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Date: Thu, 9 Sep 1999 14:39:47 -0400
From: Jeff Crystal 
To: lwn@lwn.net
Subject: NetBeans and Tendril Integrate UML Tools Into IDE

NetBeans and Tendril Software Integrate IDE and UML Tools for Server-Side
Java Development

September 9, 1999 Westford, MA - NetBeans and Tendril Software today
announced the joint availability of their integrated modeling and
development solution. With this integration, developers can visually design
UML (Unified Modeling Language) models for robust distributed applications
while inside the IDE.  Any changes made to either the Java source or UML
diagrams are immediately reflected in the other.  Developers can then
rapidly construct, deploy and debug with leading application servers and
CORBA ORBs. 

Tendril's StructureBuilder, a model-based component and application
development tool, is available as a plug-in module to NetBeans Developer 3.0
IDE (Integrated Development Environment), which is currently in public Beta.
Users can access the products from either company's website:
http://www.netbeans.com or http://www.tendril.com .

"As Java development expands into the enterprise, UML will be crucial in
helping developers construct well-designed distributed systems and
understand non-visual server-side logic," said Roman Stanek, CEO of
NetBeans. "StructureBuilder is a powerful tool that will help corporations
build better applications that meet the demands of Internet development
cycles." 

Both NetBeans and Tendril develop completely in Java, allowing them to
create a seamless and dynamic integration. Some of the features of the
integration include: 

-- Developers can model both the static and dynamic elements of their
   application within the IDE
-- The model and the source code are completely synchronized - changes
   to one appear instantly in the other
-- HTML documentation is available with a single mouse click
-- Developers can access diagrams and open packages from inside
   NetBeans explorer
-- Using NetBeans repository, entire class hierarchies can be accessed
   and displayed in the model window

"The exclusive use of Java and the extraordinary cooperation between our two
development teams allowed us collectively to create an integration that
provides tremendous value to enterprise Java developers," said Neeraj
Sangal, President of Tendril. "NetBeans is a full-featured cross-platform
IDE that provides an ideal environment for this complete integration." 

NetBeans Developer 3.0 is a modular Java integrated development environment
(IDE). Written in Java 2, it runs on any Java 2 enabled platform such as
Windows, Solaris, or Linux. Developer 3.0 is designed for client-side
development of Java applications and has a complete feature set for
integrated visual design, editing, compilation, and source-tracked
debugging. The upcoming Developer 3.0 Pro powers developers' production of
database and servlet applications as well as supporting XML. Developer 3.0
Enterprise Edition merges support for EJB, CORBA, RMI, and JNDI into a
single object-oriented environment with team support. Through wizards and
templates, Enterprise speeds up the development and deployment of
distributed applications, while the underlying object technology
automatically keeps the interfaces and implementations synchronized.
Developer 3.0 is currently in Beta and will be in full release later this
summer.

StructureBuilder 3.2 is available in three enterprise versions.
StructureBuilder Enterprise allows developers to specify and display the
relationships between objects, graphically develop complex object models,
and generate customized code for their applications. StructureBuilder
Enterprise also supports the creation and extension of JavaBeans(tm) and
Enterprise JavaBeans(tm). StructureBuilder Enterprise Pro adds to the
Enterprise version by allowing the developer to build UML Use Case and
Sequence Diagrams with an easy to use interface. StructureBuilder Enterprise
Pro-SM adds Sequence Methods to Enterprise Pro. This technology allows a
programmer to develop working code from Sequence Diagrams. 

About NetBeans, Inc. 
NetBeans is a leader in bringing the latest Java technologies to the
desktops of developers. Founded in August of 1997, NetBeans develops and
markets cross-platform integrated development environments (IDEs). NetBeans
distributes its products globally through the Internet, a growing network of
ISVs, and through OEM agreements with other leading Java vendors. NetBeans
is a privately held company whose investors include Esther Dyson, CEO of
EDventure Holdings (see http://www.edventure.com/bios/esther.html) and
Windcrest Partners, a private New York venture capital firm. 

About Tendril Software, Inc.
Tendril Software, Inc. develops and markets programmer productivity tools
for the professional Java software developer that help create business
objects and applications faster, modify them more easily, reuse them more
readily and communicate them more effectively through innovative visual
technology. Tendril's StructureBuilder 3.2 suite of products are model-based
component and application development tools for enterprise Java that save
significant developer time by automating the object design and code
generation of Java programs and components. A privately held company,
Tendril has strategic partnerships with NetBeans, Symantec, Sun
Microsystems, Inprise, IBM, and Computer Associates and sells its products
on its web site (http://www.tendril.com) and through select resellers. 

Note to editors: NetBeans is a trademark of NetBeans, Inc. StructureBuilder
is a trademark of Tendril Software, Inc. Sun, Sun Microsystems, Java, 100%
Pure and JDK are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems
Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners. 

Contact Information:
Jeff Crystal
jeff.crystal@netbeans.com
tel: +(4202) 3308.5100
fax: +(4202) 3308.5199