Now that dBASE IV has finally been announced, you probably have some questions about it. Hope this helps: =========================================================================== 1) What is dBASE IV? dBASE IV is the newest member of the dBASE family of products and the most comprehensive data management system available for personal computers. dBASE IV raises the dBASE standard to new levels of ease of use, power and performance with a combination of features never before available on personal computers. Whether you are a first-time computer user or an experienced dBASE III PLUS user, dBASE IV helps you organize and fully utilize your valuable data. It's easy to create, access and update data files such as mailing lists, personnel directories or sales contacts. And, because of dBASE IV's powerful relational capabilities, you can set up data management systems that involve interaction between interdependent files such as sales orders, customer data, inventory and billing. Most importantly, you can accomplish these tasks without writing any programs. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) Can I use any other Ashton-Tate product with dBASE IV? To provide additional capability for dBASE IV and to satisfy your customer's special requirements, Ashton-Tate offers a number of complementary database software products: dBASE IV LAN Pack -- adds up to five simultaneous users to your dBASE IV installation. LAN Pack includes a dBASE Access disk and comprehensive documentation. CHART-MASTER -- presents data graphically. Analyzing data and identifying trends is much easier when viewing data in the form of pie charts, bar graphs and scatter charts. Via the dBASE IV/CHART-MASTER Bridge, dBASE IV applications can generate charts and graphs through CHART-MASTER. RapidFile -- is a simple-to-use file manager ideally suited to first-time computer users. And, the ability to share data between RapidFile and dBASE IV provides an easy growth path to dBASE IV for RapidFile users as their need for more sophisticated applications grows. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) What is dBASE IV's product positioning? Our personal data management solution is the foundation of our business -- the standard of individual workstation productivity solutions. You already know this as dBASE. Following the introduction of dBASE III PLUS, Ashton-Tate conducted extensive customer research which set the objectives for the next version of dBASE. First, we had to provide the next generation ease-of-use in database products by developing an intuitive database interface, one which could be used by users of all levels of PC experience. Next, we set performance goals superior to any other DBMS to increase our user's productivity, without compromising interface, design, connectivity, multi-user support, or the power of the dBASE language. It had to incorporate SQL completely compatible with the SAA standard to establish dBASE/SQL as the long-term foundation for corporate data management. We had to incorporate transparent multi-user support to facilitate the migration of single-user applications into multi-user environments. Programmers demanded increased capability and functionality in the dBASE language itself as well as the tools and utilities necessary to leverage their programming time. Finally, it had to be fully compatible with dBASE III PLUS, protecting your investment in data and application development. By compatibility, we mean all files, all forms, views, reports, labels, indexes are 100% fully upward compatible. All programs run without altering a single line of code. All file conversions are automatic and transparent. Furthermore, downward compatibility is assured when features introduced in dBASE IV are omitted. This extends to data files and indexes as well. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) What are the components of dBASE IV? dBASE IV sets new standards for ease of use with its next-generation interface that emphasizes tasks, not the processes required to accomplish those tasks. Using the Control Center, you can take advantage of the many powerful features of dBASE IV to perform data entry, query and report generation without writing programs. You simply specify the files, forms and tasks you want to include in your application on a WYSIWYG work surface. dBASE IV does the rest, including writing the dBASE programs for you. And, developers can combine the program segment written by dBASE IV with those they write themselves. dBASE IV is best viewed as having five major components: (1) INTERFACE A: The Control Center -- In addition to the familiar dot prompt and pull-down menus, dBASE IV offers a significant new user interface called the Control Center. You simply specify your forms, reports, labels and queries using WYSIWYG work surfaces. dBASE IV does the rest including the generation of dBASE code. The dBASE IV Control Center forms the heart of the new user interface. The new user interface puts the user in command of dBASE IV. This interface completely replaces the familiar dBASE III PLUS "Assistant." You can develop major, complex portions of your application, including all user interfaces, without programming. This next-generation interface re-defines database ease of use by emphasizing tasks, rather than the processes required to accomplish those tasks. Through its state-of-the-art, menu-driven, task-oriented interface, the Control Center gives you centralized access to all the capabilities and power of dBASE IV. From the Control Center you can efficiently perform all your data management tasks. The Center consists of six on-screen panels. Each panel provides WYSIWYG access to file management, database queries, forms creation, report generation, label designs, or the applications generator. Within the Control Center, database files are automatically linked to their associated forms, reports and labels. B: Queries -- The Query design screen contains tools which help the user organize, filter and structure data. Queries are set up using Query-By-Example (QBE). In QBE, users tell dBASE IV what information and database relations they want. As fields, links and filters are selected, the resulting view appears at the bottom of the screen. The system takes care of the rest. QBE makes information retrieval and update easy. By simply filling in blanks on the display, you can extract data from several data files simultaneously, in a single operation. No knowledge of the dBASE programming language is needed. C: Forms -- Using a full-screen, WYSIWYG interface, you can visually specify forms for data entry, modification or viewing. It's as quick and easy as drawing them on paper because what you see is what you get. A form can be quickly modified with the new editor or saved and later called by name. Data validation forms created with the Forms Manager can be used for both full-screen views (edit) and table views (browse). Your forms may include: o Fields from the database file or view o Calculated fields not already in view o Memory variables o Text o Boxes o Lines o Color o Conditional data entry o Data validation through the @..GET..VALID command dBASE IV supports extensive pre- and post-processing in the form design. Pre-processing allows for default data in fields, or for data to be copies from prior records. In addition, it allows for data entry only when specific conditions are met, such as prompting for neck size when the customer has ordered a shirt, but not when ordering shoes. Post-processing insures the integrity of your database by preventing invalid data entry. The dBASE IV Forms Manager also supports both full-screen and partial-screen windows for memo fields, so that the contents of the memo field can always be visible in the form. Format specified in the Forms Manager are used by both dBASE IV's BROWSE and EDIT commands, and are available at the Control Center as well. D: Report Writer -- The Report Writer allows you to specify report formats visually using a WYSIWYG interface. You can easily develop all types of reports from simple columnar reports to presenting information on pre-printed report forms. To handle repeating information and record grouping, the Report Writer allows you to specify your report format using seven types of repeating horizontal group bands; report introduction, page header, group introduction, detail, group summary page footer and report summary. Once a report format is specified, it can be saved and later called by name. E: Labels -- Label generation is also WYSIWYG using either pre-defined or user-defined formats. Using standard, pre-defined label sizes, users can instantly set up label printing. There is no need to waste time with endless trial printings. Labels can be put to one page long and can contain individual or calculated fields. Multiple labels across a page are supported. (2) APPLICATIONS GENERATOR The new dBASE IV Applications Generator is designed for all levels of users. Once you've specified the task you want to perform and the forms, reports and files you want to use, the dBASE IV Applications Generator ties them together into an application. You can even add pull-down or pop-up menus with the powerful WYSIWYG menu editor. The Applications Generator writes all the dBASE code for you. For even faster application development, the "Quick Application" facility provides default application designs so you can develop complete applications in minutes. Developers: The Applications Generator provides facilities for more advanced developers as well. Once an object is specified, you direct the Applications Generator to integrate the object with your program. In addition, the Applications Generator will automatically document the dBASE code generated, if desired. The top level functions of the Applications Generator include: o Design, modify and save sign-on banners o Design, modify and save horizontal bar, pull-down or pop-up menus for later recall by dBASE IV programs o Specify actions to be associated with menu items o Generate dBASE code o Preset environmental variables o Create and modify files, reports, labels and forms by transparently switching to the appropriate application development facility. A: Applications Generator Template Language -- The dBASE IV Applications Generator utilizes a set of templates to generate dBASE code from objects specified in the applications generation process. For example, the developer could tell the Applications Generator to put his company name at the top of every menu. The Applications Generator Template Language allows you to write these instructions and to custom-tailor these templates or specify new ones. In this way, you can adapt the program generated by the Applications Generator to your specific requirements and extend the use of the application generator to more of your development tasks. The same template language is used transparently by dBASE IV when creating forms, reports and labels. (3) SQL, WHICH ADDS THE FULL RELATIONAL POWER OF SQL TO THE dBASE LANGUAGE For the experienced user or SQL programmer, dBASE IV offers a full implementation of IBM's SAA-compatible Structured Query Language. SQL is rapidly emerging as the industry standard for data query and manipulation. The combination of SQL and dBASE commands brings more power than ever before to your database applications. SQL is rapidly becoming a de facto standard across a wide range of departmental and mainframe computers. By comprehensively implementing the SAA standard of SQL, dBASE IV establishes the foundation for future growth and connectivity solutions. SQL's powerful relational construction allows developers to build easily-maintained and sophisticated applications with a minimum of coding. With dBASE/SQL, users can create, modify and query databases using either SQL or traditional dBASE commands, depending upon the user's experience with either language. In SQL interactive mode, dBASE IV executes SQL commands one at a time, with the results displayed immediately after each command. In Embedded SQL mode, users create programs that include powerful SQL statements. SQL ALONE, HOWEVER, DOESN'T CONTAIN THE FLEXIBILITY AND SYSTEM CONTROL REQUIRED TO BUILD AN ENTIRE APPLICATION. SQL WORKS HAND-IN-HAND WITH THE dBASE LANGUAGE TO PROVIDE A LEVEL OF PROGRAM CONTROL AND FLEXIBILITY UNAVAILABLE ANYWHERE ELSE. (4) THE dBASE/CHART-MASTER BRIDGE WHICH BRINGS PRESENTATION-QUALITY GRAPHICS TO THE dBASE FAMILY A new feature of dBASE IV is the dBASE/CHART-MASTER Bridge, dBASE IV's link to the presentation-quality charts offered by CHART-MASTER. CHART-MASTER Bridge provides menu-driven chart definition from within dBASE IV. Users select data for incorporation in charts that are automatically built when the user enters CHART-MASTER. (5) dBASE LANGUAGE COMPILER/INTERPRETER This compiler is perhaps the most important module of dBASE IV. New to dBASE IV is a built-in compiler, which automatically compiles both interactive commands and programs, completely transparent to the user. This provides performance nine times faster than dBASE III PLUS, visibly increasing database productivity for users of all levels. The Compiler/Interpreter supports 245 new or enhanced commands, making dBASE IV the most powerful and robust database applications environment on a PC. In addition to the language Compiler/Interpreter, dBASE IV includes a broad set of development tools that shorten the development cycle and leverages your development resources. dBASE IV accomplishes this without sacrificing full compatibility with dBASE III PLUS. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) I've never used dBASE before. Will I be able to use this product if I am not a programmer? As a first-time user, you'll appreciate the ease with which you can organize and retrieve information. The completely new user interface, the Control Center, allows you to perform tasks without worrying about the processes required to accomplish those tasks. You simply describe your queries, forms, reports, labels -- even whole applications -- using WYSIWYG work surfaces. dBASE IV automatically generates code to carry out the requested tasks, greatly enhancing your productivity. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) I am an applications developer -- what does dBASE IV offer me? Application developers have demanded a complete application development environment that allows them to develop, test and distribute applications quickly and inexpensively. Again, Ashton-Tate responded. dBASE IV Developer's Edition provides a complete application development, test and distribution environment in one package. dBASE IV Developer's Edition includes: o dBASE IV database management system o A stand-alone royalty-free distribution system at no extra cost o A multi-user development and test environment with state-of-the-art multi-user features for easy generation of shared database applications o Powerful development tools and utilities o Modular documentation package including special programming documentation for quick reference. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) I've heard dBASE is difficult to use. Is it? Not any more. In addition to the traditional dBASE dot commands, dBASE IV has a new, interactive visual interface -- the Control Center -- that is easy to learn and straightforward to use. The Control Center puts users immediately in command of the many capabilities of dBASE IV. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) Do I need to be a programmer to use dBASE IV? There is no need to worry about learning how to program. dBASE IV is so sophisticated, it literally writes your programs for you. Using the powerful visual interface, you simply specify the files, forms and operations you want to include in your application. dBASE IV does the rest, including writing the dBASE programs for you. It is like having your own personal programmer. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) I've heard I have to buy a separate compiler to get the speed I need for my applications. dBASE IV has a built-in automatic compiler. All your applications are automatically compiled and run, resulting in a significant increase in speed. You get the best of two worlds because you can develop applications in an efficient, interactive environment and run them at compiled speeds. This Language Compiler and Interpreter is perhaps the most important module of dBASE IV. The Compiler/Interpreter supports 245 new or enhanced commands, making dBASE IV the most powerful and robust database applications environment on a PC. The Compiler/Interpreter also includes a broad set of development tools that shorten the development cycle and leverages your development resources. dBASE IV accomplishes this without sacrificing full compatibility with dBASE III PLUS. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10) What happens if I want to install a network later on? dBASE IV has a number of built-in, next-generation, multi-user features like single- to multi-user transparency, transaction processing, password protection, data encryption and screen refresh. Both single- and multi-user versions of dBASE IV are the same set of disks so you can easily move from a single- to a multi-user environment. And your single-user dBASE III PLUS and dBASE IV programs will automatically run as multi-user programs without modification. dBASE IV LAN Pack lets you add five simultaneous users to your dBASE IV installation. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11) I've invested time and money creating a database and developing dBASE III PLUS applications. Will I be able to use them? Yes, dBASE III PLUS data files and programs are 100% upwardly compatible with dBASE IV. Your dBASE III PLUS programs will run without modification. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12) I am a developer, do I have to provide dBASE IV to each of my end-users to run my application? No. dBASE IV Developer's Edition includes, at no extra cost, a royalty-free distribution system. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13) What is the suggested retail price for dBASE IV? dBASE IV: $795.00 dBASE IV Developer's Edition: $1,295.00 Upgrade to dBASE IV: $175.00 Upgrade to dBASE IV Developer's Edition: $475.00 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14) When will it be shipping? Second quarter (meaning fiscal year 2nd qtr). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15) Is dBASE IV technology Ashton-Tate purchased or developed internally? dBASE IV was developed entirely within Ashton-Tate. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16) How will dBASE IV be sold? Full systems will sell through dealers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17) What kind of competitive products exist for dBASE IV? How fast is dBASE IV? How fast is it compared to FoxBase+? to Clipper? At the present time, dBASE IV is nine times faster than dBASE III PLUS. We have exceeded our original performance goals, and are continuing to increase the performance as we complete development. We believe this to be competitive with FoxBase+'s and Clipper's performance, although we do not have specific comparison data available. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18) Does dBASE IV support Clipper's VALID function for data validation? Yes. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19) What kind of support materials will be available for dBASE IV? dBASE IV's user documentation is modularized by user level. Beginning users need not be confused by complex programming terms, while programmers can go straight to the essentials. Documentation is provided for users at intermediate levels as well, so that a complete growth path is available. In addition, dBASE IV provides extensive context-sensitive help and an on-line tutorial. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20) How will technical support be handled? Please note: the following prices and plans have not had final approval except for the Corporate and Government Services Program. They are here for your information only. Please call (213)329-0086 for current support plans and costs. All plans will have 90 days of free support before a Custom Support Plan need be purchased. Also, support will be provided via our on-line services and through the Ashton-Tate Support BBS. Ashton-Tate's policy of free Basic Support for 90 days from data of registration, unlimited calls, will be in effect for dBASE IV. After the 90 days has expired, several plans are available to dBASE IV users: o Extended support ($50.00 per year per product) -- includes 15 calls, access to CompuServe, a User's Guide, and a Technical Tips booklet o Professional Support ($150 per year per product) -- includes 20 calls, a toll-free 800 number, access to an Express Queue for rapid access to a technician, the Close-up remote support utility, access to CompuServe, a User's Guide and a Technical Tips booklet o LAN Support ($195 per product per year) -- includes 20 calls, a toll-free 800 number, access to an Express Network Queue for rapid access to a technician, access to CompuServe, a User's Guide and a Technical Tips booklet (Note: Network Administrator is the only person eligible for support through this program). CORPORATE AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES PROGRAM Small-, medium- and large-sized organizations, both corporate and government, may take advantage of services offered through the Ashton-Tate Coporate and Government Support Program. This program is designed to meet the overall support and service needs of microcomputer support centers at multi-product and multi-installation sites and, if appropriate, to address unique in-depth needs. The program provides two technical support plans, including an 800 number for unlimited VIP calls to Ashton-Tate for product support, access to a senior technician and, at the higher level, a dedicated Senior Software Technician and a monthly bulletin. Ashton-Tate periodicals and books, the Ashton-Tate Developer's Registry, electronic communication services such as CompuServe which provides access to the Ashton-Tate Forum, are also available. Training programs may be customized by product and location. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21) Will training be availabe? Ashton-Tate standard product training programs will be provided on the overall functionality of these products as they are released. Each training course will be "hands-on" and will include a participant guide with an exercise disk. These training courses will be conducted in Ashton-Tate district offices. Ashton-Tate will also offer courseware that can be used for self-study or classroom instruction. These participant guides are designed to teach beginning, intermediate and advanced microcomputer users how to master each product. In addition, educational consulting, public seminars and more will be provided. For additional inforamation, please contact Ashton-Tate Training Services at (213)538-7738. =========================================================================== dBASE IV LANGUAGE ENHANCEMENTS Throughout dBASE IV, numeric precision has been increased from 31-bits to 64-bits. The Numerics have been implemented in such a way that rouding-off errors are totally eliminated. dBASE IV also supports scientific numeric formats for complex calculations. To support more sophisticated applications, memory variables now include two-dimensional arrays, and the total number of available memory variables has been increased to 2,048. User-defined functions broaden the power and flexibility of the dBASE language. dBASE IV increases the number of procedures per file to 1,170 up from the 32 allowed in dBASE III PLUS. A new program control structure allows looping based on the content of data in database files, yielding more compact and efficient programs. dBASE IV greatly enhances the relational capabilities of the dBASE language. Relations may be established from one file to several child files. Within a relationship, moving the record pointer to the child file allows a one-to-many correspondence between records. When relationships are established in a multi-user environment, record-locking is accomplished automatically for records in all related fields. dBASE IV introduces a new type of index file called the Master Index file. Master Index files can hold up to 47 indexes per database file (compared to the seven index files allowed in dBASE III PLUS), and automatically update indexes whenever the database is changed. dBASE IV supports descending indexes as well as ascending. Unlike dBASE III PLUS, where memo fields could only be displayed or printed, in dBASE IV memo fields are now available to your programs. This allows for manipulation and processing of memo fields, as well as for locating and organizing their data. This data can also be imported or exported to other programs via text files. Other field enhancements provide for international date and currency formats. Both programming and entry of date fields is vastly simplified by the introduction of data delimiters. The utility of numeric fields is greatly enhanced by a broad range of financial, statistical and trigonometric functions. From either the Forms Generator or in the dBASE language, dBASE IV permits extensive pre- and post-processing during data entry. Pre-processing allows for default data in fields, or for data to be copies from prior records. In addition, it allows for data entry only when specific conditions are met, such as prompting for neck size when the customer has ordered a shirt, but not when ordering shoes. Post-processing insures the integrity of your database by preventing invalid data entry. Programmers can define system messages for display during data entry and upon data entry errors. When using dBASE IV, application designs can be easily color-enhanced employing different colors for varying screen elements. When printing, dBASE IV supports boldfacing, italicizing, underlining, subscripting and superscripting. It also allows for up to five different fonts to be used at any one time. dBASE IV employs the large library of Framework printer drivers to support most popular printers. Large text fields can be automatically word-wrapped to fit within user-definable margins in forms or reports. The screen elements in the dBASE IV Applications Generator are supported from within the dBASE language. These include user-definable windows, horizontal bar menus, pop-ups, pull-downs and pick lists. Programmers can assign any action to these elements, which will be automatically performed upon selection by the user. The elements can be colored and moved about the screen from within programs. Dramatic enhancements have been added to dBASE IV's multi-user capabilities. Automatic record- and file-locking occurs whenever any changes are made to the database. When another user has locked a file or record, dBASE IV will tell you who has it locked and re-attempt the lock for a ser period. Since locks in dBASE IV are shared locks, concurrency is increased. Changes made by other users to a record on the screen are automatically detected and displayed. dBASE IV insures the integrity of multi-user databases through full transaction processing, inlcuding BEGIN TRANSACTION, END TRANSACTION, and ROLLBACK. These commands allow for full recovery from locking errors and system failures. dBASE III PLUS's PROTECT utility program, which provides eight levels of password protection plus data encryption, has been integrated into dBASE IV. All of this means that most single-user dBASE III PLUS and dBASE IV programs will automatically run as multi-user programs without modification. HIGHLIGHTS OF LANGUAGE ENHANCEMENTS: Data Storage -- o 64-bit numeric precision o Two-dimensional variable arrays o Scientific (exponential) format now supported Program Control -- o User-defined functions o 1,170 procedures per file o Program loop with scope and condition Multi-File Relations -- o Multi-child relations o Ability to move record pointer in child files o Record locking in all related files Indexing -- o Master index file holds 47 indexes per database file o Automatically maintains indexes with database o Indexes in ascending or descending order Memo Fields -- o Automatic packaging of edited fields o Ability to append or copy text file o Memo field contents available for searches, program manipulation Other Fields -- o International formats for dates, currencies o Date delimiters o Financial, statistical and trigonometric functions Data Entry -- o On condition o With message o With default or copy o Input validation Data Display -- o Colors on screen o Different fonts, typestyles on paper o Word-wrap for text fields Windows and Menus -- o User-definable windows, horizontal bar menus, pop-ups, pull-downs and pick lists Developer Pre-Defines -- o Command to be performed on menu selection o Automatically executes when chosen Colors, Movement supported