C Set ++ V2.1 and C Set ++ FirstStep ------------------------------------ C Set ++ V2.1 replaces the current (now old) C Set ++ V2.0; First Step is a new product. Also announced at this time, with the same availability date, is the source code for the User Interface Class Library and for the Collection Class Library. So, the three products are: C Set ++ V2.1 C Set ++ FirstStep C Set ++ Class Libraries Source V2.1 Q: I only just received my C Set ++ and now there's a new version. Should I buy the new one? A: Take a look at what's in the new one and decide. We think you might want to because V2.1 has the new object-oriented WorkFrame in it, as well as the Kase:Set GUI builder, and the ICLUI Drag/Drop classes. And there's the 2.1 ToolKit as well. If you'd like those things, buy the new version - there's an attractive upgrade price for you. Also, there are some new packaging new volume pricing options. Q: What's the function difference between the old (2.0) and new (2.1) products? A: The new version has CSDs 1 and 2 integrated into the product, and has new functions: - Drag/Drop classes added to the User Interface class library - WorkFrame/2 V2.1 (takes advantage of WorkPlace Shell functions of OS/2) - ToolKit 2.1 - Kase:Set GUI builder Also, a new option in packaging is available with the new products: CD ROM with Group 1 documentation. We call this the CD ROM Pak. This is in addition to the previous 3.5" diskette and CD ROM options. 5.25" diskette is no longer available. Q: What exactly is C Set++ FirstStep? A: A slimmed down version of C Set ++ at a slimmed down price, great for getting started in C Set ++. Q: Should I buy C Set ++ or C Set ++ First Step? A: It depends on how much function you want and how much you want to pay. C Set ++ is loaded with features and functions and is a "professional " level product. FirstStep is a slimmed down version of C Set ++ with a correspondingly lower price, great for those people just getting started with C or C++, or on a tight budget. If you want all the bells and whistles, C Set ++ is the one to choose. But if you want to try out the product, or you don't need all the class libraries, or the code analyser and such, then you should go for FirstStep. Q: So just what's in C Set ++ FirstStep? A: It has the same compiler/debugger code as C Set ++ except that it doesn't have optimization. You don't receive the User Interface Class Library but you receive: - Standard Class Library - Collection Class Library - Application Support Class Library (string, date, time) FirstStep has the Developer's Toolkit. It's version 2.1 WorkFrame/2 V1.1 is in FirstStep (C Set ++ V2.1 has both V1.1 and V2.1). EXTRA (the code analyser) and the Browser aren't in FirstStep. These aren't essential to start with C++, but they're a tremendously useful once you get going, or if you program for a living. They're in the full C Set ++ V2.1 package, and obviously cost more. Q: How come there's no promotional pricing on the new versions like there was with the first C Set ++? A: Those promotional prices were to introduce C Set ++ to the market, as it was our first C++ product. With this announcement, we've offered value for money on our product by: - introducing FirstStep at a low price - adding function to C Set ++ - changing the prices to reflect the difference between the diskette, CD ROM and CD ROM-pak offerings - making LAN licensing available (we call that Additional License Packs) - giving a break to those buying in volume (Volume Packs) - allowing a "street price" on the IBM 1-800 numbers so you don't pay full the announced price We think all this more than compensates for introductory promo prices. Q: Where do I go for the Volume Pack and Additional License Pack values? A; These are available from the 1-800-IBM-CALL number and from your IBM sales person. They are not available through the 1-800-3IBM-OS2 number nor from dealer/distributors. Q: I think the documentation was expensive for C Set ++ V2.0. Have you rethought this in V2.1? A: Documentation is expensive to produce. We have a 'street' price for the documentation available at the 1-800-3IBM-OS2 number. Q: What about documentation - has it changed? A: We've added no new manuals in C Set ++ V2.1 but obviously we've updated the documentation to reflect the new functions and to make minor corrections. For FirstStep, it's a new product so all the manuals are new, but you'll find they follow the same pattern as the manuals for V2.0 or V2.1 of C Set ++. Q: I heard I can now get source code for C Set ++. A: Not quite. The source product is source code for the User Interface and Collection Class Libraries. Source code for other parts of C Set ++ is not available. This is a separate product, and is only available from the 1-800-IBM-CALL number or an IBM sales person. Q: I have the old C Set/2 product. Is there a deal for me? A: Yes, we haven't forgotten you. We will give you an attractive upgrade to C Set ++ from both the old WorkSet/2 product and the C Set/2 compiler/debugger product. Q: Can I run the new C Set ++ and FirstStep products right off the CD now? A: Sort of. It can be done but it's not officially documented. We will be publicizing how to do this in the next C Set Newsletter and on our usual bulletin boards. Q: If I buy FirstStep and then want to move up to C Set ++, can I get a price break? A: In a word, no. We do not at this time offer an upgrade from FirstStep to C Set ++. Q: I've got a competitive product. Is there a deal for me to move to C Set ++? A: Not at this time. Check out the functions and features of C Set ++. We think you'll find it value for money even without the upgrade price. Q: Can I buy the Kase:Set product separately? A: No. Neither IBM nor Kaseworks sells Kase:Set as a separate product. It is comes only with C Set ++.