MCG Software announces major upgrade to Object Testing Framework for Smalltalk.

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 1996--MCG Software Inc. today announced its first major upgrade to OTF - An Object Testing Framework(tm) for testing objects generated using IBM(c) VisualAge for Smalltalk(r), and ParcPlace-Digitalk's VisualWorks(tm), Visual Smalltalk(tm) and Visual Smalltalk Enterprise(tm).

OTF is an easy-to-use framework for developing, editing, keeping, sharing and running suites of tests on Smalltalk code and objects. OTF 1.1 represents a major redevelopment and improvement to the first version of OTF, introduced in September 1995. Among the improvements is the segmentation of OTF into three main elements: tools, the test engine, and scripts.

Smalltalk, one of the first object-oriented languages, is widely used because it helps generate software faster than other languages. In Smalltalk, each object is a module made up of both program and data elements. Because objects can be reused, it is not necessary to write new program code (or buy more programs) to meet new needs.

Because of Smalltalk's nature, testing code can often be an elaborate, time consuming and difficult process. Although Smalltalk provides improved time-to-market via rapid prototyping, testing issues often hold up the process.

Written entirely in Smalltalk, OTF provides a new way to test objects and communications between and among objects, thereby reducing total development time through compressed testing and the provision of specific information as to where code needs improvement.

"As Smalltalk moves increasingly into the mission-critical application development arena -- and especially in the conversion of legacy applications -- the need for high-performance testing tools is growing rapidly," said Jeff McKenna, MCG Software's founder and president, "OTF helps address this need in a cost-effective way."

OTF Includes a Test Engine, Testing Tools, and Scripts

OTF provides a detailed level of control while at the same time providing for many degrees of complexity. A primary feature of OTF is its integral test engine -- which provides the ability for the user to run standard or custom tests.

The test engine provides the flexibility to run single object tests, test suites (which are groups of individual object tests), or can also test the entire application.

Test tools provided in OTF include probes, test logs and fixtures as easy-to-understand metaphors. Probes and fixtures can be easily configured to measure and test the code being developed, and provide the flexibility to test a number of code attributes. Test steps are executed by sending a message to an object under test and probing the result against a target value. Over a dozen types of probes are provided and others can be easily added.

Test scripts provided in OTF can become the basis for a series of customized testing routines that the user can configure for each application. Because it is written entirely in Smalltalk, OTF is highly flexible and easily extended, and can work in a mixed operating system environment.

OTF was designed to work across multiple platforms and versions of Smalltalk. Consequently, it is most appropriate for large project development teams with developers and testers who use different computers and platforms.

OTF is one of the first easy-to-use testing frameworks developed to emphasize the sequential nature of testing and the public interface of the objects being tested. Other features of OTF include automatic regression testing with full logging of results, the ability to loop tests and execute conditional code for stress testing, and a simple mechanism for testing user interfaces.

Evaluation Version Available

Although the commercial versions of OTF 1.1 support multiple-user file structures and systems, such as Object Technology International, Inc.'s ENVY(r)/Developer or the Professional Version of IBM VisualAge for Smalltalk, a single-user evaluation version of OTF is available for free 60-day evaluation.

Price and Availability

OTF is available now, directly from MCG Software at 1-800-568-3470 or via http://www.teleport.com/~mcgsoft, and from The Smalltalk Store(tm) (800/787-6389). OTF supports ParcPlace-Digitalk's Visual Smalltalk Enterprise, IBM VisualAge for Smalltalk, and ParcPlace-Digitalk's VisualWorks with ENVY.

OTF 1.1 is available in single-user, five-pack and 20-user "Team Pack" packages, for US$995.00, $4,750.00, and $9,500.00, respectively. Full source code for OTF is supplied. Site Licenses are available. Training, maintenance and support packages are also available from MCG Software Inc. and all products include 90-day money back guarantee.

MCG Software Inc. is a descendent of Jeff McKenna's McKenna Consulting Group, a well-known Smalltalk development and education consulting firm based in Wilsonville, Ore. The company is a member of the IBM Object Connection(tm) program and the Digitalk PARTner Program(tm). MCG Software's mission is to develop products that enhance the speed and quality of Smalltalk software testing. -0-

Note to editors: Review copies of all MCG Software products are available from the persons listed above.

ParcPlace and VisualWorks are registered trademarks and ParcPlace Smalltalk is a trademark of ParcPlace Systems Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif. Visual Smalltalk, the Digitalk PARTner Program and Visual Smalltalk Enterprise are trademarks of Digitalk Inc. IBM, VisualAge, and The IBM Object Connection are trademarks of the International Business Machines Corp.

All other products or services mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective companies. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: In the Internet/email address noted in this news release, there is a "tilde" symbol between http://www.teleport.com/ AND mcgsoft (http://www.teleport.com/~mcgsoft). This symbol may not appear properly in some systems.

CONTACT: Alliance Consulting Group Inc. (for MCG Software Inc.)

Kim Collier, 503/452-5919, Fax: [phone]

kck(at)teleport.com

or

MCG Software Inc.

Jeff McKenna, 503/694-2357, Fax: [phone]

mckenna(at)acg.org