cy@dbase.A-T.COM (Cy Shuster) (07/26/90)
I don't usually post press releases (by the way, Full Impact 2.0 has
shipped!), but I thought this might answer a few questions in advance.
I'm posting the full text because of Suit Dweebs.
--Cy--
Torrance, California, July 16, 1990 -- Ashton-Tate Corporation (NASDAQ:TATE)
today announced that, effective immediately, the company has sold dBASE Mac,
its database software for the Macintosh, to New Era Software Group, Inc., of
Miami, Florida.
New Era Software specializes in Macintosh software development. As of August
15, 1990, New Era will support all current dBASE Mac users; until then, dBASE
Mac customers can continue to call Ashton-Tate Technical Support. New Era has
acquired Ashton-Tate's dBASE Mac inventory and intends to upgrade the
product. Ashton-Tate retains the right to distribute and support dBASE Mac for
New Era in Japan.
"We were impressed by New Era's expertise and enthusiasm, and felt that they
could best meet the needs of our dBASE Mac customers. Their ownership of dBASE
Mac will give that product a renewed future," said Bill Lyons, Ashton-Tate's
President and Chief Operating Officer. "At the same time, the sale allows us
to focus our development efforts on a language-compatible version of dBASE IV
for the Macintosh. This will enable our customers and developers to run their
DOS-based programs on the Macintosh."
"We are building our business around software for the Macintosh, and dBASE Mac
is a perfect addition to our business software product line," said Dean
Meyers, Chief Executive Officer of New Era Software. "Our plans for the
product include porting it to other platforms, such as UNIX and Windows, and
translating it to an even wider range of foreign languages. In addition, we
plan to broaden dBASE Mac's usability by developing a multi-user version."
Michael D. Rossetti, New Era Software's President of the Software Products
Division and Chief Technical Officer, was the designer of the original dBASE
Mac. He began developing the product in 1984; it was purchased by Ashton-Tate
in April 1985. Says Rossetti, "I look forward to working again on the future
of dBASE Mac. New Era is committed to providing the dBASE Mac tools, tips, and
training for Macintosh users."
Product Features
----------------
dBASE Mac is a relational database management system that includes a
programming language, complete support of the Macintosh user interface, and
multiple file views. It features a wide array of file import and export
formats, a virtually unlimited number of records and fields, and pull-down
menus. It is designed for easy use by both novice database users and advanced
developers.
Ashton-Tate will continue to actively market its other Macintosh products:
Full Impact in spreadsheets, FullWrite Professional in word processing, and
Full Paint in graphics.
Ashton-Tate Corporation
-----------------------
Headquartered in Torrance, California, Ashton-Tate Corporation develops and
markets microcomputer business applications and advanced connectivity
software. The company's major product categories include database management
systems, word processing, integrated decision support, spreadsheets, graphics,
and software utilities. Ashton-Tate has operations worldwide, with products
available in 20 languages in more than 50 countries. The company also offers a
comprehensive line of training and support services for individuals,
corporations, and government agencies.
New Era Software
----------------
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, New Era Software specializes in Macintosh
software development. The company's Consulting Services Division provides
application design, programs, training, and installation for Macintosh users
and developers. New Era's management team includes Dean Meyers, the founder of
New Era Software and a long-standing advocate of dBASE Mac; Michael D.
Rossetti, the designer of dBASE Mac; several members of Rossetti's original
dBASE Mac development team; and Gary Spirer of the New York-based investment
banking firm Capital Hill Group, as financial and marketing advisor.
New Era Software can be reached at (305) 670-4844.
# # # #
R Ashton-Tate, dBASE and FUll Paint are registered trademarks of Ashton-
Tate Corporation.
tm Full Impact and FullWrite Professional are trademarks of Ashton-Tate
Corporation.
Mac is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only
and may be trademarks of their respective companies. Your mileage may
vary. Apply only to affected areas. Post office will not deliver mail
without postage. Not the Beatles (tm, R, c).