November 14, 1994
Issue 501, page 116
Borland International Inc. says it has a solution for software developers struggling to build OLE-enabled applications. On Oct. 31, the Scotts Valley, Calif., software company unveiled C++ 4.5, an object-oriented development system that eases support for Microsoft Corp.'s complicated OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) technology, and even offers alternatives to it.
OLE breaks software into reusable chunks of code, called objects, that can be assembled to form next-generation compound documents comprising pieces of spreadsheets, word processors, and other applications. OLE also has scripting capabilities that can automate applications. Unfortunately, such newfound power comes at a price. ''Any current application is difficult to retrofit with OLE,'' asserts Frank Correra, a senior partner at the Clarity Group Inc., a consultancy and software developer in North Andover, Mass.
Hounding For Support
Enter Borland's C++ 4.5 programming language, an upgrade to C++ 4.0 that supports applications development for the DOS, Windows, Windows NT, and Windows 95 operating systems. C++ 4.5 includes OLE encapsulation technology that eases the upgrade of conventional C++ and Borland object applications into OLE 2.0 applications, says Hank Shiffman, C++ product manager at Borland. That's especially important for software developers anxious to begin work on applications for Windows 95, Microsoft's forthcoming upgrade to Windows and MS-DOS.
For software to earn the Windows 95 logo from Microsoft, it must include support for OLE 2.0. ''We've been hounding Borland for the OLE support,'' says developer Correra. ''Now we've got it, and it's solid.'' Correra is using OLE to add ''drag-and-drop'' capabilities to an object management system he's working on. He also plans to leverage OLE's application automation capabilities.
For those not eager to use OLE, Borland offers an alternative called VBX32. Microsoft and other companies offer 16-bit VBXs (Visual Basic controls), which are icons that add functionality to larger Windows applications built in Microsoft's Visual Basic language. In the 32-bit Windows 95 and Windows NT worlds, however, Microsoft is bypassing the 32-bit VBX in favor of more robust OLE Custom Controls. ''But since it will be some time before software suppliers offer OLE Custom Controls, we're helping users avoid the waiting period by offering VBX32, which lets 16-bit VBXs work in 32-bit applications,'' explains Shiffman.
Though Microsoft's market-dominating Visual Basic will be tough to compete against, analysts are intrigued by Borland's strategy. ''VBX32 is a good intermediate step that could let users make a gradual transition to OLE,'' notes Hugh Bishop, an analyst at the Aberdeen Group Inc., a consultancy in Boston.
Users can test that theory within weeks. Borland C++ 4.5 is slated to ship this month, priced at $499.95 for first-time users; $149.95 for C++ upgraders. Upon Microsoft's release of Windows 95, slated for release next spring, Borland says it may offer an additional C++ upgrade to ensure compatibility with the new operating system. The potential upgrade will be free to C++ 4.5 users.
Copyright 1994 by CMP Publications. All rights reserved.
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