November 11^th, 2003 (12:00am) - Quazal today released Net-Z version 3.5 and Eterna version 2.1, two powerful network programming middleware tools that significantly improve the implementation of multiplayer and massively multiplayer features by game developers. New features such as more secure system operations, superior control over dataset updates, enhanced Remote Method Calls and increased dead reckoning accuracy make Net-Z 3.5 and Eterna 2.1 a must-have programming tool for every multiplayer engineer. Registered users can access Personal Editions of both products, which are available for download at www.quazal.com/devzone.

Quazal Net-Z 3.5 and Eterna 2.1 offer unprecedented security measures via a SafetyExecutive class that has the power to approve or deny system operations. This class can be used to prevent stations illegally calling operations, whether it be simply due to a bug in the game code or a player instigated hack. In addition, dataset updates can be restricted to specific stations, providing superior control over data propagation. As an object can now update only a sub set of its duplicas, this new functionality can be used to enhance security measures or to reduce bandwidth.

"The new versions of Net-Z and Eterna represent a leap forward in multiplayer technology," declared Martin Lavoie, Quazal’s Chief Technology Officer. "Regardless of whether your multiplayer needs are simple or complex, no other professional network programming tools offer the type of advanced capability and ease-of-use that Quazal Net-Z 3.5 and Eterna 2.1 do".

Quazal Net-Z 3.5 and Eterna 2.1 feature greatly enhanced Remote Method Call (RMC) functionality that gives network programmers far greater control over any remote call. Embedded RMCs are now permitted, effectively removing deadlock issues while waiting for a return value. RMCs can be postponed and recalled a short time later without blocking the processing of queued messages. The RMC callee can now be determined to ensure that security rights can be granted prior to any execution. Completely new RMC features have also been implemented allowing one-way calls, as well as calls to multiple target stations.

"This latest release of Quazal multiplayer middleware products is extremely exciting for our clients and partners" said Mike Drummelsmith, Quazal’s Developer Relations Manager. "Quazal Net-Z 3.5 has achieved an unsurpassed level of maturity and is rapidly being recognized as a superior network middleware solution. Outside of the technology, we strive to provide exceptional customer support, making it almost seem that our best engineers are working right alongside our clients. Developers quickly realize that our support is among the best in the business."