diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/code.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/code.C
index f4272fa65..de27ea8f2 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/code.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/code.C
@@ -48,9 +48,10 @@
  */
 
 
+#include "utility/debug.h"
 #include "compression/code.h"
 
-encoding_unit::encoding_unit(ostring* w, unsigned int f) :
+encoding_unit::encoding_unit(std::string* w, unsigned int f) :
    word(w), bits(0), freq(f), code(0), leaf_htr_node(NULL)
 {
 }
@@ -60,7 +61,7 @@ encoding_unit::~encoding_unit()
    delete word;
 }
 
-ostream& operator<<(ostream& out, encoding_unit& eu)
+std::ostream& operator<<(std::ostream& out, encoding_unit& eu)
 {
    debug(out, *eu.word);
    debug(out, eu.freq);
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/code.h b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/code.h
index 1fa14b8d8..e82f0cc16 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/code.h
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/code.h
@@ -51,7 +51,8 @@
 #ifndef _code_h
 #define _code_h 1
 
-#include "utility/ostring.h"
+#include <string>
+
 ////////////////////////////////////////
 //
 ////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -61,17 +62,17 @@ class htr_node;
 class encoding_unit
 {
 public:
-   ostring* word;
+   std::string* word;
    int bits;
    unsigned int freq;
    unsigned int code;
    htr_node* leaf_htr_node;
 
 public:
-   encoding_unit(ostring* w, unsigned int freq);
+   encoding_unit(std::string* w, unsigned int freq);
    ~encoding_unit();
 
-   friend ostream& operator <<(ostream&, encoding_unit&);
+   friend std::ostream& operator <<(std::ostream&, encoding_unit&);
    
 };
 
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/huffman.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/huffman.C
index d4cf430c5..8808f0b61 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/huffman.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/huffman.C
@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@ void huff::compress(const buffer& uncompressed, buffer& compressed)
 void huff::decompress(buffer& compressed, buffer& uncompressed)
 {
    char* buf_base = uncompressed.get_base();
-   char* str;
+   const char* str;
    int str_len;
 
    char rem_bits;
@@ -339,7 +339,7 @@ void huff::decompress(buffer& compressed, buffer& uncompressed)
 //}
 
             str_len = node_ptr -> eu -> word -> size();
-            str = node_ptr -> eu -> word -> get();
+            str = node_ptr -> eu -> word -> c_str();
 
             if ( str_len == 1 ) {
 
@@ -379,8 +379,8 @@ void huff::decompress(buffer& compressed, buffer& uncompressed)
    uncompressed.set_content_sz(buf_base-uncompressed.get_base());
 
    if ( rem_bits > 0 )
-      uncompressed.put( node_ptr -> eu -> word -> get(), 
-                        node_ptr -> eu -> word -> size() 
+      uncompressed.put( node_ptr -> eu -> word -> c_str(),
+                        node_ptr -> eu -> word -> size()
                       );
 }
 
@@ -422,7 +422,7 @@ io_status huff::cdrOut(buffer& buf)
          word_sz = e_units[i] -> word -> size();
          v_out_buf.put(char(word_sz));
    
-         v_out_buf.put(e_units[i] -> word -> get(), word_sz);
+         v_out_buf.put(e_units[i] -> word -> c_str(), word_sz);
          v_out_buf.put(e_units[i] -> freq);
       }
    
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/trie.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/trie.C
index f352ab321..dec1ab6b6 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/trie.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/trie.C
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ void trie::add(unsigned char* word, int sz, int fq)
 encoding_unit* trie::add_to_alphabet(unsigned char* word, int sz, int fq)
 {
    extend_alphabet();
-   encoding_unit *x = new encoding_unit(new ostring((char*)word, sz), fq);
+   encoding_unit *x = new encoding_unit(new string((char*)word, sz), fq);
    alphabet[alphabet_sz++] = x;
    return x;
 }
@@ -240,7 +240,7 @@ cerr << "\n";
    static trie_node_info* y = 0;
 
    static char buf[1];
-   static ostring *z;
+   static string *z;
 
    if ( root == 0 )
       root = new trie_node(0);
@@ -261,7 +261,7 @@ cerr << "\n";
          y -> info.info_view.letter = j;
 
          buf[0] = char(j);
-         z = new ostring(buf, 1);
+         z = new string(buf, 1);
          y -> info.info_view.mark = 1;
 
          extend_alphabet();
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@ void update_index(int ind, void* x)
 void trie::_find_leaf(trie_node* z, int& j)
 {
    trie_node_info* x = 0;
-   ostring *y;
+   string *y;
 
    for ( int i=0; i<LANG_ALPHABET_SZ; i++ ) {
 #ifdef C_API
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ encoding_unit** trie::get_alphabet(unsigned int& a_sz)
    return alphabet;
 }
 
-ostring* trie::get_word(trie_node_info* leaf)
+string* trie::get_word(trie_node_info* leaf)
 {
    static char buf[128];
    buf[127] = 0;
@@ -343,7 +343,7 @@ ostring* trie::get_word(trie_node_info* leaf)
    }
 
 //debug(cerr, buf+i);
-   return new ostring(buf+i, 127-i);
+   return new string(buf+i, 127-i);
 }
 
 Boolean trie::travers_to(char* str, int len, 
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/trie.h b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/trie.h
index ae8ba55b6..0e3599fde 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/trie.h
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/compression/trie.h
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ protected:
 
 protected:
    void collect_freqs(trie_node* rt, int level);
-   ostring* get_word(trie_node_info* x);
+   string* get_word(trie_node_info* x);
 
    void _find_leaf(trie_node* z, int& j);
    void extend_alphabet();
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/dstr/index_agent.h b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/dstr/index_agent.h
index 43b75a386..3378aedad 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/dstr/index_agent.h
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/dstr/index_agent.h
@@ -53,7 +53,6 @@
 #define _index_agent_h 1
 
 #include  "utility/funcs.h"
-#include  "utility/ostring.h"
 #include  "dynhash/data_t.h"
 
 //**************************************************************
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/btree_index.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/btree_index.C
index 792bd1a3f..f16de10bd 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/btree_index.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/btree_index.C
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ size_t btree_index::handler_to_inv_idx(const handler& query)
 {
    get_key_string(query);
 
-   data_t k(v_static_key.get(), v_static_key.size());
+   data_t k(v_static_key.c_str(), v_static_key.size());
 
    if ( v_idx_agent_ptr -> member(k) == false )
      throw(stringException("first_of_invlist(): key is not in btree"));
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/dyn_index.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/dyn_index.C
index 62f13e92e..852f698c7 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/dyn_index.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/dyn_index.C
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ if ( v_static_key.get() )
 MESSAGE(cerr, "************");
 */
 
-   return new data_t(v_static_key.get(), v_static_key.size());
+   return new data_t(v_static_key.c_str(), v_static_key.size());
 }
 
 Boolean 
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/fast_mphf.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/fast_mphf.C
index 870ff1eb3..7db5f542f 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/fast_mphf.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/fast_mphf.C
@@ -257,7 +257,7 @@ debug(cerr, k);
       throw(stringException("hash table empty"));
    }
 
-   i = v_tbl0 -> atoi(k.get(), k.size(), r, v_key_set_sz); // for halmphf
+   i = v_tbl0 -> atoi(k.c_str(), k.size(), r, v_key_set_sz); // for halmphf
 
 
    if ( i < v_p1 ) {
@@ -275,7 +275,7 @@ debug(cerr, k);
    //i = v_tbl1 -> atoi(k, c_bit+r+1) + gv;
 //debug(cerr, c_bit+r);
 
-   i = v_tbl1 -> atoi(k.get(), k.size(), c_bit+r+1, v_hash_tbl_sz) + gv; // for halmphf
+   i = v_tbl1 -> atoi(k.c_str(), k.size(), c_bit+r+1, v_hash_tbl_sz) + gv; // for halmphf
 
 
    return i % v_hash_tbl_sz;
@@ -422,7 +422,7 @@ fast_mphf::print_mapping(const char *key_file, int option)
 //debug(cerr, option);
    MESSAGE(cerr, "print_mapping()");
 
-   char string[LBUFSIZ];
+   char str[LBUFSIZ];
    fstream in(key_file, ios::in);
 
    if ( !in ) {
@@ -432,23 +432,23 @@ fast_mphf::print_mapping(const char *key_file, int option)
    char *hash_table = new char[v_hash_tbl_sz];
    for (unsigned int i = 0; i < v_hash_tbl_sz; hash_table[i++] = 0 );
 
-   ostring lbuf(LBUFSIZ);
+   string lbuf; lbuf.reserve(LBUFSIZ);
 
 
-   while ( in.getline(string, LBUFSIZ, '\n') ) {
+   while ( in.getline(str, LBUFSIZ, '\n') ) {
 
-//     string[strlen(string)-1] = '\0';
+//     str[strlen(str)-1] = '\0';
 
-//debug(cerr, string);
-//debug(cerr, strlen(string));
+//debug(cerr, str);
+//debug(cerr, strlen(str));
 
-     lbuf.reset();
-     lbuf.set(string, strlen(string));
+     lbuf.clear();
+     lbuf.assign(str, strlen(str));
 
      int hash  = hashTo(lbuf) ;
 
      if ( option == 1 ) {
-        cout << " string = " << string;
+        cout << " string = " << str;
         cout  << ", hash = " << hash << "\n";
      }
 
@@ -457,7 +457,7 @@ fast_mphf::print_mapping(const char *key_file, int option)
      else
         hash_table[hash] = 1;
     
-    in.getline(string, LBUFSIZ, '\n'); 
+    in.getline(str, LBUFSIZ, '\n'); 
    }
   
    MESSAGE(cerr, "print_mapping() done");
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/index.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/index.C
index 8f3ad8d70..14fddffff 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/index.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/index.C
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@
 key_type* c_index::v_static_key_ptr;
 #define v_static_key (*v_static_key_ptr)
 #else
-key_type c_index::v_static_key(LBUFSIZ);
+key_type c_index::v_static_key;
 #endif
 
 void c_index::init_persistent_info(persistent_info* x)
@@ -66,6 +66,7 @@ void c_index::init_persistent_info(persistent_info* x)
 c_index::c_index(c_code_t c_cd) : composite(c_cd), v_inv_lists_hd(NULL)
 { 
    v_cmp_selector = 0;
+   v_static_key.reserve(LBUFSIZ);
 }
 
 oid_list_handler* c_index::operator()(int ind)
@@ -108,27 +109,21 @@ oid_t c_index::first_of_invlist(int ind)
 Boolean c_index::get_key_string(const handler& t) const
 {
    ostringstream out;
-   int len;
 
    ((handler&)t) -> asciiOut(out);
-   len = out.str().size();
-   v_static_key.set_size(len);
-   *((char *) memcpy(v_static_key.get(), out.str().c_str(), len) + len) = '\0';
+   v_static_key = out.str();
 
    return true;
 }
 
 Boolean c_index::get_key_string(const oid_t& t) const
 {
-   v_static_key.reset();
-   int len;
+   v_static_key.clear();
+
+   ostringstream out(v_static_key.c_str());
 
-   ostringstream out(v_static_key.get());
    t.asciiOut(out);
-
-   len = out.str().size();
-   v_static_key.set_size(len);
-   *((char *) memcpy(v_static_key.get(), out.str().c_str(), len) + len) = '\0';
+   v_static_key = out.str();
 
    return true;
 }
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/mphf_index.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/mphf_index.C
index 8439915c3..d0f990cd5 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/mphf_index.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/index/mphf_index.C
@@ -150,13 +150,13 @@ debug(cerr, (void*)(v_mphf->operator->()));
    v_sz = (*v_mphf) -> keysetsize();
    (*v_inv_lists_hd) -> expand_space(v_sz);
    
-   key_type key(LBUFSIZ);
-   
+   key_type key; key.reserve(LBUFSIZ);
+
 #ifdef DEBUG
    int i = 0;
 #endif
 
-   while ( in >> key ) {
+   while (std::getline(in, key)) {
 
       oid_t key_id(c_code_t(0), 0);
    
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/mgrs/misc.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/mgrs/misc.C
index fa5a7bfa3..61f052a0b 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/mgrs/misc.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/mgrs/misc.C
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ debug(cerr, y -> v_name);
 */
 
 
-   return ( x -> v_name.string_LS(y -> v_name) );
+   return ( x -> v_name.compare(y -> v_name) < 0);
 }
 
 Boolean name_oid_eq(const void* o1, const void* o2)
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ MESSAGE(cerr, "in name_oid_eq");
 debug(cerr, x -> v_name);
 debug(cerr, y -> v_name);
 */
-   return ( x -> v_name.string_EQ(y -> v_name) );
+   return ( x -> v_name.compare(y -> v_name) == 0);
 }
 
 Boolean oid_ls(const void* o1, const void* o2)
@@ -145,15 +145,14 @@ void delete_name_oid_rec_f(const void* name_oid_ptr)
 //
 // ***************************************************
 
-mark_t::mark_t(char* marks) : ostring(strlen(marks))
+mark_t::mark_t(char* marks) : string(marks)
 {
-   set(marks);
 }
 
 istream& operator >>(istream& in, mark_t& m)
 {
    char c ;
-   char* ptr = m.get();
+   const char* ptr = m.c_str();
    Boolean read_marks = false;
 
    while ( in && in.get(c) ) {
@@ -175,7 +174,7 @@ istream& operator >>(istream& in, mark_t& m)
 
 ostream& operator <<(ostream& out, mark_t& m)
 {
-   out << m.get();
+   out << m.c_str();
    return out ;
 }
 
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/mgrs/misc.h b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/mgrs/misc.h
index ab3027461..11c664c39 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/mgrs/misc.h
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/mgrs/misc.h
@@ -52,7 +52,6 @@
 #define _misc_h
 
 #include "object/root.h"
-#include "utility/ostring.h"
 #include "storage/abs_storage.h"
 #include "object/handler.h"
 
@@ -71,25 +70,25 @@ class name_oid_t
 public:
    name_oid_t(const char* nm, abs_storage* store = 0) : v_store(store) 
    { 
-     v_name.set(nm);
+     v_name.assign(nm);
    }
    name_oid_t(const char* nm, const oid_t& id, abs_storage* store = 0) : 
       v_oid(id), v_store(store) 
    { 
-     v_name.set(nm);
+     v_name.assign(nm);
    };
 
    ~name_oid_t() {};
 
 public:
-   ostring v_name;
+   string v_name;
    oid_t v_oid;
    abs_storage* v_store;
 };
 
 void delete_name_oid_rec_f(const void* name_oid_ptr);
 
-class mark_t : private ostring
+class mark_t : private string
 {
 public:
    mark_t(char* marks = (char*)"\t\n ");
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/mgrs/name_oid_t.h b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/mgrs/name_oid_t.h
deleted file mode 100644
index 47903bac8..000000000
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/mgrs/name_oid_t.h
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,33 +0,0 @@
-/*
- * CDE - Common Desktop Environment
- *
- * Copyright (c) 1993-2012, The Open Group. All rights reserved.
- *
- * These libraries and programs are free software; you can
- * redistribute them and/or modify them under the terms of the GNU
- * Lesser General Public License as published by the Free Software
- * Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option)
- * any later version.
- *
- * These libraries and programs are distributed in the hope that
- * they will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the
- * implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
- * PURPOSE. See the GNU Lesser General Public License for more
- * details.
- *
- * You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public
- * License along with these libraries and programs; if not, write
- * to the Free Software Foundation, Inc., 51 Franklin Street, Fifth
- * Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA
- */
-/* $XConsortium: name_oid_t.h /main/3 1996/06/11 17:22:59 cde-hal $ */
-class name_oid_t {
-
-public:
-   ostring name;
-   oid_t v_oid;
-
-   name_oid_t(const char* nm, oid_t& id) : v_oid(id) { 
-     name.set(nm);
-   };
-};
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/object/long_pstring.h b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/object/long_pstring.h
index c72bc26f3..89aab9689 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/object/long_pstring.h
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/object/long_pstring.h
@@ -52,7 +52,6 @@
 #define _long_pstring_h 1
 
 #include "object/pstring.h"
-#include "utility/ostring.h"
 #include "storage/page_storage.h"
 #include "storage/chunks_index.h"
 
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/object/oid_list.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/object/oid_list.C
index a1e6e2d3b..0bc1954be 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/object/oid_list.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/object/oid_list.C
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@
 
 void oid_list::init_persistent_info(persistent_info* x)
 {
-   ostring* u = list_ptr.p; 
+   string* u = list_ptr.p;
 
    root::init_persistent_info(x);
 
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ void oid_list::init_persistent_info(persistent_info* x)
 //debug(cerr, (void*)this);
 //debug(cerr, my_oid());
 
-     char* w = 0;
+     const char* w = 0;
      int   v= 0;
 
 //MESSAGE(cerr, "oid_list::init_persistent_info(), new object case");
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ void oid_list::init_persistent_info(persistent_info* x)
 //debug(cerr, (void*)list_ptr.p);
 
      if (u) {
-       w = u -> get();
+       w = u -> c_str();
        v = u -> size();
      } 
 
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ void oid_list::init_data_member(int leng)
    }
 
    list_ptr.loc = 0; // to please purify
-   list_ptr.p = new ostring(ptr, char_leng); 
+   list_ptr.p = new string(ptr, char_leng);
 
 //MESSAGE(cerr, "oid_list::init_data_member(int leng)");
 //debug(cerr, (void*)this);
@@ -170,8 +170,6 @@ debug(cerr, int(list_ptr.loc));
 debug(cerr, int(&list_ptr.loc));
 */
 
-   Boolean ok;
-
    int extra_char_leng = extra_oids * OID_T_SZ;
 
    if ( get_mode(PERSISTENT) == true ) {
@@ -189,18 +187,15 @@ debug(cerr, int(&list_ptr.loc));
       }
 
       delete [] ptr;
-
-      ok = true;
-
    } else {
-      ok = list_ptr.p -> expand( extra_char_leng );
+      list_ptr.p -> resize( extra_char_leng );
    }
 
    v_sz += extra_oids;
 
    set_mode(UPDATE, true);
 
-   return ok;
+   return true;
 }
 
 
@@ -275,7 +270,7 @@ debug(cerr, int(list_ptr.p));
       if ( list_ptr.p == 0 )
          throw(stringException("zero list_ptr.p value"));
 
-      memcpy(z, list_ptr.p -> get() + offset, OID_T_SZ);
+      memcpy(z, list_ptr.p -> c_str() + offset, OID_T_SZ);
 
    }
 //MESSAGE(cerr, "oid_list::operator() done");
@@ -363,7 +358,7 @@ oid_list::update_component(int index, const oid_t& new_oid)
       if ( list_ptr.p == 0 )
          throw(stringException("zero list_ptr.p value"));
 
-      list_ptr.p -> update(z, OID_T_SZ, (index-1)*OID_T_SZ);
+      list_ptr.p -> replace((index-1)*OID_T_SZ, OID_T_SZ, z);
 
    } 
 //MESSAGE(cerr, "oid_list::update_component() done");
@@ -435,8 +430,8 @@ io_status oid_list::asciiIn(istream& in)
 
    } else {
       delete list_ptr.p;
-      list_ptr.p = new ostring(0);
-      list_ptr.p -> set(oid_array, v_sz);
+      list_ptr.p = new string(0);
+      list_ptr.p -> assign(oid_array, v_sz);
    }
 
    delete [] oid_array;
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/object/oid_list.h b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/object/oid_list.h
index 8c8f1808b..ae3ca86a4 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/object/oid_list.h
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/object/oid_list.h
@@ -51,7 +51,6 @@
 #ifndef _oid_list_h
 #define _oid_list_h 1
 
-#include "utility/ostring.h"
 #include "dstr/dlist.h"
 #include "dstr/dlist_void_ptr_cell.h"
 #include "object/oid.h"
@@ -71,7 +70,7 @@ protected:
 
    union {
       mmdb_pos_t loc;
-      ostring* p;
+      string* p;
    } list_ptr;
 
 protected:
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/schema/object_dict.h b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/schema/object_dict.h
index d863d7bd6..72d204e7c 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/schema/object_dict.h
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/schema/object_dict.h
@@ -53,7 +53,6 @@
 #define _object_dict 1
 
 #include "dstr/bset.h"
-#include "utility/ostring.h"
 #include "object/handler.h"
 
 #include "mgrs/template_mgr.h"
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/Makefile.am b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/Makefile.am
index 10beddabc..f9842303e 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/Makefile.am
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/Makefile.am
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ noinst_LTLIBRARIES = libutility.la
 
 libutility_la_CXXFLAGS = -DPORTABLE_DB -I..
 
-libutility_la_SOURCES = funcs.C         ostring.C       pm_random.C \
+libutility_la_SOURCES = funcs.C         pm_random.C \
 			atoi_pearson.C 	xtime.C         buffer.C \
 		        atoi_larson.C   atomic_lock.C 	rw_lock.C \
 		        atoi_fast.C     filter.C        mmdb_exception.C \
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_fast.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_fast.C
index f9bf41e5e..a598d32a6 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_fast.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_fast.C
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ union u_tag {
 
 int atoi_fast::atoi(const key_type& k, int offset) const
 {
-   char* string = k.get();
+   const char* string = k.c_str();
    int l = k.size();
    return atoi((const char*)string, l, offset, 0);
 }
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_larson.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_larson.C
index 91695dd62..88e104ec7 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_larson.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_larson.C
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ atoi_larson::atoi(const char* str, int sz, int, int rang) const
 int 
 atoi_larson::atoi(const key_type& k, int) const
 {
-   char* string = k.get();
+   const char* string = k.c_str();
    int l = k.size();
 
    unsigned int sum = 0;
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_larson.h b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_larson.h
index e21125d05..9bf2f5ff0 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_larson.h
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_larson.h
@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@
 #else
 #include <values.h>
 #endif
+#include <string.h>
 #include "key.h"
 
 // Based on Larson's algorithm presented in CACM ???.
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_pearson.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_pearson.C
index afd001288..1a3c3a671 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_pearson.C
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/atoi_pearson.C
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ union u_tag {
 
 int atoi_pearson::atoi(const key_type& k, int offset) const
 {
-   char* string = k.get();
+   const char* string = k.c_str();
    int l = k.size();
    return atoi((const char*)string, l, offset, 0);
 }
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/key.h b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/key.h
index 2e690b335..156a258ed 100644
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/key.h
+++ b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/key.h
@@ -45,8 +45,8 @@
 #ifndef _key_h
 #define _key_h 1
 
-#include "utility/ostring.h"
+#include <string>
 
-typedef ostring key_type;
+typedef std::string key_type;
 
 #endif
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/ostring.C b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/ostring.C
deleted file mode 100644
index 32c572050..000000000
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/ostring.C
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,284 +0,0 @@
-/*
- * CDE - Common Desktop Environment
- *
- * Copyright (c) 1993-2012, The Open Group. All rights reserved.
- *
- * These libraries and programs are free software; you can
- * redistribute them and/or modify them under the terms of the GNU
- * Lesser General Public License as published by the Free Software
- * Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option)
- * any later version.
- *
- * These libraries and programs are distributed in the hope that
- * they will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the
- * implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
- * PURPOSE. See the GNU Lesser General Public License for more
- * details.
- *
- * You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public
- * License along with these libraries and programs; if not, write
- * to the Free Software Foundation, Inc., 51 Franklin Street, Fifth
- * Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA
- */
-/*
- * $XConsortium: ostring.cc /main/3 1996/06/11 17:38:07 cde-hal $
- *
- * Copyright (c) 1992 HaL Computer Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
- * UNPUBLISHED -- rights reserved under the Copyright Laws of the United
- * States.  Use of a copyright notice is precautionary only and does not
- * imply publication or disclosure.
- * 
- * This software contains confidential information and trade secrets of HaL
- * Computer Systems, Inc.  Use, disclosure, or reproduction is prohibited
- * without the prior express written permission of HaL Computer Systems, Inc.
- * 
- *                         RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND
- * Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to
- * restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(l)(ii) of the Rights in
- * Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.
- *                        HaL Computer Systems, Inc.
- *                  1315 Dell Avenue, Campbell, CA  95008
- * 
- */
-
-
-#include "utility/ostring.h"
-
-#ifdef C_API
-char* ostring::input_buf = 0;
-#else
-char ostring::input_buf[LBUFSIZ];
-#endif
-
-ostring::ostring() : v_sz(0), v_allo_sz(1)
-{
-   v_p = new char[1];
-}
-
-ostring::ostring(const int i) : v_sz(0), v_allo_sz(i+1)
-{
-   v_p = new char[i+1];
-}
-
-ostring::ostring(char* x, const int i) 
-{
-   int w = i;
-
-   if ( w == -1 ) {
-      w = strlen(x);
-   }
-
-   v_sz = w;
-   v_allo_sz = w+1;
-
-   v_p = new char[w+1];
-   memcpy(v_p, x, w);
-   v_p[w] = 0;
-}
-
-ostring::ostring(const ostring& s) : 
-v_sz(s.v_sz), v_allo_sz(s.v_allo_sz)
-{
-   v_p = new char[v_allo_sz];
-   memcpy(v_p, s.v_p, v_sz);
-   v_p[v_sz] = 0;
-}
-
-/*
-ostring::~ostring()
-{
-   delete v_p;
-}
-*/
-
-Boolean ostring::set(const char* x, int l)
-{
-   expand(l+1);
-
-   memcpy(v_p, x, l);
-   v_p[l] = 0;
-   v_sz = l;
-
-   return true;
-}
-
-/*
-Boolean ostring::set(const char* x)
-{
-   return set(x, strlen(x));
-}
-
-void ostring::reset()
-{
-   v_sz = 0;
-}
-
-void ostring::set_size(const int s)
-{
-   v_sz = s;
-   v_p[v_sz] = 0;
-}
-*/
-
-/********************************************/
-// set alloc_sz to at least new_alloc_sz bytes
-/********************************************/
-Boolean ostring::expand(const int new_alloc_sz, Boolean pre_zero)
-{
-   if ( new_alloc_sz > v_allo_sz ) {
-      v_allo_sz = new_alloc_sz+1;
-      char* new_p = new char[v_allo_sz];
-
-      if ( pre_zero == true )
-         memset(new_p, char(0), v_allo_sz);
-  
-      if ( v_p ) {
-         memcpy(new_p, v_p, v_sz);
-         delete [] v_p;
-      }
-
-      v_p = new_p;
-   }
-   return true;
-}
-
-char* ostring::acquire() 
-{          
-   v_allo_sz = v_sz = 0;
-   char *x = v_p;
-   v_p = 0;
-   return x; 
-}
-
-Boolean ostring::append(const char* x, int l)
-{
-   expand(v_sz+l+1);
-
-   memcpy(v_p+v_sz, x, l);
-   v_sz += l;
-   v_p[v_sz] = 0;
-   return true;
-}
-
-Boolean ostring::update(const char* x, int l, int offset)
-{
-   if ( offset + l > v_sz ) {
-      MESSAGE(cerr, "update(): char chunk too small");
-      throw(boundaryException(0, v_sz, offset+l));
-   }
-
-   memcpy(v_p+offset, x, l);
-   return true;
-}
-
-int ostring::substr(ostring& s)
-{
-   if ( v_p == 0 || s.v_p == 0 )
-      return -1;
-
-   char* sub_p = strstr(v_p, s.v_p);
-
-   if ( sub_p == 0 )
-      return -1;
-   else
-      return (int)(sub_p - v_p);
-}
-
-/*
-int ostring::size() const
-{
-   return v_sz;
-}
-
-int ostring::alloc_size() const
-{
-   return v_allo_sz;
-}
-*/
-
-ostring& ostring::operator +(ostring& s)
-{
-   int l1 = v_sz;
-   int l2 = s.v_sz;
-
-   ostring *new_ostring = new ostring(l1+l2);
-
-   int i;
-   for ( i = 0; i<l1; (*new_ostring).v_p[i] = s.v_p[i] ) i++;
-   for ( i = 0; i<l2; (*new_ostring).v_p[l1 + i] = s.v_p[i] ) i++;
-
-   return *new_ostring;
-}
-
-Boolean ostring::string_LS(ostring& y) const
-{
-   char* x_str = this -> get() ;
-   char* y_str = y.get() ;
-
-   int x_sz = this -> size() ;
-   int y_sz = y.size() ;
-
-   if ( x_sz == y_sz ) {
-      if ( memcmp(x_str, y_str, x_sz ) < 0 )
-         return true;
-      else
-         return false;
-   } else {
-
-      int min = MIN(x_sz, y_sz);
-
-      for ( int i=0; i<min; i++ ) {
-         if ( x_str[i] < y_str[i] ) 
-            return true;
-         else
-         if ( x_str[i] > y_str[i] ) 
-            return false;
-      }
-      if ( x_sz < y_sz )
-         return true;
-      else
-         return false;
-   }
-}
-
-Boolean ostring::string_EQ(ostring& y) const
-{
-  if ( this -> size() == y.size() &&
-       memcmp(this -> get(), y.get(), this -> size() ) == 0 
-     )
-     return true;
-  else
-     return false;
-}
-
-ostream& operator <<(ostream& s, const ostring& o)
-{
-   if ( o.v_p ) {
-      //s << o.v_sz << ":";
-      for ( int i=0; i<o.v_sz; i++ )
-     //    if ( isprint(o.v_p[i]) )
-            s << o.v_p[i];
-     //    else
-     //       s << int(o.v_p[i]);
-   }
-   return s;
-}
-
-istream& operator >>(istream& s, ostring& o)
-{
-   s.getline( o.input_buf, LBUFSIZ );
-   o.set(o.input_buf);
-   return s;
-}
-
-   
-ostring* ostring::operator+= (ostring* )
-{
-  return 0;
-}
-   
-ostring* ostring::concate_with(...)
-{
-  return 0 ;
-}
-
diff --git a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/ostring.h b/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/ostring.h
deleted file mode 100644
index b969b3add..000000000
--- a/cde/lib/DtMmdb/utility/ostring.h
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,113 +0,0 @@
-/*
- * CDE - Common Desktop Environment
- *
- * Copyright (c) 1993-2012, The Open Group. All rights reserved.
- *
- * These libraries and programs are free software; you can
- * redistribute them and/or modify them under the terms of the GNU
- * Lesser General Public License as published by the Free Software
- * Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option)
- * any later version.
- *
- * These libraries and programs are distributed in the hope that
- * they will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the
- * implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
- * PURPOSE. See the GNU Lesser General Public License for more
- * details.
- *
- * You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public
- * License along with these libraries and programs; if not, write
- * to the Free Software Foundation, Inc., 51 Franklin Street, Fifth
- * Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA
- */
-/*
- * $XConsortium: ostring.h /main/3 1996/06/11 17:38:12 cde-hal $
- *
- * Copyright (c) 1992 HaL Computer Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
- * UNPUBLISHED -- rights reserved under the Copyright Laws of the United
- * States.  Use of a copyright notice is precautionary only and does not
- * imply publication or disclosure.
- * 
- * This software contains confidential information and trade secrets of HaL
- * Computer Systems, Inc.  Use, disclosure, or reproduction is prohibited
- * without the prior express written permission of HaL Computer Systems, Inc.
- * 
- *                         RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND
- * Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to
- * restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(l)(ii) of the Rights in
- * Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.
- *                        HaL Computer Systems, Inc.
- *                  1315 Dell Avenue, Campbell, CA  95008
- * 
- */
-
-
-#ifndef _ostring_h
-#define _ostring_h 1
-
-#include "utility/funcs.h"
-
-class ostring {
-
-public:
-   ostring();
-   ostring(const int chunk_size);
-   ostring(char* str, const int str_sz = -1); // -1 means take strlen(str)
-   ostring(const ostring&);
-   virtual ~ostring() { delete [] v_p; };
-
-// length of the string
-   int size() const { return v_sz; };                
-// length of the allocated chunk
-   int alloc_size() const { return v_allo_sz; };     
-
-   ostring& operator +(ostring&);   // merge of two strings
-   int substr(ostring&);            // substring matching
-   
-// set string to content x
-   Boolean set(const char* x) { return set(x, strlen(x)); };        
-
-   Boolean set(const char* x, int i); // set string to content x with length i
-   Boolean append(const char* x, int l); // append a string x of length i
-   Boolean update(const char* x, int l, int offset); // update a substring x of length i at 'offset'. offset + l should be sz
-     
-//set alloc_sz to at least new_alloc_sz bytes
-// pre_zero = true -> zero new space before copy old content over
-   Boolean expand(const int, Boolean pre_zero = false); 
-
-   void reset() { v_sz = 0; };
-   void set_size(const int s) { v_sz = s; v_p[v_sz] = 0; };
-
-   char* get() const { return v_p; }; // get char pointer p
-
-   char* acquire() ; // return what is pointed at by p and reset 
-                    // alloc_sz, sz, and p to 0;
-
-// append x to this and return this.  
-   ostring* operator+= (ostring* x); 
-
-// concate all ostring arguments (ostring* 's) to this and return this.
-   ostring* concate_with(...); 
-
-   Boolean string_LS(ostring&) const;
-   Boolean string_EQ(ostring&) const;
-
-   friend ostream& operator <<(ostream&, const ostring&);
-   friend istream& operator >>(istream&, ostring&);
-
-protected:
-   char *v_p;      // memory chunk pointer
-   int v_sz;       // string size
-   int v_allo_sz;  // allocated memory chunk size
-
-#ifdef C_API
-   static char* input_buf;
-
-   friend void initialize_MMDB();
-   friend void quit_MMDB();
-#else
-   static char input_buf[LBUFSIZ];
-#endif
-};
-
-#endif