For many, Microsoft Transaction Server represents a new architecture. Established design patterns can help navigate the paradigm shift.
Much attention focuses on SQL Server 7.0 and Plato analytical software. However, the real foundation for Microsoft's next great leap in data may be ADO.
It's already been a vigorous rebound -- but IBM has just begun to use Java and Internet weapons to regain its throne.
Developers can offload some work by taking the packaged route, but up-front testing becomes a greater mandate..
Over the years, ADT has dedicated a lot of printer's ink and a few acres of rain forest to the 4GL marketplace. These days, this tool category is in some distress.
With the help of the ubiquitous Web, search-and-retrieval experts create enterprise portals.
For systems architects, it is the best chance yet at a common language. It might also be a good match for Java.
Tools and vendors are in flux as managers say hello to the 21st century.
Admittedly, much talk of device-embedded DBs is futuristic. But the future could be now. Footprint, of course, is an issue, and sometimes file systems may still be preferable.