We at DMAC try to only develop features for Unibase by DMAC which users request and we can figure out how to program. The new C_Call verb in the AID language was one of these features often requested, but stopped for several years because we could not come up with a way which provided the speed necessary in field edits. Released last quarter, users have really taken hold of this verb. In addition to the many projects under way, two have been completed.

Fast PostalSoft Rapidkey Interface

The first project was an interface to PostalSoft's Rapidkey product. DMAC helped develop this interface and now the user is testing, implementing and determining results about this product.

RapidKey fills in the entire street address, including zip plus seven, once sufficient data is provided. With over 100 application program interface (API) verbs and calls, we at DMAC did not want to tightly link to this product -- but a user did. The C_Call verb was a perfect solution. We developed the interface, made sure it worked in a simple application and turned everything over to the user to develop as many of the 100 API calls as needed.

No space is taken in the Unibase by DMAC executables for the RapidKey interface -- but the speed of access is faster than the demonstration program provided by RapidKey. This is wonderful because we are checking on every keystroke if sufficient data is available on the CD-ROM for address completion. Will RapidKey save time on keying name and address data? We don't know. The user is evaluating this data and neither the user nor PostalSoft have told us the results.

On the Fly Spellchecker Added

The second C_Call application we have heard about in production is a spelling checker with 250,000 words attached to Unibase by DMAC. This application was developed entirely by the user. In fact, we received a fax asking if Borland's C compiler could be used. Before we answered, the user had obtained a copy of Microsoft's C compiler and had finished the interface.

The user is happy; and we at DMAC did not delay his implementation of his ideas. We think this is what a good open product should do for a user. If all the users who called about the C_Call verb achieve success, then it is the most successful new verb for AID in several years.