Catalyst Development News

SocketTools 7.2 Released

info@catalyst.com — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:26:19 GMT

SocketTools 7.2 has been released and is a recommended update for developers who are currently using version 7.0 or 7.1. This update includes a new text messaging (SMS gateway) component, as well as new features, fixes and improvements to existing components. We've added support for secure connections using TLS version 1.1 and 1.2, support for compressed HTTP downloads, and there's a number of new functions, properties and methods that we've added to our e-mail related components to make them easier to work with. We've also made some significant improvements to the documentation, and by popular request, we've included printable PDF versions of the help as well.

This is a free update for customers using version 7.x, and is a complete package that replaces the previous version. This update also applies to the related products such as SocketWrench, SocketTools File Transfer and SocketTools Internet Mail. You can review the release notes and download the update for your software using the following links:

SocketTools 7.2 Release Notes
Download SocketTools 7.2 Update

Because of the version has changed, we recommend that you uninstall the previous version of SocketTools before installing 7.2.

SocketTools 7.1 Released

info@catalyst.com — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:53:19 GMT

SocketTools 7.1 has been released and includes several performance improvements and corrections since the original release of version 7.0. This is a free update for licensed developers using version 7.0. Developers who are using earlier versions of SocketTools are eligible for an upgrade at a discounted price.

This is a complete product release that incorporates fixes from the previous general release, as well as all subsequent hotfixes. This update includes several critical fixes to the SocketTools components, as well as updates to the documentation and examples. You can review the release notes and download the update for your software using the following links:

SocketTools 7.1 Release Notes
Download SocketTools 7.1 Update

We recommend that all developers who are using version 7.0 to update to the current version.

SocketTools 7.0 Released

info@catalyst.com — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:31:43 GMT

SocketTools 7.0 has been released and includes both 32-bit and 64-bit components, along with support for the IPv6 next-generation Internet protocol. With this release, the SocketTools editions have also been reorganized to make it simpler for the developer to choose the best product that meets their needs. There are now three editions of SocketTools, the .NET Edition, the ActiveX Edition and the Library Edition. All three editions include support for both standard and secure connections, and include all of the components and libraries that were part of the previous versions of SocketTools.

The SocketTools 7.0 components can be installed side-by-side with previous versions, and upgrading your applications to use the new version will typically require very few changes to existing projects. If you want to support IPv6 networking in your application, the most significant change will be with how Internet addresses are specified, since the format of an IPv6 address is different.

In addition to the new SocketTools 7.0 editions, new versions of related products have also been released. SocketWrench 7.0, SocketTools File Transfer 7.0 and Internet Mail 7.0 are also available. There is special upgrade pricing available to current SocketTools customers and you can order your upgrade online. If you’re currently evaluating SocketTools, you can download the new 7.0 version and it’ll extend your evaluation period for another thirty days.

Visual Studio 2010 Update

info@catalyst.com — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:14:37 GMT

Microsoft has released Visual Studio 2010, which includes a new IDE, language features and a new version of the .NET Framework. The SocketTools .NET, SocketWrench .NET, Catalyst File Transfer .NET and Catalyst Internet Mail .NET products have been updated to include new assemblies and example programs for Visual Studio 2010. This is a free update for all developers who are currently using version 6.0. Simply download your edition of the product to update your software to the current version.

SocketTools 6.0 Build 6030 Update

info@catalyst.com — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:30:54 GMT

A new update for SocketTools is available for download. Version 6.0 Build 6030 was released on April 5, 2010. This is a free update for licensed developers using version 6.0. Developers who are using earlier versions of SocketTools are eligible for an upgrade at a discounted price.

This is a complete product release that incorporates fixes from the previous general release, as well as all subsequent hotfixes. This update includes several critical fixes to the SocketTools components, as well as updates to the documentation and examples. You can review the release notes and download the update for your software using the following links:

SocketTools 6.0 Release Notes
Download SocketTools 6.0 Update

We recommend that all developers who are using version 6.0 update to the current version.

Product and Upgrade Discounts

info@catalyst.com — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:21:06 GMT

Programmers worldwide have supported Catalyst Development and our products for 15 years. We wish to return that support by making our tools more obtainable. Therefore, for a limited time, the price of all Catalyst products and upgrades have been reduced by 50%. Our SocketTools Subscription, which includes all of our products and extended technical support, has been reduced to only $795 USD.

To prosper during these challenging economic times, we all need to increase productivity, decrease development costs, and use cost-effective means to reduce man-hours. This is our way of saying "Thank You" for having made Catalyst Development one of the leading developer component publishers in the world.

SocketTools 6.0 Build 6020 Update

info@catalyst.com — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:04:10 GMT

A new update for SocketTools is available for download. Version 6.0 Build 6020 was released on January 26, 2010. This is a free update for licensed developers using version 6.0. Developers who are using earlier versions of SocketTools are eligible for an upgrade at a discounted price.

This is a complete product release that incorporates fixes from the previous general release, as well as all subsequent hotfixes. You can review the release notes and download the update for your software using the following links:

SocketTools 6.0 Release Notes
Download SocketTools 6.0 Update

We recommend that all developers who are using version 6.0 update to the current version.

SocketWrench 6.0 Freeware Edition

info@catalyst.com — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:04:08 GMT

An updated version of the popular SocketWrench control has been released as freeware. The SocketWrench 6.0 Freeware Edition is a free version of the ActiveX control that can be used with a variety of programming languages, and is ideal for students, hobbyists and developers who are new to Internet programming. The package includes the SocketWrench ActiveX control, a general purpose TCP/IP networking component, and the Internet Dialer control which can be used to manage dial-up networking connections. Complete documentation in HTML Help and PDF format is also included, along with example programs.

The SocketWrench Freeware Edition may be used to create shareware and commercial applications, and can be freely redistributed. However, this package does not include all of the components in the commercial versions of SocketWrench, does not support secure connections using SSL/TLS and doesn't include technical support. For professional developers, there are commercial versions of SocketWrench available that provide additional components and/or libraries, and include technical support options. more information about SocketWrench is available on the Catalyst Development website at go.catalyst.com/socketwrench

SocketTools 6.0 Build 6010 Update

info@catalyst.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:33:43 GMT

A new update for SocketTools is available for download. Version 6.0 Build 6010 was released on March 27, 2009. This is a free update for licensed developers using version 6.0. Developers who are using earlier versions of SocketTools are eligible for an upgrade at a discounted price.

This is a complete product release that incorporates fixes from the previous general release, as well as all subsequent hotfixes. You can review the release notes and download the update for your software using the following links:

SocketTools 6.0 Release Notes
Download SocketTools 6.0 Update

We recommend that all developers who are using version 6.0 update to the current version.

SocketTools 6.0 Released

info@catalyst.com — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:21:08 GMT

SocketTools 6.0 has been released and includes several new components, including a new SSH component for secure interactive terminal sessions and remote command execution, integrated support for secure file transfers using SFTP and a new Internet Server component that allows you to build a customized, scalable, multi-threaded server with only a few lines of code. The SocketTools 6.0 components are compatible with version 4.0 and 5.0 and support side-by-side deployment, simplifying the upgrade process so that you can spend your time improving your software, not rewriting it.

In addition to the SocketTools 6.0 Editions, new versions of related products have also been released. SocketWrench 6.0, File Transfer Control 6.0 and Internet Mail Control 6.0 are also available. There is special upgrade pricing available to current SocketTools customers and you can order your upgrade online. If you’re currently evaluating SocketTools, you can download the new 6.0 version and it’ll extend your evaluation period for another thirty days.

SocketTools 5.0 Build 5035 Update

info@catalyst.com — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:11:33 GMT

A new update for SocketTools is available for download. Version 5.0 Build 5035 was released on May 6, 2008. This is a free update for licensed developers using version 5.0. Developers who are using earlier versions of SocketTools are eligible for an upgrade at a discounted price.

This is a complete product release that incorporates fixes from the previous general release, as well as all subsequent hotfixes. You can review the release notes and download the update for your software using the following links:

SocketTools 5.0 Release Notes
Download SocketTools 5.0 Update

This is the last scheduled update for the SocketTools 5.0 family of products. The next major release of SocketTools will be version 6.0, and is scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2008.

Windows Server 2008 Released

info@catalyst.com — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:48:07 GMT

Microsoft released Windows Server 2008 to manufacturing on February 4th and is available to volume licensees and MSDN subscribers. The operating system will be officially released on February 27th as part of a larger product launch that also includes Visual Studio 2008 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008. Additional information about Windows Server 2008 is available on the Microsoft TechNet site.

SocketTools developers who are currently using version 5.0 should download the free Service Pack 3 update that includes support for Windows Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008. For those developers who are using older versions of SocketTools, we recommend upgrading to the current version to ensure compatibility with the latest Windows operating systems and programming tools. Customers who have purchased the SocketTools Subscription can download the latest version using the download link provided when they purchased the subscription. More information about SocketTools 5.0 is available on our website at www.catalyst.com.

Visual Basic 6.0 Technical Support

info@catalyst.com — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:44:04 GMT

For developers who are using still Visual Basic 6.0, the product is reaching the end of it's extended support on April 8th, 2008 as it transitions into the non-supported phase of its lifecycle. This includes the Standard, Professional and Enterprise editions of Visual Basic 6.0, as well as those versions that were included as part of Visual Studio 6.0. Microsoft will no longer release service packs, hotfixes, security updates or provide incident support. However, Microsoft will continue to support the Visual Basic 6.0 runtime on Windows XP and Windows Vista as outlined in this support statement.

Likewise, we will continue to support the SocketTools ActiveX controls (as well as our other products) for Visual Basic 6.0 on Windows 2000, Windows XP and Vista. Although Microsoft's support for the classic Visual Basic development environment is coming to an end, it will not impact developers insofar as SocketTools is concerned. This is the same policy that we have followed when Microsoft ended support for Visual C++ 6.0 in September 2005 and we have continued to support our Library Edition with that version of the compiler. It is recommended that you download Service Pack 6 for Visual Studio 6.0, which you can obtain from the Microsoft Download Center.

We understand that many companies and end-users continue to depend on applications created using Visual Basic 6.0. We will continue updating and improving the ActiveX controls in our products, and will continue to support development tools using ActiveX/COM. Please note that if you are using an earlier version of SocketTools, we recommend that you upgrade to the current version and continue to receive technical support and updates for the product. This is particularly true for those developers who are using the MFC-based ActiveX controls in SocketTools 3.6 or earlier versions. The current version of the ATL-based ActiveX controls offer superior performance, stability and improved features that can extend the life of legacy applications written in Visual Basic 6.0, helping to ensure that your software will continue to work correctly on the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 platforms.

SocketTools 4.5 Technical Support

info@catalyst.com — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:19:17 GMT

Technical support for the Catalyst File Transfer Control 4.5, Catalyst Internet Mail Control 4.5 and all editions of SocketTools 4.5 and earlier versions officially ended on December 31, 2007. It is recommended that all developers who are currently using version 4.5 download the last available build. Links to download the product files can be found in Knowledge Base article 100269. There will be no further updates or hotfixes published for this version of the product.

If you are using version 4.0, you can upgrade to version 4.5 at no charge. You can simply download the current version of your product and use your 4.0 serial number to install the software. Version 4.5 is completely backwards compatible with version 4.0 and requires no code changes. If you have any questions, feel free to post in the technical support forum section appropriate for your product.

SocketTools 5.0 Service Pack 3 Released

info@catalyst.com — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:36:03 GMT

SocketTools 5.0 Service Pack 3 has been released and offers developers new features, improved performance and full compatibility with Visual Studio 2008 and the Windows Vista operating system. This service pack update is a complete release of the product with the latest improvements to all of the SocketTools components. If your customers are migrating to Vista, or you plan on upgrading to the latest version of Visual Studio, you'll want to ensure that they have a simple, trouble-free experience with your software. Upgrading to SocketTools 5.0 helps ensure that your applications continue to run smoothly, and best of all, there's no additional coding required on your part. The SocketTools 5.0 components are source compatible with version 4.0 and 4.5, simplifying the upgrade process so that you can spend your time improving your software, not rewriting it.

Catalyst File Transfer .NET and Internet Mail .NET

info@catalyst.com — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 23:32:26 GMT

If you are working with the .NET Framework and need to incorporate file transfer or e-mail functionality in your software, the new File Transfer .NET and Internet Mail .NET components can enable you to add those features quickly and easily, with a minimum of coding and virtually no learning curve. These managed code classes are similar to what is offered in our larger SocketTools .NET product, but with a streamlined interface that is designed specifically for developers who want a single interface that is easy to use and understand. Both components also support secure connections using the standard SSL and TLS security protocols, and as with all of our components, are licensed without redistribution limitations, royalties or runtime licensing fees. If you have an active SocketTools Subscription license, then these new components are available to you free as part of the current update to your subscription download.

Internet Programming Tutorial

info@catalyst.com — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 20:22:38 GMT

If you're new to Internet application development on the Windows platform, we have an in-depth tutorial that explains the basic concepts behind network programming. The tutorial also helps you get started building your first application using our popular SocketWrench component for Visual Studio 2005. The topics include Windows Sockets, the TCP and UDP networking protocols, client-server fundamentals and a discussion of security and data encryption using SSL/TLS. We also have a video tutorial that demonstrates the basic steps behind creating a simple Internet application, and you can download a free evaluation copy of SocketWrench to follow along with the tutorials and get started creating your own programs.

SocketTools 5.0 Build 5020 Update

info@catalyst.com — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 17:12:44 GMT

A new update for SocketTools is available for download. Version 5.0 Build 5020 was released on June 21, 2007. This is a free update for licensed developers using version 5.0. Developers who are using earlier versions of SocketTools are eligible for an upgrade at a discounted price.

This is a complete product release that incorporates fixes from the previous general release, as well as all subsequent hotfixes. You can review the release notes and download the update for your software using the following links:

SocketTools 5.0 Release Notes
Download SocketTools 5.0 Update

We recommend that all developers who are using version 5.0 update to the current version.

SocketTools Product Wizard

info@catalyst.com — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 20:34:15 GMT

One of the most frequent questions that we get from developers evaluating our software is "Which edition of SocketTools should I buy?" It used to be that the answer was fairly straight-forward. The Visual Edition was for programmers who were using languages like Visual Basic, PowerBuilder or FoxPro. The Library Edition was primarily for C/C++ programmers, or those who simply preferred to use DLLs rather than ActiveX controls. Today, things are a bit more complex than that because development suites like Visual Studio and Borland Developer Studio provide multiple languages and target different platforms. SocketTools itself has also grown, adding scripting components for web developers and .NET assemblies which support multiple versions of the .NET Framework.

To make things easier for new customers to decide which edition of SocketTools best meets their needs, we've created a Product Wizard that will ask you a few questions and based on that information, recommend the most appropriate product. For example, if you specify that you’re programming in Visual C# on Windows XP and your program is an e-commerce application that needs to submit data to a website, as well as upload and download files then the Product Wizard will recommend the SocketTools Secure .NET Edition. Links are provided for more information about that edition, along with links to specific sections of the online technical reference that are related to the components you’ll be using. The idea was to put specific information about a relevant product all in one place, eliminating the need to search and guess which product would be the best choice. We hope that you find it to be useful, and we welcome any feedback you might have.

SocketTools 5.0 Released

info@catalyst.com — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 23:43:54 GMT

The SocketTools 5.0 has been released and offers developers new features, improved performance and full compatibility with the new Windows Vista operating system. If your customers are migrating to Vista, you'll want to ensure that they have a simple, trouble-free experience with your software. Upgrading to SocketTools 5.0 helps ensure that your applications continue to run smoothly, and best of all, there's no additional coding required on your part. The SocketTools 5.0 components are source compatible with version 4.0 and 4.5, simplifying the upgrade process.

In addition to the SocketTools 5.0 Editions, new versions of related products have also been released. SocketWrench 5.0, File Transfer Control 5.0 and Internet Mail Control 5.0 are also available. There is special upgrade pricing available to current SocketTools customers and you can order your upgrade online. If you’re currently evaluating SocketTools, you can download the new 5.0 version and it’ll extend your evaluation period for another thirty days.

SocketTools .NET 4.5 Released

info@catalyst.com — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 22:08:50 GMT

The SocketTools .NET Edition is available for developers who are building applications using Visual Studio 2003 or Visual Studio 2005. This edition of SocketTools includes a collection of managed code components written in Visual C# and compatible with any Visual Studio .NET programming language. Both Standard and Secure Editions are available, and the interface for each component has been designed to be very similar to the ActiveX controls in the Visual Edition, making the transition for developers as simple as possible.

The SocketTools .NET components make it easy to integrate complex Internet functionality in your Visual Studio .NET applications with just a few lines of code. With each SocketTools .NET component, you get all of the benefits of a higher-level interface, reduced learning curve and rapid development, along with the inherent power, performance and flexibility of a native managed code class library.

SocketTools 4.0 Technical Support

info@catalyst.com — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 22:40:47 GMT

Technical support for the Catalyst File Transfer Control 4.0, Catalyst Internet Mail Control 4.0 and all editions of SocketTools 4.0 will officially end on April 30, 2006. Version 4.0 was first released four years ago and it's time to retire that codebase.

You can upgrade from version 4.0 to version 4.5 at no charge. You can simply download the current version of your product and use your 4.0 serial number to install the software. Version 4.5 is completely backwards compatible with version 4.0 and requires no code changes. If you have any questions, feel free to post in the technical support forum section appropriate for your product.

SocketTools 4.5 Build 4520 Update

info@catalyst.com — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 21:41:19 GMT

SocketTools Version 4.5 Build 4520 was released on March 21, 2006. If you are using an earlier version of SocketTools, it is recommended that you update your software to the current version. If you are using version 4.0 or later, this is a free update. If you are using a version prior to version 4.0, you can purchase an upgrade online.

SocketWrench .NET 4.5 Released

info@catalyst.com — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 22:34:36 GMT

The SocketWrench 4.5 .NET Edition is now available for developers who are building applications using Visual Studio 2003 or Visual Studio 2005. This new edition of SocketWrench is a managed class library written in C# with a similar interface to our popular ActiveX control. With support for both standard and secure SSL/TLS connections, SocketWrench .NET can be used to easily create virtually any kind of Internet client and server application quickly and easily. For more information, please click on the following link.

LogicGem 3.0 Released

info@catalyst.com — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 23:49:16 GMT

The LogicGem logic processor software tool is designed to provide a familiar, easy-to-use way to create, edit, verify and compile decision table logic. LogicGem provides the means to prototype and expand a high-level procedural concept into a decision table, work it through analysis and design phases, and then generate English language documentation and programming source code in various programming languages. LogicGem provides tools to ensure that a tables logic is complete, unambiguous and contains every applicable rule in an expanded or reduced format.

You can download a free, fully-functional 30-day evaluation of LogicGem. There's also links to a general overview of decision tables and how LogicGem works, tutorial movies and the online help which you can review.