Embarcadero to upgrade Windows RAD tools

Embarcadero Technologies this week plans to unveil next-generation CodeGear rapid application development (RAD) tools for Windows, featuring support for Microsoft's Silverlight technology for media and rich Internet applications.

The announcement capitalizes on Embarcadero's May acquisition of the former Borland software development tools unit. It covers the Delphi 2009 and C++ Builder 2009 releases, geared to ISVs and workgroup client/server development. The tools can be used for building packaged software for resale and distribution, graphical workstation applications, and client/server workgroup database applications.

A highlight is Visual Component Library (VCL) support for the Web, for building AJAX and Silverlight-enabled intranet and line-of-business applications. Silverlight capabilities are specifically designed for line-of-business intranet applications, according to an Embarcadero representative.

The two products are the first Embarcadero offerings that bring together CodeGear and Embarcadero's DatabaseGear functionality into a single offering, via the new Architect edition of the products. Included in the Architect products are ER/Studio Developer Edition for designing and building database applications.

Also featured in the two products is Unicode support for all language versions of Windows. Enhanced localization tools make it easier to translate applications for specific local opportunities, Embarcadero said. Other enhancements include advancements to the Delphi and C++ languages. These include programming features such as generics for Delphi and C++0x language capabilities. The two features enable developers to write more efficient, reusable code, Embarcadero said.

A multi-tier DataSnap architecture lets developers use RAD for developing high-performance database middleware applications, Embarcadero said. These applications can be connected with thin, full-featured clients that reside on a native or Web platform.

Also included in both products are:

-- VCL components, including Microsoft Office-style ribbon controls and the ability to build UIs for Windows XP and Vista desktop applications simultaneously.

-- Updated dbExpress support for CodeGear InterBase and Blackfish SQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and other databases.

Prices for the two products, which are available immediately, begin at $399 for the Professional edition for ISVs. An Enterprise edition for line-of-business departments and workgroups also is available, in addition to the Architect edition.

Users also can purchase the two products bundled together.