides:
o C & C++ compiler -- generates some of the fastest applications
available for OS/2. With the addition of a new 32-bit linker,
application build time is significantly reduced.
o Browser -- helps programmers understand the hierarchy of class
libraries and their C++ programs. The browser is capable of
browsing both C++ source code and compiled programs.
o Debugger -- simplifies the debugging process through an intuitive
user interface. It allows programmers to debug at the source level,
set break points, and handle advanced C++ functions such as templates
and exceptions.
o Editor -- simple to use and language sensitive, the editor is
easily customized to suit a programmer's preference.
MULTI-PLATFORM AND STANDARD COMPLIANT
At CeBIT 1995, IBM announced the availability of C++ software
development tools for MVS*, Sun Solaris**, and the beta for
OS/400*. Through multiple platform support, developers
can achieve significant source code portability throughout an
enterprise.
VisualAge C++ embraces industry standards, including
compliance with ANSI C and ANSI C++, and the Object Management
Group's CORBA specification.
VisualAge C++ conforms to the IBM Open Blueprint. The
IBM Open Blueprint, which incorporates a wide range of standards,
provides the base upon which to build, run, and manage
distributed applications in a diverse multi-vendor world.
PRICING, AVAILABILITY AND SUPPORT
VisualAge C++ Version 3.0 will be available in June from
authorized IBM dealers or direct from IBM. Pricing will be
announced when the product is available. As of March 21,
customers purchasing C Set++ Version 2.1 will be entitled
to a no charge upgrade to VisualAge C++ Version 3.0. Existing
C Set++ customers will be offered an upgrade at the time of
product availability. For additional information on
IBM's VisualAge C++ product, users in the U.S. can call
1-800-IBM-3333.
IBM offers a comprehensive service and support program which
includes a support hotline available 24-hours a day, seven days
a week in the USA and Canada, as well as on-line support through
CompuServe**, INTERNET and TalkLink, a new service offered
through IBMLink*.
IBM's Software Solutions Division provides data management,
application development, and workgroup solutions for
mission-critical applications on PCs, workstations, LANs and host
systems.
###
* Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International
Business Machines Corporation.
** Products or companies mentioned are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holder.
