IBM Expands Award-Winning VisualAge to C++

BOSTON, MA., March 21, 1995...Today at Object World Boston, IBM announced
VisualAge C++ for OS/2.

VisualAge C++ combines the unique visual programming construction
technology of IBM's award-winning VisualAge product with the robust,
professional development tools from its popular C Set++ product. This
powerful, object-oriented combination allows developers to visually build
parts and then combine these parts to construct programs.

VisualAge C++ provides a powerful C++ development environment, including
the IBM Open Class Library. IBM Open Class is a comprehensive set of C++
building blocks, which isolates developers from complex system application
programming interfaces (APIs) and provides platform independence. The
product also contains integrated C++ tools and a complete code generation
environment that allows a professional programmer to productively develop
and deploy applications across the enterprise.

"Customers today are walking a tight-rope between business demands and
available resources," said Tim Negris, vice president, Application
Development Marketing, IBM Software Solutions. "VisualAge C++ delivers a
rich set of tools for writing parts and constructing applications that
help customers get the most out of their developers' talent in order to
meet business imperatives responsively and productively."

POSITIVE BETA CUSTOMER RESPONSE

Since the beta program was established in late 1994, customer response to
VisualAge C++ has been strong. Over 450 customers received the code.
Cyberworks Corporation is among a number of companies that have evaluated
VisualAge C++. "I live and die by the power of IBM's C++," said Steve
Gardner, president, Cyberworks Corporation. "This new version sets a
standard for development environments with a fabulous new browser,
powerful new tool bar and multimedia classes, and the ability to generate
SOM objects directly from the compiler. I expect to reduce my development
time by at least 30 percent."

Drew Franz, project engineer, from Campbell Soup, added, "The IBM Open
Class Library lets the C++ developer get a wide range of application
function with minimal coding - it is by far the 'best of class' in OS/2
application development."

UNIQUE FEATURES:

 o Visual Application Construction -- speeds development time
   by letting the developer rapidly build applications.
   Developers can construct applications from parts by visually
   manipulating prefabricated objects and then automatically
   generating C++ source code. Additionally, visual construction
   shields developers from the details of the underlying
   programming language, which significantly reduces the C++
   learning curve.

 o Data Access Builder -- revolutionizes the task of bringing
   existing relational data into the object world. By visually
   mapping DB2/2 relational database tables to objects and
   generating all the necessary C++ and SQL code, a programmer
   can quickly and accurately create data objects for use in
   the visual builder.

 o Direct-to-SOM compiler -- extends the robustness and
   portability of IBM's System Object Model (SOM), which
   provides a CORBA-compliant, highly efficient dynamic
   linking mechanism for creating and using objects across
   various applications. The Direct-to-SOM compiler allows
   developers to create SOM objects directly from C++ source
   code by simply specifying a compiler option.

 o C++ Performance Analyzer -- gives developers a high-level
   view of a program's runtime behavior unavailable through
   debuggers or browsers. Through a graphical representation,
   programmers can quickly locate performance bottlenecks and
   tune program behavior.

The VisualAge C++ family of programming tools provides:

o C & C++ compiler -- generates some of the fastest applications available
for OS/2. With the addition of a new 32-bit linker, application build time
is significantly reduced.

o Browser -- helps programmers understand the hierarchy of class libraries
and their C++ programs. The browser is capable of browsing both C++ source
code and compiled programs.

o Debugger -- simplifies the debugging process through an intuitive user
interface. It allows programmers to debug at the source level, set break
points, and handle advanced C++ functions such as templates and
exceptions.

o Editor -- simple to use and language sensitive, the editor is easily
customized to suit a programmer's preference.

MULTI-PLATFORM AND STANDARD COMPLIANT

At CeBIT 1995, IBM announced the availability of C++ software development
tools for MVS, Sun Solaris, and the beta for OS/400. Through multiple
platform support, developers can achieve significant source code
portability throughout an enterprise.

VisualAge C++ embraces industry standards, including compliance with ANSI C
and ANSI C++, and the Object Management Group's CORBA specification.

VisualAge C++ conforms to the IBM Open Blueprint. The IBM Open Blueprint,
which incorporates a wide range of standards, provides the base upon which
to build, run, and manage distributed applications in a diverse
multi-vendor world.

PRICING, AVAILABILITY AND SUPPORT

VisualAge C++ Version 3.0 will be available in June from authorized IBM
dealers or direct from IBM. Pricing will be announced when the product is
available. As of March 21, customers purchasing C Set++ Version 2.1 will
be entitled to a no charge upgrade to VisualAge C++ Version 3.0. Existing
C Set++ customers will be offered an upgrade at the time of product
availability. For additional information on IBM's VisualAge C++ product,
users in the U.S. can call 1-800-IBM-3333.

IBM offers a comprehensive service and support program which includes a
support hotline available 24-hours a day, seven days a week in the USA and
Canada, as well as on-line support through CompuServe, INTERNET and
TalkLink, a new service offered through IBMLink.

IBM's Software Solutions Division provides data management, application
development, and workgroup solutions for mission-critical applications on
PCs, workstations, LANs and host systems.

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