Dacris Software Announces New Version of ActiSetup, Codename "Charlotte"

DACRIS SOFTWARE INC., January 29, 2007 -- Dacris Software today announces the next version of ActiSetup, codenamed Charlotte, which is expected to supersede ActiSetup 2005 by the end of 2007. This new version of ActiSetup will be designed for Windows Vista and MSI 3.1. It is also possible that it will make use of WiX.

Currently, ActiSetup is an excellent tool for developers but lacks certain key enterprise features such as SQL Server scripts, IIS virtual directories, Java deployment, MSI debugging, NAnt scripting, and mobile (Windows CE) installations. Enterprise features will therefore be the primary focus of development with Charlotte. Cross-platform deployment is also being explored with Charlotte, with the possibility of adding support for Linux/UNIX/Mac OS installation projects. Dacris Software plans to expand the ActiSetup product line to compete directly with InstallShield and other enterprise-level distribution products. This new version of ActiSetup is expected to cost up to three times more than the current version due to the added features. However, a stripped-down (Express) version of ActiSetup, similar to the current version, will also be made available for the same price as the current version.

Codename Charlotte will make use of a unique technology that Dacris Software's R&D has been researching during the recent months. This technology involves creating dynamic UIs directly from data structures and is a completely new paradigm for doing UI. Codenamed "Palmetto", this new user-interface methodology will ultimately be included as a set of controls in the next version of NetXP (also codenamed "Palmetto").

No release dates are currently being discussed, but as a guideline the beta version of Codename "Charlotte" should be out in the final months of 2007, together with the beta version of "Palmetto".