Date: Tue, 9 Feb 93 10:04:20 -0800 From: Conrad_Geiger To: user_groups@next.com Subject: v6.4 - NeXT Nugget News Digest (vol. 6, issue 4, February, 1993 NeXT Nugget News Digest (vol. 6, issue 4, February, 1993) *** TABLE OF CONTENTS *** NeXTSTEP DEVELOPER SOLUTIONS ANNOUNCEMENTS (Fall 1992/January) => 10. VERSANT Object Database Management System for NeXT => 11. ParcPlace Introduces VisualWorks => 12. Servare Shipping NeXT Compatible Multi-Session PHOTO CD ROM Player with Free PHOTO CD Reading Software Conrad Geiger Manager, International NeXT User Group Program (over 420 groups worldwide) P.S. To be added or deleted from this distribution or to submit items for the Nugget Digest, send email to "user_groups@next.com." ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ NeXTSTEP DEVELOPER SOLUTIONS ANNOUNCEMENTS (Fall 1992/January) => 10. VERSANT Object Database Management System for NeXT Versant Object Technology 4500 Bohannon Drive Menlo Park CA 94025 Phone: 800-VERSANT Phone: 415-329-7549 FAX: 415-325-2380 VERSANT SHIPS FIRST ODBMS FOR NeXT Special Introductory Offer Menlo Park, CA, January 5, 1993 -- Versant Object Technology Corporation today announced that it has shipped its object database management system (ODBMS) for the NeXT line of computers. Versant has developed this new version as part of an agreement with one of NeXT's large customers, Williams Telecommunications (WilTel) of Houston, Texas. The VERSANT ODBMS for NeXT supports both C and C++ development and is the first and only commercially available ODBMS for NeXT computers. "I'm pleased that VERSANT is the first production ODBMS available for NeXT," said Steven P. Jobs, Chairman and CEO of NeXT. "Now developers can use NeXTstep and VERSANT to create and deploy complex object-based applications which would be impossible with conventional technology." The VERSANT ODBMS is the leading client-server ODBMS available, providing high-performance processing coupled with an advanced workgroup architecture. VERSANT delivers transparent, multi-user access to objects distributed anywhere in the network. Network Management Application ------------------------------ "WilTel is employing VERSANT as the underlying ODBMS in a state-of-the-art network management system," said Vince Jordan director of software development at WillTel. "We looked at all the ODBMSs out there and found that VERSANT was the only one that really fit with what we're doing on the NeXT platform. Versant has the best product architecture of any ODBMS and also showed that it was the company we wanted to work with." -- Vince Jordan, Director of Software Development, WilTel Inc. Special Introductory Offer -------------------------- The VERSANT ODBMS for NeXT is available immediately, and is being offered at a special introductory price of only $XXX until March 31, 1993. To contact Verasnt about this introductory offer: Versant Object Technology 4500 Bohannon Drive Menlo Park CA 94025 Phone: 800-VERSANT Phone: 415-329-7549 FAX: 415-325-2380 About Versant ------------- Versant Object Technology Corporation is the leading worldwide vendor of high performance object database management systems designed to support object-based data in shared, distributed applications. Versant offers the most complete ODBMS solution available, with a product line that includes the industry's most powerful client-server ODBMS, a set of graphical application development tools, and a wide range of language interfaces. These products represent the fastest, easiest path to high performance, multi-user applications that deliver the key benefits of object technology: improved developer productivity, unprecedented performance, and superior quality of delivered applications. Versant is headquartered in Menlo Park, California and operates sales offices in New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Amsterdam. Versant has representative offices around the world in Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Korea. ADDITONAL INFORMATION ON VERSANT: There are several forces behind the accelerating growth of object database management systems (ODBMSs). The first force is the rapid adoption of object-oriented languages (like Objective C, C++ and Smalltalk) and the difficulty in mapping objects created with these languages into file systems or relational database systems (RDBMS) as opposed to the "transparent" interface to an ODBMS. The second force is the deployment of graphical-based client workstations in workgroup environments. This architecture demands that more complex information be stored both on clients and servers. Because RDBMSs were never designed to handle such complex relationships among data, programmers have been forced to choose between two unsatisfactory alternatives. They must either store complex objects in a file system and sacrifice the benefits of database management systems (e.g., concurrency and recovery), or painstakingly coerce complex objects into relational tables and sacrifice performance. The VERSANT Object Database Management System is the leading, full-function ODBMS for developing applications that manage complex data in distributed, concurrent environments. VERSANT provides organizations with a number of advantages, including scalability across a wide range of hardware configurations and network topologies, high performance management of complex data, and superior application development productivity. VERSANT for NeXT VERSANT for NeXT is the first ODBMS for the NeXT line of computers. It allows developers to use the powerful NeXTstep environment to create database applications which were impossible to build with conventional technology. VERSANT includes such core DBMS features as persistent storage of data, multi-user support, data integrity, concurrency control, backup and recovery, and transparent distributed database capabilities, including distributed transactions and two-phase commit. Like traditional DBMSs, VERSANT runs on a number of platforms, includes an integrated application development toolset, and can be accessed from a number of different host programming languages. VERSANT platforms include DEC, HP, IBM, Intergraph, NCR, OS/2, Sequent, Silicon Graphics, and Sun, as well as NeXT. VERSANT language interfaces include C, C++, Smalltalk, Objective C, Eiffel, and Object SQL. Scalable Distribution VERSANT is implemented within a unique architecture known as the VERSANT Scalable Distributed Architecture (VSDA). VSDA means that VERSANT can scale with an organization, and its network, as needs and configurations change. Three key features provided by VSDA are transparent data distribution, advanced workgroup functions, and dynamic schema management and evolution. Transparent Data Distribution VERSANT is a fully transparent, distributed ODBMS. Applications can simultaneously connect to multiple VERSANT ODBMS servers on multiple nodes, and transparently access the objects managed by those servers. This location transparency means that application programs are independent of the physical storage and location of the data they manipulate. Objects may contain other objects on different nodes, and may be transparently relocated among nodes to improve locality of reference and performance without changes to code. Transactions that update objects on multiple servers are automatically committed using the two-phase commit protocol to guarantee distributed data integrity. Transparent distribution means that VERSANT can be easily reconfigured, and that data can be easily relocated, to meet ever-changing business needs. Even more importantly, VSDA guarantees that there is no single point of failure in a distributed system since no single machine manages all the locks for the network. Advanced Workgroup Support VERSANT includes a number of workgroup functions that exploit the power of today's client-server networks. Using long transactions, applications may check-out objects from shared servers to desktop workstations for local processing. This means that individuals can check out objects (e.g., complex documents or engineering design diagrams) to their local workstation, disconnect from the network (e.g., portable computers), alter the objects, reconnect to the network, and check the objects back into the shared database, all with full concurrency control and full transaction support. Even if a server or network fails, a connected workstation can continue to work independently. To further facilitate workgroups, VERSANT includes an object versioning mechanism that allows different groups to concurrently work on different versions of an object, and then integrate the differing versions. After an object is modified in a personal database, it can be checked back into a group database and become a shared version. VERSANT maintains the derivation history of objects, and thus provides a built-in change control system that makes it easy to build applications to support the distributed workgroup environment. Schema Evolution Another key feature of VSDA is the ability to dynamically modify and evolve database schemas, so your applications can easily scale as your environment changes. Unlike some ODBMSs, which require a database unload and reload to accommodate schema changes (e.g., addition of a new attribute to a class), VERSANT allows you to evolve schemas, on the fly, without system disruption. VERSANT also provides runtime class creation and runtime schema access so you create new classes, and gather information about existing classes, at runtime. This makes application development more flexible, and provides the power required to build dynamic applications, such as ad hoc data browsers. Production Performance VERSANT is optimized for a wide range of applications, and includes features to maximize performance in a variety of situations, through its advanced concurrency controls, balanced client-server architecture, and dynamic disk management. Advanced Concurrency Controls VERSANT offers the industry's most advanced concurrency controls to guarantee high performance without sacrificing data integrity. Among VERSANT's many concurrency control techniques are objectlevel locking and nested transactions.VERSANT's object-level locking ensures maximum concurrency by eliminating the false waits found in page-locking systems, where two users working on different objects inadvertently interfere with each other's work. While important in applications that use short transactions, object-level locking is absolutely critical to avoid false waits in distributed applications that take long-duration locks, which can be held for days or weeks. When using nested transactions, VERSANT provides a new form of intra-client concurrency control that synchronizes the work of multiple cooperating processes, behind multiple open windows, running on a single workstation. Conventional Rflat transactions fail to adequately support workstations, because they view each open window as a different database user, and thus two windows can wait or even deadlock on each other's work. Through nested transactions, VERSANT enables multi-window database applications, and provides a transaction hierarchy that models the window hierarchy on the users screen. This makes it easy to build graphical, multi-window applications that provide the required concurrency controls both among windows on a single client workstation, and among the many client workstations on the network. Balanced Client-Server Architecture VERSANT implements a balanced client-server architecture that partitions database work across both the client and the server. For example, object caching is implemented on the client, which reduces network traffic and greatly speeds warm traversals of objects. Query processing, in contrast, is implemented on the server, which again reduces network traffic by sending only requested objects from server to client. Page caching is performed on the server, which reduces the disk I/O required to locate objects on frequently used pages. By partitioning DBMS function between the client and server, VERSANT reduces network traffic, speeds performance, and fully exploits both desktop and server computing power. Broad Range of Application Development Solutions The final purpose of any DBMS is to facilitate application development. Towards that end, VERSANT offers both its own integrated application development toolkit, and a broad range of third party application development environments. The VERSANT C++ Application ToolSet is a family of application development tools that makes it easy to build graphical, object-oriented applications, and includes VERSANT Screen (a GUI builder with integrated scripting language), VERSANT Report (an easy-to-use graphical report writer), and VERSANT Object SQL (an SQL-based data manipulation language). Using either Versant's tools, those from Versant's third-party partners, or both, you can quickly and easily build object-oriented applications that exploit the power, performance, and productivity of the VERSANT ODBMS. System Requirements - 16 Mb RAM (32 for color systems) - NeXTstep V3.0 or higher For more information on Versant's family of products and services, please call toll free in the United States: 1-800-VERSANT. All rights reserved by Versant Object Technology Corp, Menlo Park, CA ____________________________________________________________________ => 11. ParcPlace Introduces VisualWorks Contacts: Maureen Welch Denise Boucher Cunningham Communication, Inc. ParcPlace Systems, Inc. (408) 764-0766 (408) 773-7428 ParcPlace's Entry into the Application Development Environment Market SUNNYVALE, Calif. October 19, 1992 ParcPlace Systems, Inc. today introduced and began shipping VisualWorks, an application development environment (ADE) for corporate developers creating graphical, client/server applications that are instantly portable across PC, Macintosh and Unix platforms. The key components of VisualWorks include a graphical user interface (GUI) builder, database access capabilities, reusable application framework, and instant cross-platform portability. VisualWorks is based on ParcPlace's ObjectWorks\Smalltalk, a mature, fully object-oriented programming environment used by Fortune 1000 companies to develop business-critical applications. With VisualWorks, MIS departments can quickly create graphical applications to fill increasing user demands for information access, as well as leverage an object-oriented architecture to address complex application development needs. "VisualWorks is a solid investment for corporate developers that program in 3GLs or 4GLs and are migrating to client/server computing and object-oriented technology," said Bill Lyons, president and CEO of ParcPlace. "In the near term, it enables developers to create graphical applications in minutes, not months. In the long term, the object-oriented foundation addresses the problems of managing application complexity and diminishing the application development backlog." VisualWorks is ParcPlace's first product in the emerging ADE market. Currently, software vendors from various categories are entering this market by offering products that integrate interface builders, database access tools, and application logic for client/server applications. VisualWorks sets a new standard by providing the components of an ADE with the added advantages of instant cross platform portability, an object-oriented foundation and an application framework. Key VisualWorks Components Graphical Interface Builder -- VisualWorks enables corporate developers to create GUIs quickly with a point-and-click "palette" and "canvas." A standard interface layout, or canvas, is automatically generated for the developers to begin work. Customized canvases may also be designed and stored within VisualWorks. Developers use the palette and choose from a wide array of layout tools to design the interface. These tools include a menu builder, icon painter and color tool. The most frequently used palette tools are conveniently located on the "Multi-Tool," enabling quick access. Once visual components are placed on the canvas, the developer may dynamically fine-tune the layout by re-sizing, cutting or pasting, or re-aligning the pieces selected. Within minutes, a functioning GUI is created and the first phase of application development is complete. VisualWorks eliminates the drudgery of building interfaces and allows the developer to spend more productive time fulfilling complex application requests. ChameleonView, a component of the GUI builder, illustrates instant portability of the new GUI across the most popular client/server front-ends, including Windows, Motif, OS/2 Presentation Manager, Macintosh, and OPEN LOOK. Also, ChameleonView allows developers to immediately preview the new interface in the native application look of the platforms listed above. Database Access -- The VisualWorks database access capability allows developers to easily combine the power of hierarchical, relational, and object-oriented database systems with object-oriented programming technology for client/server applications. VisualWorks' open interface structure enables easy integration of virtually any type of database. VisualWorks provides direct access to Oracle and Sybase databases. Through Information Builders, Inc.'s EDA/SQL gateway, more than 48 databases may be accessed including hierarchical, flat file and network databases on minicomputers, mainframes and workstations. VisualWorks enables a logical migration for MIS into object-oriented application development without the need to restructure database information. Database interaction is handled through the VisualWorks External Database Interface (EDI). EDI makes the database interface an object, eliminating many of the complexities of accessing multiple database APIs, and allowing developers to apply the power of object-oriented programming to managing relational data. The VisualWorks EDI enables developers to map data to objects allowing access to information regardless of the type of database. Reusable Application Framework -- A GUI builder is essential for corporate developers; however, the majority of application development time is spent linking the GUI to its designated actions and data. VisualWorks assists developers in creating a working application with an application framework which generates code to tie the interface and application together. The application framework provides the structure for the application and includes tools that prompt the developer where scripting of actions is required. Reusable application frameworks facilitate easier application maintenance, enhance future development efforts, and ensure high-quality applications. Developers get results quickly without in-depth knowledge of the programming language. VisualWorks supports the design of a production application that is maintainable and extendable, not merely a prototype or throw-away code. The application framework is completely object-oriented, which enables developers to reuse not only the interface but the application logic that defines the application. Applications can be reused individually or as a part of another application. The framework enables the application, not just the code, to leverage the features of object-orientation. An application module can be created and all applications that use this module will automatically inherit any new behavior assigned to the original. For example, changing the five digit zip code to nine digits on all the appropriate interfaces could require weeks of programming. With VisualWorks, the change is made once and replicated everywhere, saving significant time on application maintenance. VisualWorks is the only ADE that provides a reusable application framework. Instant Cross-Platform Portability -- Applications developed with VisualWorks run on all leading platforms without requiring recompilation. It is the only ADE that provides users with such flexibility in platform choices. This open, portable architecture applies to both the client and server sides of the application. For example, if an application is developed for the PC under Windows, it is automatically available on OS/2 Presentation Manager, Macintosh, and Unix systems under OPEN LOOK or Motif. The developer only maintains one set of source code for all of the industries leading platforms. Smalltalk -- VisualWorks' object-oriented foundation is Smalltalk. Most other ADEs offer proprietary scripting languages which are not suited to manage complexity or change. With VisualWorks, users may create simple, graphical interfaces, as well as access the power of Smalltalk to develop industrial-strength, reusable applications. Smalltalk is a fully object-oriented language, incorporating mature class libraries over 400 classes and 7,000 methods and powerful development tools. Its object-oriented memory manager leads the industry in sophistication and performance. With the Smalltalk foundation, VisualWorks enables users to take advantage of true object-oriented capabilities, such as inheritance, polymorphism and encapsulation. This facilitates code reuse, improves programmer productivity and ensures high-quality application development. Price and Availability VisualWorks is currently shipping on Intel-based 386 and 486 PCs under Windows 3.1, Apple's Macintosh, Quadra and PowerBook under System 7, Sun 4, IBM RS/6000, HP 9000 Series 700, Digital DECstation under Ultrix and Sequent's Symmetry 2000 Series multiprocessing system under OPEN LOOK or Motif as appropriate. VisualWorks is currently in beta on OS/2 and NeXT platforms, and is expected to ship in January, 1993.. Based in Sunnyvale, Calif., ParcPlace Systems is the premier, full service provider of object-oriented solutions for software developers. ParcPlace products include integrated development tools and class libraries that enhance application development in the two industry standard object-oriented languages, C++ and Smalltalk. ParcPlace recently expanded its commitment to its C++ offering with the acquisition of the Solbourne OI Software Business Unit. ParcPlace also offers training, technical support and consulting, as well as courses in object-oriented design and methodology. ____________________________________________________________________ => 12. Servare Shipping NeXT Compatible Multi-Session PHOTO CD ROM Player with Free PHOTO CD Reading Software News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 1, 1993 Contact: John Ferretti, Vice President/Sales Servare Business Systems 25201 Paseo de Alicia, Suite 230 Laguna Hills, California 800-221-2217 SERVARE BUSINESS SYSTEMS NOW SHIPPING NeXT COMPATIBLE MULTI-SESSION PHOTO CAPABLE CD ROM PLAYER WITH FREE PHOTO CD READING SOFTWARE LAGUNA HILLS, CALIFORNIA-Servare Business Systems announced today that it is shipping a MicroNet multi-session, Photo CD capable ROM Player. The NeXTSTEP compatible CD ROM Player comes with free Photo CD reading software and a cable. You can now have up to 100 35mm pictures, slides or negatives transferred to a KODAK Photo CD by your local KODAK photo finisher. These photos can include everything from sales presentations, staff pictures to your home snapshots. This places them at your fingertips on your NeXT computer for viewing, printing or inclusion in presentations, newsletters, reports, illustrations and multi-media activities. The new multi-session (can be recorded multiple times) photo CD compatible drives allow a Photo CD which contains more than one roll of film to be accessed by the Servare Business Systems supplied free software. The CD ROM player is also fully computer data, photo and audio compatible and allows you to listen to your favorite audio CDs through a full stereo audio output jack with volume control. The drive also supports High Sierra, ISO-9660, and Rockridge file formats. Servare Business Systems has 7 years experience developing custom software & database applications. Servare Business Systems is an Authorized NeXT Computer, Inc. reseller, an Authorized MicroNet Technology Inc. Distributor and a reseller of high density OEM memory (4,8,16 and 32 MB SIMMs). The CD ROM player, including free cable, terminator and free software are shipping immediately. ____________________________________________________________________ => 13. Trego Systems Announces Managed Health Care System FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 1992 CONTACT: Ellen Williams Donald Stinnett Trego Systems Franciscan Health System of Cincinnati (510) 937-7853 (513) 853-5925 TREGO SYSTEMS SIGNS FIRST AGREEMENT FOR MANAGED CARE SYSTEM WITH FRANCISCAN HEALTH SYSTEM OF CINCINNATI SUMMARY: Trego Systems of Walnut Creek, CA announced the signing of their first customer, Franciscan Health System of Cincinnati, who will be installing CaseServ - Trego's managed care system. Trego is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive provider based managed care solution on the market today. WALNUT CREEK, CA -- Trego Systems finalized an agreement with Franciscan Health System of Cincinnati of Cincinnati, Ohio to install the CaseServ managed care application in each of the System's three Cincinnati hospitals; Providence, St. Francis-St. George, and Emerson. According to Don Stinnett, Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Franciscan, "We have chosen a vendor who is defining what "state-of-the-art" means in the managed care area of information systems. CaseServ is the only product on the market today that will administer capitation arrangements. The system is the cornerstone for Franciscan Health System of Cincinnati becoming "managed care friendly", both with our patients, as well as with the insurance carriers". Franciscan will be using the CaseServ application to monitor all aspects of the System's managed care business, including anticipated capitation arrangements. NeXT workstations will be placed in strategic locations throughout the institutions to facilitate access to managed care contract information, eligibility lists, decision support capabilities, and care protocols. CaseServ will be interfaced to the hospital's patient accounting system on a daily basis. "This agreement with Franciscan marks a very important milestone in our company's history," said Ellen Williams, president and CEO of Trego. "Franciscan believes strongly in our product vision and understands the competitive advantages which will result from having CaseServ as a resource for their institutions. Their desire to participate as our initial implementation site and first customer is just one example of their proactive approach to the radically changing healthcare delivery environment. We are very proud of the fact that they have chosen us as their partners." Trego Systems was founded in 1991 in order to address the evolving systems needs of healthcare providers in the increasingly complex managed care arena. Headquartered in the highly volatile California healthcare marketplace and maintaining a regional office in Atlanta, Georgia, the company is focusing its efforts on building comprehensive solutions for meeting the challenges faced by all of the parties involved with managed care contracts in provider institutions. Taking full advantage of the best technology offers, the system runs on a client/server UNIX workstation platform, utilizing NeXTSTEP, the premier graphical user interface and object-oriented development environment, and incorporates all current healthcare standards including HL7. NeXT Computer, Inc. designs and markets the industry-acclaimed NeXTSTEP object-oriented software environment, and designs, manufactures and markets UNIX-based workstations that run NeXTSTEP. NeXTSTEP and NeXT workstations are used by medium and large organizations to develop and deploy mission-critical applications, using both custom and shrink-wrapped software. NeXT is headquartered at 900 Chesapeake Drive, Redwood City, California, 94063. ### ____________________________________________________________________ continued in issue 6.5