Sybase Inc has announced the formation of a Workplace Database Division focused on the rapidly-expanding market for personal computer database servers. This new unit will be based around the sales model, channel partner focus and support programmes of Sybase’s Powersoft division to deliver Sybase database products for the personal computer server marketplace. The Workplace Database product family will initially include Sybase SQL Anywhere (formerly Watcom SQL) and Sybase SQL Server 11 for Windows NT. Former Watcom vice-president of sales and marketing, Dave Boswell, has been named vice-president and general manager of the Workplace Database Division, reporting to David Litwack, senior vice-president of Sybase Inc and president of Powersoft. The company has also announced Sybase SQL Anywhere Version 5.0, a full-featured database optimised to enable greater access to information. New in this release are Transact-SQL compatibility support, Sybase Replication Server and Open Client interoperability, Sybase SQL Remote replication technology for occasionally connected users, and the new SQL Central graphical user interface administration tool. SQL Anywhere is available on personal computer systems including Windows95, Windows NT, Windows 3.X, NetWare, MS-DOS and OS/2. Sybase SQL Anywhere version 5.0 features SQL Remote, which provides replication capability optimised for occasionally connected users. The new SQL Central Graphical User Interface tool is designed for administration of SQL Anywhere servers, and for managing replication with SQL Remote. Its Windows95 user interface is Explorer-based and features advanced controls, wizards and drag-and-drop functionality. It provides a graphical performance monitor and advanced editor for procedures, triggers and views. Sybase SQL Anywhere version 5.0 also features enhanced compatibility and interoperability with Sybase SQL Server. Sybase SQL Anywhere is now shipping, offered through concurrent licensing or on a per-seat basis. Concurrent licensing pricing ranges from $599 for a four-user version to $5,000 for an unlimited-user version. On a per-user basis, Sybase SQL Anywhere has a suggested retail price of $300 and includes server and client software, stand-alone capabilities and Sybase SQL Remote. Currently each additional client is priced at $120, and copies of the stand-alone version are $120. The stand-alone version of SQL Anywhere with Sybase SQL Remote currently costs $180.
