Halcyon Software Introduces Instant Basic for Java; Visual Basic-like Environment Allows Developers to Create Java-Based Applications and Migrate Visual Basic Applications to Java.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 1998--Halcyon Software, Inc., an innovative provider of solutions that allow developers of all skill levels to reap the benefits of Java(TM) technology, today introduced Instant Basic(TM) for Java.

An easy-to-use, visual development environment similar to -- and compatible with -- Microsoft(R) Visual Basic(R). Instant Basic for Java (IB4J) is a solution that allows developers to both migrate existing Visual Basic applications to the Java platform and to create new Java-based applications. The new software will be showcased at Sun Microsystems JavaOne(TM) Developer Conference, March 24-27, 1998 in Halcyon's booth No. 744, and VBITS '98, March 24-26.

"Instant Basic for Java opens up a new range of possibilities for the 3-4 million developers with Visual Basic expertise," said Don Hsi, president of Halcyon Software. "Java technology is rapidly being accepted by the same corporate MIS and IT departments that have embraced Visual Basic. Instant Basic for Java allows those developers to leverage their existing skills to create new applications and, at the same time, provides a means to migrate existing VB applications to the Java platform. Anyone with Visual Basic experience can create Java-based solutions without learning how to use a completely new development tool or the Java language."

"Java is of interest to many Visual Basic programmers, but most of these developers want to avoid learning a new language and tool," said John R. Rymer, president of Upstream Consulting, an analysis and consulting firm in Emeryville, Calif. "Halcyon's combination of programming solutions and migration technology gives VB developers a real springboard into the world of Java."

"We are pleased to see today's announcement from Halcyon," said Dr. Lew Tucker, director of strategic relations at Sun Microsystems' JavaSoft division. "Instant Basic for Java demonstrates the power and flexibility of the Java platform. It is an excellent tool for developers familiar with Visual Basic who want to move on to the Java platform."

About Instant Basic for Java

IB4J is a 4GL rapid development environment which utilizes Halcyon Software's powerful compiler and RAD technology. IB4J's simple, yet powerful interface is similar enough to Visual Basic that seasoned VB programmers will feel comfortable creating new Java applications the first time they use IB4J. IB4J provides developers with a complete solution to create, compile, debug and deploy Java-based solutions. Its powerful, simple and flexible interface make IB4J ideal for developing everything from small applets to complex data access applications.

IB4J includes a compiler that compiles VB source code directly to Pure Java bytecode as either applets or standalone applications/packages. This unique compiler technology allows IB4J users to visually debug Java applications (bytecode) at the VB source code level. Furthermore, IB4J's support for VB (versions 3,4, & 5) breathes new life into existing VB applications and legacy code. Instead of rewriting these applications from scratch, they can be imported by IB4J and recompiled as cross platform Java applications. -0-

     In addition to its powerful compiler, IB4J includes a number of
useful tools and features, including:

-- an event-based Code Editor
-- a Form Painter
-- a Menu Editor (for quickly placing and activating menus)
-- a Project Browser (for easy Navigation through all components)
-- full support for JavaBeans and external Java classes
-- runtime support for ActiveX components (available separately, free
   of charge)

-0-

IB4J will be available in both Standard and Professional editions. The Professional Edition comes bundled with the Instant Converter(TM) and the Instant Installer(TM). In addition, the Professional Edition includes Professional Controls, ActiveX support (Windows environment only), DAO/RDO support with JDBC and is bundled with an evaluation version of Cloudscape's JBMS(TM), the leading Java-SQL Object-Relational Database system for next generation highly distributed applications.

"We are delighted that Halcyon chose to bundle our JBMS database management system with the Halcyon software," said Malcolm Colton, VP Marketing, Cloudscape Inc. "This gives Halcyon customers the ability to start building database application right out of the box. Using Halcyon, customers can rapidly develop Java applications. With the addition of Cloudscape's JBMS, application development is even faster because customers don't have to write data management themselves, but instead embed JBMS into the application." -0-

     In addition, Halcyon will make two components of the complete
IB4J environment available as standalone products.

--   The Instant Converter allows developers to migrate existing VB
     applications to the Java language. Different from the IB4J
     compiler, the Instant Converter generates Java code from VB
     source code. The converter's features and support for VB are very
     similar to those of the IB4J compiler.

--   The Instant Installer is a 100% Pure Java certified, lightweight,
     yet full-featured integrated application deployment and
     distribution solution. The Instant Installer allows developers to
     create single-step installation files that can be executed on any
     Java-enabled platform. The Instant Installer provides support for
     a number of installation features, including serial number
     generation, creating and saving of multiple distribution
     configurations, installation options (e.g. Compact, Typical,
     Custom), promotional side screens during installation, Java
     Virtual Machine auto detection, and more.

-0-

"We are delighted to award Halcyon Software's Instant Installer 100% Pure Java certification," said George Paolini, director of corporate marketing at Sun Microsystems' JavaSoft division. "This product will assist developers create installation files that leverage the Java platforms' 'Write Once, Run Anywhere(TM)' capability."

Availability and Pricing

The Instant Basic for Java family of products is currently available. Pricing for the Instant Basic for Java Standard Edition is $99, and for the Instant Basic for Java Professional Edition is $795. Pricing for the Instant Converter is $295, while the Instant Installer is $99.

About Halcyon Software

Halcyon Software, Inc. focuses on Java technology and its useful application in the marketplace. Halcyon creates innovative tools that help developers -- particularly Visual Basic developers -- leverage the skills they already possess to quickly and easily migrate existing applications to the Java platform and produce new Java-based Internet/Intranet applications. Founded in 1990, Halcyon is based in San Jose. More information about the company may be obtained by calling 408/998-1998 or by visiting the company's Website at www.halcyonsoft.com. -0-

Note to Editors: Instant Basic for Java, Instant Basic Converter and Instant Basic Compiler are trademarks of Halcyon software, Inc. Sun, Sun Microsystems, Java, 100% Pure Java, JavaBeans, JDBC, and JavaOne are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other terms and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners, and are hereby acknowledged.

For a complete discussion of IB4J features and benefits, see "Instant Basic for Java: Product Backgrounder"

CONTACT: Halcyon Software, Inc.

Don Hsi, 408/998-1998

[e-mail]

or

Sterling Communications, Inc.

Carol Nash, 408/441-4100

[e-mail]