Approach Software Corporation Announces Approach 2.0 for Windows REDWOOD CITY, Calif., September 21, 1992-- Approach Software Corporation today announced Approach 2.0 for Windows, delivering a major upgrade to the bestselling Windows database within 6 months of the original version. Approach 2.0 for Windows packs more than 50 new features, including: -- PowerKeys to SQL Server, FoxPro and DB2 -- Automatic mail merge -- Spectacular performance enhancements -- State-of-the-art Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) Approach 1.0 for Windows, which captured the award for "Best Software" at COMDEX/Spring 1992 from the editors of BYTE Magazine, is the only 2-in-1 Windows database. It is an easy relational database that requires no programming. It can also double as a front end to corporate data, allowing users to work with dBASE, Paradox and Oracle SQL data in its native format. Version 2.0 also delivers 100% compatibility with SQL Server, FoxPro and DB2. Kevin Harvey, President of Approach Software Corporation said, "Approach 2.0 for Windows is even easier, more compatible and more powerful than the original version, which was so popular it instantly hit the bestseller lists." "We are pleased that we are able to deliver version 2.0 in record time," he added. Approach 1.0 for Windows rocketed to the number two spot on the August Ingram Micro Bestsellers List within weeks of shipping. It has since remained on various bestseller lists, including that of Ingram Micro and Computer Chronicles. Enhanced support for existing data Approach 2.0 for Windows now includes PowerKeys to SQL Server and FoxPro. DB2 data can be accessed via the MicroDecisionware bridge. In addition, Approach 2.0 for Windows now supports dBase and Paradox indexes. Approach PowerKey technology is unique in being able to directly open any data on a network -- regardless of file format -- without any type of conversion or intermediary file, resulting in native database performance. Data from multiple file formats can even be mixed on a single report or form. Additional support for existing data includes QRY technology, in which SQL queries can be saved separately to disk, allowing users to automatically run a query with the click of a mouse. The ability to review and edit the SQL generated by Approach is also provided. Speed, speed, speed Approach 2.0 for Windows is even faster than its predecessor. Importing and sorting are 10 times faster and a copy of a file can be saved 100 times faster. In addition, Approach 2.0 for Windows users accessing SQL data will now experience dramatic speed enhancements. Automatic mail merge Approach remains centered around familiar paper items: forms, reports and mailing labels, with form letter capability added in Version 2.0. Users can perform automatic mail merge within Approach 2.0 for Windows and can enjoy multiple fonts, sizes and styles in the body of a letter. Windows 3.1, including state-of-the-art OLE Approach 2.0 for Windows exploits Windows 3.1 by supporting standard Windows 3.1 dialogs, TrueType and advanced OLE. Picture fields have been expanded to PicturePlus fields, allowing users to store a wide variety of database objects, including: sound, charts, graphics, video, and even entire documents. Now with Approach, users can -- for the first time -- store OLE objects in dBASE, FoxPro, Paradox and SQL formats. The "Drag 'n Drop" feature lets users choose any file from the File Manager and drag it into a PicturePlus field with the mouse. Users can click on any OLE object in a PicturePlus field to automatically launch the original application. Any modifications are automatically updated in Approach. In addition, a list of the last four files opened appear at the bottom of the File menu for rapid access. Streamlined database management Approach 2.0 for Windows provides a series of new convenient features for day-to-day database management. Users can now automatically generate a pull down list of values from within the same or another database. Other features include duplicate a record, find and remove duplicates, perform searches based on a "sounds like" option and auto-enter the date (or time) that a record has been modified. Variable fields have been added, letting advanced users perform sophisticated calculations and searches by temporarily storing values which can be passed across records. Approach 2.0 for Windows Goes Worldwide Version 2.0 includes a host of features implemented for international markets, including European date and number formatting options, metric rulers and support for local mailing labels. French and German versions will ship October 5, concurrent with the release of the U.S. product. Approach 2.0 for Windows Background Approach 2.0 for Windows makes database power accessible to a wide range of nontechnical users by using a radical new Windows interface based on familiar paper concepts: reports, forms, and mailings. No programming is necessary to work with Approach 2.0 for Windows. The product is relational, allowing users to join up to 10 data files at one time. Approach Software Corporation pioneered the concept of seamless database compatibility with its exclusive PowerKey Technology. With this technology, users can directly open any data on a network -- regardless of file format -- without any type of conversion or intermediary file. Data from multiple file formats can even be mixed on a single report, form, mailing label, or form letter. PowerKey Technology differs from the traditional data filters found in other products by delivering full-blown native engines -- and thus native database performance. Approach 2.0 for Windows is 100% compatible with any Novell Netware, Microsoft LAN Manager, Banyan VINES and Artisoft LANtastic network with no additional setup required. Approach 1.0 for Windows is currently the best-selling Windows database, appearing on the Ingram Micro and Computer Chronicles best-seller lists within weeks of shipping. Pricing The suggested retail price of Approach 2.0 for Windows is $399. Registered users of Approach 1.0 for Windows may upgrade for $49. Customers who purchased Approach 1.0 for Windows on/or after August 1, 1992 are eligible to receive the upgrade for a minor shipping and handling charge. Approach 2.0 for Windows will be available October 5, 1992. Approach Software Corporation Approach Software Corporation was founded in 1990 in Redwood City, California and is venture funded by Stanford University, Merrill, Pickard, Anderson & Eyre and Integral Capital Partners. Approach 2.0 for Windows is the second in a family of information management tools for business professionals. Approach Software, 311 Penobscot Dr, Redwood City, CA 94063 415-306-7890, fax: 415-368-5182 +---------------------------------------------------------------+ | From the America Online - New Product Information Services | +===============================================================+ | This information was processed from data provided by the | | above mentioned company. For additional details, contact the | | company at the address or telephone number indicated above. | | All submissions for this service should be addressed to | | BAKER ENTERPRISES, 20 Ferro Drive, Sewell, NJ 08080 U.S.A. | +---------------------------------------------------------------+