Earlier in the year, we couldn't help but poke a little fun at R-Comp for their takeover of Datapower 2 development, formerly Iota's big database app that features expected things like relational queries and SQL support. And boy, were we relieved when R-Comp threw us an email this evening to let us know that they haven't forgotten about Datapower 2 - far from it - and want to tell us all about how end users are going to get their grubby fingers on it.Details
Before we begin, think "Registered User Scheme". It's essential to realise that you're no longer a customer in this - you're a registered user and registered users, by R-Comp's admission, fund development of Datapower 2. By becoming a registered user, you get DataPower 2 in a 26 bit-compatible-only form (ie: exclusively for RISC OS 3 or 4) and access to future updates, technical support and documentation thus bringing you "bang up to date" according to R-Comp. A 32 bit compatible Datapower 2 is currently in a testing phase, we're told, with a formal release aimed for the Wakefield 2003 show. To be honest, we want to know just what's not being released for the Wakefield event. Actually, don't answer that.
R-Comp are no strangers to the "future upgrades" game, taking their web browser WebsterXL software as a regularly updated example. Having surveyed the RISC OS database landscape, populated mainly with Powerbase, S-Base and Softease's database, a "new" up to date database package could certainly move in and feel more than welcome.
Links
DataPower 2 (try not to be put off by the Windows screenshots)
R-Comp's Datapower 2 announcement with pricing and ordering details