We delayed sending this message due to the InterNIC problems yesterday.
InterNIC's error caused an estimated 30% of all mail to all .com and .net
domains to bounce for users worldwide. We figured we wouldn't add to the
problem. :) Lasso 2.0 provides full support for FileMaker
Pro features such as repeating fields and related records via portals.
What's more, Lasso was the first and remains the only FileMaker Pro
Web-enabling solution that contains built-in email forwarding capabilities.

Winning Methodology

Lasso 2.0 operates on the principle of easily editable HTML files which
contain all database integration commands and dynamic page generation
instructions alongside standard HTML page elements. This extended HTML
mark-up "language" is referred to as the Lasso Dynamic Markup Language
(LDML). The LDML method has proven itself superior to thousands of users
who quickly outgrow cumbersome and limited "wizard-like" approaches to
database integration.

Lasso users operate in their HTML authoring environment of choice and use
the included GUI-based FM Link tool to drag-and-drop LDML commands into
their Web pages, providing the most direct way to add database
functionality while working in a graphical HTML editing environment.

Enhanced Commerce Capabilities

Lasso 2.0 expands upon Lasso 1.2.1's already rich commerce capabilities
providing full cookie support and the ability to pass tokens (critical for
tracking users) along with the ability to send Apple Events to MacAuthorize
for credit card verification. With Lasso's built-in email forwarding
capability, one easily sends customer order receipts immediately via email.
Sample online shopping cart templates and databases are provided which
assist users with rapid cyberstore development.

Java-Enabling FileMaker Pro

Lasso 2.0 allows Java applets and applications to access FileMaker Pro
databases from anywhere on the Internet. Java developers use the provided
set of Java classes to create dynamic front-ends to FileMaker Pro data.
Sample applets provided by Blue World include a Java-based FileMaker Pro
client that mimics the FileMaker Pro standard interface, a Java-based chat
forum code-named "CoffeeHouse", a Lasso Tags database and a database info
gathering example.

Built-in Web Server

Lasso 2.0 Server version offers a built-in Web server optimized for
dedicated FileMaker Pro Web database servers. Beyond all the capabilities
found in the CGI and plugin versions, Lasso 2.0 Server provides standard
Web server features including: the ability to serve HTML, GIF, and JPEG
files (in addition to other MIME types), selectable port controls, suffix
mapping, process controls based upon suffix name and more.

Industry Acceptance

Lasso and the freeware Lasso Lite claim wide acceptance throughout all
sectors of the Mac OS Web serving community with tens of thousands of
users. Lasso's unrivaled feature set powers the highest performing
FileMaker Pro websites on the Internet including Apple's Macintosh Software
and Hardware Registry (http://www.macsoftware.apple.com-receives over
120,000 hits per day) and high profile sites at Claris Corp. as well as
sophisticated intranet sites at Motorola, R.R. Donnelley & Sons and the
State of Washington, among others. Lasso is also the Web-enabling tool of
choice used by leading FileMaker Pro developers.

Numerous authoring vendors are working with Blue World to ensure Lasso
compatibility with their HTML and/or Java authoring environments. Soon, at
least one large Java authoring vendor will announce a technology alliance
with Blue World which brings easy Java authoring for FileMaker Pro
databases to the masses.

Press Awards and Acknowledgements

In its April, 1997 comprehensive review of competing FileMaker Pro
Web-enabling solutions, Macworld Magazine awarded Lasso 1.1 its prestigious
Editors' Choice award along with 4 stars. Macworld notes that "Of the three
I tested, Lasso was the fastest" and concludes "With excellent support for
advanced FileMaker Pro features, outstanding formatting control, fast
performance, and thorough documentation, Lasso is a database-publishing
demon". Throughout its extensive coverage of Lasso, MacWEEK notes that
"Lasso's strengths are its extensive built-in commerce and e-mail features"
and cites Lasso as a "good, low-cost choice... as it provides basic
cyberstore templates".

Free Solutions

To assist users with building sophisticated Lasso-powered dynamic Web
database solutions, Blue World provides numerous free templates and
databases. Solutions include online shopping carts, guestbooks, discussion
forums, Web calendars, numerous Java examples and more. A listing of
solutions is available at http://www.blueworld.com/lasso/solutions/.

Availability and Pricing

Lasso 2.0 is immediately available direct from Blue World and select
resellers at the following prices:

Lasso 2.0 CGI/Plugin versions -- Electronic, $349; Shrink Wrapped Package, $399

Lasso 2.0 Server version -- Electronic, $499; Shrink Wrapped Package, $549

Orders may be made online at http://www.blueworld.com/lasso/order/. Special
upgrade pricing for registered Lasso 1.x customers is also available.

Lasso 2.0 Information

Further information about Lasso including links to online examples and free
run-limited versions is available on the Lasso website at
http://www.blueworld.com/lasso/.

About Blue World Communications, Inc.

Blue World Communications, Inc.'s mission is "bringing business to the
internet". Blue World Communications serves its mission by providing a
variety of Internet products and services with special emphasis on
FileMaker Pro based Internet solutions. Blue World is a privately held
company founded in 1990.

Lasso and Blue World Communications are trademarks of Blue World
Communications, Inc. Claris and FileMaker Pro are trademarks of Claris
Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Other product and
corporate names are the property of their respective holders.

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