This newsletter is being brought to you in an effort to provide up-to-date information about FFE Software, Inc. product, company, and partner news. We plan to produce this newsletter every calendar quarter. Feedback is welcome concerning any aspect of this communication and we welcome your views and requests to focus on topics and details you are interested in learning about.

FFE Software, Inc. is a new company created to focus on the development, support, and marketing of FirstSQL/J 100% Java ORDB products developed by Lee Fesperman and FFE Software, Inc. FirstSQL has added an embedded database industry veteran in charge of Sales and Marketing and completely redesigned the web site to focus more on FirstSQL/J products. In addition to providing database products and support, FirstSQL will provide database consulting services and various partnering opportunities.

FirstSQL/J product plans for 2002 are to support and enhance the newly released Professional version, which is designed for single-user, single access database requirements. Beta release and testing the Enterprise “Server” Edition with support for client/server systems providing unlimited client access is underway now. Plans are to do a final release of the Enterprise Server version in 2nd Quarter, 2002. Stay tuned for news on other exciting database development technology we plan to release for beta testing in 2nd Qtr.

2. FirstSQL/J Professional v1.0 Released

After 2 years of development and beta testing, FirstSQL/J Professional v1.0 is now available for download and evaluation in its final released form. This is an exciting product that confirms the value Java database developers place on using both SQL and Objects to develop Java applications. A full version of this new release, along with documentation, is now available for 60-day free trial evaluation at www.firstsql.com.

Designed for embedded and desktop computing systems, the FirstSQL/J Professional provides support for high speed transaction processing on any platform supporting a JVM (Java Virtual Machine). The product provides ANSI SQL 92 Intermediate level compliance along with extensions and full object capabilities in the database using Java Classes. The scalable, high performance multi-threaded database engine provides full transaction processing with commit and rollback recovery.

FirstSQL/J not only brings object persistence and convenient manipulation of objects to object-oriented applications; it delivers the power of objects integrated with a relational database and SQL. Java, as the basis for the object capabilities, ensures the widest availability of services.

Java capabilities enhance the power of SQL. Object extensions allow Java methods to be called anywhere in SQL commands - SELECT List, WHERE Clause, SET Clause, ... FirstSQL/J supports a rich set of SQL data types plus the ability to store Java objects in database columns. Java database objects offer application developers flexibility by opening infinite possibilities for storage of information.

Java serves as the stored procedure language for FirstSQL/J. Static methods can be called as stored procedures. Java methods use JDBC classes for database access.

Database clients using JDBC (Java DataBase Connectivity) can retrieve and send database objects and they can then execute the retrieved objects in the client environment, in the client JVM (Java Virtual Machine).

FirstSQL/J is designed to run on any computing platform that has any version of the JVM. The full database engine foot print is <800k but dynamically links in classes so actual foot print will depend on the application requirements. Functionality can be removed to create a smaller footprint and we plan to provide a guide to make it easier to optimize footprint sizing.

Java Objects in the Database

FirstSQL/J supports full object capabilities in the database using Java Classes. The CREATE CLASS command catalogs a Java class into the database. Once cataloged, the Java Class has multiple uses, for:

* User Defined Functions – the static methods of the class can be called as functions in SQL.

* Stored Procedures – the static methods of the class can be called as stored procedures. The class methods have direct access to the current database connection and can return multiple result sets.

* Data Wrappers – instances of the class can be used by the client application to pass data to and from the ORDBMS (for an example, see the online tip: “http://www.firstsql.com/firstsqlj/tips090.htm#tip4”)

* Column Data Types – table columns can use the class as their data type. Values for the columns in table rows are then instances of the class. SQL statements construct instance values for the column with the NEW operator and utilize the object column values by calling their methods.

Technical Support

FirstSQL puts their customers first. These products both come with 30 days of free Technical support via email or fax. As an option annual support agreements that include phone contact and free updates are available for 20% of the license price. Full source code is available as well as consulting by contacting FirstSQL.

Licensing

FirstSQL/J Professional is designed for single-user and single access database applications. You may download a full version for a 60 day evaluation period from www.firstsql.com. The product is shrink-wrap licensed as a development system per developer for $695. Multiple development licenses are discounted by 20%.

Contact FirstSQL at 1-510-232-6800 or sales@firstsql.com if you have any questions.

3. FirstSQL/J Enterprise Edition Beta .01 Available

A client/server version is released for beta testing today as well. FirstSQL/J, Enterprise Edition, is a high performance, scalable database server for web, enterprise and embedded applications. The FirstSQL/J server is a full-featured Object/Relational DBMS based on the Professional version but with support for multiple client access, locally or over the network. It provides reliable, 24/7 service with low administrative requirements. FirstSQL/J includes a set of GUI tools for remote administration.

The Beta Release is free for evaluation while it is in Beta testing. Please feel free to request a copy for testing and help us finalize it for the general release planned in 2nd Qtr. 2002.

FirstSQL/J Enterprise Edition is designed for client/server systems allowing unlimited client access applications. Upon general release it will be licensed as a development system per developer for $1,195. Multiple development licenses are discounted by 20%.

Contact FirstSQL at 1-510-232-6800 or sales@firstsql.com if you have any questions or would like to obtain a Beta copy.

4. FirstSQL/J Benchmark results and code available

FirstSQL has created several benchmarking utilities for testing performance of FirstSQL/J. These include simple and complex Insert and Select routines. For results see the report or download the tools at www.firstsql.com.

5. FirstSQL First Partner Program

FirstSQL considers all its customers and associates as partners because we understand they must be successful if we are to be successful. Many of our partners would like to participate at a greater level of involvement with the FirstSQL community. In order to support this we have now created a category of "First Partner".

A FirstSQL ‘First Partner’ is an entity that we have deemed to have such qualities as high integrity, product knowledge and experience, and the capabilities to build applications and train others in the use of the FirstSQL/J technology. There are certain implied advantages to this relationship; the Program provides partner members with comprehensive access to FirstSQL technology development teams, discounted services, support and training, as well as joint market development programs. Our support is designed to insure the highest levels of FirstSQL customer satisfaction can be attained.

Typical First Partners include professional consulting groups, HW systems and Java tools vendors, International distributors, and OS developers. If you have an interest in becoming a First Partner please feel free to ask your FirstSQL representative how to proceed.

Thank you for your interest in the FirstSQL Newsletter. If you have any comments or questions please feel free to send them to info@firstsql.com and we will respond ASAP.

US Phone – Sales - 1-510-232-6800 or Technical Support - 510-232-6800

US Fax – 1-510-237-7433

Best regards, FFE Management Team