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To: JC Jaros who wrote (18217)7/27/1999 1:44:00 AM
From: JC Jaros  Respond to of 64865
 
This is the item.

-JCJ

StarOffice 5.1 Server - Distributed StarOffice
Execution via the Network!


The StarOffice Server extends StarOffice 5.1 into a
full-blown network application. It is perfectly suited for
those who want to take full advantage the network
possibilities, regardless if you work with PCs, NCs or
heterogeneous systems.

The StarOffice Server is available for the Windows NT
and Sun Solaris SPARC platforms and is required for
the implementation of StarOffice for Java or StarOffice
for Windows 3.x.

Benefits

The Advantages of the StarOffice 5.1 Server

The StarOffice 5.1 Server extends StarOffice for use in the professional data
processing field to a full-featured network application. In contrast to traditional office
suites, this product takes complete advantage of your network resources. Thanks to
the scalable, platform-independent and open structure, the StarOffice 5.1 Server can
be integrated in all IT environments, thus resulting in a considerable decrease in the
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Since the StarOffice Server supports all classic
operating systems as well as the 100% Java clients, it offers a problem-free
migration process in the era of Network Computing.

The following summarizes the advantages implementing the StarOffice Server.


Full Functionality even on Network Computers

With the StarOffice Server, it is for the first time possible to take advantage of all
functions of a modern office suite on a Network Computer. Due to the specially-tuned
Client/Server concept you can now access all StarOffice components from any
Java-capable browser. The objections of Java critics about inadequate performance
and missing features in Java applications are refuted by the StarOffice Server and
StarOffice for Java.


Reduction of the "Total Cost of Ownership"

With the implementation of the StarOffice Server you can reduce your operating costs
dramatically. It is no longer necessary to install the application at each workplace. All
configurations and settings can be made by the system administrator on the
StarOffice Server and therefore at a centralized location. This reduction of
administrative efforts leads to a substantial reduction of operating costs. Additionally,
the overall system performance is increased due to the inexpensive extension of the
server.


CPU Load Distribution via the Network

By distributing the CPU load of the StarOffice Servers across several computers, it is
possible to make full use of computers that would otherwise not be able to cope with
the complete load of the application. Thus, your company can continue to use older
PCs which otherwise would have to be modernized or completely replaced, without
the unacceptable compromise of performance lags.


Investment Security

Since StarOffice is available for most common platforms you can implement it in
nearly any existing infrastructure. Using the StarOffice Server, you can also take
advantage of new client technologies like Network Computers. StarOffice is therefore
the only software that connects the two worlds of network and personal computing. A
conversion to a monolithic Windows installation is no longer necessary, which both
reduces the investment in hardware and software and secures your company's
investment in employee training.


Workplace Independence

Thanks to the distributed structure and perfected directory services, StarOffice users
can access their computer from any other computer with a network connection which
has been enabled for the use of StarOffice. Thus, if an employee moves to a new
office within the company, the existing workplace does not have to be modified in any
way. As soon as the user logs in on a new computer, the familiar workplace is
immediately available.

The StarOffice 5.1 Components

Star Division once again sets new standards with the release of Star Office 5.1, and
continues to extend the unique integration concept "Do Everything in One Place.“
Based on numerous customer suggestions, StarOffice has been optimized and
expanded to include additional components. The days of using separate programs
for word processing, spreadsheet calculation, e-mail exchange, task & event
planning, database tasks and presentations are over, once and for all!

Here you can find a short overview and description of the StarOffice 5.1 components.
New components are indicated by a special symbol:

= New Components in StarOffice 5.1

StarDesktop 5.1 - A Homogeneous, Integrated and Open
Workplace

StarOffice gives prominence to you and your work on the computer. Thanks to the
unique integration of the StarOffice components, you do not have to worry about
which program you need for a particular task. For creating and editing documents,
structuring and organizing information and even working with various authors on a
single document, you have access to all required components and information from
within a homogeneous environment.

This open concept allows the full integration of external programs in StarOffice and
provides a uniform user interface in order to access the various information sources
you may require, regardless if on your hard disk or in the World Wide Web. All
information can be managed, structured and edited in a homogeneous environment.
The self-explanatory, clearly-structured user interface in StarOffice helps you quickly
and conveniently obtain professional results.


StarWriter 5.1 - A Professional Word-Processor

StarWriter is your universal word-processing program - no matter if you want to
create business letters, write extensive text documents or design professional
layouts. The efficient AutoFunctions allow you to fully concentrate on your task at
hand, by automatically correcting typing errors, indicating spelling mistakes and
formatting your documents. With the new “direct cursor,” Star Division makes
working with StarWriter even easier. Even as an advanced user, you will find
everything you need with the numerous professional functions in StarWriter.


StarCalc 5.1 - A Calculation and Analysis Specialist

StarCalc is more than just a simple spreadsheet! Whether you want to analyze
figures, create lists or view data, StarCalc places advanced spreadsheet layout
functions at your disposal. You can define a calculation formula simply by entering
plain text, track the structure of complex formulas, and avoid unnecessary typing with
the practical AutoComplete functions. Furthermore, the extended Scenario Manager
provides assistance in carrying out “What If" analyses.


StarDraw 5.1 - Don't Just Draw, Dazzle!

StarDraw is the new vector-oriented draw module in StarOffice 5.1 which allows you
to create impressive illustrations. For this purpose, StarDraw places at your disposal
a variety of effective drawing tools, allowing your creativity free reign! With the new
3-D engine, you can create professional drawings with photo-realistic texture
rendering. The open GL support makes it possible to portray even complex objects
on the screen in a fraction of a second.


StarImpress 5.1 - Impressive Presentations in No Time

With StarImpress you can turn your ideas into results in no time at all and give an
effective presentation - no matter if to a small or a large audience. Thanks to the
included presentation layouts, you no longer need to worry about the visual details.
Another time-saving feature is the ability to adapt a single presentation for different
audiences without having to save several versions. Naturally, you can also publish
your presentation slides directly in the World Wide Web with a simple mouse click.
The import and export of PowerPoint files is another useful new feature.


StarBase 5.1 - All Data at Your Fingertips

StarBase is a powerful tool for the management of your data. With the complete
integration of StarBase in the StarOffice Explorer and Beamer, you can insert any
records in your documents via drag & drop without opening a single window or
dialog. Additionally, a number of AutoPilots are available to guide you step-by-step
through your tasks. StarBase 5.1 has been considerably expanded and optimized. It
is now based on a new database engine which can be used to link multiple database
tables.


StarSchedule 5.1 - Planning Events with a System

StarSchedule is the seamlessly integrated organizer in StarOffice 5.1. StarSchedule
helps you keep all your events, tasks, contacts and projects under control. With the
ability to define various layouts, StarSchedule always guarantees the optimal
overview - no matter if on a daily, weekly or monthly calendar. Whether you want to
plan an event over one or more days, see an overview of all booked appointments
and available freetime, or manage your ToDo lists, StarSchedule is the perfect tool
for all your planning needs. Naturally, StarSchedule also has a direct connection to
the PalmPilot from 3Com/U.S. Robotics.


StarMail 5.1 - Boundless Communication

Thanks to the consistent Internet integration, StarOffice is unique in its
communicative possibilities. With StarMail, the incorporated e-mail client, you will
see how easy and convenient communication via e-mail can be. When you write a
message, you can take advantage of the entire range of StarWriter functions for a
professional layout. Of course, you can also use StarMail offline, without a permanent
connection to the Internet.

The seamless integration in the StarDesktop offers you obvious advantages, such as
the ability to send documents and files by simply attaching them via drag & drop to
your e-mail. Additionally, since you can define rules to filter and sort your e-mails
immediately upon receipt, you can always maintain an overview.


StarDiscussion 5.1 - Loads of News

With StarDiscussion, StarOffice shows that participating in the innumerable Internet
newsgroups is as easy as reading and writing e-mail. Additional functions ensure
that you always have access to the most recent information while browsing through
the newsgroups.

As in StarMail, StarDiscussion also provides functions for filtering or even
automatically sorting messages. Considering the huge amount of information in the
newsgroups, this is an especially useful function in order to find exactly what you're
looking for. Another important advantage is the ability to read or write messages
offline, thereby minimizing your online time and expenses.


Teamwork

The new groupware functions in StarOffice 5.1 make it even easier to work as a
team, whether in a network, in the Internet or a company Intranet, or via e-mail. The
Redlining function records all changes made to a document, so that you can always
maintain an overview of all modifications. This allows you to keep a check on who
made which changes, and when. Versioning makes it possible to archive
intermediate versions of documents, compare them, or even merge them to a single
document.


Web Publishing - HTML Editor of the Next Generation

Nothing more stands in the way of creating your own homepage. On the contrary -
with the WYSIWYG HTML Editor in StarOffice 5.1, you can create professional Web
sites in no time, including frames to arrange the screen contents, hyperlinks to
structure your information, imagemaps for visual navigation among contents, and
much more.

Entire Internet projects with all files and documents can be locally managed and
organized. The Web Publishing functionality allows you to publish your homepage in
the World Wide Web and subsequently update it in case of changes.


Your Personal Subscription to the World Wide Web

If you want to find specific information about a subject without spending a lot of time
searching the Internet, StarOffice has the perfect solution. With a subscription to a
Web page, new contents are automatically copied to your local hard drive in defined
time intervals, so that you can view the updated pages locally without incurring online
expenses. Additionally, StarOffice will inform you of any changes to subscribed
pages via e-mail. Thus, along with the possibility of subscribing to Microsoft
Channels in CDF format, StarOffice makes sure that you are always up-to-date.

Plus:

StarChart - for impressive business graphics

StarImage - the image editor with many special effects

StarMath - the integrated formula editor

StarChannels - the direct line to Star Division

and much more...



To: JC Jaros who wrote (18217)7/27/1999 2:03:00 AM
From: QwikSand  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 64865
 
Did you find anything on that 'server' product?? I couldn't get a link from the website.

Nor I, but I'll keep looking tomorrow.

Actually the more I think about Sun acquiring Star Division, the better I like it.

If horizontal software goes to free, then M$ goes to sh*t. I can see SUNW picking up Star Division, giving away the end user Java-version seats and selling the server in the enterprise, giving away (or nearly so) both the Java and Windows versions to individuals.

Thus you have a frontal attack on M$ desktop dominance: a low-cost portable substitute for Fat Bastard Office $2000, hence a painless home and office compatibility/transition scheme away from it, pushed by a major player(s). M$ loses the lock on the most valuable thing it has: the Office horizontal app monopoly; the whole thing turns into a juggernaut for selling both Sun's hardware and its computing vision.

The IBM/Lotus perspective on this would be most interesting if it were to really happen. Microsoft has made us forget about a world where there is freedom of choice WITH compatibility (because what users don't want is a return to the 80's with 25 different incompatible word processors). Sun & IBM could work to bring it back by making StarOffice & SmartSuite object- and document-compatible, Java-based, and mostly free. Kaboom goes Microsoft with its multi-hundred $$$ crapware packages and Mafia-style contracts. Nifty thought, but it's probably just a rumor.

Regards,
--QwikSand