Apropos selects Borland Kylix 2, IBM Informix Dynamic Server for Linux-based retail solution

Issued by Global Research Partners for Borland Software
Johannesburg, 29 Mar 2002

Borland Software has announced that Apropos Retail Management Systems, the premier provider of chain retail management systems for small to mid-size chain retailers, has chosen Borland Kylix 2 and the IBM Informix Dynamic Server as the development and deployment combination for its Linux-based retail solutions.

The combined solution includes a new dbExpress driver for the IBM/Informix database with Kylix 2, the latest version of Borland`s award-winning, rapid application development (RAD) environment for the Linux operating system with support for developing and deploying Web Services. Apropos also develops award-winning retail applications using Borland Delphi 6, and when combined with Kylix 2 offers true cross-platform Windows/Linux development.

"In the retail industry, Linux is a widely adopted operating environment because of its security and cost-saving benefits," commented Sten Karlsen, co-founder and vice president of Apropos. "We`ve chosen to standardise on Delphi 6 and Kylix 2 as we continue to address the unique requirements of the `All Channel` retailer."

"Global organisations turn to IBM database software for performance, scalability, reliability and total cost of ownership," said Lauren Flaherty, vice president of marketing, IBM Data Management Solutions. "Borland`s support with Kylix 2 enables developers to fully leverage the rich functionality of Linux on the Informix database."

The dbExpress driver allows an application or compiler built with Kylix to access the Informix database. By offering the dbExpress driver to IBM customers, Borland continues to offer corporate developers the ability to create and deploy applications on the database platform of their choice, while enabling IBM customers to take advantage of rich Linux features.

"Delivering a database driver for IBM with Kylix 2 continues Borland`s long-standing commitment to provide our customers software technology that works across major architectures," said Simon Thornhill, vice president and general manager of RAD solutions for Borland. "We are pleased to work with IBM/Informix to offer our joint customers, like Apropos, a robust solution for developing and deploying their e-business applications."

For further information, please contact Borland Southern Africa on telephone (011) 880 1002, or fax (011) 447 6082, or visit the local Web site www.borland.co.za.

Apropos Retail Management Systems

Founded in 1989, Apropos Retail Management Systems has become the leading supplier of advanced technology retail software and system solutions to the growing market of small to mid-size chains, from 5 to 250+ store locations. Apropos provides complete software systems for growing chain retailers that want to be more profitable and productive. Apropos is a suite of retail applications built on the advanced SQL database environment. Apropos provides a complete, one-stop solution from POS to Back Office to Accounting and Data Warehousing - all built on the most advanced technology, and tied together with full professional services.

Borland Kylix 2

Borland Kylix 2 provides rapid e-business development with Web Services for the Linux operating system. Kylix 2 features BizSnap, WebSnap, and DataSnap to allow corporate or individual developers to create Web Services quickly and easily. Combined with Borland Delphi, the RAD solution for Windows, Kylix 2 allows developers to use one code base for cross-platform Linux/Windows application development. Kylix 2 also enables immediate and ongoing interaction with Web Services-based vendor platforms including .Net and BizTalk from Microsoft, and ONE from Sun Microsystems.

Borland Delphi 6

Borland Delphi 6 is the first rapid application development (RAD) environment for Windows that supports new and emerging Web Services. With Delphi 6, corporate or individual developers can create next generation e-business applications quickly and easily. Major features include BizSnap, WebSnap and DataSnap that enable developers to create applications that simplify business-to-business integration with full support for XML, SOAP, XSL and WSDL. Delphi 6 support for industry standard Web Services enables immediate and ongoing integration with emerging Web Services based vendor platforms such as .Net and BizTalk from Microsoft, and ONE from Sun Microsystems.

Borland Software Corporation

Borland is a leading provider of high performance e-business implementation platforms designed to increase developer productivity and reduce time to market for enterprise software projects. E-business implementation platforms consist of software products that allow businesses to develop, deploy and manage e-business applications. Borland is the vendor of choice for professional e-business solution providers who demand a vendor-independent implementation platform that supports rapid time to market, high productivity, performance and availability. Founded in 1983, Borland is headquartered in Scotts Valley, California, with operations worldwide.

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