September 13, 1999 08:16
SystemSoft Releases Automated SystemWizard Solution for Microsoft ODBC Driver Problem
NATICK, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 13, 1999--SystemSoft Corporation, a leading provider of automated problem resolution software has developed a new solution to detect, diagnose and solve the Microsoft ODBC Driver problem affecting PC users operating Microsoft Office 97 and Microsoft Office 2000 software. The automated solution was added to SystemSoft's SystemWizard PC diagnostic software on August 26th, making it available to SystemWizard customers via the Internet.
"On 27 July 1999, Microsoft became aware of a serious problem with its Office 97 software, particularly Excel 97. The problem is a security hole or vulnerability in Microsoft's Jet data access software," according to Mark Adler, SystemSoft's Vice President of SystemWizard Engineering. "The word "hole" is an appropriate term because an intruder can reach through it into your PC to damage or steal data." This security vulnerability, as Microsoft refers to it, concerns millions of PC users because it allows a malicious programmer to violate PC privacy by embedding computer-coded instructions in software programs that recognize attachments such as Excel spreadsheets. "Millions of PC owners using Microsoft Internet Explorer can open a Web page and trigger commands that allow a computer hacker's program to access the PC," Adler said. "You could also be at risk if you receive email with an embedded or attached Office document containing malicious commands."
In late July 1999, Microsoft issued a set of instructions, or patch, that allowed PC users to obtain executable files to repair the problem. SystemSoft automated the solution, add a fix to its SystemWizard software and made it available on its Internet Solution Server. Just recently, Microsoft detected a second hole, called Text I-ISAM vulnerability, which affects all versions of Microsoft's Jet database engine including Office 2000 users. Microsoft notified their customer base about this issue on August 20, 1999, and released a second patch three days later. SystemSoft automated the second patch on August 26 and added the solution to its SystemWizard software to fix the problem automatically for the PC user.
"The Microsoft patches update the Jet 3.51 and the I-ISAM component of the ODBC database driver. The SystemWizard solution automates the manual instructions that Microsoft has issued to its customer base and is, therefore, a faster more accurate diagnosis and resolution of the problem," according to Adler. SystemWizard not only detects and diagnoses the problem but also updates the files that need to be changed." SystemSoft customers simply open the SystemWizard application and answer a few questions. "SystemWizard informs you of the ODBC driver problem along with other software problems on your PC, prioritizing which problems to check first.
"SystemWizard is exceptional because it informs you that your PC has a problem before you're even aware there's a problem," according to SystemSoft Vice President of Marketing, Marie Presti. "SystemWizard proactively searches for hardware and software problems and then once the problem is detected, offers you the choice of manually solving the problem yourself or allowing SystemWizard to correct the problem automatically." For a detailed article on the Microsoft ODBC Driver Problem and SystemWizard's Automatic Solution, visit: systemsoft.com.
More About SystemWizard
SystemWizard is a breakthrough solution that automatically detects, diagnoses, and resolves thousands of common problems afflicting your PC. It's ideal for novice and advanced PC desktop and notebook users. Customers rely not only on the software's local solution base but can download new solutions periodically to their PC via the Internet by connecting to the SystemWizard Internet Solution Server. The software runs on Windows 95 and Windows 98. SystemWizard is available through SystemSoft's Web site at: systemsoft.com or by phoning the Sales Department at (508) 651-0088.
More About SystemSoft
SystemSoft Corporation is a leading provider of automated PC solutions that help consumers and business people connect and use personal computers, peripheral devices, software, networks, and the Internet. Current solutions include CardWizard for Windows NT, PowerProfiler/SE for Windows NT, PowerLast for Windows 98, SystemWizard for Windows 95/98 desktops and notebooks, and SmartMonitor for Windows 95/98/NT. SystemSoft customers and partners include Chevron, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Gateway, Micron Electronics, Packard Bell, NEC, PeopleSoft, Siemens, SmithKline Beecham, and Toshiba. Product names used in this publication are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies. Additional information on SystemSoft products and services is available on the World Wide Web at systemsoft.com. Or contact: Mark DeMauro at SystemSoft Corporation, (508) 647-2903.
Any statements that are not historical facts contained in this release, including statements regarding management's goals and objectives, continued listing of the company's common stock on the NASDAQ national market, the Company's future strategy, prospective strategic alliances, the proposed settlement of the securities class action, and management's operating plans are forward looking statements. Those statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including but not limited to those relating to the Company's cash liquidity and lack of working capital, market acceptance of the Company's products, competition, lack of cooperation and support from current customers, vendors and commercial bankers, the failure to obtain final court approval of the pending securities class actions, and other risks identified in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
CONTACT: SystemSoft Corporation
Mark DeMauro
(508) 647-2903
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