Independent research validates Embarcadero Technologies` ER/Studio as leading data modelling tool

Embarcadero Technologies has introduced ER/Studio 5.5 and ER/Studio Repository 2.0. With a new graphical interface, enhanced ease-of-use and more than 50 new features, ER/Studio improves the value of data modelling to drive higher quality and performance from databases and data warehouses.

Comprehensive data modelling should capture enterprise data requirements and translate them into easy-to-understand database applications. This helps organisations make more informed decisions on how to resolve data bottlenecks, eliminate redundancy and ultimately achieve higher-quality applications that deliver data efficiently and accurately to the enterprise.

Often program complexity and poor design interface prevent many companies from maximising their investment in data modelling technology. However, a recent independent study concluded that ER/Studio 5.5 is a significant leap forward for the data modelling market, removing the complexity of the most common and important database modelling tasks.

Usability Sciences Corporation, which specialises in usability testing services for Web sites and software applications, conducted a comparative evaluation with 20 experienced data modellers/designers who used rival third-party design tools.

When evaluating ER/Studio 5.5 against a competitor, the users found that 83% of tasks were easier to complete in ER/Studio. In addition, study participants unanimously chose ER/Studio as their personal preference and the tool they would recommend to their company. All participants possessed mid- to expert-level experience with competing design tools and no experience with ER/Studio. The complete survey results can be obtained by visiting Embarcadero`s Web site at http://www.embarcadero.com.

"The usability of data modelling software is as important as its features. End-users should be able to spend their time managing data models and designs, not trying to figure out how to use the application," said Scott Kincaid, director of usability services for Usability Sciences. "ER/Studio is the clear leader in providing an intuitive environment for data modelling and design."

ER/Studio 5.5 offers the following benefits:

• .         Version 5.5 includes a new graphical interface that assists modellers in arranging, navigating and communicating complex diagrams, dramatically reducing overall modelling project time by minimising layout and display chores faced by those involved with the design lifecycle. ER/Studio now automatically creates presentation-quality diagrams with one click.

• .         A comprehensive new feature set ensures ER/Studio fits the needs of database designers and DBAs who require enhanced support for the most current RDBMS features. Among the more than 50 new features are data dictionary updates and support for complex objects such as Oracle packages and materialised views.

• .         Version 2.0 for ER/Studio Repository introduces an exclusive checkout option that provides restricted rights to the checkout user, new status icon symbols and pop-up help support, as well as several performance and implementation updates.

"Data modellers want to communicate information requirements quickly, efficiently, and as accurately as possible," said Alan Raubenheimer, CEO of Embarcadero Africa. "The results from the usability study show that the newest release of ER/Studio makes it easier than ever for data modellers to communicate and manage complex data models and database designs to the enterprise."

For more information on ER/Studio, ER/Studio Repository and other products from Embarcadero Technologies, visit the Web site at http://www.embarcadero.com or contact Embarcadero Africa at (012) 346 3155, sales@embarcadero.com.