<!--
	Title: (WHAT'S NEW) Relational Database Requires No Programming
	Source: BYTE, v9(13)
	Date: December 1984
	Transcription by Steve Derby
-->

Cornerstone is a relational database for the
IBM PC that allows you to add fields, incorporate data
from other Cornerstone files, and check the validity of
entered data from an easy-to-use menu-based interface.
Billed by Infocom as "the sophisticated database
system for the non-programmer," Cornerstone lets
you enter data into separate database files in a loose
structure that can easily be changed later.

<img class="float-right" src="/public/img/articles/byte-cornerstone-news/cornerstone-packaging.jpg">

The database size is limited by the capacity of
the disk. Storage of 8,000,000 characters per file
with 120 files per database is possible. Cornerstone
commands are typed in by the user or can be selected
from a menu; the menu can be deleted for experienced
users. Fields can contain from 1 to 255 values. All
text fields are of variable length, and files can be
stored on any field. Data is automatically checked during
input.

Cornerstone includes a context-sensitive help function
that provides information given by the user when
defining the file. This information explains the function
of a key or command in the context of the file being
used.

An interactive report writer lets you quickly define the
layout of a report on the video display. Using that
layout. you can print selected records from a file or
save the layout for later use.

Cornerstone can read pfs:File and dBASE II files
and can exchange data with Lotus 1-2-3, WordStar, and
other word processors and spreadsheets.

Cornerstone runs on the IBM PC family and compatible
computers; PC-DOS 2.0 or later, at least 256K bytes
of memory (512K bytes is recommended), and two
disk drives are required. Infocom plans to release
Cornerstone in February for $495. Contact Infocom, 55
Wheeler St., Cambridge, MA 02138, (617) 492-1031.

**Circle 554 on inquiry card**