CST Introduces Jacada Version 5.1, Enhanced Java Controls Speed Performance of Legacy-Based Java Enterprise Applications.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 20, 1998--Atlanta-based CST Inc., today announced Version 5.1 of its Jacada(R) family that enhances the performance of using Jacada-generated 100 percent Java graphical client interfaces for its customers' legacy mainframe and AS/400 applications delivered through an extranet or intranet, or over the Internet. Supporting JavaSoft's Java Development Kit (JDK) 1.1, Jacada Version 5.1 also adds capabilities to provide greater re-engineering of legacy applications while simplifying and accelerating the generation of Java clients for mainframe and midrange applications.

CST develops, markets, and supports Jacada -- a family of solutions designed for the rapid extension and modernization of mainframe and AS/400 applications. Jacada automates the generation of feature-rich Java, ActiveX, and Windows graphical interfaces.

The new enhancements that speed the performance of enterprise Java applications were driven by work for CST customers such as Saab Cars USA, Inc., Caterpillar Inc., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., LESCO, Inc. and others who are currently implementing Java graphical client access of host-based applications.

The new release, supporting JDK 1.1, features Java light-weight controls to reduce the size of the downloaded Java applets. In addition, new options in Jacada Version 5.1, such as validity checking, can now be done either on the server or the client, reducing traffic over the network by eliminating the need to transmit data from the client to the server. Finally, Enhanced Method Support - another new feature of Version 5.1 - further extends the sophisticated artificial intelligence methods in Jacada to add greater functionality to a Java enterprise legacy application.

"With enhancements to its performance and the ability to easily re-engineer host-based applications, Jacada continues to gain support among developers who are using Java to gain greater flexibility in designing their applications and adding greater functionality to existing legacy applications," said Laura Schwartz, Manager, Systems Engineering, CST Inc. "Even with the additional capabilities, the Jacada product family requires little or no training and can be easily adopted by a wide range of companies and users."

In addition, CST with its new release continues to enhance integration with other development environments such as Synon/2E, a popular development environment for AS/400 environments. Synon Corporation, based in Larkspur, CA, utilizes Jacada technology to permit all Synon/2E developed, host-based applications to be immediately deployed as feature-rich graphical applications in Web-enabled transaction processing environments. The new capabilities in Jacada Version 5.1 provide the foundation to more easily integrate Jacada with other development environments, particularly with mainframe applications.

About CST

Founded in 1990, Atlanta-based CST Inc., develops, markets and supports solutions designed for the rapid extension and modernization of mainframe and AS/400 applications. The CST Jacada(R) family of products automates the generation of feature-rich Java, ActiveX and Windows graphical interfaces. The Jacada family utilizes the power of the CST KnowledgeBase, the industry's only AI-based engine that automates the analysis and conversion of host application interfaces (3270 and 5250) and the generation and maintenance of feature-rich graphical clients. The CST KnowledgeBase is comprised of more than 700 rules-based pattern definitions with associated graphical control representations. Customers include leading Independent Software Vendors, Value Added Resellers and large multinational corporate accounts. CST can be reached by visiting its web site (http://www.cst.com). Readers who want additional information should call CST at 1-800-773-9574.

CONTACT: NEI Communications, 781-239-2949

Carl Nelson, [e-mail]

Rob Lancaster, [e-mail]