Lotus Add-in Toolkit
David Sherman
for 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows
Delivers Powerful Application Development Environment for
Top Ranked Windows Spreadsheet
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., October 18, 1993 -- Lotus Development Corp. today
announced the immediate availability of the 1-2-3 Release 4 for
Windows Add-In Development Kit (ADK), a set of development tools for
customizing and enhancing 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows. The ADK is
intended for professional programmers in corporations, at system
integrators, and for providers of add-in enhancement products for
Lotus 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows.
The ADK includes a library of more than 350 C language functions,
access to spreadsheet events -- such as when a file is about to be
opened or saved, and a range is being deleted -- and custom user
interface building tools in a well organized and predictable
application programming interface (API). Working with the ADK,
developers add features (add-ins) to 1-2-3 Release 4
for Windows. These new features appear to the spreadsheet user as
@functions, macro commands, 1-2-3 menu items, custom dialog boxes,
multiple document interface (MDI) windows, or new SmartIcons.
Add-ins developed using the ADK are tightly integrated with other
1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows features, providing users with a familiar
interface and a reduced learning curve. Add-ins can range from a
simple set of specialized @functions or a sophisticated suite of new
features such as Executive Information Systems.
ADK Speeds Development of Add-Ins
Using 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows and the ADK, add-ins are
combinations of the developer's own C programs, 1-2-3 code, and
Windows code, as supplied by the MS-Windows Software Development Kit.
This allows developers to draw upon pre-written, pre-tested
functionality, which reduces the amount of new
code that the developer must write, thereby increasing their
productivity.
End-user productivity is increased as well because add-ins are tightly
integrated into 1-2-3, minimizing the amount of new functionality they
need to learn to take advantage of the developer's new features.
"Lotus has always been a leader in providing innovative, high
performance spreadsheet API's. This latest ADK demonstrates our
ongoing commitment to keep 1-2-3 the most appealing spreadsheet to
developers who won't compromise on performance or breadth of
functionality," said Jeffrey Beir, vice president of Lotus'
spreadsheet division.
"With the ADK we're able to exploit the powerful new features of Lotus
1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows," said Gordon Rapkin, vice president of
product management and planning of IMRS, a leading provider of
enterprise-level financial management applications for client/server
environments. "We can provide our customers access to key financial
data from their Hyperion and Micro Control database applications
directly from their 1-2-3 Windows spreadsheet. With these types of
advances, we are beginning to see the integration of enterprise-level
financial applications with desktop and workgroup applications like
Lotus Notes and 1-2-3 Release 4, a trend that
provides enormous potential for our customers."
Availability, Pricing and System Requirements
The ADK is available in the United States at a suggested retail price
of $49.95 to users of 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows which requires an
IBM PC or compatible (286 and higher), including IBM PS/2 and Compaq
models, a minimum of 4MB of RAM, and Microsoft Windows Version 3.0,
3.1 or higher in standard and enhanced mode. A mouse is recommended,
but not required.
The ADK is available through The Programmer Shop, Programmer's
Paradise, and Lotus Resellers. The ADK may also be obtained by
joining the Lotus Professional Developers Program (LPDP). This
program has been established to support professional developers
interested in creating enhancement products for all Lotus products.
To order the ADK or for more information
on the LPDP call 1-800-DEV-RELS.
Constructive Computing Consulting
366 West Fourth Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201-3104
614-294-0671
Compuserve Addess 75162,2711
URL: http://www.iwaynet.net/~dsherman/home.html