DDH Software has released HanDBase 3.0 for handheld computers based on the Palm OS and Pocket PC platforms. Coinciding the 3.0 release, DDH Software said it will be launching several new add-on programs, including a Forms Designer, and Sync Exchange for Microsoft Access and for ODBC data files.

The company said the new version includes a host of new technologies and enhancements, including peer-to-peer synchronization via infrared or Bluetooth, scalability so multiple users can sync to shared database files, support for naming saved filters, sorts, and field settings as Views, and built-in alarms.

Peer-to-peer synchronization gives users the ability to collaborate and share their data without using a central database server as "middleware." By cutting out the network database requirement from the equation, colleagues are now able to synchronize their data files either by beaming their data to each other or over a Bluetooth wireless connection.

According to DDH Software, HanDBase is now scalable, which allows users to merge their separate database files into a single consolidated database. So an unlimited number of users can work on the same HanDBase data file concurrently, and changes made by each user will merge together during synchronization to form a single database file shared by all users.

HanDBase 3.0 also includes several new encryption options, including the ability to encrypt only the fields that are private and sensitive information. The company said this new feature makes viewing and editing encrypted databases on a handheld device much more practical, as the entire database does not have to be encrypted and decrypted each time it is accessed as a user would with a traditional database. HanDBase 3.0 also provides options for setting access parameters, enabling the administrator to establish who has the authority to carry out certain functions in a database, such as editing pop-up lists, opening a database, deleting records, beaming records, and many more.

Other new features of HanDBase 3.0 includes Virtual File System (VFS) support, which enables users to store and work from databases on expansion memory cards on Palm OS handhelds, and a new user interface that includes color view options, graphical menus, action buttons and pop-up tool menus. Further, the calculation editor has been completely redesigned to emulate a standard calculator.

The company said the release of 3.0 will also pave the way for several new add-on programs that will make creating custom data entry interfaces using the HanDBase Forms Designer program, along with bi-directional synchronization with Microsoft Access and most other ODBC data files possible.

DDH Software said it is offering special packages to organizations wanting to deploy HanDBase across a company. Options include HanDBase Plus ($29.99), HanDBase Professional ($39.99), and HanDBase Enterprise ($99.99).