4D Inc. today announced the release of WebSTAR Server Suite V, a Web server designed to run natively on Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server. The software features multiprocessor support, a multithreaded architecture, and a redesigned caching architecture that 4D says results in dramatic speed improvements.
4D Inc. president and CEO Brendan Coveney said that the software is fast, secure and easy to administer. “Our groundbreaking new design also allows third-parties to build plug-ins for 4D WebSTAR V with unsurpassed ease, enabling rapid releases alongside our updates,” said Coveney.
The software’s new security format enables administrators to delegate authority to virtual hosts with reusable settings for realms, without compromising the security of the whole system. Remote administration can be done through SSL, also. The software ships with secure default settings, according to 4D — including MD5-digest authentication, easily configured SSL for encrypted traffic and flexible access control with realm matching designed for HFS plus volumes. The software also incorporates a “radically faster” Search engine, an integrated FTP server and WebDAV HTTP file service support.
Blue World Communications also pledged support for WebSTAR Server Suite V with its forthcoming Lasso Professional 5. Blue World CEO Bill Doerrfeld noted in a recent statement that his company’s Lasso Data Engine has been the leading companion product to WebSTAR for years now. “Lasso Professional 5 and 4D WebSTAR V on Mac OS X will provide an excellent combo for powerful yet easy Web database publishing,” said Doerrfeld.
WebSTAR Server Suite V incorporates an expanded SDK with more sample source code, utility functions and API that will enable developers to add their own interfaces to the core Admin Client. 4D claimed that developing plug-in enhancements for WebSTAR V is even easier now, thanks to the Web server’s ability to handle the low-level HTTP protocol issues.
In related news, 4D Inc. also announced a pricing change for the new version. WebSTAR Server Suite V is now available for an initial license fee of US$399, which includes updates and support for one year. Additional support and updates are provided for members of WebSTAR Community Central for $179 a year.
Academic discounts are also available at $299. Upgrades for current registered users of WebSTAR 4.x are $199, and $299 for WebSTAR 3.x. Cross-grades are also available — call 4D Inc.’s sales department for more info.