First, eComStation, which is built on top of the IBM OS/2 Convenience Pack, including WiseMachine from Serenity Systems, IBM Lotus Smart Suite, IBM Desktop on Call, OS/2 Developers Toolkit, and other software required to transform the Merlin Convenience Pack software into eComStation.
Second, eCS/SWC will participate in the eCS Upgrade Protection program through the remainder of the term of their Software Choice Subscription. The eCS UP subscription will terminate at the same time as the IBM Software Choice Subscription. Renewing eCS Upgrade Protection will provide the user with a new Software Choice Subscription, as SWC is a component of eCS UP, stated earlier.
Questions and Answers:
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Question: What is eComStation?
Answer: eComStation is a new OEM client workstation from Serenity Systems based on IBM's Convenience Pack for OS/2. In addition to the "Merlin Convenience Pack" or MCP, eComStation users get the Journaled File System which was released with Warp Server for e-business. The WSeb SMP features is also available to eCS users as an optional feature.
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Question: I have an IBM Software Choice for OS/2 Warp Client subscription, so I'm already getting the Convenience Pack. What else would I get?
Answer: You would receive an eComStation license and media, acknowledging your permission from IBM to use the Warp 4 and SWC products, features and technologies. eCS content would include WiseMachine, Smart Suite 1.5 for OS/2, the OS/2 Developer's Toolkit, and IBM's Desktop on Call, world class remote control software which permits you to access your eComStation system over an Internet or other TCP/IP connection using a Java enabled browser.
You would also receive a license for a special eCS Upgrade Protection product. This would give you access to enhancements made to eComStation. The eCS Upgrade Protection subscription would expire on the same date as your existing Software Choice subscription.
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Question: What happens when my Software Choice subscription expires?
Answer: You could simply use the software as it exists, or you could order a new eCS UP subscription. By ordering eCS UP, you receive a new IBM SWC subscription because IBM SWC is a component of the eCS UP subscription.
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Question: So, with eCS UP .. I get everything that is on SWC for the OS/2 Client?
Answer: Yes. You also get enhancements to eCS, itself.
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Question: Do I go to Serenity Systems, one its resellers, or IBM for my SWC features?
Answer: You would continue to use IBM SWC until it expires because IBM is still your SWC supplier. You would go to the eCS UP site for enhancements for eCS. After your SWC subscription expires you can renew your eCS UP. You would then receive IBM SWC features and downloads from the eCS UP site.
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Question: If I order eCS UP, are there any SWC features I would not be getting? Am I missing anything?
Answer: No. IBM SWC is a component of eCS UP. Another way of saying it is that eCS UP is a superset of SWC. So you would be getting the same software as other IBM SWC users.
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Question: Is eCS the same Convenience Pack code that I would get off SWC?
Answer: Yes, though Serenity Systems will be enhancing the product. We are supplied with the Convenience Pack code by IBM. That is our starting point.
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Question: How much does it cost? Where do I get it?
Answer: The anticipated retail price is $99US. You can buy it from Mensys (http://www.ecomstation.nl), Jacaranda Business Systems (http://www.jbs.ca), Indelible Blue (http://www.Indelible-Blue.com), and Orion Solutions (http://www.orion-solutions.com.au).
Note: This list should not be considered completely inclusive as eCS distributors may have agreements with additional resellers.
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Question: Is the product available today?
Answer: The GA product is expected to ship around the end of the year. A preview of the product has been shipping for approximately one month. Your order will entitle you to a copy of the preview, in addition to the GA product. eCS UP is not planned for availability until GA, as all enhancement up to that point will be part of the GA product.
Regards,
Bob St.John
Source: Serenity Systems