ACI announces 32-bit version of Object Master for Windows; new upgrade provides enhanced support for Microsoft Visual C++ 4.0.

CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 1995--Microsoft(R) Windows(R) programmers can now move from 16-bit to 32-bit operating systems faster and easier with the latest upgrade of Object Master for Windows, announced today by ACI US, Inc.

Object Master for Windows is an integrated programming environment that provides software developers with powerful browsing and sophisticated editing tools for speedy C/C++ programming.

By adding native 32-bit support, programmers using Object Master for Windows can now take advantage of Microsoft Windows 95 and Microsoft Windows NT operating system features for added functionality and speed in addition to the standard 16-bit support for Windows 3.1. With its latest upgrade, Object Master for Windows also offers a tighter integration with Visual C++ 4.0 by providing a new direct, transparent interface.

"Our latest upgrade continues to enhance the Object Master programming environment by providing developers with powerful browsing windows and sophisticated editing tools for faster C/C++ code development," said ACI US Vice President of Development Tools Loic Vandereyken. "Using the 32-bit version of Object Master, programmers can now take advantage of Object Master's rich environment for writing robust Windows 95 and Windows NT applications."

Other New Features:

-- Improved support for Microsoft Visual C++ -- WinHelp documentation support -- Transparent text file format compatibility for Macintosh, UNIX, Windows, and DOS files -- Keyboard configuration for emulation of other programming editors such as Brief, Epsilon, and Macintosh

Object Master for Windows includes improved 32-bit compiler support for Visual C++. Users can now compile, debug, and build applications in Visual C++ without leaving the Object Master editing environment or writing tedious DOS files. Object Master also supports other compilation systems, including Symantec C++, Borland C/C++, and all DOS compilers. Object Master provides an integrated, "Smalltalk-like environment" for C/C++ developers. This environment assists them in browsing and writing new code while decreasing their overall development time.

Object Master for Windows also features the creation of WinHelp documentation, the Windows online documentation system. Programmers can customize their online reference materials for creating help information. Additionally, Object Master for Windows allows users to generate WinHelp databases from their own source code for easy code access and retrieval.

Using platform independent technology, Object Master for Windows also incorporates transparent text file format support for Macintosh, DOS, Windows, and UNIX files. Programmers can work with their Macintosh, DOS, Windows, and UNIX files in native format, while also having the capability of full file compatibility between these platforms.

In addition, Object Master for Windows provides keyboard configuration for other programming editors including Brief, Epsilon, and Macintosh. The result is a familiar environment where programmers can architect and navigate their code while boosting their productivity.

Smart Source Code Editor and Industrial-Strength Browser

Unlike simple source code editors, Object Master understands and takes advantage of programming language structure by checking a file's syntax when it is added to a project or when changes are saved. Any changes made to code are automatically updated throughout the project. Object Master also features an industrial-strength browser which allows users to view multiple browser windows simultaneously. This browser enables programmers to work with several modules or sections of code concurrently. These two key features save development time and reduce costs.

Pricing and Availability

Object Master for Windows Version 3.1 will be available in September with a MSRP of $249. Customers may purchase Object Master through authorized resellers.

About ACI US, Inc.

ACI US, Inc. was founded in 1987 as the U.S. publisher of 4th Dimension. The 4th Dimension family of products is the best selling relational database product family for the Macintosh. 4th Dimension is published worldwide by its original designer, ACI, based in Paris, France. Object Master, published by ACI US, is the tool of choice for professional programmers. It was awarded the 1994 Landmark Technology Award by InfoWorld for the most significant original idea or advance in current technology. ACI US is located at 20883 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014. Telephone, 408/252-4444; fax; 408/252-4829. -0-

Note to Editors: Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Visual C++ is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other registered trademarks or trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

The Internet/e-mail addresses noted below contain "at" signs. Nancy Tatum's e-mail address has an "at" sign between "nancy" and "acius.com." Kim Diaz's e-mail address has an "at" sign between "kim" and "gpr.com." This symbol may not appear properly in some systems.

CONTACT: ACI US Marketing

Nancy Tatum, 408/252-4444 ext. 386

[e-mail]

or

Gallagher PR

Kim Diaz, 510/743-7830

[e-mail]