Paradox (database)

Paradox
Company type	Software
Industry	Software, Database management systems
Predecessor	Ansa Software
Founded	1985; 41 years ago
Founder	Richard Schwartz, Robert Shostak
Fate	Acquired by Borland, later acquired by Corel Corporation
Headquarters	United States
Products	Relational database management system software (Paradox for DOS, Paradox for Windows)
Parent	Corel Corporation

Paradox is a relational database management system presently distributed by Corel Corporation. Initially launched for MS-DOS by Ansa Software, it was subsequently enhanced after Borland acquired Ansa. In 1991, Borland began the process of acquiring Ashton-Tate along with its rival dBase product line. Although a Windows edition of Paradox was intended for release in 1992, it was postponed until January 1993, by which time Microsoft had already introduced Access for Windows. The latest update to the software occurred in 2009.

Paradox for DOS

Paradox for DOS was originally created in 1985 by Richard Schwartz and Robert Shostak at Ansa Software. It gained recognition for incorporating early artificial intelligence methodologies and had the capability to read Ashton Tate’s dBase file formats.

Borland purchased Ansa Software in 1987, acquiring Paradox/DOS version 2.0 as part of the deal. Significant releases included versions 3.5 and 4.5; while versions up to 3.5 were incremental developments from the initial software, versions 4.0 and 4.5 were redesigned using the Borland C++ windowing framework with enhanced extended memory handling.

Throughout the late 1980s into the early 1990s, Paradox/DOS competed against leading database products such as dBase and its xBase derivatives (FoxPro, Clipper), alongside Clarion, DataEase, R:Base, and DataFlex.

Distinctive features of Paradox/DOS included:

Sophisticated visual Query by Example supported by an AI-based heuristic query optimizer.
Effective utilization of conventional, extended, and expanded memory to cache data tables and indexes, allowing fast execution without requiring extensive user-driven optimization.
The Paradox Application Language (PAL), a robust and readable scripting language capable of recording keyboard macros similar to those in Lotus 1-2-3.
A native interface featuring Lotus-style text menus and windows, in contrast to dBase’s command-line environment.
User documentation praised for clarity and accessible explanations written in straightforward English.

Earlier versions (up to 3.5) encounter compatibility challenges with modern DOS emulators due to their dependence on the VCPI standard; however, versions 4.0 and 4.5 operate on most 32-bit Windows platforms except Windows 2000 but are not compatible with 64-bit systems.

Modern MS-DOS emulators such as the commercial dbDOS and the free vDos facilitate running Paradox for DOS applications (including version 4.5) on contemporary Windows Vista and later 64-bit operating systems.

Paradox for Windows

Developed by a separate team from the DOS version, Paradox for Windows introduced a new programming language called ObjectPAL. Although core components like the QBE interface and database engine were ported from DOS, ObjectPAL and a graphical user interface represented a substantial break in backward compatibility. ObjectPAL replaced PAL’s keystroke macro recording with an object-oriented language inspired by Hypercard, supporting device-independent scaling and right-click access to Forms and Reports properties—features that later became standard in Windows applications.

Initially developed in C augmented with macros, the project transitioned to C++ after Turbo C++ became available. Joe Duncan led a team of approximately 30 developers and QA personnel. Both Paradox for Windows and Quattro Pro for Windows began development under Windows 3.0 beta in 1990; however, Paradox’s release was delayed until early 1993, missing its original schedule by about one year. This postponement allowed Microsoft to launch Access first, securing a notable market advantage.

Borland’s internal dBASE clone initiative from 1990 was abandoned following its acquisition of Ashton-Tate in 1991, redirecting efforts toward integrating Ashton-Tate’s offerings such as the InterBase RDBMS. Paradox/Windows was adapted to function with both its native engine and InterBase through the IDAPI engine. This acquisition also shifted Paradox’s market positioning away from direct competition with dBASE toward emphasizing ease of use; however, this transition was incomplete at launch, leaving the product somewhat complex for novice users.

Microsoft introduced Access at COMDEX in late 1992 priced at $99, significantly undercutting traditional DBMS prices around $799 seen with products like Paradox and dBASE. Access featured an intuitive query interface and a programming language more akin to PAL than ObjectPAL. Additionally, it outperformed Paradox by displaying query results incrementally rather than waiting until full retrieval completed—an advantage when handling large datasets.

Despite holding an estimated 85% share of the desktop database market, Borland underestimated Microsoft’s competitive threat. After acquiring Ashton-Tate, Borland encountered difficulties including product line reductions, corporate restructuring, and cancellation of its internal dBASE project—all contributing to declining revenues and weakened marketing efforts. Consequently, Paradox received minimal promotion as Borland awaited a replacement dBASE release in 1994 that arrived too late.

The fragmented xBase market further complicated Borland’s position; Visual dBASE for Windows lacked compatibility with Microsoft’s FoxPro-based Foxbase programs. This fragmentation discouraged loyalty among xBase users transitioning to Windows platforms.

In 1995, Microsoft bundled Access within its Office Professional Suite alongside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint—effectively ending the standalone desktop database market segment. Although improvements aimed at beginner users were made, Paradox gradually declined commercially. It was included in Borland’s product divestiture to WordPerfect before being resold as WordPerfect shifted focus; as of March 2021, Paradox for Windows remains under Corel ownership and is offered within its office suite products. Meanwhile, Borland retained InterBase/IDAPI technology and concentrated on its Delphi development tools, maintaining a niche presence among software developers.

Paradox Engine

Paradox Engine was a precompiled C library designed to allow DOS developers to interface with Paradox databases. It was compatible with Microsoft Quick C as well as Turbo C compilers. Although the source code was never made public, comprehensive documentation was provided for all the library's functions.

Corel Paradox

In the mid-1990s, Corel obtained the rights to continue the development and distribution of Paradox, subsequently launching Corel Paradox 8 in 1997.

Paradox was included as part of the professional edition of Corel's WordPerfect Office suite, featured in Office Professional versions 9 through 2020. Despite this, no updates have been issued since the release of Paradox Hot Fix 1 for X4 in 2009; all subsequent editions have retained version 11.0.0.676.

Users

A committed community of Paradox users remains active, centered around the Paradox Community website and associated newsgroups. In July 2024, Larry DiGiovanni announced the retirement of the pnews.thedbcommunity.com server, transitioning discussions to a Google group, TheDBCommunity.

While ObjectPAL continues to be widely used for development on Paradox/Windows platforms, migrating PAL/DOS scripts is challenging due to significant differences in object and event models. Consequently, developers must often rewrite applications when converting to PAL.

Reception

A prerelease beta evaluation published in BYTE in 1989 commended Paradox 3 for its promise to exceed dBASE IV's capabilities without merely replicating it, noting its sophisticated features combined with user-friendly design.

In 1987, Computer Intelligence estimated that Ansa commanded approximately 3% of the PC database market within the Fortune 1000, placing it third after Ashton-Tate and Microrim. Additionally, a 1990 survey conducted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants revealed that 5% of respondents utilized Paradox as their database solution.

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