Windows Utility from Intex Solutions Automates File Integration

Trans Plus for Windows Provides ASCII-to-Spreadsheet File Integration
without Data Parse.

January 10, 1994 -- Needham. MA. Intex Solutions, Inc., the leading
publisher of spreadsheet add-ins and enhancements, is now shipping a new
Windows utility that integrates external data into spreadsheets quickly,
easily and automatically. Trans Plus for Windows intelligently converts
nearly any ASCII file into a valid spreadsheet file, then automatically
launches the spreadsheet program and opens the file in a format that's
ready to use. Trans Plus for Windows eliminates the need for spreadsheet
users to manually define column placement when importing data, a
cumbersome procedure called "Data Parse." Trans Plus for Windows is
compatible with all popular spreadsheet programs including Lotus 1-2-3,
Excel and Quattro Pro, and supports standard ASCII text files such as
those created by word processors, databases and mainframes.

A Straightforward Solution to a Common Need 

Nearly all spreadsheet users have at least an occasional need to integrate
external data. Many users, for instance, regularly integrate reports from
another PC, workstation or mainframe-based application into their
spreadsheets for further analysis. To accomplish this task using the tools
built-into the spreadsheet, users must first import their external data
into column "A" of their spreadsheet, then proceed to "parse" the data
into the appropriate columns. This can be a cumbersome and difficult task
for one file, and a daunting task for users who integrate many files in
one session. Trans Plus for Windows automates the file integration process
by intelligently interpreting patterns in the source file into the
appropriate spreadsheet columns. With Trans Plus for Windows, text is
formatted as labels, and numbers are formatted in the correct value
notation (currency, decimal, percentage, etc.). Even unusual characters in
the source file, such as leading or trailing negative signs or fractions,
are recognized and formatted correctly by Trans Plus for Windows. The
result is that the spreadsheet user has access to their data faster and
with less effort, whether for one file or a batch of files.

Takes Full Advantage of Windows 

Trans Plus for Windows is a true Windows application, and users will
appreciate many new features that were not available in the DOS
command-line version of the program. Trans Plus for Windows installs
easily with its Windows setup program, and is launchable from its own
Windows icon. Once loaded, users can select and view their source ASCII
files before processing and invoke a number of options which control the
way files are processed. For example, duplicate page headings may be
eliminated and output file names and extensions may be changed. Once Trans
Plus for Windows has processed the file - typically in a few seconds - the
user may exit or else have Trans Plus for Windows launch the spreadsheet
automatically.

"Saves Us Hours of Work" 

Users in companies of all sizes are reporting significant productivity
gains using Trans Plus for Windows. One user, Dave Talsky, Decision
Support Supervisor at S.C. Johnson Wax in Racine, Wisconsin, uses Trans
Plus for Windows to automate sales presentations for over 220
representatives throughout the country. Before Trans Plus for Windows,
each representative would be required to download sales and other market
data for their territory off the mainframe and either manually parse or
rekey the information into their spreadsheet for further analysis and
formatting. Now, using Trans Plus for Windows, the data is downloaded
centrally and automatically integrated into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
Then, using macros and DDE links, the data is converted into Lotus
Freelance slides for presentations and sent electronically to each
representative. Mr. Talsky relates that "we find that Trans Plus for
Windows saves the company over 1000 hours each month. It is very quick and
simple to use. In fact, everyone we've shown it to has been able to use it
successfully without much reference to the manual." 

Price and Availability

Trans Plus for Windows is shipping now and is available directly from Intex
Solutions, Inc. Trans Plus for Windows is priced at $225 plus $5
shipping/handling. A limited version, Trans for Windows, handles files
with up to 500 rows and 50 columns, and is priced at $125 plus $5
shipping/handling. DOS versions of the products are also available. Intex
Solutions, Inc., is located at 35 Highland Circle, Needham, MA 02194.
Telephone 617-449-6222; Fax 617-444-2318.

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