Microrim to release R:BASE 5.5 for Windows and OS/2; 32-bit Windows relational database software now offers new graphical interface and design tools.

BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 1995--Microrim Inc., a subsidiary of Abacus Software Group, announced today that it will release a new version of its flagship R:BASE database software, for both the Windows(TM) and OS/2 platforms.

The company will demonstrate R:BASE 5.5, along with R:WEB -- the Internet-ready version of R:BASE -- at the Las Vegas-based Comdex Trade Show Nov. 13-17.

The first major release since R:BASE moved into the Windows and OS/2 arenas, Version 5.5 adds a new graphical user interface and design tool set for creating truly powerful database applications.

Version 5.5 builds on the powerful, 32-bit, classic relational database for which R:BASE has become well known. Because previous versions of R:BASE have been developed in a 32-bit environment, Version 5.5 is far ahead of most competitive database software programs that are just now releasing their first version written to Win32 specifications. R:BASE for Windows features Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) and is fully compatible with Windows NT, Windows 95, OS/2 Warp V3 and DOS.

R:BASE 5.5 offers the exceptional functionality users have come to expect from previous R:BASE versions, but now takes advantage of the Windows and Presentation Manager environments. R:BASE 5.5 for Windows will ship in November; R:BASE 5.5 for OS/2 PM will in December. Both version have a suggested retail price of $495. Microrim will also ship its DOS version of R:BASE 5.5 by the end of the year. It has a suggested retail price of $795. Upgrades are available for $195. Microrim sells R:BASE direct to corporate customers as well as offering the product through various retail and distribution channels.

R:BASE comes network-ready and supports multi-user options. The programming language written into the software enables non-programmers to easily build applications using powerful fourth-generation language (4GL) with embedded ANSI SQL.

Level 2 SQL standards are embedded in the R:BASE Windows and OS/2 software, rather than an SQL shell typical of competitive database software programs. The embedded software enables users to use R:BASE and SQL commands interchangeably, and work nearly seamlessly between different database programs. All R:BASE features and database tools, such as Application Express, Reports and Forms Generators, and Query By Example (QBE), are easily accessible to novice users through the R:BASE Main Menu, Tool Bar and Object Manager.

"R:BASE 5.5 for Windows and OS/2 positions R:BASE as the premier database program for users and application developers with demanding database needs," says Art Miller, president and CEO of Microrim. "Our product development team has been busy improving R:BASE, making it easier and even more functional for our users, especially for those companies conducting business on the Internet."

R:BASE 5.5 features a new form Designer Tool Bar and many new design tools -- combo boxes, radio buttons, check boxes, formatted borders, and pre-defined push buttons. Additional form design enhancements include the ability to lasso multiple objects, new graphical-style popup menus, drawing order for stacked objects, improved design tools for regions and tiers, and new scrollable page sizes for improved usability. Also new to R:BASE 5.5 is a new Report Designer Tool Bar complete with a new vertical ruler, improved report margin settings, and section break settings.

Additional, high-performance features available in R:BASE are:

-- true relational structure -- ensures that groups of related data remain over numerous tables, minimizing database maintenance and insuring data integrity while offering easy access to information, regardless of how it is structured or stored;

-- 32-bit environment -- offers industry-leading efficiency in touring and retrieving data, and since R:BASE was developed to the Win32's(TM) specifications, it will be fully compatible with Windows NT, Windows '95 and OS/2(TM) Warp V3;

-- cross-platform capability -- users can open the same database and run the same application simultaneously with R:BASE 5.5 for Windows, R:BASE 4.5++ for DOS and R:BASE 5.5 for OS/2 PM;

-- seamless upgrade from DOS to Windows -- R:BASE for DOS users can easily transfer their databases and applications to R:BASE for Windows with its built-in utilities;

-- graphics capability -- pictures and graphics can be stored in databases, including images in .TIF, .BMP, .PCX, and .GIF file formats; users can also easily access the full spectrum of Windows fonts and colors;

-- powerful command line prompt -- the R:BASE R> prompt provides convenient access to R:BASE data, allowing the users to change query parameters instantly, directly access ad hoc information and list individual elements of the data dictionary;

-- Application Express(TM) application developer -- this innovative tool enables any user to easily develop and utilize intricate applications without writing a single line of program code.

Microrim, founded in 1981, was among the first companies to market databases for personal computers. Privately held until March 1995, Microrim is a wholly owned subsidiary of the publicly held Abacus Software Group (ASG). ASG also owns the Edmonton-based Abacus Accounting Systems Inc., producer of the Abacus II accounting software. The Microrim product line includes R:BASE 5.5 for Windows, R:BASE 5.5 for OS/2 PM, R:BASE 4.5++ for DOS, R:BASE R:WEB, R:BASE LAN Pack, R:BASE SQL Engine 2.0 for Windows, R:SCOPE, R:BASE Runtime, Westlake Imager, Zolton Graphics and R:BASE books and journals. Microrim headquarters are located at 15395 S.E. 30th Place, Bellevue, WA 98007. Microrim's web site is http://www.microrim.com. -0-

Note to Editors: For more press information on Microrim or to request software for evaluation, please call Jodi Sorensen, Marketing and Media Relations Manager at 206/649-2534, or e-mail at [e-mail].

Microrim, R:BASE and R:WEB are registered trademarks of Microrim Inc. OS/2 is a registered trademark of the IBM Corp. Other products listed may be trademarks of their respective companies and have been used for identification purposes only.

CONTACT: Microrim Inc., Bellevue

Jodi Sorensen, 206/649-2534 or fax [phone]

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Internet: http://www.microrim.com

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Belinda Young Public Relations

Belinda Young, 206/932-3145

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The Fearey Group

Michael Flynn, 206/343-1543

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