BYTE, v9(13)

~1 minute read

Dec 1984

WHAT'S NEW

Relational Database Requires No Programming

Cornerstone is a relational database for the IBM PC that allows you to add fields, incorporate data from other Cornerstone files, and check the validity of entered data from an easy-to-use menu-based interface. Billed by Infocom as "the sophisticated database system for the non-programmer," Cornerstone lets you enter data into separate database files in a loose structure that can easily be changed later.

The database size is limited by the capacity of the disk. Storage of 8,000,000 characters per file with 120 files per database is possible. Cornerstone commands are typed in by the user or can be selected from a menu; the menu can be deleted for experienced users. Fields can contain from 1 to 255 values. All text fields are of variable length, and files can be stored on any field. Data is automatically checked during input.

Cornerstone includes a context-sensitive help function that provides information given by the user when defining the file. This information explains the function of a key or command in the context of the file being used.

An interactive report writer lets you quickly define the layout of a report on the video display. Using that layout. you can print selected records from a file or save the layout for later use.

Cornerstone can read pfs:File and dBASE II files and can exchange data with Lotus 1-2-3, WordStar, and other word processors and spreadsheets.

Cornerstone runs on the IBM PC family and compatible computers; PC-DOS 2.0 or later, at least 256K bytes of memory (512K bytes is recommended), and two disk drives are required. Infocom plans to release Cornerstone in February for $495. Contact Infocom, 55 Wheeler St., Cambridge, MA 02138, (617) 492-1031.

Circle 554 on inquiry card

This article appeared in
BYTE
Dec 1984

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