Symantec UK Ltd has launched the UK version of the flat-file database software Q&A, in a bid to become the leading software manufacturer for the MS-DOS and Apple Macintosh environments. Q&A Version 3.0 is described as an integrated file manager for MS-DOS machines and aimed at business users. It has an integrated word processor, and can be used in multi-user networks. Written in C, with some Assembler code, the database is designed to understand English commands, and be easy to use. Files and documents from the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet and Symphony windowgrated program, and Ashton-Tate’s dBase II and III can be imported into Q&A, and files and documents can be exported out of Q&A to dBase II and III, and any programs accepting ASCII and fixed ASCII format files. Reports from other secondary Q&A databases can also be merged into forms. Data is protected via a five-level password system and a record locking facililty. The database will come with an optional Intel Connection co processor, which can handle facsimile transmission and mailmerged documents and reports. The word processor has been included to enable the user to format letters and documents as data is received. It has font support for most of the major printers, including Hewlett-Packard LaserJet, Apple LaserWriter and Postscript-compatible print.cw 8 ers. The word processor also comes as a separate, stand alone product, called Q&A Write. This has font support as before, and can run Lotus 1-2-3 from the main menu. It also has a mail merge facility with Lotus 1-2-3 via ASCII. There is also an OS/2 version of Q&A, which runs on Intel 80286 and 80386 processors, and requires 2Mb of extended memory. This version can run multiple Q&A tasks simultaneously. Both versions are compatible with local area networks supporting MS DOS 3.1 and above, including Novell NetWare, 3Plus from 3Com, IBM Token Ring and IBM PC Network. Symantec also took the opportunity to launch two other new software products for the UK market. GrandView, described as a personal information manager is a package designed to organise, plan, and track information needed to conduct meetings, write reports and manage projects. It runs under MS-DOS 2.0 or higher, and requires 320Kb. GrandView supports Hercules’ InColour card, DesqView and Microsoft Windows and reads and writes formats such as IBM’s ThinkTank, More for the Apple MacIntosh environment, WordStar and ASCII files. The company’s other product, Time Line 3.0, is a project management system for MS-DOS 2.0 up and requires 640Kb of RAM. Intended as a report and project management and storage application, Time Line 3.0 comes with a graphics facility which can be used to create Gantt, Time-scaled interactive network view and additional graphics to the basic ones already supplied with Time Line 3.0. Users can export data to Lotus, dBase and ASCII environments, with facilities available for exportation to Artemis. Prices for the software are UKP280 for version 3.0 of Q&A, UKP160 for Q&A Write, UKP240 for GrandView and UKP525 for Time Line, including the Time Line graphics add-on option. Symantec UK Ltd has been established in Maidenhead, Berkshire as an affiliate of Symantec Corp, with funding from Hambro International Venture Fund and Invent Ltd. It looks for UKP3m sales in its first year of operation. It is planning to market its products through sole distributors, vertical market specialists addressing sectors not normally served by distributors as well as selling on an OEM basis.
