Bluestone introduces immediate availability of Sapphire/Web V2.1 and Q4 1996 release of V3.0.MT. LAUREL Laurel, cities, United States Laurel. 1 Town (1990 pop. 19,438), Prince Georges co., central Md., about halfway between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore; patented in the late 1600s, inc. 1870. , N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 1996-- Bluestone bluestone, common name for the blue, crystalline heptahydrate of cupric sulfate called chalcanthite, a minor ore of copper. It also refers to a fine-grained, light to dark colored blue-gray sandstone. , Inc. a leader in Web application development tools, professional services (job) professional services - A department of a supplier providing consultancy and programming manpower for the supplier's products. and training, Monday announced immediate production availability of Sapphire/Web(tm) V2.1 and the imminent release of Version 3.0. The new releases enable developers for the first time to intuitively build native-Web database applications that leverage the strengths of both the client and server, generate their choice of Java or ActiveX, and employ a new, powerful application server that delivers high performance, load balancing The fine tuning of a computer system, network or disk subsystem in order to more evenly distribute the data and/or processing across available resources. For example, in clustering, load balancing might distribute the incoming transactions evenly to all servers, or it might redirect them , scalability, security and their choice of WRB-API, NSAPI (NetScape API) A programming interface on Netscape's Web Server. Using NSAPI function calls, Web pages can invoke programs on the server, typically to access data in a database. NSAPI is an alternative to using CGI scripts on Netscape Web servers. , ISAPI (Internet Server API) A programming interface on Internet Information Services (IIS), Microsoft's Web server. Using ISAPI function calls, Web pages can invoke programs that are written as DLLs on the server, typically to access data in a database. , CGI CGI in full Common Gateway Interface. Specification by which a Web server passes data between itself and an application program. Typically, a Web user will make a request of the Web server, which in turn passes the request to a CGI application program. , or Fast CGI. Additionally, an extensive set of Wizards enhances the visual environment to make development quick and easy for experienced and novice users. Organizations are going through three very distinct Web development stages. Stage One is HTML HTML in full HyperText Markup Language Markup language derived from SGML that is used to prepare hypertext documents. Relatively easy for nonprogrammers to master, HTML is the language used for documents on the World Wide Web. static pages. Stage Two is the activation of the Web pages through server-side processing (CGIs and APIs) and connections to databases. Stage Three is leveraging the three-tier architecture of the Web for true client/server processing. Currently, most organizations are actively moving from Stage One to Stage Two. "We expect organizations to quickly move from Stage Two to Stage Three," stated Bob Bickel, director and general manager of Bluestone's Product Division. "That's because Stage Two is architecturally challenged in its ability to handle interactive processes including validation, what-if analysis, spreadsheets, and graphics. "These processes place far too much burden on the server, slowing response time and forcing organizations to use increasingly larger and more numerous servers. Addressing these issues is the reason why three-tier client/server A three-way interaction in a client/server environment, in which the user interface is stored in the client, the bulk of the business application logic is stored in one or more servers, and the data are stored in a database server. See client/server. was created in the first place. "What's needed are Web development tools that deliver outstanding client and server-side processing that best meet Stage Two and Stage Three requirements. That is why Bluestone is delivering Sapphire/Web Client Objects in V2.1 and major enhancements to the product's server-side processing in V3.0." V2.1 - Client-Side Processing with Java and ActiveX database applications "The Web is beautifully architected to deliver on the promise of client/server," said Bob Bickel, who points to its three-tier architecture, staging of client-side applets from the server, and platform and operating system operating system (OS) Software that controls the operation of a computer, directs the input and output of data, keeps track of files, and controls the processing of computer programs. independence, all of which relieve the problems associated with traditional client/server implementations, such as "fat" clients, hardware and software operating system dependencies and staging issues. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Bickel, not much client-side Web processing has been done to date. Organizations are just now working through Stage Two server-side processing, and there haven't been supporting tools and pre-built functions to easily connect Java (and ActiveX) to databases and server-side processing to perform real business functions. He says that's why Java is best known for 'bouncing head' type applications. Sapphire/Web Version 2.1 incorporates Client Objects-the client-side processing of Java, and ActiveX-to lead the market into what he calls this new generation. "Tools like Sapphire/Web are driving Web application development by pioneering the visual building of true client/server Web applications via components like the Sapphire/Web Client Objects," said Stan Lepeak, program director, META Group. Sapphire/Web Client Objects allow fast, easy, visual development of powerful, client-side Java and ActiveX applications that go directly to the database and leverage back-end server-side processing as well. The Client Objects include pre-built classes that perform valuable business functions in a Java and ActiveX framework. The framework provides a visual, drag-and-drop environment for creating Java and ActiveX-to-database applications - with no coding required. Sapphire/Web Client Objects make true client/server processing a reality with features like: -- Easy drag-and-drop connection from Java and ActiveX to the database. -- Insert, update, delete To remove an item of data from a file or to remove a file from the disk. See file wipe, trash and undelete. 1. (operating system) delete - (Or "erase") To make a file inaccessible. , refresh (1) To continuously charge a device that cannot hold its content. CRTs must be refreshed, because the phosphors hold their glow for only a few milliseconds. Dynamic RAM chips require refreshing to maintain their charged bit patterns. See vertical scan frequency and redraw. , and login Signing in and gaining access to a network server, Web server or other computer system. The process (the noun) is a "login" or "logon," while the act of doing it (the verb) is to "log in" or to "log on. support for any Java class and ActiveX components A software module based on Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) architecture. Increasingly, Microsoft is using the term ActiveX to refer to a variety of its COM-based technologies. See ActiveX control, ActiveX Documents, ActiveX Server Component and COM. on the client. For example, users can collect data from the database, analyze it locally for fastest response time and then update the database. -- Multiple, simultaneous views of data. Show the data in a graph, or a spreadsheet, and get detailed data into another graph -- all at once, and all via one query of the database. -- Pre-built data validation In computer science, data validation is the process of ensuring that a program operates on clean, correct and useful data. It uses routines, often called validation rules, that check for correctness or meaningfulness of data that are input to the system. objects. JavaScript and VBScript code is automatically generated. -- The ability for advanced developers to integrate any Java class, applet A small application, such as a utility program or limited-function spreadsheet or word processor. Java programs that are run from the browser are always known as applets. See midlet, crapplet and Java applet. or ActiveX control A software module based on Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) architecture. It enables a program to add functionality by calling ready-made components that blend in and appear as normal parts of the program. (internally built or third party) into the Sapphire/Web framework. These objects then become immediately accessible to all users for applications - from video players to grid controls to graphing. -- Integration with Java development tools like Visual J++, Visual Cafe A family of Java development products formerly from the WebGain division of Symantec and sold to TogetherSoft Corporation in 2002, which was acquired by Borland in 2003. Versions for Windows and the Macintosh were available that included a host of Java components and features for rapidly and Java Workshop. Equivalent functionality is available for Java, ActiveX and Scripting implementations. Additionally, the UNIX UNIX Operating system for digital computers, developed by Ken Thompson of Bell Laboratories in 1969. It was initially designed for a single user (the name was a pun on the earlier operating system Multics). and PC versions are fully compatible, so that developers can build applications on any platform and deploy on any other platform. "The Sapphire/Web Client Objects provide the ultimate in openness," said Bob Bickel. A significant increase in the number, ease of use and functionality of Wizards Sapphire/Web V2.1 has added numerous Wizards, including a Bind Wizard, Drill Down Wizard, Improved SQL SQL in full Structured Query Language. Computer programming language used for retrieving records or parts of records in databases and performing various calculations before displaying the results. Wizard (now generating joins, ordering, and where clauses), and several other wizards that lead the user through the creation of a Web application. In addition, a number of templates and data population options reduce the development cycle and learning curve. V3.0 - Delivering Powerful Server-Side Enhancements Sapphire/Web's early entrance into the market, strong functionality, and numerous successful customers have made it the leader in Stage Two server-side processing. Version 3.0 further enhances and differentiates Sapphire/Web's server-side processing capabilities. CGI or APIs at a "Flip of a Switch" Developers face interesting challenges as they deploy their Web applications. CGIs are available on every Web server and are good for low to medium volume applications. APIs provide more robustness, but are proprietary to each vendor's Web server. Sapphire/Web 3.0 offers developers a unique ability to merely "flip a switch" to have their application support Oracle's WRB-API, Netscape's NSAPI, Microsoft's ISAPI, CGI, or Open Market's FastCGI. This solves the challenge of being locked into a deployment scheme during the development phase. In fact, a mixture of different APIs could be used as the application is deployed over different vendors' Web servers. High-Performance, Cost-Effective, Secure Application Server Sapphire/Web 3.0 generates a highly optimized, compiled Application Server that is four to 10 times faster than interpretive in·ter·pre·tive also in·ter·pre·ta·tive adj. Relating to or marked by interpretation; explanatory. in·ter  pre·tive·ly adv. Application Servers, which most other Web development vendors employ.
Its fully scalable architecture separates the application from the Web
server.An Application Server Manager controls the number of servers, their network locations and their persistence. The Manager balances loads and scales applications, allowing any number of servers to be used for large applications. Unlike competitive tools which charge for their runtime servers, there are no runtime charges with the Sapphire/Web application server, allowing developers to materially reduce the cost of deployment. "In effect, with other tools, the more successful your Web application is, the more you pay," said Bickel. Security The Sapphire/Web 3.0 Application Server enhances security with proven technology. It communicates with the Web server at a socket-level for full firewall control. This protects databases and database access within a company's firewall, but gives controlled access to Web applications. The Sapphire/Web Open Solution Approach Bob Bickel stated, "We find the market confused as to whether Microsoft or Netscape is going to be the winner. We've taken the approach that both are bringing excellent technology to the market. "We have architected Sapphire/Web to be open, supporting Netscape and Microsoft, PCs and UNIX, Java and ActiveX, C++ and Scripting, multiple databases and legacy systems. Sapphire/Web is the safe choice for users in this dynamic market." "As the 'open choice' for client/server development, Sapphire/Web leverages Web technology eliminating the fear of lock-in," said Barry Johnson, president, Dynamic Information Systems. "Bluestone's commitment to openness and integration with existing application technology and development tools shows a real understanding of and appreciation for the open systems foundation of Web development. "At the same time, Sapphire/Web's ability to be a 'hub' for many of these tools, such as version control systems, allows our large enterprise clients to engage in Web development with the same level of rigor rigor /rig·or/ (rig´er) [L.] chill; rigidity. rigor mor´tis the stiffening of a dead body accompanying depletion of adenosine triphosphate in the muscle fibers. and management that they have come to expect from more mature client/server tools. Sapphire/Web fills a gaping gap·ing adj. Deep and wide open: a gaping wound; a gaping hole. gap ing·ly adv.Adj. hole in the Web tools marketplace for open, enterprise-grade solutions." Sapphire/Web Availability and Pricing Sapphire/Web V2.1 and Sapphire/Web Personal Edition V2.1 are available immediately for download from Bluestone's Web site: (http://www.bluestone.com), as well as on CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). . Sapphire/Web 3.0 will delivered via a phased rollout over the last quarter of 1996. Each phase will add an additional API (Application Programming Interface) A language and message format used by an application program to communicate with the operating system or some other control program such as a database management system (DBMS) or communications protocol. . Pricing for Sapphire/Web is $2,995 including a year of support. Sapphire/Web Personal Edition has a special introductory price of $295 with various support options available including a $99 Web Support package. No runtime license is required for either version. Bluestone also offers the unique Start Right Program-a fast, high-quality path for leveraging Sapphire/Web and Web technology that provides a blend of licenses, support, training and professional services. Bluestone Inc. Sapphire/Web, Bluestone's leading Web application development tool, enables Webmasters and developers to intuitively design, install and operate dynamic, Web-based client/server database applications for the Internet and corporate intranets. Sapphire/Web's open approach leverages today's and tomorrow's best technology without fear of lock-in. Bluestone, included in each of the last three years on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies, focuses on the transfer of advanced application development technology. Bluestone provides its customers with powerful development tools, comprehensive support, training, and professional services. Productivity solutions from Bluestone are used by 85% of the Fortune 500 corporations and numerous government agencies. The company's headquarters are: -0-
Bluestone Inc., 1000 Briggs Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
Telephone: 609/727-4600 FAX: 609/727-5077
email: info@bluestone.com URL: http://www.bluestone.com
-0- NOTE TO EDITORS: Screen shots are available electronically. Call or email your requests (including preferred format) to Bonnie bon·ny also bon·nie adj. bon·ni·er, bon·ni·est Scots 1. Physically attractive or appealing; pretty. 2. Excellent. Lieb or Jeff Whitney. -0- All products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. CONTACT: The Garfield Group, Trenton Bonnie Lieb, 609/396-0946, x 12 bdavis@garfieldgroup.com or Bluestone Inc. Jeffrey Whitney, 609/727-4600, x 1960 jeff@bluestone.com |
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