DataEase extends line with new development tools.

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 26, 1997--

Strategic partnership for future products announced, early

adopters program and conversion service introduced

Sapphire International Ltd., owner, author and distributor of the award-winning DataEase database products, today announced a strategic partnership with InterMax Solutions Inc., of San Mateo, Calif., U.S.A., to provide DataEase with new and evolving technologies.

The DataEase line of products is now extended with scalable, multi-dimensional, easy-to-use rapid application development, deployment and maintenance tools for state-of-the-art (WIN95, NT) and emerging intraprise platforms. The new DataEase products address Oracle, Informix, and other standard SQL engines, as well as DataEase, and are immediately available as part of Early Adopters Program in the U.S., U.K., and Scandinavia.

In addition to launching the new products, Sapphire also unveiled a new service to convert existing DataEase desktop applications to client/server architectures.

"The extended DataEase line offers a range of development choices, especially for DataEase users who will find a familiar look and feel to the new tools," said Stephen Page, CEO of Sapphire International, which began selling DataEase in the U.K. in 1983. "The hallmark of the DataEase product line has always been power and ease-of-use. We're continuing that tradition in the object-oriented realm with client/server and advanced capabilities. Now," continued Page, "when developers turn to a tool for help, they will no longer need to wait three to six months before beginning to produce powerful C/S applications. Rather, they will be able to get going within a few weeks while saving literally months of coding effort early on."

Under the terms of the agreement, Page said that InterMax Solutions will be responsible for future development and serve as a solutions provider using the DataEase products and will be the first provider of the Conversion Services. Sapphire will manufacture as well as provide international marketing and sales for the products.

Sapphire has opened an office in the U.S. in Stratford, Conn. (203/386-9208) to support the new products and service, and is working with distributors, including MultiWare Inc. (distributor of the DataEase DOS and Windows products), as well as software services companies and consulting companies.

Les McNeill, president and CEO of InterMax Solutions, said his company "brings a strong development team with powerful technologies and a proven consulting service to the agreement. Sapphire provides international reach and global experience," said McNeill. "DataEase commands an installed base in the millions, many with extensive and mission critical DataEase applications. These users will be among the first to create new DataEase applications as well as benefit from the new DataEase Conversion Service."

High end DataEase products feature a powerful business rules repository that facilitates the entire life cycle of code. "Over the years, we've learned you don't develop an application and simply walk away," said McNeill. "Needs change. Maintenance may be more important than the initial development. Today deployment of the original application and the changes are both difficult to deliver. That's why it's important to offer a full line of scalable, multi-dimensional RAD2 products."

McNeill defined RAD2 tools as rapid application development and deployment coupled with ease of application maintenance. "We built the new DataEase products to be the first RAD2 tools," he said.

Page added, "Some companies have already mandated a move to new platforms. Many others are looking to extend their desktop applications. With a full line of DataEase products to choose from, corporations now can effectively control development with the right resource and budget commitments to get the job done."

Sapphire International Ltd. is headquartered in London, and is the publisher of the DataEase line of products in addition to distributing a variety of corporate software products in the worldwide market.

InterMax Solutions Inc. is headquartered in San Mateo, Calif., and is a leading provider of both development technologies and applications solutions for mission critical corporate environments.

CONTACT: Sapphire International Ltd., Stratford

Richard Zboray, 203/386-9208

[e-mail]

or

Sapphire International Ltd., London

Caroline Norris, [phone]

[e-mail]

or

InterMax Solutions Inc., San Mateo

Laurie Bateman, 415/358-5900

[e-mail]