dBASE Inc. Announces Innovative Software Subscription Program; dBASE 7.5, the company's updated 32-bit, Windows-based product, will be available via subscription in October.

SANTA CRUZ, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 13, 1999--

Demonstrating its commitment to the vast dBASE user population, dBASE Inc., now owned and operated by dBASE users and developers, announced today an innovative software subscription program aimed at providing dBASE users with a highly cost-effective way of staying current with dBASE as major new features and functionality are added in the coming years.

Under the umbrella of the dBASE Subscription, users will receive a full new release of dBASE each quarter, complete with documentation updates, samples, third-party add-ons and the incremental dBASE knowledgebase. Distributed on CD-ROM, each release will contain new features as well as bug fixes. The dBASE Subscription will launch next month in conjunction with the release of Visual dBASE 7.5. This first release by dBASE Inc. of the 32-bit, Windows-based version of dBASE's legendary interactive, easy to use database development environment will include the Visual dBASE Web Classes. These new classes leverage the dBASE object-oriented language to deliver unprecedented simplicity to the development of Web and eCommerce CGI applications.

"The subscription model offers huge advantages to the dBASE user and developer," said Alan Katz, founder, president and CEO of dBASE Inc. "For little more than the price of a single traditional 'box style upgrade', subscribers will have the comfort of knowing that bug fixes and new features are never more than 90 days away. The Subscription allows dBASE Inc. to become one of the most responsive software publishers in the industry. This phased approach also makes it easier for users to absorb new releases," Katz said. "We know there are hundreds of thousands of dBASE users out there and we're hoping this subscription program will prompt them to upgrade and join dBASE under the new management team."

Added Ted Blue, a 15-year veteran of dBASE languages, co-author of a book on database development and a highly experienced developer of Windows, client/server and Internet applications, "The new management team is proving to be the best thing that has happened to dBASE users in quite some time. The dBASE Subscription is further indication they are committed to making world-class software for the thousands of dBASE customers still working with the product today."

Great Falls Symphony Gets in Tune With dBASE

Located in Great Falls, Montana, the Great Falls Symphony has been using dBASE since 1987 to manage its sizeable database of subscribers and donors. "dBASE has served a critical application area for us with great reliability over a 12-year period," said Carolyn Valacich, executive director of the Symphony. "An upgraded version of dBASE has afforded Great Falls Symphony greatly improved productivity. We have been delighted with the product, as well as the responsiveness of the new management team."

"We are committed to creating quality products in partnership with our family of developers and users," added Katz. "The initial response to the new management team, our new products, as well as our subscription program has been overwhelmingly positive. We had nearly 900,000 hits to our Web site during August, far exceeding our expectations. We truly believe that as dBASE users find out that the product is alive and well, our sales will grow dramatically. "

Availability and Pricing

Visual dBASE 7.5, which is currently in development, will be available in October. Y2K compliant, it comes in Professional and Client/Server editions. Each edition supports English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish and Italian languages -- all on one CD. The dBASE Subscription costs $299 per year. Existing Visual dBASE 7 customers get the Visual dBASE 7.5 upgrade for free as part of their paid subscription. For others, dBASE Inc. is offering a special bundle that includes Visual dBASE 7.5 and the dBASE Subscription for $499, a $150 discount. For more information about dBASE 7.5 and the dBASE Subscription, visit us at our web site at http://www.dbase2000.com or by calling 888-dBASE-32 (North America) or 607/729-0960 (international).

About dBASE, Inc.

dBASE Inc. is the worldwide publisher of dBASE, the original interactive database environment. dBASE Inc. was founded to satisfy demands from the dBASE community for more frequent releases and better support for this legendary product. dBASE Inc is owned and operated by dBASE users and developers. The company is committed to the continuing enhancement of dBASE, its related technologies, and the future of interactive database environments. Information about dBASE and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.dbase2000.com.