Reflection Adds OLE Automation for No-risk Client/Server Migration; Version 5.0 upgrade takes users well beyond terminal emulation.SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 1995--WRQ, a leader in PC connectivity software, today announced version 5.0 of its Reflection for Windows PC An x86-based computer that runs some version of Windows. See x86 and Windows. connectivity software for access to UNIX UNIX Operating system for digital computers, developed by Ken Thompson of Bell Laboratories in 1969. It was initially designed for a single user (the name was a pun on the earlier operating system Multics). , Digital and Hewlett-Packard hosts. The version 5.0 release is packed with new functionality and raises the bar for host connectivity software. The OLE (object linking and embedding See OLE. (operating system) Object Linking and Embedding - (OLE) A distributed object system and protocol from Microsoft, also used on the Acorn Archimedes. OLE allows an editor to "farm out" part of a document to another editor and then reimport it. ) Automation capability offers customers a high-powered, object-model approach to building basic client/server solutions for end users, without gambling their current investments in host systems, applications and data. WRQ (WRQ, Inc., Seattle, WA, www.wrq.com) A software company that specialized in terminal emulation and NT-Unix integration products. Founded in 1981 as Walker Richer and Quinn, Inc., a consulting firm in minicomputer and mainframe applications, it introduced an HP terminal emulator for the has also provided a new, Microsoft Office-compatible user interface, as well as a full set of new management tools. "With OLE Automation See COM automation. and the new, `Microsoft Office-like' interface, corporate IS managers can give their users client/server benefits without the expense or risk of replacing and re-engineering their current information systems," said Rob Spence Rob Spence (born October 10, 1958) is the offensive coordinator of the men's football program at Clemson University. Prior to coming to Clemson, he served as offensive coordinator at Toledo, Louisiana Tech, and Hofstra. , product marketing manager for Reflection for Windows. "Reflection for Windows has evolved into a host/server access tool that makes it possible to provide information access across the enterprise to virtually any user." Products being upgraded to version 5.0 include the market-leading Reflection 1 for HP 3000 and 9000 connectivity, Reflection 2 for VT420 and ANSI terminal A display terminal that follows commands in the ANSI standard terminal language. Uses escape sequences to control the cursor, clear the screen and set colors, for example. Communications programs support the ANSI terminal mode and often default to this terminal emulation for dial-up (UNIX, Digital and BBS (1) (Bulletin Board System) A computer system used as an information source and forum for a particular interest group. They were widely used in the U.S. ) connectivity, and Reflection 4 for VT340 (Digital graphics plus all the terminal types supported in Reflection 2) connectivity. Reflection Basic and OLE Automation Add Basic Client/Server Capabilities Version 5.0 includes Reflection Basic, a new object-based scripting language A high-level programming, or command, language that is interpreted (translated on the fly) rather than compiled ahead of time. A scripting, or script, language may be a general-purpose programming language or it may be limited to specific functions used to augment the running of an that is Visual Basic-compatible. It can be used to automate repetitive tasks, such as information downloads, and to build user-friendly graphical front-ends for users who need to access host data. The system manager or an advanced user can create a Reflection Basic script that directs the Reflection connectivity software to access host data. Reflection Basic then uses OLE Automation to automatically transfer that data into a spreadsheet or other OLE-compatible PC application. Reflection for Windows includes source and dialog editors, as well as a debugger, to use when building Basic scripts. Reflection's built-in script recorder also makes it easy to automate connection and login sequences, file transfers and access to host session data, producing either Visual Basic or Reflection Basic scripts. By combining these scripts with custom toolbar A row or column of on-screen buttons used to activate functions in the application. Many toolbars are customizable, letting you add and delete buttons as required. Toolbars may be fixed in position or may float, which means they can be dragged to a more convenient location in the buttons, keyboard maps, or more elaborate user interfaces, system managers can create user-friendly front-ends for host sessions and applications. Current Reflection users will appreciate version 5.0's full support for the earlier Reflection command language (RCL RCL - Reduced Control Language. A simplified job control language for OS360, translated to IBM JCL. "Reduced Control Language for Non- Professional Users", K. Appel in Command Languages, C. Unger ed, N-H 1973. ); the new version includes a tool for converting existing RCL scripts into Reflection Basic scripts. "We love the new scripting language," said Michael Hudson, PC systems specialist at the Writers Guild of America The Writers Guild of America is a term often referring to the joint efforts of the Writers Guild of America, East and the Writers Guild of America, west. Jointly, the two guilds act as the collective bargaining representative, or labor union, for writers in the motion picture and in West Hollywood, Calif. "It is so versatile, so easy to use and so powerful. We have written scripts to do weekly downloads of member and production company information from our HP 3000 to an HP Netserver to Paradox tables. It was very easy to set up, and now I don't have to be in the office when this regular download occurs." New Microsoft Office-compatible Interface Makes Connections Easy Host connectivity applications are now used by a wider range of corporate users than ever before, so WRQ applied extensive usability lab and field tests to version 5.0, resulting in a dramatically improved user interface that is more intuitive, logical and graphical. Users familiar with Microsoft Office will find it easy to launch connections using the new "Office-like" toolbar and the tab dialogs. The new Connection and Phone directories make it easy to select from common connection options. The new Best Network feature does not require the user to know what types of network connections to use; Reflection automatically tries the most likely options. Once the first connection is made, version 5.0 can easily launch other Reflection sessions, even to a different type of host, as well as switch between multiple sessions at the click of a button. Version 5.0's full-functioned modem dialer makes it easy for Reflection users on the road to dial into their worldwide corporate network. The new graphical phone directory includes predefined dialing plans for all major calling cards, international calling codes, and specific access codes (e.g. dial "9" to get out). The new modem dialer also provides full bulletin board access, eliminating the need for a separate communications product to provide access to on-line services. In addition, Reflection 2 and Reflection 4 for Windows provide ANSI terminal support and industry standard file transfer protocols A list of notable file transfer protocols: List of file transfer protocols Primarily used with TCP/IP
in full file transfer protocol Internet protocol that allows a computer to send files to or receive files from another computer. Like many Internet resources, FTP works by means of a client-server architecture; the user runs client software to connect to , Zmodem and SuperKermit. Also for mobile users, Reflection includes keyboard map defaults for the most common laptop computers available. From the road, the end user can use drag-and-drop keyboard mapping to easily map the laptop keyboard to the host keyboard, as well as map scripts and special character keys. New Site Management Tools Reflection now provides an extensive set of system management information, which is critical for corporate help desks that must troubleshoot via the telephone or from a remote location. With Version 5.0, system managers can even create their own custom help to address unique site situations or to deal with commonly asked questions. The new Reflection Profiler helps network managers control which Reflection features they wish to make available to users. For example, a network manager may want to disable some features to simplify the product for users who only require basic connectivity, versus automating multiple configurations for a "power user." Designed to Integrate Seamlessly with Entire Reflection Product Family WRQ's Reflection products are designed to meet the high quality standards required by corporate IS departments. Each product is designed to integrate seamlessly with other Reflection products, as well as other industry-standard networking software. Thanks to a common user interface, Reflection users who have learned one WRQ product can easily use another, without requiring additional training. Reflection for Windows 5.0 is fully compatible with the recently announced Reflection Network Series version 5.0 (TCP/IP TCP/IP in full Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Standard Internet communications protocols that allow digital computers to communicate over long distances. , IPX/SPX See IPX. , LAT, NS/VT, NFS (Network File System) The file sharing protocol in a Unix network. This de facto Unix standard, which is widely known as a "distributed file system," was developed by Sun. See file sharing protocol and WebNFS. NFS - Network File System and NetBIOS), the Reflection Suite for X version 5.0, Reflection for the AS/400 version 4.2 and Reflection 3270 version 4.2. The current 16-bit Reflection products are compatible with the Windows '95 and NT operating systems; native 32-bit versions are also in development. Customers with current maintenance agreements with receive the 32-bit versions for no additional charge. Pricing and Availability Reflection for Windows version 5.0 will be available in August 1995. List price starts at $299 (US) for a single user copy. Volume and site license pricing are also available. Competitive upgrades are available for $99 (US). Site license customers with current maintenance agreements will receive the products at no charge; other Reflection customers may upgrade for $99. A CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). and diskettes are included. Reflection for Windows can be purchased directly from WRQ or from a worldwide network of distributors, resellers and value-added resellers. WRQ's quality technical support is included at no extra charge. About WRQ WRQ makes PC software that connects personal computer users to enterprise computers and information networks. WRQ offers Reflection products for connections to IBM (International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, www.ibm.com) The world's largest computer company. IBM's product lines include the S/390 mainframes (zSeries), AS/400 midrange business systems (iSeries), RS/6000 workstations and servers (pSeries), Intel-based servers (xSeries) , UNIX, Digital and HP host systems. The company is also a leader in TCP/IP connectivity and products for the X Window System. This diverse expertise allows WRQ to build partnerships with its customers, working with them to understand and support their complex business and information needs. With headquarters in Seattle and a worldwide distribution network, WRQ had sales of $89 million in 1994. For more information, contact WRQ, 1500 Dexter Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98109. Phone: 800-872-2829 or 206/217-7100. CONTACT: WRQ Sue Hartford, 206/217-7391 or sueh@wrq.com Rob Spence, 206/217-7500 or robsp@wrq.com |
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