Palo Alto, CA - February 17, 2000 - Imperial Software Technology today announced that Visaj, its visual application builder for Java, now supports integration with Sun's Forté for Java, Community Edition integrated development environment (formerly known as NetBeans). Now developers can build first-class graphical user interfaces to their Java applications and Applets built with Forté for Java. Because Visaj is also 100% Pure Java, it can be used in any development environment or platform that supports Java.

"Visaj is recognized as the leading tool for building the all-important Graphical User Interface for Java applications and applets. Now developers using Forté for Java have the advantage of the power of the Visaj GUI features. This is an important step which establishes Visaj as the visual builder standard for Java."

"This integration with Forté for Java is the latest in a line of co-operative moves. As it generates Java source code, Visaj can already be used with all Java IDEs, but we are now offering tighter, slicker integration with Forté for Java, in addition to TakeFive's SNiFF+J and Sun's Java WorkShop.

Powerful Features and Runs Anywhere with Any IDE

Visaj was created to enhance developer's productivity for building pure Java applications. Visaj complements the user's choice of IDE by providing advanced visual building capabilities often lacking in standard IDEs.

Visaj features a fast, intuitive "point-and-click" environment, generating pure Java source code for truly platform-independent computing solutions. The product's open environment runs anywhere, supports Java 2 and JFC/Swing components, integrates visible and invisible beans, and integrates with IDEs such as Sun's Java WorkShop, TakeFive's SNiFF+J and now Forté for Java.

Visaj 2 has a number of unique features designed specifically to enhance the productivity of programmers writing for the Java platform, enabling them to make full use of its features and facilities, which include Extensive JFC/Swing Support, giving the developer the ability to automatically load and access the entire set of Swing components, Advanced Layout Editors that complement Swing support by allowing more complex layouts to be constructed visually, including visual representation of glue and strut components, and an Advanced Image Editor, unique to Java development tools of this class, the Image Editor is powerful and feature rich. Also provided is Graphical Event 'Hot-Wiring', making configuring events fast and easy. Bridging from Motif and Java WorkShop 2 GUIs - Visaj allows programmers using IST's award-winning X-Designer Motif GUI builder the ability to import interface designs from existing Motif applications and to bridge Sun JWS 2 GUIs to Swing.

Pricing and Availability

Visaj 2 Standard includes 30 days support and Visaj ProPack includes a year of email support, fixes, downloadable point releases and major upgrades. For more information about Visaj, call Imperial Software Technology at 650/688 0200 (US), or +44 118 958 7055 (International). Visaj is available immediately.

About Imperial Software Technology

Imperial Software Technology (IST) is a leading developer of Internet platform technologies and visual programming tools for UNIX, Linux and Windows. Its flagship products are X-Designer, a GUI builder for X/Motif, Windows and Java, and Visaj. These products are widely used at Fortune 500 corporations. IST's products are available world-wide over the Internet, directly and through distributors and OEM deals. The company is privately held and is based in Palo Alto, California and Reading, England.

Sun, Sun Microsystems, Java, JavaBeans, JDK, and Java Foundation Classes are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. X-Designer is a registered trademark and IST and the IST logo are trademarks of Imperial Software Technology Limited. Visaj is a registered trademark of Pacific Imperial, Inc. Other companies, products and service names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners.