Softshare Introduces New Data Translator for Electronic Commerce

LAS VEGAS, NV. – April 13, 1999 – At the Data Interchange Standards Association annual conference in Las Vegas today, Softshare unveiled Softshare Delta®. Softshare Delta is a data mapping and translation application that meets the challenges of integrating electronic data interchange (EDI) documents and Extensible Markup Language (XML) documents with an enterprise’s existing line of business applications.

Softshare Delta supports the broad range of data formats that today's business must work with. These data formats include the ANSI X12 and UN/EDIFACT EDI standards, flat files, databases, XML documents, and text documents. Softshare Delta is one of only a handful of EDI data mapping applications that supports Microsoft’s OLE DB standard and the XML data format.

By embracing Microsoft's OLE DB standard, Softshare Delta allows its users to integrate with internal applications using universal data access. Since OLE DB is backwards compatible with the ODBC standard, Softshare Delta can access hundreds of relational database systems including SQL Server, Oracle, IBM's DB2, and Informix as well as file-based databases such as Microsoft Access, DBASE and FoxPro.

When mapping from one data format to another, Softshare Delta provides the user with a three- pane view: the top half of the view displays mapping rules and the bottom half is split between the source and target data formats. Users may customize the interface by viewing only one or two panes. Mapping a data element from the source data format to the target data format is as simple as dragging and dropping that element. Softshare Delta’s Expression Builder allows users to incorporate functions, conditions, variables, and constants into the mapping rules.

Available for $3600-$5800, Softshare Delta works with Softshare Vista 2.0® or Softshare’s Electronic Commerce Server (ECS)® application for data communications, tracking, and map execution management. Both Softshare Vista and Softshare ECS provide secure communications between trading partners and Softshare’s network using Internet standards such as TCP/IP, SMTP, POP3 and the S/MIME security standard.

About Softshare

Softshare offers a multi-tiered approach to EDI with software solutions that range from simple desktop applications to fully integrated server applications. Supporting these EDI applications is Softshare’s value added network and accessible customer service. Headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, Softshare has more than 20,000 clients using its various network, software, and EDI services.