KL Group Announces JClass 4.0 Enterprise-Ready Java Components With Optimized Support for Java 2.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 15, 1999--

KL Group Inc., a leading provider of GUI components and advanced Java development tools, announced today at JavaOne in San Francisco, the release of its next generation of 100% Pure Java(TM) GUI components, JClass 4.0.

JClass is a comprehensive collection of tools and components for building professional interfaces for Java-based applications.

JClass 4.0 features a substantially rewritten code base that provides optimized support for Swing and Sun Microsystems', (Nasdaq:SUNW) Java 2. Support for the new 2D API allows JClass to provide powerful new graphics capabilities such as pattern fills in JClass Chart and JClass PageLayout allowing charts to look great even in monochrome environments.

Full support for PLAF is also available allowing applications to match their platform.

"JClass 4.0 represents a major evolution in the JClass line," said Saeed Khan, JClass product manager at KL Group. "JClass 4.0 components are built for development teams that really need to leverage the full power and flexibility of the Java 2 platform. With the 4.0 release, developers are getting more functionality, from a smaller, faster package."

JClass 4.0 new features include -0-

     --   Leaner components -- reduced in size by as much as 30% over
          previous versions

     --   Pluggable architecture -- allows developers to customize
          components and reduce file sizes

     --   New input methods -- support for internationalization such
          as Japanese language character sets

     --   HTML support -- can be used virtually anywhere text is
          displayed in a JClass JavaBean.

     --   IDE support -- JClass SwingSuite now includes JavaBeans, for
          use in popular Integrated Development Environments

     --   GIF or PNG output for any JClass or Swing component

     --   PCL, EPS and PDF output via JClass PageLayout

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JClass 4.0 introduces a new product, JarMaster, a unique utility enabling rapid JAR building prior to deployment. JClass JarMaster is included with the JClass Enterprise Suite, which comprises all the products needed for building robust and scalable GUI applications. It makes the reduction of class sizes before application deployment an easy matter, rather than a major chore.

The JClass family includes: -0-

     --   JClass LiveTable -- essential Java grid for creating
          professional tables and forms

     --   JClass Chart -- powerful charting and graphing, with
          multiple chart types

     --   JClass HiGrid -- unique RAD outline grid for managing,
          displaying and updating relational data

     --   JClass DataSource -- robust, hierarchical multiple-platform
          data source

     --   JClass Field -- data validation and input for a range of
          popular data types

     --   JClass PageLayout -- for embedding professional printing
          capabilities in Java applications

     --   JClass JarMaster -- unique utility for optimizing class
          sizes before deployment

     --   JClass SwingSuite -- comprehensive collection of
          enhancements to the basic Swing toolkit

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Pricing and Availability

JClass 4.0 will ship at the end of June 1999. JClass products are available separately or in a Standard or Enterprise Suite with pricing starting at $1,499 US (including 1 year of support and upgrades). The Suites are available for evaluation or purchase at www.klgroup.com/jclass. Bytecode and source code versions are also available.

About KL Group Inc.

KL Group has been making software developers more productive since 1989. KL Group products include JProbe advanced Java development tools and the JClass family of 100% Pure Java certified JavaBeans. KL Group has received numerous awards from prestigious sources including Arthur Andersen, UNIX Review, PROFIT Magazine and Information Week.

Several JClass JavaBeans have been bundled by Java IDE publishers including Inprise, IBM, Symantec, Sybase, NetBeans, Progress, and Sun. Products are sold and supported worldwide through qualified resellers, KL Group's European headquarters in Amsterdam and worldwide headquarters in Toronto. Visit KL Group on the Web at: http://www.klgroup.com.

Note to Editors: JProbe and JClass are trademarks of KL Group Inc. All other brand names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.