Intro to our Embarcadero licensing specialists

Grey Matter has been supporting developers and ISVs with IDEs and developer tools since 1983. As part of our 40th celebration, we are interviewing some of our specialist teams to find out more about the team and their focus solutions.

In this blog, we interview our Embarcadero licensing specialists Robin Ashby and Andy Hill...

How long have you been working at Grey Matter?

Robin: I have been at Grey Matter for just over 4 years.

Andy: I've been with the team for 3 years.

What software does Embarcadero create? 

Andy: Embarcadero Technologies creates development environments for Delphi and C++ developers looking to create native cross-platform applications. It's been used by over 3 million developers worldwide for over 30 years. 

Their key products are RAD Studio, Delphi and C++Builder. Delphi is an object, Pascal-based language. You can find out more about the language and IDE in our "Delphi through the years" video series and blog.

Robin: They also have a product called InterBase which is a high-performance,  multi-platform and scalable relational SQL database that is encryptable. Developers can embed InterBase into their Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS and Android-connected applications. Last year, I interviewed Embarcadero's Stephen Ball about InterBase. Watch the interview; it tells you more about the key features, who it is for, and some really cool places where InterBase is being used around the world (and beyond).

Any examples of the cool types of apps created with Embarcadero tools?  

Robin: There's an application called Stop Motion Pro which is used in the animation industry to speed up the process of stop-motion animation. It was created using Delphi. And what's really awesome is that the application has been used by Ardman Animation to produce Wallace and Gromit. 

Why should developers use Embarcadero?

Andy: Developers can use Embarcadero to create apps quickly for multiple platforms using a single codebase. This benefits developers as it saves them time and money. They're not having to purchase different IDEs, nor do they need to employ more developers or spend more time developing for each specific platform. They can develop for multiple platforms all at once.

Robin: And despite some thinking the tools are legacy due to their long tenure in the industry, Embarcadero software is constantly updated for new technologies and processes. For example, keeping up-to-date with the latest Windows, iOS and Android versions and requirements. Plus, there are Delphi libraries for Python, and Delphi can be used with Azure.

Why should people buy Embarcadero from Grey Matter? 

Andy: Grey Matter has been an Embarcadero partner since 2008. We are the UK and Ireland Master Reseller. 

Robin: Thanks to being part of Climb Global Solutions, we can also sell Embarcadero in the US and Canada. 

Andy: We host regular events and webinars with Embarcadero. For instance, we recently hosted a Delphi event at the Kia Oval in London which brought together over 100 developers from across the UK and beyond. Attendees learnt about new features, mobile development, Delphi and Azure, as well as other updates. We love hosting these events as it's a great chance to catch up with everyone face-to-face and hear more about the awesome applications they are making with the Embarcadero tools.

Grey Matter and Embarcadero at the Kia Oval in February 2023

Robin: We have a close relationship with Embarcadero and speak to them on a daily basis. As part of this, we regularly receive training on the product and licensing, get clients' technical and licensing questions answered quickly, and provide Embarcadero with customer feedback.

As Embarcadero licensing specialists, we can explain the benefits of the different editions - Community, Professional, Enterprise and Architect, and advise on which edition best suits your needs.

We have a dedicated Embarcadero webshop to make it easy for those who know which new licence they need.

Andy: We also provide exclusive offers and discounts on a regular basis. So, you can save money while getting to use the comprehensive IDEs and tools that Embarcadero offers.

If you'd like a quote or more information, contact us at +44 (0) 1364 655 123 or email [email protected].

Quick-fire questions for our Embarcadero licensing specialists

And finally, to celebrate 40 years of Grey Matter and to help us and our clients get to know you better, answer these quick-fire questions...

What is your favourite song released between 1983 and 2023?

Andy: Handbags and Gladrags by Stereophonics.

Robin: Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Who is your favourite artist or band from the same time period?

Andy: Roxy Music.

Robin: Pink Floyd.

What is your favourite movie from the last 40 years?

Andy: Saving Private Ryan.

Robin: I tell people it's A Few Good Men, but secretly it's Disney's Moana.