🚀 go-pugleaf

I thought the following Northcon press release, found on AOL, might be of
interest.

HELIX TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES
HELIX EXPRESS  VERSION 1.0 WITH BLOB SUPPORT!

Northbrook, Illinois, July 15 -- Helix Technologies today announced a new 
database product, Helix Express version 1.0.  Maintaining the ease-of-use and 
flexibility of its predecessor, Double Helix, Helix Express provides a host 
of other powerful new performance, interface and convenience enhancements. 
One of the key features of this new product is BLOB (Binary Large OBjects) 
support which enables users to create solutions that archive, track, retrieve 
and launch any Macintosh document in its native application.  
  Helix Express offers the application designer a graphical and 
implementation environment founded on a powerful relational database system.  
The associated client/server system makes multiuser groupware solutions fast 
and easy to implement.
 Included in each Helix Express package are Client/Server software and four 
"ready-to-go" solutions: Business Management, Contact Management, Personal 
Document Management, and a Recipe/Restaurant Guide. These applications are 
designed to be used "as is", or can easily be modified by the end user.  Both 
Business Management and Contact Management are designed for multi-user use, 
but can be used in a single-user environment. Personal Document Management 
and the Recipe/Restaurant Guide are designed for the single-user environment, 
but can be modified for multi-user.
 Jonathan Schneider, Vice President of Product Architecture and one of the 
original developers of the Helix technology states,  "Helix Technologies is 
committed  to delivering easy-to-use, yet powerful, database product and 
solutions to individuals and organizations. We are dedicated to providing 
state-of-the-art technology that frees the user from the mundane, and to 
providing this technology at a reasonable price."  
 Helix Technologies plans to unveil Helix Express at their booth #5312 in the 
World Trade Center/MacWorld Expo in Boston, August 4-7, 1992.

Groupware Development Tool

   Based on proven Client/Server technology, Helix Express is a powerful new 
tool for application designers to develop networked productivity solutions. 
The Helix Technologies Client/Server architecture combines fast network 
database performance, total referential integrity across the network, data 
integrity and security, and password protection without file server software.
 Workgroup applications developed with this technology provide document 
storage and retrieval, automatic routing and distribution, workflow, document 
version control, and the like from within a robust relational database.

Pricing and Availability

 In the past, the ability to manage documents alone has been available only 
for tens of thousands of dollars.  Helix Express combines the ability to 
create custom solutions, four Ready-to-Go solutions and Client/Server 
software in every box for $439.00. 
 Multi-user clients are available for $199 each.  Quantity discounts and site 
licensing are available.  Helix Express single user, Client/Server and 
RunTime are compatible with Apple Computer Macintosh Plus, SE, Classic 
series, II series, Quadra, and Powerbook computers running system version 6.0 
or higher.  Helix Express will be available in September, 1992.  
 Current Double Helix owners can upgrade to Helix Express for $99.  Free 
upgrades will be available to those who purchased Double Helix after June 1, 
1992.  Competitor upgrades are available for $199 by sending the cover page 
from your present competitive database manual.

Helix Technologies Services

 Helix Technologies offers free unlimited technical support to all registered 
owners of Helix products via phone, fax, AppleLink, and America On Line.  For 
users requiring consulting services, Helix Technologies provides phone and on-
site consulting as well as referrals to registered professional developers. 
Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced training courses are held monthly in 
Northbrook, Illinois, and quarterly at regional locations.  On-site training 
is also available.

About Helix Technologies

 Helix Technologies, formed in March 1992, is headquartered in Northbrook, 
Illinois and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Albara Corporation of Conroe, 
Texas. 
Helix Technologies develops and markets innovative software solutions for the 
way people work individually and in groups. Helix Technologies' products are 
available through distributor-to-dealer channels, mail order, site licensing 
agreements, direct sales, and VARs worldwide.

                                                               ####

Craig Steele, steele@vlsi.caltech.edu