Extended Systems Releases Advantage OLE DB Provider

Extended Systems announced the release of Advantage OLE DB Provider, a native interface for database developers using Microsoft's Visual Studio programming environments. The Advantage OLE DB Provider creates a seamless interface between Advantage Database Server and any development environment that can use ADO or OLE DB interfaces directly enabling easy, reliable access to business-critical data for local, shared, client/server, mobile and Webbased applications.

The Advantage OLE DB Provider strengthens Extended Systems' presence in the Visual Studio developer market by offering an alternative to Microsoft SQL Server and Access database engines. The Advantage OLE DB Provider is designed for use with Visual Basic, Access, Visual C++, Delphi, C++Builder, and other development environments that provide data access via ADO or OLE DB. In addition, it requires no other database engines (Jet, MSDE, BDE, ODBC, DAO) and includes full server-based transaction processing to eliminate database corruption which in turn reduces support costs.

"With this release, Extended Systems offers a high performance, costeffective alternative to Microsoft SQL Server for Visual Basic, Access and Visual C++ development platforms," explains Mike Lydon, Advantage Research & Development Manager for Extended Systems.

"Developers now have a lower cost option that is far easier to manage and maintain. This is a compelling reason to use Advantage instead of Microsoft SQL Server as a growth path for Access or Visual Basic application development." Additional Advantage OLE DB Provider product features include:

• Supports SQL commands via StreamlineSQL technology for both shared and client/server environments OLE DB and ADO 2.1 compliant
• Includes fast, native access to the Advantage Local Server for royalty-free distribution in local and shared environments that is fully scalable to client/server with Advantage Database Server
• Provides support for full-featured proprietary database format as well as FoxPro-compatible file formats
• Works seamlessly with ADO data-aware components for rapid application development
• Ships with support for direct Advantage access via low-level Advantage Client Engine API functions
• Small footprint (~750k total, including client/server database engine interface DLLs)

The release of the Advantage OLE DB Provider and the recent releases of Advantage Database Server 5.7 and XTNDConnect RPM, a middle-tier solution which allows developers to extend enterprise applications to mobile devices, reinforces Extended Systems commitment to bring solutions to developers that are easy to integrate, deploy and manage.

Evaluations, Pricing and Availability

The Advantage OLE DB Provider will initially be offered as a free download from the Advantage Web site for 60 days beginning June 2, 2000. After that the OLE DB Provider will be offered at $199. Call 800-235-7576, x5030 or 208-322- 7800, x5030 for additional information on pricing and electronic downloads, or visit www.AdvantageDatabase.com.

Media Evaluation Units

Advantage Database Server and the Advantage OLE DB Provider are available for media evaluation by calling Joanne Taylor, Extended Systems Media Relations Manager at 800-235-7576 x6015, joannet@extendsys.com.

About Extended Systems

Extended Systems is a leading provider of mobile information management solutions that enable users to access, collect, synchronize, and print information on demand. The company's products include data synchronization and management software, short-range wireless connectivity products (Bluetooth and IrDA-compliant), Linux-based Internet access solutions, a complete line of network print servers and client/server database management systems with remote access capabilities. Extended Systems' customers and key relationships include 3Com, IBM, Microsoft, Compaq, Motorola, Ericsson, Hewlett-Packard, Agilent, Sharp, NEC, and Toshiba.

Founded in 1984, Extended Systems has offices and subsidiaries in the United States and worldwide. For more information, call 1-800-2356-7576 or visit the company Web site at www.extendedsystems.com.