String Class Question

[Conrad T. Pino]

Hi David,

I found Common C++ project while searching for a
portable String class.  I've also found the C++
Standard Templates Library (STL):

        http://www.sgi.com/tech/stl/
        http://www.stlport.org/

Clearly this project's "String" class has no direct
relationship with STL "basic_string" template class.

How are these implementations related in time?
Which came first?  Did development overlap?

Which implementation is gaining popularity in new
projects?

Does Common C++ project have plans to support 2/4
byte character sets?

TIA,

Conrad Pino