InformationWeek

October 20, 1997

Robust Middleware

Intersolv improves data access, plans OLE DB support

ntersolv Inc. this week will introduce a major upgrade to its data-access middleware, DataDirect SequeLink 4.0, which features faster performance and connections to a wider variety of databases. The company is also expected to reveal that it will cooperate with Microsoft on the future development and promotion of OLE DB, Microsoft's next-generation interface for integrating data from multiple sources, including database-management systems.

Both announcements fit into Intersolv's strategy of focusing more resources on the development and marketing of data-connectivity software. The Rockville, Md., company's product line includes 35 Open Database Connectivity drivers that run on desktop computers, and server-based middleware called SequeLink that supports access t o multiple databases from a single "universal" ODBC client. ODBC is a Microsoft-developed interface for database access.

Down To Basics
Last week, Intersolv announced the sale to IQ Software Corp. of two non-core products: DataDirect Explorer, a database query tool, and DataDirect SmartData, a metadata tool. IQ, in Norcross, Va., is particularly interested in a set of macros that integrates Explorer with Microsoft's Excel spreadsheet, making it possible to run ad hoc queries in Excel and have the results placed into the spreadsheet without switching to another application. For Intersolv, the transaction means the company can devote more resources to its middleware push. Data analysis tools "really weren't our core strength," says Brian Reed, group product manager for Data- Direct.

SequeLink 4.0 is up to 20% faster and easier to administer than the previous release, version 3.5, says Reed. Performance enhancements include the use of caching to reduce network traffic and the movement of some clien t processes to the server. New management features include the ability to control application access to databases and administer clients over a network.

Intersolv is also positioning itself to be a supplier of OLE DB middleware. The company is expected to announce this week an agreement with Microsoft to port OLE DB to non-Windows platforms.

Microsoft introduced OLE DB last year and released an updated version, OLE DB 1.5, for testing in late July. Among the companies that have disclosed plans to support OLE DB in their system software are IBM, Computer Associates, Digital Equipment, and Tandem Computers.

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