25Jan 2026 by richard@baronsoftware.com
Borland’s Decline: Key Events Behind the Fall

Borland’s Decline: Key Events Behind the Fall

Idera, Microsoft Development, Rad Studio Delphi Development, Software development
Delphi Work Area Over the years since Phillipe Kahn moved Turbo Pascal to the forefront Delphi has had its struggles. The fall of Borland was driven by aggressive, ill-timed acquisitions. Intense competition with Microsoft contributed as well. Additionally, there was a lack of clear strategic direction. Here are the key steps and events that led to Borland decline: Aggressive Acquisitions (1987-1991): Borland expanded rapidly. It purchased Ansa Software (makers of Paradox) for $38 million in 1987. Later, it acquired Ashton-Tate, the maker of database management software. This acquisition cost $440 million in 1991. These acquisitions, particularly the costly buy of a struggling Ashton-Tate, put significant strain on the company's finances. The Spreadsheet Price War (1989-1994): Borland launched its Quattro Pro spreadsheet. This launch initiated a fierce price war against Lotus 1-2-3 and…
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31Oct 2025 by richard@baronsoftware.com
AOL Dial-Up Service Ends: A Nostalgic Farewell

AOL Dial-Up Service Ends: A Nostalgic Farewell

Rad Studio Delphi Development
2025 will mark the end of the longest dial-up service provided by AOL. original co-founder Steven Case said "Thanks for the memories RIP". AOL merged with Time Warner in 2000. The deal was widely deemed disastrous. AOL boasted about 30 million subscribers at the end of 2001. It was famous for luring customers by mailing them free trial CD discs. AOL dial-up provided millions the entrance path to the internet. The quenching sound from a modem allowed users to read and send emails. They chat online, join user groups, and view the outside world. AOL dial-up was launched more than 30 years ago. It was known for its chirpy whirring start-up sound. However, it has long since been replaced by faster alternatives. Fewer than 300,000 people in the US reported having…
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20Jan 2025 by richard@baronsoftware.com

Why is there the hate for Microsoft Access and Excel ?

Rad Studio Delphi Development
During a recent question that was published by a developer. they were requesting how to convert and import Paradox tables into Microsoft Access. When all of a sudden there was a huge amount of hate towards Microsoft Access and Excel. The responses were overwhelming about the evils from these two products. There is some truth with limitation concerns using Access. Limitations on using Access It struggles with huge amounts of (2 gigabyte limit) and often slows down with if 10 plus users are added. The database can easily become corrupted and needs to be compacted/repaired. It only works on Window platforms and is not cheap. Does not work from a web site. Should you use MDB or ACCDB The main difference between Microsoft Access's mdb and accdb file formats is…
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13Dec 2024 by richard@baronsoftware.com
Why Choose Delphi for Rapid Application Development

Why Choose Delphi for Rapid Application Development

Rad Studio Delphi Development
Delphi is a rapid application development IDE that shortens time for designing and implementing an application for various platforms. Some of the highlights A visual design interface. Fast compilation speeds Strong database integration. A mature component library (VCL). Its ability to maintain legacy systems. Delphi can create high-performance applications with quick development cycles. By using Firemonkey this allows for one code base for different platforms. Key reasons to use Delphi: Rapid development: The visual development environment with drag-and-drop components allows for quick GUI creation and prototyping. Reducing the development time is key. High performance: Delphi compiles to native code, resulting in fast execution speeds, making it ideal for applications requiring high performance.  Database integration: Seamless integration with various databases through its robust database access components, simplifying data management.  Legacy system…
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28Jan 2021 by richard@baronsoftware.com

The cost of crossing the line

Rad Studio Delphi Development
Informing employees about company standards With the pandemic still raging across the world it seems that folks have way too much time on their hands. Decisions made by individuals at the time seem like a justified method. When in reality they could be harming others, breaking the law and tarnishing the company's image. Employees need to know when how far they can protest before they cross the line. The line is not physical but in reality you represent the company you work for. That decision was made upon hiring you. Acts that cannot be taken back There has been stories due to the social unrest that places a company in a position that they cannot turn away from. Some act such as: Capitol riots where selfies were taken.Riots where violence…
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