http://www.microsoft.com/DEVNEWS/MSOBSYD.HTM (PC Press Internet CD, 03/1996)March 8, 1996
Larkspur, Calif.-based Synon Corp. and Microsoft will extend Synon Obsydian into the first tool set specifically designed to automatically deliver native applications based on the Microsoft BackOffice family of servers.
Obsydian, a model-based, fully integrated client/server application development environment, will use a generator based on the Windows NT Server operating system that allows corporate developers, independent software vendors, and Microsoft Solution Providers to create business applications for Microsoft BackOffice.
Applications created using Obsydian will qualify for the Microsoft BackOffice logo, which identifies products that have been integrated and tested with the Microsoft BackOffice family of servers. Because the environment is model-based, it will allow developers to embed Microsoft BackOffice specifications in both the model and in the business objects used to construct the application, resulting in a high level of compliance with Microsoft BackOffice logo requirements and accelerating the Designed for BackOffice logo certification process.
Obsydian and the Windows NT-based generator will be sold by Synon's direct sales force and by Synon-affiliated distributors, sales agents, and ISVs worldwide. It will cost US$8,750 per license, with a minimum order of two licenses. The purchase price includes a team repository, graphic modeler, business logic, and user interface designer, plus a suite of class libraries. Additional class libraries and generators are available for AS/400-Windows Client/Server, AS/400 5250, Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), and the upcoming Windows NT-based generator.