SocketWrench Features

SocketWrench is a component designed to simplify the development of Internet client and server applications. With SocketWrench, you can integrate network functionality in your own software using the standard TCP/IP protocols and you don't need to be an expert in network programming. Here are some of the advantages of using SocketWrench to build your next application:

Rapid Development

SocketWrench is designed to make it easy to implement Internet functionality in your applications, without sacrificing features or functionality. With SocketWrench, you can create both client and server applications, and not worry about to use the Windows Sockets API or complex data encryption algorithms. SocketWrench provides a comprehensive interface and includes tutorials, detailed technical reference documentation and examples to help you get started, even if you haven't written any networking software before.

Flexibility and Performance

The SocketWrench Standard and Secure Editions include both an ActiveX control and a standard Windows dynamic link library. As the developer, you can choose which best meets your needs. If you prefer to use an ActiveX control, creating an Internet application is as easy as dropping the control on a form, setting a few properties and calling the methods to connect and exchange your data. If you prefer to use a lower level interface, the SocketWrench DLL provides an API that is easier to learn than the Windows Sockets API, and can be used with virtually any programming language. For developers who are programming in Visual Basic .NET or C#, the SocketWrench .NET Edition provides a managed code class that is easier to use than the standard sockets class, and offers advanced features such as integrated security and session logging.

Features and Compatibility

Although you'll find SocketWrench easy to use, you won't be sacrificing features or flexibility in your applications. SocketWrench provides you with a high level interface that doesn't slow your application down or require complex coding on your part. SocketWrench also features broad compatibility with the Windows platform, supporting Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. As the application developer, you don't need to be concerned about the underlying differences between the different versions of Windows, SocketWrench handles it all for you transparently.

Security and Reliability

The SocketWrench Secure Edition provides industry standard security using the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols. SocketWrench supports strong, commercial grade 128-bit encryption over the Internet, and it doesn't rely on WinInet and third-party libraries which have licensing restrictions or are encumbered by patents. Set a single property or option, and SocketWrench automatically handles all of the complex certificate management, protocol negotiation and encryption for you. Even advanced options, such as using client certificates, are handled easily with just a few lines of code. If you need to secure the data that your application exchanges over the Internet, the SocketWrench Secure Edition makes it simple.

Extended Debugging Facilities

Each SocketWrench component and library provides debugging facilities that enable the developer to generate logs of network activity. There are several levels of logging supported, from very basic information about the network functions being called, up to extremely detailed information that includes hex dumps of every byte sent and received by the application over the network. Debugging can be selectively enabled and disabled, completely under the control of your application. These logfiles can also be used as additional information to send to our technical support staff and help identify any potential problems.

Comprehensive Documentation

Each SocketWrench Edition includes comprehensive documentation and online help. The Developer's Guide covers general programming topics, implementation details and specific information on how to use SocketWrench with various programming languages. The Technical Reference provides exhaustive detail on every interface for each component and library in the product. Documentation is provided in standard HTML Help format, as well as a printable document in PDF format.

Exceptional Technical Support

As a developer using SocketWrench, you'll be able to take advantage of the best technical support in the industry. Catalyst provides a wide range of technical support options, from completely free support to priority support for developers who need immediate access to technical support staff, voice support and on-demand hotfixes as they're released. We also provide online help, sample programs, FAQs and access to our extensive Knowledge Base and technical support forums to all registered developers.

Royalty Free Redistribution

There are no runtime licensing fees or additional royalties for using SocketWrench in your software. There is no forced online registration and our components function with complete transparency. We understand that it is your application, and you should be free to redistribute it as you wish. The license agreement also permits developers to install SocketWrench on more than one system, as long as there is no chance that more than one developer will be using the same licensed copy of the product.

SocketWrench Edition

SocketWrench Links

SocketWrench 5.0
Read about what is new in the latest version of SocketWrench.

SocketWrench Overview
More information about the different SocketWrench Editions.

SocketWrench Features
An overview of the product features and benefits.

SocketWrench Tutorials
Get started using SocketWrench in your application.

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about SocketWrench.

Release Notes
Release notes for the current version of SocketWrench.

License Agreement
The developer license agreement for this product.