Pervasive Software Announces Developers Kit.

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 1998--

I*net Data Server, Native ActiveX Controls and Pure Java API Let

Developers Write Single Code Set for Both Networked and

Mobile/Internet Environments

Pervasive Software Inc. (NASDAQ:PVSW) today announced the new Pervasive.SQL Software Developers Kit(TM) (SDK). This comprehensive collection of rapid-application development resources includes the I*net Data Server, ActiveX controls, a pure Java API, and support for all major Windows development environments to dramatically speed development of applications based on Pervasive's ultralight, embedded database engine.

The I*net Data Server utility lets developers write Pervasive.SQL-based applications in any of the most popular Windows development environments and run them as Web-based or Internet-based client/server solutions. The I*net Data Server provides a direct connection to Pervasive-based data over the Internet, intranets or extranets. This connection utilizes the same transactional access method to data as experienced with LAN/WAN-based applications running over the network. Developers can create a single-user workstation and multi-user client/server solutions as well as Internet-based mobile applications without cumbersome scripting languages or multi-layered data access methods.

"Until now, developers and end-users had to write entirely different applications for internal networks and Internet and mobile users. The new Pervasive.SQL SDK now lets them write a single Pervasive-based application for both, using the tools they are most comfortable with--including state-of-the-art, component-based Java or ActiveX controls," said Rob Reinauer, chief technology officer for Pervasive. "The SDK's write-once, deploy-anywhere functionality makes it tremendously easy for developers to create Pervasive-based applications without sacrificing the speed and high-performance they've grown accustomed to with the Pervasive engine." Direct ActiveX Components and Java Libraries Streamline Development

The new SDK encapsulates native ActiveX access to the Pervasive.SQL interface, enabling developers to write directly to the database from popular Delphi and Visual Basic environments. These ActiveX components reduce the amount of code developers need to write to create packaged applications and offers a push-button, point-and-click development environment to automatically manage the database connection, issue queries and responses, and navigate through query results.

Applications built on Pervasive.SQL also integrate with third party database controls like APEX's True DBGRID and Sheridan Data Widgets so developers can leverage their investment in their products. Because the ActiveX controls are specifically designed to integrate with the native Pervasive.SQL API instead of ODBC, they deliver lightning-fast data access and increase application performance while streamlining development efforts.

Pervasive.SQL SDK gives the convenience and speed of writing code in quick, familiar languages such as Visual Basic, while retaining the lightning-fast performance of Pervasive.SQL applications developed in C++. It also features:

-- Support for all Major Development Environments--Developers now have support for Microsoft Visual Studio (Visual Basic and Visual C++), Inprise (Delphi, C++ Builder, Jbuilder) and Symantec Visual Cafe. The SDK also supports C, C++, Java and Cobol programming languages.

-- Pervasive.SQL Workstation Engine--The SDK includes a copy of the Pervasive.SQL single-user workstation engine, which lets developers test their applications as they are developed.

-- Developer's Resource Center--An interactive learning center provides developers with answers to the most popular Pervasive.SQL development and technical support questions.

-- ODBC Driver--Developers can choose their favorite ODBC-based reporting, decision support and design tools.

-- ActiveX Controls--A control suite provides programming flexibility in connecting applications to data--with simple point and click setup in many cases--enabling development and execution of operations without extensive coding.

-- Java Class Library--The SDK also includes a Java Native Interface (JNI) and Java class libraries, allowing developers true object oriented programming with Pervasive.SQL. Pricing and Availability

Pervasive.SQL SDK is now available through Pervasive's North American channel of over 12,000 independent software vendors (ISVs) and value added resellers (VARs) on Microsoft Windows NT(R) and Novell NetWare(R) platforms, with client support for DOS, Windows NT, Windows 95(TM), Windows(R) 3.x, Windows 98(R) and OS/2.

The SDK will be sold through the end of this year for a promotional price of $149. Thereafter, the standard base price of the product will be $295. The Pervasive.SQL SDK is also available with a subscription service, which sends updates and additional resources for an annual cost of $595. The Pervasive.SQL SDK can be purchased over the Internet starting on September 30, at www.pervasive.com. Pervasive Ships Pervasive.SQL Workstation Engine

Separately, Pervasive also announced the shipment of the Pervasive.SQL workstation engine. Developers using the new Pervasive.SQL workstation engine can now write and deploy robust, full-featured remote applications that can be run in Pervasive-based client/server environments. The new workstation engine also allows Pervasive-based client/server applications to run in remote, occasionally-connected environments. This full compatibility between workstation and client/server environments is accomplished without code changes, dramatically expanding the market potential for Pervasive-based applications. About Pervasive

Pervasive Software Inc., formerly known as Btrieve Technologies, is a leading provider of low-maintenance, ultralight database software for the cost-effective deployment and support of packaged client/server applications. The company's Pervasive.SQL database engine is well suited for integration by software developers building reliable, scalable and rapidly deployable business critical applications. Pervasive products enable independent software vendors (ISVs) and value added resellers (VARs) to deliver packaged client/server applications that provide robust functionality and low overall cost of ownership to end users. The company's channel-driven approach to selling, marketing, and supporting its products caters to the specific needs of ISVs, VARs, in-house development organizations and the business environments they serve.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Pervasive Software offers worldwide distribution, with offices in Frankfurt, Paris, London, Brussels, Dublin, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. For more information on Pervasive call 800/287-4383 or 512/794-1719, or visit the World Wide Web at www.pervasive.com, or email [e-mail].

Pervasive, Pervasive Software, Pervasive.SQL, & Scalable SQL are trademarks of Pervasive Software Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Editor's Note: The Pervasive Software Developers Kit is available for review. Please contact Bill Keeler at Schwartz Communications (781/684-0770, [e-mail]) for details. In the product name "I*net Data Server" noted in this news release, there is an "asterisk" symbol between I and net. This symbol may not appear properly in some systems.