StarQuest Unveils StarPipes; Enables PC and UNIX clients to access DB2 databases using TCP/IP; new software provides fast performance, easy client configuration, and unmatched flexibility for TCP/IP-to-SNA access to IBM databases

Business Wire, May 7, 1996

BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May, 7, 1996--StarQuest Software, Inc. (formerly StarWare, Inc.) today announced StarPipes, a new software that enables client-based applications to access IBM databases using TCP/IP, thereby giving users unmatched choice in selecting their network protocol for remote database access. The product operates with StarQuest's StarSQL Pro, an ODBC-to-DRDA driver for Windows, OS/2, and UNIX to provide easy database access to remote IBM databases from ODBC-enabled client applications.

"We expect StarPipes to be especially attractive to large organizations that are standardizing on TCP/IP in their wide area networks," said Jim Mullen, president of StarQuest Software, Inc. "StarPipes allows customers to use TCP/IP to achieve easy, high-performance host data access, while avoiding the need to support multiple protocols -- which is both costly and time-consuming."

StarPipes also eases installation and configuration of StarSQL Pro clients. Because these clients run over standard TCP/IP sockets, users may configure a connection simply by setting a TCP/IP address. Unlike SNA clients, there is no need to specify logical unit names, types, or other network parameters. StarPipes runs on a variety of operating systems -- Windows NT 3.51, HP/UX 10.0, AIX 4.1, Solaris 2.5 or OS/400 3.1 and 3.6 -- providing unprecedented configuration options in order to meet customer needs.

Finally, StarPipes implements DRDA over TCP/IP in accordance with IBM's DRDA Level 3 specification. When the DRDA Level 3 support becomes available from IBM, customers may convert to it without changing any of their DRDA TCP/IP clients.

Pricing and Availability

A StarPipes product demo can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.starquest.com/demo. StarPipes, available immediately, is priced at $2,500 (U.S. dollars). Volume discounts are available.

About StarSQL Pro

StarPipes operates in conjunction with StarSQL Pro, which is a software driver that enables any ODBC-compliant, Windows-based program to access data quickly and easily from remote IBM midrange, mainframe, and UNIX systems -- which currently store more than 70 percent of corporate databases. StarSQL Pro communicates with DB2 through the standard DRDA facilities of all DB2 database systems. Data access is accomplished without emulation or screen scraping.

The application enables users to bring record-by-record information from IBM DB2 databases into Windows-based applications without having to leave their application. At the same time, it allows programmers to develop transparent client/server applications for DB2 data using tools such as Visual Basic or Lotus Notes.

StarSQL Pro provides Microsoft's ODBC I.C on the client PC. This means that any ODBC-enabled application -- there are currently more than 100 -- can use StarSQL to access relational databases on remote IBM servers. StarSQL Pro supports ODBC-enabled applications running Windows NT, Windows 95, Windows 3.1, OS/2, or UNIX.

On the host side, StarSQL Pro uses standard IBM protocols such as DRDA and APPC as the basis of data access and transport. By contrast, other connectivity products use "proxy" software on the host systems to access databases and to communicate to the requester. That approach causes support problems and high costs, as vendors must constantly retain compatibility with the latest releases of IBM hardware and software.

About StarQuest

Headquartered in Berkeley, California, StarQuest Software, Inc., offers a line of data communications software products for connecting PC and UNIX systems with IBM systems. The company provides remote database access, 5250 terminal emulation, file transfer, remote command execution, remote data queues, and remote print spooling. StarQuest products are marketed directly by StarQuest and by StarQuest's domestic and international resellers. The company is privately held. -0-

Note to Editors: StarQuest, StarSQL Pro, and StarPipes are trademarks of StarQuest Software, Inc. All other technology, product, and company names herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

StarQuest on World Wide Web: http://www.starquest.com/

CONTACT: StarQuest Software, Inc.

Mark Evans, 510/704-2028

mark.evans@starquest.com

or

Evans Communications

Cathy Wright, 415/595-1871

evanscw@aol.com