Borland Announces Three New Versions Of Delphi 2.0 For Microsoft Windows 95 And NT; Delphi's Unique Object-Oriented Architecture Now Enhanced By The World's Fastest Optimizing 32-Bit Compiler.

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--January 15, 1996--Borland International Inc. today announced the new Delphi 2.0 product line, the company's second release of the award-winning application development software. Scheduled to ship this quarter, the Delphi 2.0 product line includes three versions that are each designed for specific types of developers: Delphi Client/Server Suite 2.0 for client/server developers; Delphi Developer 2.0 for professional LAN-based developers; and Delphi Desktop 2.0 for individual programmers. All Delphi 2.0 versions combine a high-performance 32-bit native-code compiler, scalable database programming tools, and a library of drag- and-drop visual components in a robust object-oriented development environment.

First introduced in February 1995, Delphi 1.0 was the first Windows development tool to combine a high performance optimizing compiler together with a visual two-way development environment and a scalable database architecture. Today, hundreds of corporations worldwide are recognizing greater returns on their IT investments and reporting significant competitive advantages by using Delphi to build powerful applications in shorter amounts of time.

The new Delphi 2.0 versions fully support all of the new operating system features of Windows 95 and Windows NT. A new 32-bit optimized native code compiler provides a 300 to 400 percent increase in performance, and developers can reuse existing code with a native code compiler that is now 15 to 50 times faster than P-code interpreters. New object-oriented capabilities for supporting sophisticated client/server development include a centralized Object Repository and new Visual Form Inheritance.

"In just one year, Delphi has rapidly gained customer acceptance because of its unique ability to combine high performance native code compiler technology with a visual development environment," said Richard Gorman, vice president of Product Marketing and Product Management for Borland. "With the new versions, we are extending Delphi's market reach to provide the wide range of desktop, LAN-based, and client/server developers with new state-of-the-art compiler and object-oriented programming technology for Windows 95 and NT application development."

"Delphi users are the fastest growing developer group in the market today," said Mark Allen Hanner, program director of application development strategies at META Group. "Borland has made a significant contribution to the industry by raising standards of performance for rapid application development tools; as a result, many developers are migrating to the Borland camp."

Three Versions of Delphi 2.0

All Delphi 2.0 products adhere to an open strategy which fully supports OLE automation controllers and servers, Microsoft OLE Controls (OCXs), open database connectivity (ODBC), in addition to Microsoft's Remote Automation technology and forthcoming Network OLE. All versions allow the developer to take advantage of all the enhancements of Windows 95 and NT, including multi-threading, Unicode and MAPI. To assist developers migrating from 16-bit to 32-bit, each version of Delphi 2.0 will include the 16-bit version of Delphi 1.0 for Windows.

Delphi Client/Server Suite 2.0

Delphi Client/Server Suite 2.0 was developed for organizations building high-performance, scalable applications that access data stored in Oracle, Sybase, Informix, InterBase, and Microsoft SQL Server databases. The Delphi Client/Server Suite is the only product of its kind to include both high performance client tools and a wide range of server management tools. For customers building on-line transaction processing systems, executive information systems, or decision support systems, Delphi 2.0 shortens every stage of the application development life cycle and makes developers and client/server solutions more successful.

Some of the new features in Delphi Client/Server Suite 2.0 include:

- A Suite of New Client/Server Tools -- A central Object Repository for storing reusable applications, forms and database information, and tools for testing and fine-tuning client/server application performance, are built-in to the Delphi Client/Server Suite. With Delphi's new SQL Monitor, client/server applications can easily be optimized for peak performance. The new SQL Explorer acts as the information center for all database development including browsing server specific meta data such as stored procedures, triggers and event alerters; and Delphi's Datapump Expert provides rapid upsizing and application scaling. New 32-bit SQL Link native drivers come with an unlimited deployment license, offering substantial savings for connecting users to corporate data.

- Team Development Tools -- Delphi 2.0 takes a object-oriented approach to client/server development through data modules, an object repository, and a scalable data dictionary. To enable team members to easily share and integrate their work, Delphi Client/Server Suite includes a tightly integrated industry standard Intersolv PVCS version control system for file management, check-in, check-out, and branching. The Open Tools API provides integration with third-party tools such as CASE, Object Oriented Analysis and Design, and Transaction Process Monitors.

- Integration with InterBase and ReportSmith -- Delphi Client/Server Suite 2.0 is the only application development package to include high performance client and scalable server technology in one box. An InterBase NT two developer license is provided with each copy of the Delphi Client/Server Suite 2.0. InterBase, Borland's high performance, cross platform SQL relational database management system, enables developers to build and test true client/server applications on just one machine. Borland's ReportSmith 3.0 is tightly integrated with Delphi data sources to provide comprehensive, high volume reporting capabilities and live data access. ReportSmith also supports PC and SQL applications for easy access to Delphi data sets.

"With Delphi Client/Server Suite 2.0 we expect to dramatically reduce the time it takes to deliver commercial-quality applications," said Chris Moreau, client/server development manager at Sara Lee Knit Products, Inc. "Delphi has the programming power of C++, combined with superior performance and unparalleled ease-of-learning. It is the fastest and most versatile development tool on the market today. It's object-oriented architecture allows us to reuse code and integrate our standards in the most efficient way possible."

Delphi Developer 2.0

Delphi Developer 2.0 is an advanced professional product that provides features most sought by network LAN-based developers for fast application development. Some of the new features in Delphi Developer 2.0 include:

- Visual Development Tools -- Like the client/server version, Delphi Developer 2.0 offers the Object Repository for creating shared and reusable forms and data modules. Developers can define and reuse extended field attributes through a scalable Data Dictionary with named attribute sets, while a new Multi-Object Grid now allows for more flexible database applications. The Visual Form Inheritance centralizes changes and makes code easier to maintain. Additionally, Delphi 2.0 includes 100 drag and drop components in the Visual Component Library; InstallShield Express deployment expert; sample OCX controls; the Database Explorer for graphically managing databases; and a new math library with advanced statistical and financial functions.

- Integration with InterBase and ReportSmith -- Delphi Developer 2.0 includes a single user license for the local InterBase server and a copy of ReportSmith 3.0. InterBase comes with an exceptional Windows 95 GUI interface, native 32-bit tools and complete documentation.

"After an exhaustive look at the development tools in the market place, Delphi was the one object-oriented development environment that could build a complete interactive multi-media and business solution," said Brian Turford, Vice President of Touchpoint, a division of ANATEC.

"We have built the most advanced graphical interface in our industry after using Delphi only eight months," said Louis Parks, President of Data Systems Support. "Our speed to market is two to three times faster than most of our competition and has resulted in a direct revenue increase this year. Delphi 2.0 will clearly set new RAD development tool standards in the coming year and give us a strong competitive advantage in the 32-bit marketplace. It is clear Borland will continue to deliver everything a software developer could ask for in a partner."

Delphi Desktop 2.0

Delphi Desktop 2.0 corresponds most closely to Delphi 1.0 for Windows and targets the individual programmer. In addition to offering a broad range of support for Windows 95 and NT development, Delphi provides true 32-bit development, full code compatibility, and easier code sharing with other Windows applications. Some of the new features in Delphi Desktop 2.0 and the other Delphi packages include:

- Sophisticated Windows 95 and NT Development -- With the new Windows 95 components, users can design sophisticated Windows 95 logo-compliant applications. In addition to 32-bit support for long file names, multi-threading and the Win95 API, Delphi includes a complete suite of Windows 95 controls. Full support for Windows 95 OLE controls (OCXs) and OLE Automation controllers and servers is also provided.

- Fast 32-Bit Development -- Delphi 2.0's new native code 32-bit compiler is the world's fastest optimizing native code compiler, compiling at over 350,000 lines per minute. Delphi applications can now run 15 to 50 times faster compared to interpreted P-code, and Delphi's new optimized linker makes .EXEs up to 20 to 25 percent smaller than before. Developers can declare arrays, strings, records and other data structures up to 2 gigabytes in size.

- Full Code Compatibility -- Delphi affords developers the flexibility of staying with Windows 3.1 or migrating to a high powered 32-bit development environment on Windows 95 or NT. Delphi's code compatibility from 16-bit to 32-bit protects developers application investments while they move to new operating systems.

- Easier Code Sharing -- Delphi's native code compiler lets users create reusable DLLs that work with Borland C++, dBASE, Paradox, Microsoft's Visual Basic, and PowerSoft's PowerBuilder, and other Windows applications. DLLs and OLE Automation controllers and servers can be seamlessly integrated into Windows programs, such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Borland C++ and Paradox, among others. Borland C++ developers can leverage their existing work since Delphi 2.0 is built around the same high performance back-end compiler technology as Borland C++.

Pricing

- Delphi Desktop 2.0 -- The Competitive Upgrade for Delphi Desktop 2.0 will be available for an estimated street price of $199.95, and the New User license for $499.95. Through a $50 rebate, existing Delphi customers may upgrade to Delphi 2.0 for $149.95.

- Delphi Developer 2.0 -- The Competitive Upgrade for Delphi Developer 2.0 will be available for an estimated street price of $299.95, and the New User license for $799.95. Existing Delphi customers may use the $50 rebate to upgrade to Delphi 2.0 for $249.95.

- Delphi Client/Server Suite 2.0 -- The New User license will be available for an estimated street price of $1,999.95. Existing Delphi Client/Server customers may upgrade to Delphi Client/Server Suite 2.0 for at estimated street price of $999.95, and Delphi 1.0 customers may upgrade for $1,699.95. Delphi Client/Server Suite 2.0 is free to customers in the Delphi Client/Server Team Solutions maintenance program. For more information, customers can call [phone], extension 1350. All estimated prices are in U.S. dollars and apply only in the United States and Canada. Dealer prices may vary.

Borland: Making Development Easier

Borland International Inc. (NASDAQ:BORL) is a leading provider of products and services targeted to software developers. Borland is distinguished for its high-quality software development tools, which include Delphi, Delphi Client/Server, Borland C++, Visual dBASE, Paradox and InterBase. Borland's award-winning products are supported through comprehensive programs for small- and large-sized software developers, corporate developers, value added resellers and systems integrators. Founded in 1983, Borland is headquartered in Scotts Valley, California. -0-

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