Cincom Announces Availability of Cincom Smalltalk™ September 2001 Edition

CINCINNATI, Ohio - September 04, 2001 - Cincom Systems, Inc. announces the immediate, worldwide availability of Cincom Smalltalk September 2001 Edition. This latest version of Cincom Smalltalk includes new releases for Cincom Smalltalk's ObjectStudio® and VisualWorks® product lines.

About Cincom Smalltalk

Cincom Smalltalk is a rich set of application development environments and tools ideally suited for users that need to build custom, state-of-the-art applications that can be deployed across a company's internal network, the internet, or via a distributed network. Ideal users of Cincom Smalltalk are companies that have complex, rapidly changing business requirements, urgent time-to-market needs, and require the ability to deploy applications within the company or across the internet via the World Wide Web.

Included in the Cincom Smalltalk product family are the following components:

·         ObjectStudio - The ObjectStudio development suite is the premier pure Windows Smalltalk development toolset. Providing complete access to all standard Windows services (COM, ODBC), ObjectStudio allows developers of native Windows applications to provide a complete solution. ObjectStudio is unique in providing integrated object modeling and object mapping within a single development environment. For Windows developers, ObjectStudio is a full end-to-end analysis, design, and development environment.

·         VisualWorks - The VisualWorks suite is the premier Smalltalk toolset for building instantly portable server, web-based, and client/server applications. With connectivity to all major relational databases, object databases, and internet standard protocols, VisualWorks offers a complete solution for Windows® (95/98/ME/NT/2000), PowerMac, Intel Linux, AIX, SGI Irix, Compaq UNIX, HP-UX, and Solaris. With the most, well-respected, high-performance virtual machine architecture, VisualWorks is the preferred choice for internet development.

 

Release Highlights

Cincom Smalltalk September 2001 Edition is the latest update for our Cincom Smalltalk customers and includes updates to both ObjectStudio and VisualWorks. The updated products within Cincom Smalltalk include:

·         Cincom Smalltalk SCM (Source Code Management) Edition: bundles together ObjectStudio Enterprise Edition v6.5 and VisualWorks SCM Edition v5i.4*

·         An update to VisualWorks SCM Edition V5i.2 with ENVY add-on will be announced and released at a later time.

 

What's New With VisualWorks

Cincom Smalltalk’s VisualWorksÒ has been upgraded with significant new functionality for rapid development of web applications.  With this release, VisualWave developers can use standard HTML tools like DreamWeaver or FrontPage for the development of the look and feel of their sites, utilizing Smalltalk on the back end for all the business functionality. VisualWave has been upgraded to support:

 

·        Smalltalk Server pages.  Supporting both ASP and JSP semantics, using Smalltalk as the scripting language.

·        Servlets. A simple, standard API for programs that handle HTTP requests.

·        Bean and custom tags. Smalltalk Server pages fully support defining custom HTML tags that are translated by the server.

·        Additional gateways. New high-performance connections to IIS (using ISAPI) or Apache (using FastCGI).

·        Content management and administration facilities. Developers can define and change the logical structure of sites without hard-coding directory references, and can administer server properties remotely.

 

Server pages and servlets can be either stateful (session-based) or stateless. User profiles may be created based on the visits to a site, and a logging framework has been created. 

With this release of VisualWave, developers may build modern, interactive sites with best-of-breed, front-end tools in addition to the best-of-breed Smalltalk tools on the back end.

Additionally, further internet connectivity enhancements have been made that allow for even tighter integration with existing systems:

 

·        Web Services.  This release has full support for SOAP, UDDI, and WSDL.  Developers can build full connectivity between VisualWorks-based servers and arbitrary systems on the net.

·        SSL.  With a heightened focus on security, we have released support for SSL in native Smalltalk – which is as fast or faster than existing C implementations!  This allows for full integration of Smalltalk services with arbitrary servers.

·        SNMP.  This is the standard used by numerous tools for managing network-based services.  With this release, VisualWorks services may be easily exposed to such management tools for remote administration.

·        Full HTTP 1.1 client support and XML to object mapping (DOM) facilities.  In addition to SOAP, this allows developers to deal with arbitrary XML-based services.  Developers can now handle XML-based messaging, whether the transport is HTTP, CORBA, COM, or e-mail.

Base VisualWorks Upgrades

 

      The base VisualWorks system has also seen significant improvements.  There have been changes and updates to the following subsystems:

 

·        GUI Builder.  The GUI Builder has been made fully event-driven, making it more responsive.  The tools have been upgraded, adding new widgets (including a resizing splitter), and Polling has been deprecated.  The specific list of improvements includes:

- Better platform emulation. We polished the emulation libraries, provided better platform-faithful system defaults (e.g., window placement) and better documentation, applied feel framework more consistently, and provided UI settings control over feel options.

- A better painter. Fully event-driven, providing modern GUI building features.

- Enhanced widget library.  Resizer, standard tree widget.

- Support for platform fonts in all widgets and tools.

- Full deprecation and removal of the polling system.

- Separated Cut from Delete.

- Input Fields. Proper Home/End/Shift-Home/Shift-End navigation.

- New default Mac look.

- Full deprecation and removal of old Mac look.

- New Windows look policy.

- Full deprecation and removal of old Win3 and Win4 looks.

- New optional Mac7-look parcel.

- New Tab Control.

- Deprecation (but not removal) of Button Tab Notebook widget.

- Full support of internationalization of Labels in all Painter property pages.

- New Select On Navigation option for ALL lists.

- Separate Win95/NT and Win98/2000 looks.

- Totally new GUI Painter Tools that include a hierarchical view of widgets on the painter’s canvas.

- Full Wave, Lens, BGOK, and Advanced Tools support of new Painter and non-polling environment.

- Platform-faithful scrolling/tracking on all scroll bars.

 

·        New inspectors and workspaces. These entirely replace the older versions and support many new usability enhancements. These include:

- Multiple workspace pages

- Control over workspace imports

- Workspace variables

- Toolbars

- Inspector views varying by class

- Enhanced navigation

- Virtual instance variables

- Multiple views of objects

- Improved navigation

- Browsing methods within the inspector

- Drag and drop of values

- The undoing of variable assignments from the inspector

 

·        Distributed Smalltalk (DST).  DST has been upgraded so that it now works properly with the latest releases of common CORBA tools.  DST is in the midst of a full upgrade; the OpenTalk distribution framework will replace the DST core communications framework.  This will provide faster communications, a more robust error-handling framework, and better debugging facilities

 

·        StORE. StORE has been upgraded to be faster on common operations.  The tools have been updated for easier use.

 

·        Refactoring Browser. With the 5i.4 release of VisualWorks, the RB will be a downloadable add-on option.  Our intention is to replace the current system browsers with the RB.  This will be completed during the next release cycle.  In the interim, developers will have access to a tool that provides full XP support, and is integrated with StORE.

 

What's New With ObjectStudio

 

ObjectStudio is in the process of receiving a major update – a new VM.  The Cincom Smalltalk team is in the process of porting the VisualWorks VM to ObjectStudio.  This will provide the following benefits to ObjectStudio developers:

 

·        Better Performance.  The VisualWorks VM is a modern, just-in-time compiler with superior garbage collection; the current ObjectStudio implementation is a byte code interpreter.

·        Better Conformance.  By using the VisualWorks byte code set, it will be possible to provide better ANSI compliance in ObjectStudio.  This will make the non-GUI VisualWorks libraries available to ObjectStudio developers.

·        Standard source control tools.  Once this is complete, StORE will be available to ObjectStudio developers – providing a common source-code repository.

 

In the meantime, a number of bugs have been fixed in ObjectStudio with this release.  The following requests have been fixed:

 

F/R Number

Description

72841

Method OLEObjectClass>>getObject:className:onError: should be made better.

72811

AsciiXlate is not supported the same in the entire product. International characters are not well-supported.

72787

Multi-line edit field form item does not have an external getFfocus for tab key list navigation using item traversal list.

72750

The value in the numeric field changes improperly (rounding problem) upon obtaining focus.

72742

Run-time error '-2147023174' (800706ba) Error '-2147023174' (800706ba) OLE error.

72727

There seems to be a problem with opening a modal controller and then opening a subform as modal.  This is a regression.

72703

NCB: Make the new class browser the default browser for 6.5.

72658

OLECurrency class does not take Control Panel settings into consideration.

72552

FileNameString>>fileNamesMatching:mode:exclude: fails with memory allocation error for >1000 files (depends on machine RAM).

72532

When compiling code filed out from VisualWorks, you get an Error: Instance method #instanceVariableNames: is not found in Class MetaClass even when the string is empty.

72531

Getting "Error: String constant too long" when compiling.

72530

doesNotUnderstand: #methodSourceEditor when using new class browser with old debugger.

72372

A dropdownComboBox with no assigned values causes cursor to behave erratically when the keyboard up-down arrows are pressed.

72346

NCB, class browser, breakpoint list display problems.

72287

In previous releases, the “Load file...” from the O/S desktop would keep the last file loaded as "sticky" data in the File Name entry field.  This is no longer true with 6.4, which is frustrating for a developer (me) because I have to retype the name.

72241

Data not sent out through the TPC/IP socket - SocketWriteStream>>flushOnError:

72128

Format>>Selected Background COlor option does not work properly for a dropDownComboBox.

72107

SQLSERVER returns precsion of a decimal number always as 4.

72080

Update spgen.txt for 6.4 release.

72045

Negative value is returned incorrectly when exported via cursor.

71992

Update method reference with error codes that could occur when running FormOLEControl>>open.

71983

Cannot change options for a “Not Editable” and “Not Selectable” radio button

71701

(System getSystemVersion) returns a float object instead of a string object.  The method reference needs changing or the program.

71628

I try to sort an array containing some strings with umlauts but it seems that ObjectStudio orders all umlauts behind the character “Z.”  So all names beginning with an umlaut are at the end of my result instead of in between.

71484

Memory leak when using Oracle using execSql:vars:.

70946

Memory leak found in the "normal" part of the GDI memory.  Problem can be identified using GDI Stat tool to monitor.  Customer needs fix ASAP.

68764

The "TOTAL FrameWorkÒ Web Site" link created in the ObjectStudio 6.3 Start menu group should, for ObjectStudio 6.4, be changed to "Cincom Web Site" or "Cincom on the Web."

68122

Horizontal scroll bars in ListBox can fail to work if Text labels are added to the ListBox with formatting information different than that of the ListBox display.

67366

If a PropertySheet is already open, with a repeated “open,” another one is opened; both Sheets don't react on events i.e., the “active” event doesn't work also.

67165

In the method MFDatabase>>executeStatement:, the last line is missing and should read:   ^ result.

46014

DropDownListBox behaves wrong.

43813

Please add #timerAt: to parallel #timerAt:put: in class Timer.

43745

Left button down is not handled every time, if it is done quickly on a Toolbar (except for the #ToolbarButton type).

43378

Class Browser: Gets a debugger for class>Find     b47

35183

QUICKFIX:  Item traversal does not work in OracleLogonWindowView - Debugger opens if “cancel” with Return instead of mouse click.

34202

QUICKFIX:  Debugger shows up when editing a FixedItemsController because the compiler cannot compile the temporary method #tempInherited49Items since it has no source code.

33572

FIX PROPOSAL FOR FORMOLECONTROL>>CREATEDISPATCHER

32425

EVENT LOSTFOCUS ON NOTEBOOKS IS NOT CALLED

 

How to Order

Cincom Smalltalk SCM Edition, add-ons, and third-party products are available worldwide. Please contact your local Cincom sales representative directly or via e-mail at:  http://www.cincom.com/scripts/smalltalk.exe/community/index.asp?content=contact  for more information. Cincom Systems provides more than just software for its clients. World-class support and service are also available with our products. Please visit Cincom's corporate web site for more information at www.cincom.com.

Existing Cincom Smalltalk subscription customers are eligible to receive the latest subscription offering at no additional cost.

 

CINCOM, , Cincom Smalltalk, VisualWorks, and The Smart Choice are trademarks or registered trademarks of

Cincom Systems, Inc.  ObjectStudio is a registered trademark of CinMark Systems, Inc.  All other trademarks belong to their respective companies.

 

 

 

 

How to Upgrade Subscription Customers

The Cincom Smalltalk September 2001 Edition is the newest subscription update for our signed subscription customers. It is very important that we all understand the proper procedures to get your customers the latest software.

Will subscription customers be sent the new release automatically?

No. An OMS or Softrax "New Release" order will be required before distribution will ship the product to your subscription customer. It is the responsibility of the account executive to arrange for the order to be placed.

What will the subscription customer receive with the upgrade?

It depends on which software product is licensed by the customer. The following table shows what will be sent to each customer when an order is placed.

Cincom Package

Upgrade Components Included

 

 

Cincom Smalltalk SCM Edition

VisualWorks Enterprise Edition, Release 5i.4
ObjectStudio Enterprise Edition, Release 6.5

Cincom Smalltalk Non-Commercial Edition

VisualWorks Non-Commercial Edition, Release 5i.4
ObjectStudio Non-Commercial Edition, Release 6.5

 

What order type code do I use for upgrading our existing subscription customers?

You should place all the upgrade orders using the "New Release (NREL)" order type code.

Will I need to include both the software product code and the software license code on the New Release product upgrade orders?

No. In order to streamline the process, you can simply enter the software product code (CSCE, CLAC, CLNC, CSEA (not yet available), ) by itself on New Release orders. You do not need to enter the software license code again! Remember the new Cincom Smalltalk release number is "0109".

Are there other significant changes to what is being shipped?

Yes. With this release of Cincom Smalltalk (for both new and upgrade orders), we will be shipping the software and contents in a nice box. Within the box will be the customer's software, a Cincom welcome letter, t,and the VisualWorks Installation Guide. .

How many upgrade copies of the software is my customer entitled to?

The general rule of thumb is one. Our subscription contracts stipulate that Cincom is only required to provide your customer with one copy of the software when they receive upgrades. However, we understand that may not be practical for all customers. You may use the Units or Quantity field on the order to designate how many copies of Cincom Smalltalk you want sent to your customer. If you elect to send multiple copies to your customer, be aware that will mean that multiple copies of documentation and collateral will also be sent; each set will be in their own Cincom box.

Why is it so important to use a New Release order type code?

The New Release order type code plays a significant role in how Order Services, Billing, and Distribution handle the order. New Release tells Order Services that only the software product code is required for the order thus allowing it to pass quickly through the approval process. For billing, New Release orders do not generate a customer invoice. If you attempt to enter an upgrade order using the New Product (NPRD) or Upgrade (UPGR) order type codes, then your customer will be billed for the release and that will simply cause more work for you and for your customer. Distribution uses the order type when packaging the product so that it knows what to include in the package being sent to your customer.

How soon will the upgrade software ship from distribution?

We are releasing Cincom Smalltalk September 2001 Edition at the beginning of September . Orders will begin shipping from distribution shortly after the beginning of the month. You may go ahead and enter your upgrade orders as soon as the software is announced.

Entering a New Release Order

We hope that you find entering a new release order quick and easy. There are only a few things that you need to know to enter the order.

Step 1 - What information is needed?

What is the customer number?

Where do I want the software to ship?

What order type code do I use?    NEW RELEASE (NREL)

What software product does my customer currently have?    (CSCE, CSEA, CLAC, or CSNC)

How many copies do I want sent?

Step 2 - Enter the order

Place a new order in the system.

Be sure to use the NEW RELEASE order type code.

Just enter the line item for the software product being upgraded. No software license product code is required.

Enter the appropriate number of copies in either the UNITS or QUANTITY field. Units are used in Softwax and Quantity is used in OMS.

If your customer requires the VisualWorks Object Engine Sources, be sure to include that product code (VOES) as well.

Step 3 - Your done!