All,

This is the first public beta release of TCP Server Deux, a 4th
Dimension component which provides a cross-platform, flexible TCP
level server. TCP Server Deux allows 4D developers to run one or more
higher level protocol servers in a single 4D database without have to
code for multiple listeners, threading, messaging, or many of the
other functional elements that often complicate custom servers in 4th
Dimension. TCP Server Deux works on top of TCP Deux and BASh and works
with Internet ToolKit v2.0.x and Internet ToolKit v2.5.x.

With TCP Server Deux, a 4th Dimension developer can easily develop a
server available through multiple protocols. For instance, having a
Domain Name Server with an integrated web interface is a simple
matter; the same is true of an email server, available through both
SMTP and POP3, with a HTTP interface over a custom port for
administering the settings and accounts in the email server. TCP
Server Deux handles all of the listeners, threading, multiple
processes, and communications necessary in a custom server written in
4D. By handling all of these issues as a TCP server, and with suitable
hooks available for processing of requests and setting responses, it
is then a simple matter to merely write parsers for higher level
protocols that reside on the TCP layer.

TCP Server Deux works with other components already available from
Deep Sky Technologies, Inc. The TCP Deux component is used for all TCP
level access within the TCP Server Deux component. And, of course, the
BASh component is used by TCP Server Deux for a lot of the basic
functionality available within the server component.

TCP Server Deux does require a robust TCP plugin for access to the TCP
communication layer from within 4th Dimension. Though TCP Deux does
provide compatibility with 4D Internet Commands, unfortunately 4D IC
does not provide a robust, and asynchronous, TCP listener routine.
Because of this, TCP Server Deux only works with Internet ToolKit
(ITK) v2.0.x and v2.5.x. If user with ITK v2.5.x in conjunction with
an ITK SSL Server license, full access to the SSL layer is available
for all functionality within TCP Server Deux.

A full manual, explaining every call and feature available in TCP
Server Deux, is included with the component.

Future components to be made available from Deep Sky Technologies,
Inc., will provide implementation of higher level protocols on top of
the TCP Server Deux component.  This will help considerably in the
development of useful server level protocols from within 4th
Dimension.  Obviously, an HTTP server component, HTTP Server Deux,
will be the first made available (hopefully within the next 24 hours).

TCP Server Deux works on top of the TCP Deux component. TCP Deux
provides completely transparent operation with 4D Internet Commands
v6.7.x, Internet ToolKit v2.0.x, and Internet ToolKit v2.5.x. However,
because TCP Server Deux needs robust, asynchronous TCP listeners, only
ITK 2.0.x or ITK 2.5.x will function correctly with TCP Server Deux.

The TCP Server Deux and TCP Deux components require that the BASh
component also be installed to operate properly. BASh is available for
free from Deep Sky Technologies, Inc., and provides essential routines
useful to all 4D programmers.

TCP Server Deux requires that you use TCP Deux v1.0.1 or above and
BASh v1.6.0 or above. You can get the latest copies of all required
components from the Downloads page on the Deep Sky Technologies, Inc.,
web site.

All of the code within the TCP Server Deux component is ready to use
immediately.  There are no compiler issues to be concerned about;  all
of the variables are typed in compiler methods for even the most
stringent 4D developers.  Just install the component in your structure
and start calling the methods within it.  It is really that simple!

As with any beta software,  this is still a work in progress;  though,
it is worth knowing that internal systems at DSTi have been using the
TCP Server Deux component since July of 2000.  Watch for announcements
about updates which will become available, as we are continually
working on improving the documentation and adding new features to the
TCP Server Deux component.

For this beta of TCP Server Deux, you will need a serial code when
initializing the component in your database.  The following serial
will work with the betas for TCP Server Deux through the end of
October, 2001:

   iyqWU/GxzH4p0GtcN1dDSw5YaXGAck5J

As you have come to expect from high quality software development
firms, Deep Sky Technologies, Inc., is committed to providing the
support, service, quality, and compatibility which any modern software
developer requires in their tools' vendors.  Feel free to contact me
at any time if you have any questions or problems with the software in
the TCP Server Deux component.  And, of course, feature requests are
always welcome.

Enjoy!



Steven G. Willis, sgwillis@deepskytech.com
President, Deep Sky Technologies, Inc.
http://www.deepskytech.com/
(561) 794-9494
