InfoModeler, a Windows-based database-design tool from Asymetrix, is based on the data-modeling methodology known as "Object Role Modeling" (ORM). This approach lets database designers create systems by conceptual modeling using English-language facts and examples. InfoModeler provides a suite of visual-modeling tools including: a fact compiler, which lets you enter statements about the information system; a fact diagrammer, which lets you enhance the model using graphical tools; a table browser, which lets you view information about the logical data model; the database generator, which generates an optimized database definition; and a report generator, which creates reports in graphical and tabular formats. With FORML ("Formal Object Role Modeling Language"), you enter a conceptual view of the information system that reflects the data requirements, along with data samples. Once the model is complete, the software validates that the facts and examples are correctly specified, then automatically generates the logical view of the information by mapping facts into relational databases. When the design is complete, InfoModeler generates the actual database--Access, FoxPro, Paradox, Oracle7, Sybase SQL Server, or Microsoft SQL Server--from the logical model. InfoModeler for Access, FoxPro, and Paradox sells for $795.00; for Oracle7 and Microsoft/Sybase SQL Servers, $1495.00.
Asymetrix Corp.
110-110th Ave. NE, #700
Bellevue, WA 98004
206-462-0501
A new book co-authored by former DDJ columnist Jeff Duntemann has been released by the Coriolis Group. Windows Programming Power with Custom Controls by Duntemann and Paul Cilwa focuses on how to write Windows apps using C/C++ custom controls. The 480-page book comes with a companion disk loaded with C/C++ custom controls that can be used with Visual C++, Borland C++, and Visual Basic. The book retails for $39.95.
Coriolis Group Books
7721 E. Gray Road, Suite 204
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
602-483-0192
Sigma Designs has announced a real-time MPEG video-compression system for the ReelMagic platform. The ready-to-run system is built around a Sigma-designed real-time encoding compression board, and consists of a Compaq ProSignia 486/66 PC, a 2-gigabyte SCSI hard drive, Betacam VCR controller, double-speed CD-ROM drive, and the ReelMagic MPEG playback card. The MPEG compression board at the heart of the system accepts Y/C component video and stereo-audio inputs and produces MPEG output in real time. Additionally, the board supports full SIF resolution video (352h240v30fps), 16-bit audio compression and real-time MPEG system-layer multiplexing. Sigma Designs' ReelMagic plays back full-screen, full-motion, full-color video, and CD-quality stereo sound from a single-speed CD-ROM drive at 30 frames per second. The ReelMagic system sells for $30,000.
Sigma Designs Inc.
47900 Bayside Pkwy.
Fremont, CA 94538
510-770-2661
Money.h++, a portable class library for representing and manipulating decimal fractions, has been released by Rogue Wave Software. Among the platforms the library supports are UNIX, DOS, Windows, NT, and OS/2. The fixed- and floating-decimal classes are provided in 14-, 18-, and 28-bit precision. The library also provides formatted I/O, error handling, control over rounding, and representation of null, missing, and NaN values. Money.h++ pricing starts at $299.00.
Rogue Wave Software Inc.
P.O. Box 2328
Corvallis, OR 97339
503-754-3010
A Windows-hosted debugger has been released by Microtec Research. The XRAY Debugger for Windows, designed for real-time, embedded-system software projects, debugs C/C++ code at the source level. The debugger provides context-sensitive pop-up menus, the addition of breakpoints by double-clicking on source statements, and execution of frequently used commands via a single mouse click. The first version of the XRAY Debugger for Windows supports 680x0 debugging and sells for $2000.00.
Microtec Research
2350 Mission College Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
408-980-1300
Simware's REXXWARE scripting language has been designated by Novell as a certified LAN administration tool for NetWare 3 and 4 environments. REXXWARE, which is an NLM and runs on NetWare servers, includes Windows-hosted schedules, and more than 30 sample scripts for automating common NetWare administration tasks. REXXWARE (available for 3.11, 3.12, 4.0.1) is priced at $695.00. For a demo disk call Simware.
Simware Inc.
2 Gurdwara Road
Ottawa, ON
Canada K2E 1A2
613-727-1779