2D and 3D graphical representations created using Seislog Plus Hi-Tech Geo-Science Software Teknica, a Canadian-based software development and consulting company, uses the Empress database management system as a common gateway which unites various modules of its state-of-the-art geo-science software.     Through a common data network managed by Empress, the modules behind Teknica's software solution, called Seislog Plus, provide an integrated application for geoscientists. The data residing in Empress databases define a specific geographic region as a particular prospect. For each prospect, information is organized as groups of tables, pointers and data sets.     Each of Teknica's powerful application modules, layered on top of underlying Empress databases, provides a specific functionality for geoscientists. For instance, the mapping module can display and plot to hard copy all of the information that is stored as objects in a prospect database. These objects include world wide grid coordinate systems, well and seismic line locations, and postings of well picks. Once these objects are displayed, they can also be manipulated via a wide range of data manipulation operations available.     Other application modules include 2D and 3D Seismic Interpretation modules, and a Cross Section module for the evaluation of well location maps.     "The nature of our application meant that a fast, reliable DBMS was needed. But, it could not tax the computing resources available for the application software", states Rajiv Sharma, Software Manager for Seislog Plus. "The database also had to be robust but thin. After evaluating a number of products, Empress was judged to have the right combination of features for our uses." continue in page 4

New Empress C++ Interface Now available as an option to Empress RDBMS V8.10 is the Empress C++ Interface. The Empress C++ Interface unleashes the power of object-oriented programming in Empress relational databases with ease, speed and efficiency in creating and managing objects.     The C++ Interface adds new functionality to your Empress database for manipulation of both data and procedures. Programs are reusable; they are quickly and easily modified since a newly created object can inherit many of its features from existing objects. To increase efficiency and reduce programming complexities, objects can be encapsulated to create a high-level object.     Moreover, Empress's code is optimized for the fast storage and retrieval of objects. Empress's C++ Interface is located directly within the kernel-level, the fastest level within Empress's solid, multilevel architecture. In addition, for efficiency in handling large objects, Empress features bulk chunks. Bulk chunks allow developers to slice up large objects into smaller segments. This enables developers to bypass system memory size and disk access limitations.     The Empress C++ Interface provides firm control in the manipulation of retrieved data. It allows you to perform complex arithmetic functions, generate custom-defined report formats and develop high-level user interfaces. For more information, contact your local Empress representative, or consult the Empress home page at www.empress.com.

For information on the products or companies covered in this newsletter, please contact Empress Software by telephone, fax, or e-mail, using any of the numbers listed below:

Empress Software Inc. 6401 Golden Triangle Drive Greenbelt, Maryland USA 20770 Tel: (301) 220-1919 Fax: (301) 220-1997 E-mail: sales@empress.com

Empress Software Inc. 3100 Steeles Avenue East Markham, Ontario Canada L3R 8T3 Tel: (905) 513-8888 Fax: (905) 513-1668 E-mail: sales@empress.com