Sybase Unveils Beta Of Next Generation PowerDesigner Modeling Tool

The Internet Applications Division (IAD) of Sybase, Inc. has announced the beta release of Sybase PowerDesigner 7.0. This next generation modeling tool extends its traditional data-modeling graphical environment with an object-oriented analysis and design layer to address the DBA's need to support new object relational models for use in today's distributed applications. The company made this announcement at the Sybase TechWave '99 User Conference held recently.

"The PowerDesigner 7.0 beta is a solid product with an incredibly long feature list. I am very impressed by the new object modeling module, the model merge function and the new package/diagram structure. We look forward to upgrading to PowerDesigner 7.0 as soon as it becomes generally available," said Michael F. Nicewarner, president, Nicewarner Consulting.

"Traditionally, companies needed to purchase multiple products to accomplish what PowerDesigner 7.0 can now do in a single design environment," said Bill Bartow, vice president of marketing and engineering, Internet Applications Division of Sybase, Inc. "Based on customer feedback, we recognized the data modeling community's need for a sophisticated design and analysis tool that could support the design and creation of object oriented applications in a multi-tier environment."

PowerDesigner 7.0 Features & Benefits

By extending the existing data design functionality to incorporate object-oriented analysis and design, PowerDesigner 7.0 offers a complete solution from support of back-end database creation for over 30 leading RDBMS', up through the generation of both Java and PowerBuilder non-visual objects (NVOs).

This combination meets the needs of both the database designer and the enterprise application developer. Major enhancements to PowerDesigner include:

• Database Design for Data Architects - PowerDesigner's advanced database design capabilities and the Universal Modeling Language (UML) allows data architects to reverse or forward engineer SQL and Java from all leading databases seamlessly into a class diagram. PowerDesigner then re-deploys the data back to the database automatically solving the object/relational challenge presented by today's distributed architectures. This enables developers to reuse objects from across multiple applications and eases the development of better performing, complex applications.
• Object and Component-Modeling for Developers - Now developers can easily generate or reverse engineer Java to and from any Java IDE or Sun's JDK. PowerDesigner also offers PowerBuilder developers the ability to generate PowerBuilder NVOs into applications as well as reverse engineer PowerScript into PowerDesigner for automatically generating classes. This capability provides developers with reusable object components that can be incorporated into distributed environments for faster development of enterprise applications.
• Improved Graphical User Interface (GUI) - Both designers and developers can work in a single, highly intuitive, graphical design environment for physical, conceptual and class design. This results in decreased development time and increased productivity.

Pricing And Availability

The beta version of PowerDesigner 7.0 is scheduled to be available for download from the Sybase Website (http://www.sybase.com/products/powerdesigner/) by the end of August 1999. PowerDesigner is expected to be generally available in the fourth quarter of 1999. Pricing and packaging will be announced at that time.

About Sybase, Inc.

With headquarters in Emeryville, Calif., Sybase, Inc. is one of the largest global independent software companies. Sybase helps businesses integrate, manage and deliver applications, content and data anywhere they are needed. The company's customers represent the industries leading the global economy, with strong concentrations in financial services, the public sector, telecommunications, media and healthcare. The company is leveraging core enterprise product strengths to capitalize on the emerging enterprise information portal market to provide powerful new solutions that deliver on the promise of e-Business. The company's Web address is http://www.sybase.com.