Unrivaled Automation, Visualization, and Performance Advances in Newly Released ST-Developer v8

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STEP Implementation in the EXPRESS Lane with Unrivaled Automation, Visualization, and Performance Advances in Newly Released ST-Developer v8 from STEP Tools

Application Developers Benefit from Pre-configured EXPRESS programs, Free copy of ST-Viewer, and up to 200% Faster Programming Libraries with Improved Conformance Checking

     Troy, New York-May 22, 2000-STEP Tools, Inc., the forerunner in developing STEP-integration software for the global marketplace, announced today the release of its much anticipated ST-DeveloperÔ v8, one of their three flagship software products. ST-Developer v8 takes a quantum leap forward in functionality for application developers in the areas of programming automation, visualization and across-the-board performance advances in programming libraries. These dramatic improvements in ST-Developer reiterate STEP Tools leadership role in providing state-of-the art programming tools for writing STEP (Standard for Product Data Exchange) applications, translators and databases. With over one million end-users of STEP translators and the STEP file format, this data standard describes and reliably transports 3D model content worldwide. For readers requiring a detailed technical explanation of ST-Developer v8, documentation can be found at STEP Tools web site: www.steptools.com/support/stdev_docs.

      This robust version of ST-Developer contains many new features including the ST-ViewerÔ and a new EXPRESS compiler with optimized class generation and output controls. Other highlights in addition to expeditious programming libraries include improved AP (Application Protocol) conformance checking. ST-Developer v8 is ideal for software developers in the CAD/CAM/CAE industry or manufacturers developing their own vertical design/manufacturing applications.

Up to 50% of STEP Implementation is now Automated with ST-Developer's Out-of-the-Box Toolkits

     ST-Developer is packed with nine pre-configured EXPRESS schemas which drastically automate nearly 50% of the work required to implement STEP applications. Users can utilize ST-Developer with their own schemas as well. The software package also provides hyperlinked versions of schemas for reference, recommended practices documentation, short name files and working set files for AP203, AP214, AP224, CIM Steel, and AP227. AP-203 and AP-214 are the primary STEP APs for CAD applications, and AP-227 is the application protocol for shipbuilding and industrial plant design.

     Another big bonus is the program's new AP-214 Conformance Checking tool, joining the AP-203 checker as a rapid way to troubleshoot code. ST-Developer also supplies an enhanced General Conformance Checking tool. This EXPRESS interpreter now checks constraints faster and more robustly.

ST-Viewer Provides Intuitive Visual Interface to STEP Data

     ST-Developer for Windows is now bundled with a free copy of the ST-ViewerÒ to help view, analyze and debug STEP product data. ST-Viewer serves as an easy-to-use interface to STEP information and displays product identification, assembly structures and 3D geometry. Users can write programs that communicate with the ST-Viewer. Additionally, ST-Developer includes an OLE/COM Automation Library that helps application developers to produce visual STEP applications.

STEP Applications Run Up to 200% Faster

     This latest version of ST-Developer offers an improved, unified EXPRESS compiler that offers 3 significant enhancements: 1) it generates C++ code that compiles lightning fast, 2) it offers better control over aggregates, and 3) it thoroughly checks EXPRESS models. Application developers will find the updated SDAI and ROSE program libraries at peak performance. The SDAI applications can run up to 200% faster when using the new libraries. STEP applications will compile more smoothly with new compilers like Microsoft Visual C++ v6 and ANSI C++. Many behind-the-scenes performance improvements have been made to both libraries.

About STEP Tools, Inc.

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