providex

    If you missed the version 6 preview presentation this afternoon online, or didn't register in time to make it in, check out the slide show screen over @ the Direxions Attendees Page

    Today Best Software Canada announced the release of version 6.00 of ProvideX! Nth Dimension would like to congratulate them on this great release, and all the exciting new features that have been included.

    Please visit our example code area to find a number of example programs showing off some of the new features, with more to come over the coming weeks after we return from DireXions.

    Here is a partial list of the new features

ProvideX Language:

    - EFF - Enhanced File Format

        - Single file up to 504GB each

        - 64-Bit File structure

        - Increased number of keys and segments 

        - Uses new Shadow Page technique

    - Output directly to PDF

        - Built-in support for Postscript Document Format

    - Program Libraries 

        - Single library file that contains entire sets of 

          ProvideX programs

    - User-customizable message box

    - Major enhancements to Grid and Tree View controls

    - Load-On-Demand for List Boxes and List Views

    - 255-Colour support for the Text Plane

    - Gradient Fills

    - Remote object support through WindX

    - 2 billion character data lengths to WindX

    - Enhanced picture and icon support

    - Printer margin support

    - DSN-less ODBC connections

    - Dynamic loading Oracle OCI interface

    - Dynamic loading SSL for UNIX/Linux

    - Bi-direction pipe support for UNIX/Linux

    - Enhanced debugging

    - 10 million element arrays

    ... and much more.

    

    
NOMADS:

     - Load-On Demand Lists

     - Background Grid and List Box loading

     - Object persistence

     - COM controls

     ... and much more.

    

    
ProvideX Report Writer - New for Version 6

    
ProvideX Web Server

     - Character mode configuration support

     - Logging

     - Virtual paths

     - SSL usage under UNIX/Linux

    

    
ProvideX Application Server

     - Character mode configuration support

     - SSL usage under UNIX/Linux

    

    Today was a busy day for Best. They issued two new downloads on their site. The new ProvideX ODBC Manual, and an update to v6 for Windows and WindX only that corrects a couple of major issues (version 6.00.0009) (Don't worry that when you try to download the file and it says it was dated back in March, it really is the new download on the site).

    I haven't reviewed the new ODBC manual yet, but it has been described as

This brand new document covers the following topics in detail:

• Installation & Activation Procedures
• Local & Client Configuration
• Server Configuration (Windows and UNIX/Linux)
• Table Definitions (Data Dictionary & INI file)
• SQL Syntax Table With Example SQL Statements

    The changes to ProvideX are in the new readme file (still named pvx600.txt) and are the following items

    1.152 - Corrected an issue where PRINT 'PICTURE'() to a *WINPRT* device, did not always output the picture. The issue is very dependant on the Printer Drivers in use, and the revision of the GDI layer in Windows. Not every OS or installation will suffer from this issue due to a mix of dependancies.

    2.5 - Correction for ERR=41 occuring, when doing file I/O across a WindX connection, with V6 WindX.

    2.6 - Allowed for a longer (45 second) delay, rather than a short (5 second) delay for incoming data, when in the middle of a packet transmission. Previously this would show as a CRC error, rather than a timing error. A high-latency or congested network, could see spurious CRC Errors on WindX clients.

    2.7 - Corrected an issue where WindX in Telnet mode, may not complete its connection to a server, when setting the Terminal Type, and the telnet server daemon asked 2 or more telnet questions requiring responses at the same time, when those questions happened to arrive together, and the terminal type question was not the first question.

    11.5 - Corrections to the ASCII Character mode interface

    11.6 - Modifications to the Buffer Management within the App Server Daemon to allow for faster buffer draining to the outlying workstations, as well it now avoids giving "preferential" treatment to any given instance of ProvideX on any one workstation.

    11.7 - Corrections in WindX for using SSL connections to a UNIX/Linux App Server.

    11.8 - Corrected a problem where the Allow Client to Set Start-In Directory was not being saved when configuring an Application.

    11.9 - Corrections to App Server / WindX where a V6 WindX would not display log-in screens.

    ProvideX will be releasing two significant items in the next couple of weeks. First is JavX 2.0 which is wrapping up it's beta cycle this week and the second, which we just heard about today, is an über manual download. They've collected all of the manuals, references, conference presentations and readme's into a single PDF download collection that is supposed to be fully searchable (apparently the download will be over 50mb). I'm excited about that! More about each as information is available.

    Best Software is running a customer satisfaction survey that they would like your input on. Please take a few minutes to fill it out as your input is valuable to them and can only help make ProvideX a stronger product.

    The following announcement was made on the mailing list this evening

It is with mixed emotions I announce that Mike King is stepping down as V.P. & G.M. of the ProvideX Division at Best Software to pursue further entrepreneurial opportunities. As the founder and original developer, Mike has seen the ProvideX language flourish, and he will continue to play an important role in its on-going growth through his next career move to the distribution and development side of the business. The ProvideX product will continue to benefit from Mike's talents and expertise as he works with us to enhance and support our development efforts on a consulting basis. Please join me in wishing Mike further success in his new endeavors.

    I am very pleased to announce that Alan Bryant is expanding his role as Vice President of Extended Solutions to take on the additional responsibility of heading up ProvideX. Alan's proven leadership, extensive understanding of channel sales, and familiarity with both ProvideX and Best Software will be an outstanding benefit to us all. Alan's wealth of experience within Best Software and as a very successful business partner and developer prior to joining the Best Software family makes this a natural transition. Please join me in congratulating Alan Bryant on his promotion.

    We are excited about the continuing relationship we will have with Mike King, and the new leadership that Alan Bryant brings to ProvideX. As always, we look forward to your continuing support and thank you for the successes we've built together.

    Best regards,
Himanshu Palsule
Senior Vice President and General Manager
Mid-Market Accounting Solutions

    Needless to say, it has come as a bit of a shock, but not completely un-foreseen. The challenge ahead will be to not let this change effect the way ProvideX is run. Let's all keep our fingers crossed.

    And of course the rumours will start to fly too until we hear more about what Mike has up his sleave.

    I've only worked with Alan once or twice in the past, and that was before he moved over to Best. Maybe they'll have a little welcome party next time he comes to town?

    In follow-up to the announcement last week of Mike King leaving ProvideX, here is the note that George Riviere sent to all of the Master Developers with a bit more detail than what was in the first note. I know that it has helped answer many of my questions so I'm happy to be able to share it here for all of us non-MAS related people.

    Also, if you haven't already, check out Mike's new site at PVXPlus.com for even more information. I'm having lunch with him early next week and should be able to share some more news then.