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Embarcadero Unveils First Update of CodeGear Tools
Embarcadero Technologies releases Delphi 2009 and C++Builder 2009, updated versions of dev tools acquired in its purchase of CodeGear.
Data tools and solutions provider Embarcadero Technologies Inc. has released updated versions of two development tools acquired in its May 2008 purchase of Borland Software-spinoff CodeGear.
Delphi 2009 and C++Builder 2009 are rapid application development (RAD) tools for Windows aimed at independent software vendors (ISVs) and shops engaged in workgroup client and server development. With the 2009 versions, both products now fully support Unicode, enabling efficient and reliable development across multiple languages and seamless support of both Unicode and ANSI data. Coupled with improved localization tools, Delphi 2009 and C++Builder 2009 should appeal to developers struggling to localize their applications, says Jeff Anders, senior director of product marketing at Embarcadero.
"This is particularly important to ISVs and companies, which in an increasingly global economy need to work with other systems that have already been Unicode enabled, and databases that have been Unicode enabled," Anders says.
The new releases provide refreshed language support. Delphi 2009 introduces support for generics, while C++Builder adds support for the upcoming C++0x version of C++, as well as the Technical Report 1 (TR1) standard libraries.
Embarcadero also touts its multitier DataSnap architecture for building scalable database middleware applications, as well as new Visual Component Library (VCL) components that deliver Microsoft Ribbon UI support and upgraded controls for Windows XP and Vista.
Signs of Integration
Industry watchers lauded Embarcadero's purchase of CodeGear in May, noting that the firm's robust development tools could help Embarcadero deliver valuable tooling for data-driven development. At the time, Embarcadero cautioned that delivering fully integrated products would take years. As Al Hilwa, program director in the Application Development Software discipline for research firm IDC, notes, Embarcadero still has work to do.
"The new products begin a branding and positioning re-thinking at the combined company, but don't really offer any new integration between the two types of users -- database developer and application developer," Hilwa explains. "The included ER/Studio is more a form of packaging integration than anything else, but it's a significant value-add for architects."
Embarcadero ER/Studio is a cross-platform data architecture and database design solution. The software is bundled with the Architect Editions of Delphi 2009 and C++Builder 2009, which Hilwa says could begin to gain traction against entrenched enterprise-modeling solutions like Sybase PowerDesigner.
"Embarcadero does have its tentacles into many Sybase shops because of its DBA tools already," Hilwa says. "I think that it's going to be interesting to watch whether Embarcadero can bolster its architect appeal with more modeling offerings."
Delphi 2009 and C++Builder 2009 are available immediately, with per-license costs of $399 for the Professional Edition, $1,299 for the Enterprise Edition and $2,299 for the Architect Edition. They can be purchased directly through Embarcadero or through one of its global partners.
About the Author
Michael Desmond is an editor and writer for 1105 Media's Enterprise Computing Group.