Asymetrix Announces ToolBook Database Connection.

BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nov. 1, 1994--Asymetrix Corp. Tuesday announced the release of Asymetrix(R) ToolBook Database Connection, an add-on to Asymetrix ToolBook(R) 3.0 and Multimedia ToolBook(R) 3.0 that provides database access using the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) standard, rich visual display of text and multimedia, and a leading industry report writer, Borland(R) ReportSmith.

ToolBook Database Connection requires no programming and gives authors using Microsoft Windows industry-standard access to all ODBC-compliant databases for maximum flexibility and use of corporate data. It also offers support for Rich Text Format (RTF) and quick, easy access to multimedia data for creating visually appealing interfaces.

"Authors using ToolBook Database Connection can access any ODBC-compliant database and display visually appealing multimedia data without programming," said Clark Bohmont, director of product marketing at Asymetrix.

"ToolBook Database Connection speeds and automates an unprecedented number of development tasks, allowing authors to concentrate on creating distinctive and compelling applications. It underscores our commitment to bring the best-in-class, most affordable productivity tools to all Windows-based authors."

ToolBook Database Connection is designed for authors creating applications for computer-based training, software development front ends, interactive kiosks and CD-ROM titles. It integrates tightly with ToolBook 3.0 and Multimedia ToolBook 3.0, speeding authoring of applications and resulting in highly interactive, easy-to-use applications.

To ensure that ToolBook Database Connection will offer market-leading capabilities, Asymetrix worked closely with industry leaders Intersolv Inc. and Borland International Inc., licensing key product components.

"With the INTERSOLV Q+E Database Library integrated into Toolbook Database Connection, Asymetrix is bringing authors an unmatched combination of strengths - the most comprehensive and complete database access combined with the most useful Windows-based authoring system for visual and multimedia applications," said James Herbert, vice president of business development at Intersolv.

"Authors can deliver applications to users quickly, because with the INTERSOLV Q+E Database Library, they can access the information they need, regardless of the database format in which it is stored. And with ToolBook Database Connection, they can concentrate on creating truly `killer' apps."

"ToolBook developers now can build applications that include best-of-breed database reporting capabilities, an increasingly critical component of database applications," said Ken Gardner, vice president of products at Borland International. "ReportSmith's trademark `live data' interface provides a WYSIWYG approach for building simple and complex reports quickly and easily from all the databases accessible by Toolbook."

ToolBook Database Connection Features

ToolBook Database Connection includes the following features:

Powerful, open database access

-Users can access their data easily using the industry-standard ODBC interface to approximately 140 databases, regardless of the specific database file format used.

-The most popular ODBC drivers are included -- Paradox 3.0/4.0, dBASE III Plusr and dBASE IV(R), Microsoft(R) Access, Btrieve(R), Microsoft Excel and text -- providing immediate connectivity to these database formats. Users can add third-party drivers easily to access any other ODBC-compatible database. As a result, information from different data repositories can be viewed through a single application interface created with ToolBook Database Connection.

-Industry-standard Structured Query Language (SQL) is provided for all drivers, so authors can use familiar query commands to access data on all supported databases, without the need to learn a new query language.

-ToolBook Database Connection retains the rich text formats that include fonts, type styles, underlining and color text when imported into the database application, saving authors the time and trouble of rekeying or reformatting information and making it easier to maintain hyperlinks among text entries.

-ToolBook Database Connection permits authors to import graphics from other applications and display them alongside text in a database field.

-Users can link multiple database records containing related information with hyperlinks.

-Authors can use a full range of audio, video, animation, graphics and other multimedia types (both MCI and non-MCI types including Video for Windows, QuickTime, Kodakr Photo CD and MIDI), and display that multimedia data using data-ready objects along with other information.

-Putting references to multimedia in the database records _ with the multimedia files themselves stored separately _ allows for more concise and compact storage, more flexibility in updating and revising multimedia data, and more effective use of centrally stored multimedia on network or enterprise systems. Authors also can directly embed graphics in database files if they wish.

Flexible, integrated report writer

-Users can create simple or complex reports for customized views of any data.

-Only ToolBook Database Connection permits users to view live data -- rather than empty fields -- when creating reports, eliminating the need to toggle between report writing and print-preview and making report creation faster.

-Cross-tab features can summarize data easily in a variety of views, using spreadsheetlike reports.

-OLE objects can be embedded in reports for added functionality.

-Reports can be printed directly from ToolBook applications, without exporting to separate applications for printing.

Unprecedented ease of use

-With the Control Panel object, users can perform many tasks, including adding and modifying records in their databases quickly, without scripting, using built-in functionality (add, update, delete, find, set conditions, sort and navigate). The Control Panel object permits fast, easy connection to any table or view in a database by selecting from a list of available sources.

-Data-ready objects are ToolBook objects extended with built-in intelligence to display information retrieved from the database. They are easily accessible via a Data-Ready Objects palette, accessible from the standard ToolBook menu bar. Authors simply drag and drop the data-ready objects into place to create their application forms, without needing to script.

-Database table structures can be created and deleted within ToolBook Database Connection.

Extensibility with OpenScript

-More than 80 new OpenScriptr commands are available to query and manipulate data and to execute SQL statements directly from OpenScript.

-Authors can expand the range of data-ready objects by creating their own objects to display data in a customized manner.

Requirements, Pricing and Availability

ToolBook Database Connection requires ToolBook 3.0 or Multimedia ToolBook 3.0, Microsoft Windows 3.1 or higher, a personal computer with a 20MHz 80386 SX microprocessor or higher, a 1.44MB (3.5-inch) disk drive and hard drive, 8 MB of RAM, and a Windows-compatible graphics adapter card (VGA or higher).

ToolBook Database Connection has a suggested retail price of $249 (domestic) which includes technical phone support and unlimited run-time and redistribution rights. The domestic product is available now from leading national distributors and resellers.

Customers can choose from the full range of Asymetrix services, including training, consulting and the company's highly rated technical support services. International editions in French and German will be available within 90 days.

Asymetrix Corp. is a privately held software company based in Bellevue, with more than 270 employees worldwide. Asymetrix is a leading provider of Windows-based tools and applications and is committed to a mission of bringing pioneering productivity to all levels of Windows-based users with affordable, easy-to- use software.

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Note to Editors: Asymetrix, ToolBook, Multimedia ToolBook and OpenScript are registered trademarks and ToolBook Database Connection is a trademark of Asymetrix Corp. Asymetrix, Toolbook and Multimedia Toolbook are registered trademarks in the U.S.A. and may be registered in certain other countries. Borland, dBASE III Plus and dBASE IV are registered trademarks and ReportSmith and Paradox are trademarks of Borland International, Inc.

Microsoft is a registered trademark and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. INTERSOLV is a registered trademark of Intersolv, Inc. Btrieve is a registered trademark of Btrieve Technologies. QuickTime is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Kodak is a registered trademark of Eastman Kodak Company. All other product and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Asymetrix Corp.

             Suzette Cavanaugh, 206/637-5828
             Waggener Edstrom
             Jill Pembroke, 503/224-9880