High C/C++ for OS/2 First to Offer DirectToSOM to Create Reusable Objects

SANTA CRUZ, CA, December 1, 1994 -- The first compiler to offer DirectToSOM
C++ for OS/2 was announced today by MetaWare Incorporated. With
DirectToSOM, any C/C++ source code can be compiled with High C/C++ to
create SOM-compatible binaries without writing IDL (Interface Definition
Language) class descriptions. SOMobjects compiled with High C/C++ for OS/2
can interoperate with SOMobjects written in any other language. High C/C++
for OS/2 is scheduled for a January 2, 1995, commercial release. Suggested
list price will be $595.

"High C/C++ generates IDL for C++ classes so other SOM-supported languages
that use IDL can interface with these classes," said Dr. Thomas Pennello,
MetaWare's co-founder and vice president. "Additionally, High C/C++ will
allow subclassing of the OS/2 Workplace Shell just by writing C++ code.
OS/2 application developers will save considerable time and effort by
utilizing MetaWare's DirectToSOM functionality."

IBM's System Object Model (SOM) technology was developed to enable
programmers to take advantage of fully reusable code by putting an end to
tight binary coupling. This technology allows developers to upgrade binary
C++ libraries without having to recompile client source code. High C/C++
makes it easy to implement and use this technology, and at the same time
compiles extremely fast running executable code.

High C/C++ compilers include fully implemented C++ exception handling
(including nested exceptions), so developers can build run-time error
handling into applications. Other C++ enhancements include namespaces to
avoid name clashes with third-party libraries; run-time type information
(RTTI); and ANSI C++ casting notation to make C++ typecasts safer than
Standard C notation. High C/C++ also provides OMF common areas for
templates, virtual function tables, RTTI, and inline functions.

The compiler includes "thread-safe" libraries that can be used in
multi-threaded applications, and all library functions are documented as
to reentrancy. With High C/C++ developers can apply thread-local storage
over large blocks of code, or even entire program modules, with little or
no change to their source code.

Al Caplan of North Bay Systems said about his experience with a MetaWare
compiler, "I have never seen a more robust product!... The quality of the
MetaWare documentation is really impressive! Great examples are given for
everything."

High C/C++ includes additional switches for fine-tuning function inlining;
additional optimizations to produce faster executables for specific
processors such as the Pentium; improved floating-point performance; and
support for long long types.

Developers can set a multitude of compiler controls to optimize and
fine-tune their applications. With a single switch programmers can
optimize their code for speed, code size, or compile time.

MetaWare Incorporated, founded in 1979 with headquarters in Santa Cruz, CA,
is a leading supplier of multi-platform, multi-architecture compiler
products for professional software developers. Refer inquiries to MetaWare
Incorporated, 2161 Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060-5706. Phone:
(408) 429-6382; Fax: (408) 429-9273; Email: techsales@metaware.com

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