Data Access Worldwide Launches WebApp Server

Data Access Worldwide announces the release of WebApp Server, an application server product suite designed to deliver dynamic, Web-enabled database applications using Windows NT. Developers can at last create fast, secure, multi-tier Internet database applications complete with their associated business rules. It's also one of the few high level languages to fit directly into Microsoft's Dynamic Internet Application Architecture (DNA) - providing an advanced, modular business logic engine for Internet applications.

"Companies can now confidently build, deploy, manage and change highperformance, distributed Web applications that satisfy information-hungry users and demanding e-transaction processes," said Simon Gottschalk, MD for UK DataFlex Distributor, MSG Business Systems. "WebApp Server provides an advanced, modular business logic engine for Internet applications. The architecture is database and user interface-independent, offering maximum flexibility for application developers."

In describing DNA on its Website, Microsoft endorses the critical role played by the central business logic tier "The business logic tier is the heart of a distributed application and is where application-specific processing and business rules are maintained."

According to META Group, "The data dictionary-based architecture enforces consistency in database application development, aids reuse, and strengthens security. Changes can be made once, and then propagated through all the affected applications. "WebApp Server exploits Microsoft standards, such as IIS and ASP, to the maximum, so that experienced Windows developers experience a shallow learning curve."

The WebApp Server solution consists of two components. WebApp Studio and WebApp Server. The WebApp development process begins with WebApp Studio - a complete suite of visual tools for building Web applications. Its wizards and other rapid development facilities generate error-free ASP and business logic code for database enabled Web applications. WebApp Server - a business logic engine - provides Microsoft IIS/ASP developers with enormous capabilities for controlled, intelligent database integration and a centralised business rule and business process execution.

ASP and COM are used to communicate between Microsoft IIS and the WebApp Server. The WebApp Server then executes Web application business logic and database operations. Scott Weaver, vice president of software development for CoLinear Systems, Inc adds: "I couldn't believe how easy it was to develop a Web application using WebApp Server. What should have taken six months took us six weeks! Installation was a breeze!"

WebApp Server & Studio benefits:

• Independence - Works with all leading Internet page design tools including Microsoft FrontPage.
• Versatility - Ideal for building e-commerce, business-automation and online dynamic publishing application solutions.
• Speed - WebApp Studio's wizards build the HTML code, the Active Server pages, and incorporates business logic and access drivers to data sources.
• Security - Web clients connect to an application, not directly to data and therefore only obey application rules. By using Dynamic HTML within the business logic, Web page sources are protected from view.
• Supports Standards - WebApp Server is based on leading Internet standards such as Java, ASP, HTML, COM, ODBC, Active X, JavaScript and VMScript.
• Complete solution - WebApp Studio includes a two session WebApp to test drive applications before deployment.
• True thin client applications - use any browser including Macintosh, Windows or UNIX, or any simple HTTP-connected Internet device.
• One location for business logic = simple design, simple maintenance.
• Internet system = Desktop system - WebApp Studio is the only development tool in its class to offer complete support for desktop and character mode applications from the same business logic source as the Internet system.
• Write once, get two systems - In-house and externally published.

About Data Access Worldwide

Data Access Worldwide has successfully developed productivity-enhancing software tools for developers for over twenty years. The company's flagship products are DataFlex and Visual DataFlex, professional software development tools for building reliable, high- performance, component-based database applications. Data Access Worldwide recently launched WebApp Server, an application server product suite for building and deploying database applications on the Internet.

There are over 400,000 DataFlex and Visual DataFlex sites running a broad range of commercial applications serving accounting, healthcare, office management, manufacturing, and other data-driven environments. Data Access Worldwide was established in Miami, Florida in 1976. The company supports a worldwide distribution network, marketing its product line in 38 countries. For more on-line information on WebAppServer visit www.WebAppDeveloper.com.

About MSG Business Systems www.msg.uk.com

MSG Business Systems Ltd is the UK distributor for Data Access' DataFlex products, and for a number of other, Visual DataFlex and Web application development tools. The Company, headquartered in Cardiff, Wales specialises in supplying custom-built software to a wide range of blue chip companies and government departments. Recent implementations in Visual DataFlex include Billboard - for reporting the European Music Charts, and Shipping Registry management in the British Virgin Islands. MSG has close contacts with many application builders both the UK, and around the world, in respect of advanced database and Web related application development.