IBM PSP Developer Support News - 1994 - Issue 12

IBM Personal Software Products

Developer Support News

1994 Issue 12 - 14 October 1994


 * SPECIAL NOTICE

This newsletter is one of two newsletters being issued at the same time. The other newsletter is 1994 Issue 13.

Issue 12 (this issue) is the regular monthly newsletter, except for articles about OS/2 Warp.

Issue 13 contains articles about OS/2 Warp only.

Contents of This Issue (1994 Issue 12)

 * New! The Developer Connection for LAN Systems: Free copy with The Developer Connection for OS/2, Volume 5. Contents of Volume 1. LAN Systems toolkits - OS/2. LAN Systems toolkits - AIX. LAN Systems tools. Product overviews. Sample code. Service. LAN Systems information. Redbooks. Technical References. White papers. More information.
 * IBM Makes Enhanced Migration Tool Widely Available to Developers: SMART 2.0 now generally available. Distributed on The Developer Connection for OS/2 CD-ROM. Two tools in SMART Toolkit. IBM supports One Up's SMART Partner Program. Mirrors migration program marketing withdrawn.
 * New Features in SMART Toolset Version 2: 32-bit Windows code migration support. User-defined migration databases. Migration Command Language. Statement parsing. Skill-level assessment determines effort needed.
 * Help for Completing Migration Effort After Using SMART: One Up's SMART Partner Program. Porting centers and technical support.
 * The SMART Partner Program from One Up: Capitalize on business opportunities in the OS/2 market. Education Partner. Development Partner. More information.
 * IBM PSP Opens Home Page on Internet: Contents. Hypertext. Where to find the PSP home page.
 * IBM's Home Page on Internet Significantly Expanded: Lead stories. Links to other IBM organizations. Where to find the IBM home page.
 * "OS/2 Developer Mailshot" to EMEA DAP Members: Direct-mail marketing service to 3,000+ EMEA DAP members. Dedicated or shared mailing at special rates. Mailshot costs. Sample pieces. Inquiry form.
 * EMEA DAP Offers Incentives for Voice-Enabling Your Application with the IBM Personal Dictation System: Bring your application to life. Speech-enabling opportunity for EMEA DAP members. Speech-enablement offerings. IBM EMEA Developer Assistance Program enrolment. ISMS Direct Services information.
 * IBM EMEA DAP Enrolls 3,000th Developer: Why the 3,000th member joined the EMEA DAP. Eligibility for EMEA DAP. More information.
 * U.S. Commercial/Premier DAP and Canadian DAP Discounts: DAP member discounts for software translation services, DBCS technical support and training, and international software market information.
 * Roles of IBM's Developer Assistance Program and Independent/International Vendor League: IBM DAP is for software developers. IVL is for non-software products.
 * Second Edition of Product Marketing Handbook: First book specifically about marketing software products. Contents. Directories, glossaries. IBM involvement. About the author. More information and ordering.
 * Marketing Materials Solicited from ISVs and IVL Members for Distribution Within Canada: Distributed to retailers through IBM Canada Retail Program. Address for sending materials.
 * Opportunity for ISVs Interested in Selling in Japan: "Matchmaker" events at COMDEX/Fall '94. Japanese OS/2 Consortium. Purposes of "Matchmaker" events. Application categories of interest. Events at COMDEX. Post-COMDEX benefits. Software evaluation prior to COMDEX. Inquiry form.
 * National-Language Versions of OS/2 Now Available in the USA: Specific versions available. Prices. Support.
 * IBM AntiVirus Version 2.0 Supports OS/2 Warp: Fully 32-bit OS/2 application. Fewer false alarms, more reliable disinfection.
 * IBM Raises the Bar in Visual Programming: Visual programming. Highlights. IBM COBOL for OS/2. VisualAge 2.0. C Set ++ beta program. Application productivity family.
 * IBM Extends VisualAge to Access AS/400 for Easy, Object-Oriented Programming: VisualAge. Taligent. Availability.
 * Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge for OS/2 and Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge for Windows: Two base products for each platform. New functions. Highlights. Overview. Description. Enabling new applications. Enable customer's competitive advantage. Time to market. Application developer productivity. Improved application quality. Improved worker productivity. Product positioning. ENVY/400 transition plan. Hardware requirements. Software requirements. Hardcopy publications. Displayable softcopy publications. Additional License Copies. Additional License Copy Upgrade. Charges. Program Upgrade. VisualAge features upgrade plan.
 * Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk for OS/2 and Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk for Windows: Members of the IBM Smalltalk family. Highlights. Robust, standards-compliant Smalltalk language. Portability across supported platforms. Integrated development environment. Open enterprise. Product positioning. Statement of general direction. Hardware requirements. Software requirements. Publications. Additional License Copies. Additional License Copy Upgrade. Charges. Program Upgrade.
 * The IBM COBOL Family: Highlights. Family description. LAN development - with or without the host. Host extension to the workstation. Tools. Compatibility. IBM COBOL for OS/2. IBM COBOL for AIX. IBM COBOL for MVS & VM Release 2. Services.
 * The IBM PL/I Family: Highlights. Family description. Compatibility. IBM PL/I for AIX. IBM PL/I for MVS & VM Release 1.1.1. IBM PL/I for OS/2. Services.
 * IBM VisualGen Team Suite, Version 1.0: LAN-based 4GL development environment for mission-critical transaction processing applications. Beta program participation. Highlights. Description. Scope of the suite. Requirements definition. Configuration management, versioning, build, and distribution. Application definition, test, and generation. Data modeling, design, and administration. VisualGen Team Suite deployment. Support for Solution/2000. Support for industry modeling. Services. Charges.
 * IBM TeamConnection for OS/2, Version 1.0: Highlights. Part of VisualGen Teams Suite. Description. TeamConnection customer value. TeamConnection services for the LAN environment. TeamConnection repository administration services.
 * IBM DataAtlas for OS/2, Version 1.0: Highlights. Description. Statement of direction. Services.
 * OS/2 for PowerPC: Workplace Technologies and OS/2 for PowerPC will deliver the next generation of computing. The demands on today's developer. IBM is changing the landscape of operating systems. IBM delivers Workplace. Four challenges for developing the next generation of software. Procedural monoliths. 16-bit versus 32-bit processing. Putting your money where the market is. Implementing new technologies.
 * Workplace - IBM's vision of computing. Workplace technologies. Advantages of Workplace's Microkernel architecture. Portability. Scalability. Reliability. Investment protection. Making room for innovation. The power of human-centered computing. Speeding development and controlling costs with object technologies. SOM.
 * OpenDoc. Taligent frameworks. Distributed technologies. OS/2 for PowerPC - the first delivery of Workplace's promises. The Workplace Microkernel-based architecture.
 * The IBM Microkernel. Operating-system personalities. Workplace shared services. Turning our technology into your solutions: IBM wants to partner with you. Developer's Toolkit for OS/2 for PowerPC. Unlocking enormous possibilities.


 * OpenDoc and OLE 2.0 Point/Counterpoint: Paper produced by Component Integration Labs during September 1994. OpenDoc facts. Point and counterpoint.
 * Approved OpenDoc Development Schedules: For OpenDoc for OS/2, Macintosh, and Windows.
 * Taligent Briefings in Europe: Taligent's goal. Deployment of TalAE on investors' operating systems in 1995. No firm plans for TalAE on non-investors' platforms. Continued intention to incorporate system frameworks within IBM Workplace technologies. IBM is first vendor to deploy Taligent.
 * The Technical Connection Available Worldwide: CD-ROM with OS/2, DOS, and LAN service and technical information. Same as product announced earlier in USA. More information.
 * Happy Anniversary, Developer Connection!: First anniversary celebrated. Genesis of The Developer Connection. Based on Developer Assistance Program PDK. Developer Connection team. A peek at future plans.
 * SMARTsort Beta-Test Program: SMARTsort features. Cross-platform operation. Three phases. More information.
 * CompuAdd and IBM Sign OS/2 Joint Marketing Agreement: Preloaded on CompuAdd systems. Added value for customers.
 * IBM LAN Server 4.0 Wins Best of Show at NetWorld + Interop: Advancing the state of the art. Cited for new GUI, adapter support.
 * C and C++ Education for the PS/2 Platform: Introduction to C Programming on the PC. Advanced C Programming on the PC. C++ Programming on the PC. Registration. More information.
 * IBM Multi-Language Computing: A National-Language Structure: Across operating system platforms. Preview announcement. Highlights. Overview. Character data support. Internationalization support. Universal character data. Character identification and conversion. Internationalization. Product previews. AIX. OS/2. OS/400. MVS. MVS and VM.
 * Correction to Multimedia Help Center Phone Number


 * How to Join the IBM Developer Assistance Program: Worldwide Services. US Commercial Services. US Premier Services. Developer Assistance Program contacts worldwide.
 * IBM Canada OS/2 Developer Assistance Programs: Worldwide DAP. Canadian OS/2 DAP. The Developer Connection for OS/2. Certification Programs. Phone numbers in Canada.
 * The IBM Developer Assistance Program in Europe, Middle East, and Africa: Overview. Open to anyone actively developing for OS/2. Bulletin boards and CD-ROMs. Discounts. Technical seminars. HelpFax. Application marketing. CompuServe support. Programming tools and information. More information.
 * Subscription Information for The Developer Connection for OS/2 and the IBM Device Driver Source Kit (DDK) for OS/2: Worldwide phone and fax numbers for ordering.
 * Professional Certification Program from IBM for OS/2 and LAN Server: Four certified roles. Testing. More information.
 * IBM Independent/International Vendor League: Overview. IVL News Service. Enrollment.
 * 800 Phone Numbers
 * Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, Service Marks

New! The Developer Connection for LAN Systems
A new Developer Connection is coming to market - The Developer Connection for LAN Systems! As part of its launch, IBM will provide a free copy of this CD to all purchasers of The Developer Connection for OS/2, Volume 5.


 * Contents of Volume 1

Here are details of what is coming on The Developer Connection for LAN Systems, Volume 1:


 * LAN Systems Toolkits - OS/2
 * DCE Application Enabler for OS/2 (pre-release)
 * LAN Systems Toolkit
 * LAN Server APIs (pre-release)
 * LAN Distance APIs
 * Multiple Protocol Transport Services (AnyNet for OS/2) APIs (pre-release)
 * Network SignOn Coordinator API (pre-release)
 * User Profile Management (UPM) APIs (pre-release)
 * SOMobject 2.1 Toolkit Beta


 * LAN Systems Toolkits - AIX
 * DCE Toolkit
 * DCE Tools
 * ENCINA
 * MakeDCE Beta


 * LAN Systems Tools
 * Dirstat
 * LANXCOPY
 * Library READ/2
 * MakeDCE Beta
 * NetWare to LAN Server Migration Tool Beta
 * RINGUTIL


 * Product Overviews
 * DatagLANce (evaluation)
 * DCE (Illustration)
 * LAN Server 4.0 Beta: 3.5-inch diskettes
 * LAN Distance (evaluation with 60-day time-out)
 * NetDoor: 3.5-inch diskettes
 * NetFinity (evaluation)
 * Person to Person/2: 3.5-inch diskettes


 * Sample Code
 * Redbook Sample Code, 3.5-inch diskettes


 * Service
 * DOS LAN Support Program ServicePak
 * OS/2 LAN Server 3.0 ServicePak
 * OS/2 NTS/2 LAPS Service Refresh


 * LAN Systems Information
 * CID-Enabled Applications
 * Client/Server Survival Guide (excerpts)
 * LAN REXX Utility Readme
 * LAN Server System Builders Product List
 * LAN Software Buyers Guide
 * LAN Systems API Roadmap
 * LAN Systems API Implementation Guide
 * LAN Systems News
 * Ready! for IBM LAN
 * Tested and Approved for IBM LAN Systems


 * Redbooks
 * Developing DCE Apps for AIX, OS/2, and Windows
 * Experiences with the IBM OS/2 LAN Server V3.0 New Functions
 * IBM LAN Distance Configuration and Customization Guide
 * LAN Server V3.0 System Recovery Considerations
 * Migrating to LAN Server from NetWare
 * OSF DCE for AIX, OS/2, and DOS Windows Overview
 * SOM Objects: A Practical Introduction to SOM
 * Understanding IBM OS/2 LAN Server Ultimedia V1.0


 * Technical References
 * AIX DCE Application Development Guide
 * AIX DCE Application Development Reference
 * CID Enablement Guidelines
 * DatagLANce User's Guide
 * DCE Application Developers Guide
 * DCE Application Developers Reference, Part I: Threads and RPC
 * DCE Application Developers Reference, Part II: DTS, Security, and DCE Routines
 * DCE Concepts
 * ENCINA Application Development Guide
 * ENCINA Base Reference
 * ENCINA Monitor Programmer's Guide and Reference
 * ENCINA PPC Executive Programmer's Reference
 * ENCINA Server Administration: Programmer's Guide and Reference
 * ENCINA Server Reference
 * ENCINA SFS Programmer's Guide and Reference
 * ENCINA Transactional-C Programmer's Guide and Reference
 * IBM Advanced NDIS (ANDIS)
 * LAN CID Utility Guide
 * IBM Dial Services Interface Programming Guide
 * IBM LAN Distance Advanced Guide
 * IBM LAN Distance Remote Guide
 * IBM LAN Technical Reference
 * LAN Server Commands and Utilities
 * LAN Server DOS LAN Services and Window's User Guide
 * LAN Server LAN Requester User's Guide
 * LAN Server Network Admin Reference, Volume 1: Planning and Installation
 * LAN Server Network Admin Reference, Volume 2: Performance Tuning
 * LAN Server Network Admin Reference, Volume 3: Network Administration Tasks
 * LAN Server Problem Determination Guide
 * LAN Server Programming Guide and Reference
 * LAN Systems API Toolkit
 * MakeDCE User's Guide
 * MPTS AnyNet for OS/2 Configuration Guide
 * MPTS AnyNet for OS/2 Error Messages and Problem Determination Guide
 * MPTS AnyNet for OS/2 Programmer's Reference
 * Multimedia Installation and Configuration Guide
 * Network SignOn Coordinator User's Guide
 * SOM Reference
 * Understanding DCE Concepts


 * White Papers
 * Distributed Performance of IBM DCE for OS/2
 * IBM DCE Client for Windows Performance
 * IBM DCE for OS/2: Key Function Performance
 * IBM DCE Heterogeneous Enterprise Performance
 * IBM Network Door/2
 * IBM OS/2 DCE: Multiuser Application Performance
 * LAN Server Ultimedia
 * Memory Leaks
 * TopTips for LAN Server 3.0

For more information and worldwide ordering, contact Internet userid devcon@vnet.ibm.com.
 * More Information

IBM Makes Enhanced Migration Tool Widely Available to Developers
IBM is making widely available a new, enhanced version of One Up Corporation's Source Migration Analysis Reporting Toolset (SMART), to help developers migrate 16-bit and 32-bit Windows applications to IBM's OS/2 Warp, as well as to other versions of OS/2.


 * SMART 2.0 Now Generally Available

IBM has signed an agreement with One Up for the rights to distribute the SMART toolset, including current and future versions. Through this agreement, IBM is making SMART Version 2.0 generally available for the first time, giving developers significant enhancements over earlier versions. SMART 2.0 doubles the speed of conversion efforts, resulting in tremendous time and cost savings for developers converting to 32-bit OS/2 applications from 16-bit Windows, 32-bit Windows NT, and 32-bit applications for future versions of Windows, as well as 16-bit OS/2 applications.

"This announcement significantly enhances the availability of leadership solutions for OS/2 customers," said Dave Harrington, director of software development programs, IBM Personal Software Products. "We are embracing the SMART technology as an integral part of our developer support offerings, to provide a significant advantage for independent and corporate developers who want to support the OS/2 platform now."


 * Distributed on The Developer Connection for OS/2 CD-ROM

IBM will distribute SMART 2.0 during the fourth quarter of 1994 on The Developer Connection for OS/2, a CD-ROM/newsletter subscription which ships quarterly to thousands of application developers around the world. The Developer Connection is the essential source for software technology, tools, and information for OS/2 development efforts. Developers who wish to subscribe and receive the SMART toolset can call IBM at 1-800-6DEVCON (1-800-633-8266) within the USA, or 1-407-982-6408 from elsewhere. Future versions of SMART will be distributed in the same manner.


 * Two Tools in SMART Toolkit

The SMART Toolkit consists of an Analysis and Reporting Tool and a Source Migration Tool. The Analysis and Reporting Tool measures the size of a conversion effort, and provides a roadmap for migration, typically in a day, rather than the six-person-month effort usually required. The Source Migration Tool automatically converts as much as 70 percent (or more in some cases) of the API and message code to 32-bit OS/2 code.

"Version 2.0 gives developers significantly greater flexibility," says Richard Dews, president/CEO of One Up Corp. "This version allows users the option to override or amend existing SMART function, as well as to build their own migration database. This results in the automatic process being much more tailored, either dynamically or statically, to the specific requirements of the developers' code."

IBM Supports One Up's SMART Partner Program ---

In addition to distributing the Toolset, IBM will support One Up's SMART Partner Program. Through this program, those interested in the business opportunity of providing OS/2 education, consulting, and development support can leverage One Up's migration experience to dramatically expand the availability of OS/2 education, development support, and other consulting offerings. For more information, call One Up at 1-214-620-1123 or IBM at 1-407-982-6408. (See the later article titled "The Smart Partner Program from One Up" for more details.)


 * Mirrors Migration Program Marketing Withdrawn

IBM also announces it is withdrawing from marketing the Mirrors migration program. One Up will continue to provide service and support for Mirrors through 31 December 1995 for current licenses. SMART now replaces Mirrors as the recommended approach for application migration to OS/2.

One Up Corp. is a leader in application porting and migration for IBM OS/2 systems. The company has trained more than 250 companies world-wide through classes and migration workshops, and is well known for its OS/2 education curriculum.

New Features in SMART Toolset Version 2
The SMART Toolset Version 2 contains several enhancements.


 * 32-Bit Windows Code Migration Support

SMART 2.0 now supports 32-bit Windows application migration to 32-bit OS/2, as well as the migration capabilities in Version 1 -- 16-bit Windows code and 16-bit OS/2 code to 32-bit OS/2 code.


 * User-Defined Migration Databases

Version 2 of SMART incorporates User-Defined Migration Databases (UDMDs), which developers can use to create their own migration databases, or to override the SMART migration database for any desired keyword(s).

All of these custom changes can be performed by a few simple lines of code in one or more of the UDMDs. Users can add and modify migration commands, customizing the migration process to take advantage of their specific migration requirements.

"The SMART Migration Databases were constructed to handle the most general cases," says Richard Dews, president/CEO of One Up Corporation. "With Version 2.0, users can increase the effective automatic migration of source code, and greatly reduce the migration effort through the creative use of UDMDs."


 * Migration Command Language

SMART Version 1.0 is limited to migration changes that are straightforward and require only literal string changes. All of the remaining changes that are required to be made are flagged in the source code with migration comments, and left to the developer to complete. The information necessary to complete the migration is then available on-line through the SMART Viewer.

In version 2.0, SMART's Migration Command Language (MiCL) creates a flexible, open, very powerful migration environment. Essentially, the SMART migration process can be programmed with this language. The migration of each keyword can be programmed with context-sensitive logical statements, generating migration source code specific to the requirements of each individual keyword encounter.

As a result, SMART takes on expert-system characteristics. The interactive features of MiCL allow the developer to customize the migration process, pausing at times during the process, displaying specific lines of source code, and allowing the user to respond to questions from the migration command processor.


 * Statement Parsing

Also, instead of single-line parsing, SMART Version 2.0 performs single-program-statement parsing, which makes the code infinitely more legible, concise, and organized.

"With UDMDs, MiCL, and an extended parser, One Up Corporation has managed to 'one-up' the existing capabilities and value of SMART," said Dews. "Next, we'll tackle document, graphics, and data migration."


 * Skill-Level Assessment Determines Effort Needed

SMART Version 2 can help assess your level of skill and the amount of effort it will take to complete your migration. After you answer a series of questions, SMART prepares a report that estimates the time and effort it will take for you to complete the port. This feature enables developers to evaluate what it will take to convert their applications to native 32-bit OS/2 code.

Help for Completing Migration Effort After Using SMART
While the SMART Toolset Version 2 provides the ability to convert up to 70% of an existing application to native 32-bit OS/2 code, there is a portion of the migration effort that the toolset does not complete.

To address this need, IBM and One Up offer these solutions:
 * One Up has created, and IBM is endorsing, the SMART Partner Program. (See the next news item.)
 * IBM offers extensive OS/2 educational offerings and technical support.


 * Porting Centers and Technical Support

Custom porting centers in the USA: Location                    Telephone -  Boca Raton, Florida          1-407-982-6408 Dallas, Texas               1-214-620-1123 International technical support: Canada Helpfax              1-800-465-3299 (fax) Europe/Middle East/Africa   +44 (0) 256 50096 (Basingstoke, UK) Japan                       +81-3-5563-4059 (voice) +81-3-5563-4890 (fax) Asia/Pacific                +61-2-354-7684 (voice) +61-2-354-7766 (fax)

The SMART Partner Program from One Up
One Up Corporation introduces its SMART Partner Program, designed to help partners capitalize on business opportunities in the fast-growing OS/2 market. The program allows partners to enhance or build a business based on proven, successful education and development tools from One Up. VARs, integrators, developers, and consultants will find this bundling of products and services the optimum path to becoming a profitable OS/2 solution provider.

The SMART Partner Program provides two options: Education Partner and Development Partner. Each option provides the skills, support, and materials required to assist partners in solving their customers' critical business needs.

For a nominal fee, SMART Partners receive these valuable benefits:


 * Education Partner


 * Eight-course instruction license
 * CD with runtime version of course presentations
 * Upon enrollment, receive full courseware of "OS/2 Basics for End Users" for distribution and instruction purposes
 * With a six-month subscription, receive full courseware of "Installing, Using, and Customizing OS/2" and "OS/2 Technical Support" for distribution and instruction purposes.
 * Discounts on One Up education materials, software products, and "OS/2 Awareness Series" books
 * Marketing support materials


 * Development Partner


 * Application conversion assistance
 * SMART technical support
 * Discounts on One Up Software products and "OS/2 Awareness Series" books
 * Marketing support materials


 * More Information

For more information, contact Richard Dews at One Up Corporation, 1-214-620-1123, send a fax to 1-214-620-9626, or write to One Up at 1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 200, Dallas TX 75234.

IBM PSP Opens Home Page on Internet
IBM's Personal Software Products division welcomes Internet users to its own home page on the information super highway.


 * Contents

PSP's home page will provide marketing information about the division's current products, our technology, and various development activities going on in PSP. The information will be updated regularly and the scope expanded to keep it current, interesting, and useful to our many customers.


 * Hypertext

PSP's home page is located on a World-Wide Web (WWW) server, a system that helps organize Internet information by linking documents together using a technology called hypertext. Hypertext lets selected words "expand" to provide more information about the subject. Information is presented as text, video, audio, or graphics.


 * Where to Find the PSP Home Page

If you have access to the Internet and are using a browser such as Mosaic or the Internet Connection in the OS/2 Warp BonusPak, the address for PSP's home page is as follows: http://www.austin.ibm.com/pspinfo/ Questions about PSP's home page can be directed to Phil Rodriguez at Internet userid philrod@vnet.ibm.com.

IBM's Home Page on Internet Significantly Expanded
IBM's home page on the Internet, updated on the World-Wide Web (WWW), has been significantly expanded by links to IBM information throughout the Internet and by the substantial addition of corporate and other information.


 * Lead Stories

The lead stories are IBM's large-scale computing announcement, posted as the announcement took place, and an account of an exciting IBM Research multimedia program in a New York City school.

The large-scale computing story features a text and audio customer testimonial from the president of American Airlines' SABRE Group's computer services organization. The New York school story, featuring several images of the eight-year-olds using the program, also includes an audio file of the kids performing a rap about Rosa Parks, the U.S. civil rights figure.


 * Links to Other IBM Organizations

This edition of the home page also contains links to industry, product, research, technology, and corporate information from some 15 IBM organizations on the Internet. Internet users can now browse through the IBM PC Software Direct catalog, scan our first- and second-quarter corporate earnings, learn about IBM's AIX operating system, or run a simulation at Almaden Research Center's Visualization Lab.


 * Where to Find the IBM Home Page

The home page can be found on the Internet at http://www.ibm.com using a WWW browser such as Mosaic or the Internet Connection included in the OS/2 Warp BonusPak.

Questions about this announcement should be sent as e-mail to Internet address webmaster@vnet.ibm.com or (within IBM) to ATLVM1(WEBMAST).

"OS/2 Developer Mailshot" to EMEA DAP Members
The IBM Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) Developer Assistance Program (DAP) announces a new direct-mail marketing service,"OS/2 Developer Mailshot".

This mail service, sponsored by the EMEA DAP Program, enables companies to advertise their products and services directly to members of the EMEA DAP -- over 3,000 OS/2 developers throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The Mailshot is available to anyone with an OS/2 product, and is fee-based.

Companies who use the Mailshot program can send product literature, demo diskettes, CD ROMs, promotional giveaways, and so on to this targeted audience, which includes:
 * ISVs and corporate developers
 * Shareware developers
 * OEMs
 * IHVs
 * VARs
 * Consultants
 * DAP/ISV marketing reps across EMEA


 * Dedicated or Shared Mailing at Special Rates

Companies have the option of doing a dedicated mailing or to be included in a mailing package with information from other developers.

Companies who participate in the Mailshot program gain the benefit of special postage and assembly rates. All information is mailed in envelopes printed with the official EMEA DAP logo, ensuring that all recipients can easily identify that the information came through the EMEA DAP.


 * Mailshot Costs

Sample costs incurred for the Mailshot program (based on a mailing to approximately 3000) are: For a 20g package: 1673.37 UK pounds (approx. 2510 USD) For a 67g package: 2782.30 UK pounds (approx. 4173 USD) For a 107g package: 3505.77 UK pounds (approx. 5259 USD)

US dollar rates are calculated at an exchange rate of approximately 1.5 USD to the UK pound.


 * Sample Pieces

The EMEA DAP would like to receive a sample piece prior to the Mailshot for verification and approval before mailing the item to their DAP members. For example, they would not approve of:
 * Information about Windows products
 * Information about OS/2 products or services which are not available or relevant in EMEA
 * Literature that contains only 800 phone numbers that cannot be contacted from within EMEA

If the sample materials are approved, the ISV will begin discussions with Publications Management Services, the selected mailing house, to explore options and receive a quote for the mailing. Sample materials should be mailed to: Publications Management Services (PMS) Windmill House Industrial Estate Button Road Wigginton, York England YO3 3RA Fax: +44 904 760193

Companies interested in receiving more information about the Mailshot programs should fax the following information to Publications Management Services (PMS) at +44 904 760193:
 * Inquiry Form

Company Name ___________________________________________________________ Address     ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________            ___________________________________________________________             ___________________________________________________________ Company Contact ________________________________________________________ Title          ________________________________________________________ DAP ID Number  ________________________________________________________ Telephone No.  ________________________________________________________ Fax No.        ________________________________________________________

EMEA DAP Offers Incentives for Voice-Enabling Your Application with the IBM Personal Dictation System
Imagine being able to control your application by talking to it! Your customers will be amazed to see the ease by which you can navigate around, issue commands, and even dictate into it, whether your native language is English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish.


 * Bring Your Application to Life

Speech enablement can bring your application spectacularly to life, critically helping it to stand out in today's crowded global marketplace, promoting its image, and winning the hearts and minds of those whose commitment is essential -- end users, resellers, consultants, and specialised journalists.

How many extra licences do you think you could sell if you had the opportunity and the skills to speech-enable your application simply, quickly, and cheaply?


 * Speech-Enabling Opportunity for EMEA DAP Members

IBM is making it possible for you. We spent 20 years of high-level research on speech recognition, and made a number of field trials involving customers from all over the world. Now, based on that technology, we can offer you an excellent opportunity to speech-enable your application and to enjoy a wonderful sense of achievement.

The IBM Personal Dictation System (IPDS) APIs can be imbedded into your application to give it speech function. The IPDS toolkit and the Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) Developer Assistance Programme (DAP) are available to aid you with your application development.


 * Speech-Enablement Offerings

The DAP offers a wide range of essential technical and commercial support facilities, including:
 * Bulletin-board system (BBS): As a DAP member, you can access a dedicated BBS and benefit from the wealth of tools, information, and advice that is available. The BBS is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It enables developers around the world to exchange ideas and documentation, and to get their problems resolved by the experts.
 * EMEA DAP members can now access the IPDS toolkit and documentation, and get their questions answered through a new, dedicated customer forum (SPCHDEV).


 * Speech-Recognition Developer's Class Syllabus: Two-day classes have been specially designed to introduce you to the skills needed to handle the IPDS APIs naturally and easily, so that you can quickly voice-enable your application. Dates and locations for these classes will be announced on the EMEA DAP BBS.
 * Discounts on IPDS hardware and software: EMEA DAP members are entitled to discounts on the IBM Personal Dictation System (20 percent discounts on hardware and 30 percent on software). For product numbers and prices, please contact ISMS Direct Services in Copenhagen, Denmark on one of the numbers listed below, or via the CF.ISMS customer forum on the BBS.


 * IBM EMEA Developer Assistance Program Enrolment

To enrol in the EMEA DAP: If you have a touch-tone telephone, call the IBM HelpFax automated fax response system on: +44 1256 50096 when calling from outside the UK, or      (0)1256 50096 when calling from within the UK. Request document number 33001 for an EMEA DAP application form, and return it to the local DAP coordinator for your country, who is identified on the form.

Alternately, send an e-mail message to Internet userid emeadap@vnet.ibm.com.


 * ISMS Direct Services Information

Use the phone numbers below after you enrol in the EMEA DAP, so that you can receive the DAP discount. Chargeable numbers: (accessible from all over the world)

Internat. Language Dial code   Number -- --   Dutch:    Denmark=45  48 10 1400 English: Denmark=45  48 10 1500 French:  Denmark=45  48 10 1200 German:  Denmark=45  48 10 1000 Italian: Denmark=45  48 10 1600 Spanish: Denmark=45  48 10 1100

TeleFax: Denmark=45  48 14 2207

IBM EMEA DAP Enrolls 3,000th Developer
The IBM Developer Assistance Programme in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA DAP) welcomes Steffen Pirsig of Alaska Software GmbH (CompuServe userid 100436,1375) as the 3,000th member of the service, which provides support for developers of OS/2 products and services from 32 countries.


 * Why the 3,000th Member Joined the EMEA DAP

Asked why he joined the programme, Steffen said: "We established the first real Xbase development package for OS/2, and need all the support we can get. Until now, we've obtained unofficial help through various means, but we could not rely on any of our sources. With the DAP, we get access to many tools and utilities, and lots of information through the Bulletin Board System and the quarterly CD-ROMs. We can even post our questions directly to the experts in the IBM labs responsible for the various products we use. Additionally, we are announcing the availability of a beta programme for our product through the DAP BBS, which will enable us to get valuable feedback from many fellow OS/2 professionals. The DAP is an essential part of any developer's kit."


 * Eligibility for EMEA DAP

The EMEA DAP provides a wide range of developer support and marketing programmes to help with the design, development and publicity of OS/2 applications. Membership of the EMEA DAP is open to any developer in EMEA who is actively developing a product or service for OS/2, be it a device driver, a commercial product, a 'line-of-business' application, or a set of OS/2 objects.


 * More Information

More information about the EMEA DAP can be obtained through: HelpFax: If you have a touch-tone telephone, by calling our IBM HelpFax automated response system in the UK on         +44 (0)1256 50096 and requesting document number 30600 for a          DAP brochure or document number 33001 for a DAP application form.

TeleFax: +44 (0)1256 336778

Internet: emeadap@vnet.ibm.com

Post:    IBM EMEA Developer Assistance Program ND1W Normandy House, Alencon Link Basingstoke, Hants. RG21 1EJ England

US Commercial/Premier DAP and Canadian DAP Discounts
IBM has negotiated special discounts for members of the U.S. Commercial and Premier Services Developer Assistance Program and the Canadian Developer Assistance Program in the areas of:
 * Software translation services
 * Technical support and training for the Asian Double-Byte Character Set (DBCS) languages
 * International software market information

These services will be provided by the vendors listed below.


 * AT&T Business Translations

AT&T Business Translations understands the complexity of doing business in the languages and cultures around the world. For this reason, they offer high-volume, fast-turnaround translations, including document translation, publication, and software localization. Their translation offices throughout the world are connected by their global information network to provide accurate, rapid, and culturally sensitive translations.

AT&T Business Translations was awarded ISO 9002 Certification for the translation process.

AT&T has agreed to provide special support for IBM DAP members. They have established a toll-free number to answer DAP member calls from the USA and Canada: 1-800-544-5721.

In addition, AT&T provides discounted prices on their translation and software localization services, as well as in-house training. The discount is 2.5 percent for any combination of services costing between 50,000 and 100,000 USD, and 5 percent for any combination of these services over 100,000 USD.

Their translation services include:
 * Turnkey project management
 * State-of-the-art computer technologies to shorten time to market and reduce costs
 * Extensive DTP experience with all major software platforms and applications
 * In-country review to ensure accuracy of technical terminology
 * Translation of text strings and on-line help
 * User interface adjustment
 * Programming: code internationalization and localization
 * Multimedia: audio/video, hypertext, and graphics
 * Worldwide resources for large multilingual projects


 * MicroBurst, Inc.

MicroBurst, Inc. is a leading OS/2 developer for the Asian markets. MicroBurst specializes in porting software to Asian markets, double-byte language technical support, and providing training and contract services to software developers and publishers. Internationalization experience includes porting applications to 42 different languages.

MicroBurst, Inc. offers a one-day, on-site OS/2 Internationalization DBCS Seminar to software developers. A discount has been negotiated for IBM DAP members which discounts the price by 200 USD to the price of 1,300 USD (normally 1,500 USD).

This one-day software internationalization seminar and product review session:
 * Describes to the programming and management staff the strategies and requirements of software internationalization
 * Reviews individual applications with the programming and management staff
 * Summarizes the problems encountered with the customer's software while operating in DBCS OS/2, makes recommendations for programming strategies, and presents time and cost estimates to internationalize the OS/2 application.

The objective of the session is to teach the strategies, requirements and algorithms related to software internationalization as they pertain to OS/2 applications.

For more information, contact: Mark Frederiksen, President MicroBurst, Inc. 9035 Shady Grove Court Gaithersburg MD 20877 USA Tel: 1-301-330-2995 Fax: 1-301-330-8609 CompuServe 71660,3416 Internet  71660.3416@Compuserve.com


 * Marketscan International

Marketscan International is a monthly newsletter dedicated to providing information about both the software and hardware segments of the PC and networking markets throughout Europe, Latin America, and Asia/Pacific. This newsletter provides up-to-date information about international market activities, hot prospects, competitors, and potential partners. Included is breaking news coverage, incisive analysis, research results, insider's commentary, and more.

Marketscan International includes:
 * News briefs throughout Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific
 * Country highlights - market conditions, trade shows, and distributor lists
 * Channel trends for software and hardware
 * International acquisitions and mergers
 * Market opportunities and obstacles
 * Interviews
 * Regulation review
 * Statistics and market-share data

A 50 USD discount on a one-year subscription (normally 197 USD) to Marketscan International has been negotiated for IBM DAP members. Additionally, with a paid subscription, DAP members receive the 1994 Computer Industry Almanac on CD-ROM.

For additional information, contact: Marketscan International 411 Borel Avenue San Mateo CA 94402 USA Tel: 1-415-905-2263 Fax: 1-415-905-2562

Roles of IBM's Developer Assistance Program and Independent/International Vendor League
IBM has established two support groups for people and companies who produce products related to OS/2, LAN Server, MMPM/2, Communications Manager/2, DB2/2 and other IBM PC software. The two groups are the IBM Developer Assistance Program and the IBM Independent/International Vendor League.


 * IBM DAP is for Software Developers

If you write software applications, the IBM Developer Assistance Program (DAP) is for you. It helps software vendors with technical support, publicity for their products, and other business, marketing, educational, and technical programs.

To join the DAP, see the article in this newsletter titled "How to Join the IBM Developer Assistance Program", as well as other articles about DAP programs in geographies outside the USA.


 * IVL is for Non-Software Products

If you develop non-software products such as books, magazines, training videos, and courses, or provide consulting services for the same IBM software products (OS/2, etc.), your support is provided by IBM's Independent/International Vendor League (IVL). The IVL also helps vendors with technical and marketing support such as their product accreditation program and listings in the IBM Sources & Solutions directory. The IVL's latest offering is the IVL News Service, which delivers vendor product announcements and other newsworthy items electronically to the media.

To join the IVL, see the article in this newsletter titled "IBM International/Independent Vendor League".

Second Edition of Product Marketing Handbook
The Product Marketing Handbook, Software Edition, by Merrill R. (Rick) Chapman, is now in its second edition. Published by the IBM's IVL Press, this is the first book specifically about marketing software products.

Designed as a handbook for application vendors and publishers, this 300-page book can be used by product managers, marketing/communication managers, brand managers, and anyone involved in the introduction, marketing, and sales of software products. Each chapter provides handy checklists for the actual implementation of a product marketing program, and the companion diskette provides the same lists in softcopy form.


 * Contents

The newly revised book contains the following chapters: Positioning, Pricing, and Naming     Sales Promotions Channel Distribution                 Direct Marketing Collaterals & Packaging              Bundling Public Relations and Product         Electronic Marketing Review Programs                    Trade Shows Advertising

The chapter checklists are only one aspect of the book's practical approach to marketing. Each chapter also features one or more focus stories about actual marketing campaigns and programs -- some from software giants, others from small start-up companies, some successful and some not. In each case, the author offers an analysis of mistakes made and lessons learned.


 * Directories, Glossaries

In addition, the Product Marketing Handbook contains a directory of marketing resources, a glossary of terms used in the business, and a software marketing pipeline that describes the elements and the timing of programs needed to prepare, launch, and sustain a product in today's market. It also provides a cost matrix and job descriptions of the various players in the marketing of a software product.


 * IBM Involvement

The Product Marketing Handbook was developed in conjunction with IBM. In addition, the Aegis Product Marketing Forum, based on the book, was a major theme at the PSP Technical Interchange in San Francisco in April 1994, and the forum is given to IBM marketing organizations.


 * About the Author

The author, Merrill R. (Rick) Chapman, is president of Aegis Resources, a software marketing and consulting firm, and has worked in various software marketing roles since 1978. He is coauthor of the Software Publisher Association's U.S. Software Channel Marketing Guide, and he teaches a popular seminar based on the book.


 * More Information and Ordering

For more information, contact the author at 71333.3472@CompuServe.Com. Orders can be placed by calling 1-203-380-8261. The retail price is 49.95 USD, with a discount structure as follows: 1 to 4 copies: no discount 5 to 9 copies:  5 percent 10 to 14 copies: 10 percent 15 to 24 copies: 15 percent 25+ copies:     20 percent

Every purchaser of The Product Marketing Handbook also receives a complimentary three-month subscription (a 120 USD value) to TAG's Channel Compass, a monthly newsletter reporting about software channel issues and trends.

Marketing Materials Solicited from ISVs and IVL Members for Distribution Within Canada
IBM Retail Representatives for OS/2 in Ontario, Canada would like to receive current marketing materials from ISVs and IVL members who market in Canada. The IBM Retail Program compiles and distributes product binders that contain these materials.

Please send your news releases via e-mail to arylnn@vnet.ibm.com. Also, if you would like IBM to distribute your marketing materials to Ontario retailers through the IBM Retail Program, please send at least 100 copies of your brochure(s) to: Arylnn Poczynek Dept. E5/683 IBM Canada Ltd. 3600 Steeles Avenue East Markham ON Canada L3R 9Z7

Opportunity for ISVs Interested in Selling in Japan
Would you like to sell your software in Japan?

To facilitate your entry into this lucrative overseas market -- Japan has 80 percent of the OS/2 market in Asia -- a series of special "Matchmaker" events are being planned at COMDEX/Fall '94 between members of Japan's OS/2 Consortium and software developers with 32-bit applications for OS/2. COMDEX/Fall '94 takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada from 14 through 18 November 1994. All Japanese events and meetings are scheduled at Bally's Hotel.


 * Japanese OS/2 Consortium

The Japanese OS/2 Consortium is an independent group of over 200 companies which was formed to promote OS/2 as a premier PC platform in Japan. Its membership consists of manufacturers, system integrators, ISVs, IHVs, distributors, and others. Many influential ISVs, such as Lotus-J, Fuji Software, Borland, Toshiba, Fujitsu, IBM, and Hitachi, are members.


 * Purposes of "Matchmaker" Events

The purposes of these "Matchmaker" events are to:
 * Help IBM Japan locate good 32-bit tools and applications for OS/2
 * Give ISVs the opportunity to introduce their software to the Consortium with the goal of finding a Japanese business partner


 * Application Categories of Interest

IBM Japan is specifically interested in applications in the following categories:
 * Graphical application development tools
 * Communication products
 * Multimedia products
 * Utilities
 * Games
 * Software products written with SOM/DSOM


 * Events at COMDEX

At COMDEX/Fall '94, these events will take place:
 * Tuesday 15 November
 * "Matchmaker" meeting and luncheon to acquaint you with the potential of the Japanese market and introduce you to members of Japan's OS/2 Consortium. Follow-up one-on-one business meetings will be scheduled at the luncheon.


 * Tuesday/Wednesday, 15/16 November
 * One-on-one business meetings.


 * Wednesday 16 November
 * Evening reception, hosted by IBM PSP Asia/Pacific, where you can meet and network with a variety of companies and IBM organizations that can help you successfully penetrate the Japanese market.


 * Post-COMDEX Benefits

After COMDEX, participating ISVs are eligible for free publicity in the OS/2 Consortium Newsletter, and introduction of their software to the entire OS/2 Consortium at their meetings for the purpose of finding a Japanese business partner.


 * Software Evaluation Prior to COMDEX

Software testing by IBM Japan is offered prior to COMDEX to evaluate an as-is product for Japanese software and hardware compatibility. For testing, please send an evaluation copy of software by 1 November to Catherine Donahue, MS 5407, IBM, 1000 NW 51st Street, Boca Raton FL 33431.


 * Inquiry Form

For more information, fill out the form below and fax the completed form to 1-407-443-5214, attention: Catherine Donahue.

ISV Nomination for COMDEX Japanese Matchmaker Event Company Name ________________________________________________________________________ Contact/Title ________________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________________________________________________________

Telephone __________________________  Fax _____________________________

Product Name(s) ________________________________________________________________________ Product Description ________________________________________________________________________ Are you planning to attend COMDEX/Fall '94? ________ Yes _______ No Interested in: ___ Testing  ___ Luncheon  ___ 1:1 Meetings ___ Reception

National Language Versions of OS/2 Now Available For Ordering Through the U.S.
If your language of choice is something other than U.S. English, IBM's OS/2 is still the best operating system for you. For several years, IBM has sold versions of OS/2 translated into languages other than U.S. English. However, these versions were only available for purchase in the specific countries.

Customers from multinational corporations in the United States can now order national-language versions of OS/2 2.11 in the U.S. Foreign-language versions may be ordered by calling 1-800-IBM-CALL (1-800-426-2255).

The available national-language versions include: Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, and U.K. English. IBM may offer additional foreign-language versions of OS/2 for sale in the United States in the future.

Foreign-language versions are available in 3.5-inch media packages, as well as in CD-ROM media packages in most cases.

The cost of each national-language version is 212 USD for a 3.5-inch media package or 186 USD for the CD-ROM package, plus shipping and handling.

Customers purchasing these national-language versions will receive support from the country IBM organization stipulated in the product documentation included with the software. Support through U.S.-based offices is being considered.

IBM AntiVirus Version 2.0 Supports OS/2 Warp
IBM's AntiVirus Version 2.0 will protect new OS/2 Warp Version 3 software products with the most reliable and advanced anti-virus products and services available.


 * Fully 32-Bit OS/2 Application

IBM AntiVirus Version 2.0, available in December 1994, will be a fully 32-bit OS/2 application. Its new features include more powerful scanning technology that enhances IBM AntiVirus's ability to detect polymorphic and encrypted viruses, and neural networks to detect unknown boot viruses. In addition, IBM AntiVirus 2.0 can update virus data files.

IBM AntiVirus Version 2.0, which supersedes IBM AntiVirus Version 1.7, is available for OS/2, DOS, and Windows systems. It offers LAN Server protection, including a NetWare Loadable Module, which now checks inside compressed files. IBM AntiVirus Version 2.0 uses heuristics to defend against previously unknown viruses, detects more than 3,000 known viruses, and can eradicate most common computer viruses.


 * Fewer False Alarms, More Reliable Disinfection

"There is an optimal policy for spending on anti-virus awareness, software deployment, and emergency response," says Alan Fedeli, manager, IBM AntiVirus Products and Services, IBM Business Recovery Services. "That optimal policy is based on solid information, not just reactions to rumors. IBM AntiVirus has the lowest rate of false alarms in the industry, and offers more reliable disinfection than other anti-virus software. This is critical, because unnecessary disinfection can at times cause further damage to programs."

IBM AntiVirus Products and Services, an offering of IBM Business Recovery Services, develops and markets IBM AntiVirus software, as well as offering emergency assistance and analysis of viruses in IBM research laboratories.

IBM Business Recovery Services provides consulting, planning and testing services as well as recovery facilities for large, mid-range and distributed computing environments at 17 sites throughout the United States, including remote recovery options at 14 locations. BRS is provided by Integrated Systems Solutions Corporation (ISSC).

IBM Raises the Bar in Visual Programming
IBM has extended its application productivity family with new software development tools that provide a migration path for companies of any size, using popular programming languages, to move to visual programming.


 * Visual Programming

Visual programming enhances programmer productivity by shielding developers from the details of the underlying programming language, and allowing them to quickly and easily build applications by visually connecting parts, which are iconic representations of the underlying code. These parts can then be gathered on screen as the actual application. The benefits of visual programming are increased when used with object-oriented technology, which allows for greater design and organization of previously developed software.


 * Highlights

Highlights of this announcement include:
 * IBM COBOL for OS/2, a visual, object-oriented language for the desktop
 * General availability of a new version of VisualAge, which brings new functionality to this Smalltalk-based client/server power tool
 * A beta program for IBM C Set ++ Version 3.0, which introduces visual construction to C++ programming.

With these tools, IBM continues to expand its position as the only vendor to offer visual construction from parts for a wide variety of language environments, including both procedural and object-oriented languages. The new tools enable users to leverage existing skill investments while adopting productivity-enhancing development techniques.


 * IBM COBOL for OS/2

With the addition of IBM COBOL for OS/2, the IBM COBOL family has been extended to support visual development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and multi-platform client/server code within an OS/2 development environment. IBM COBOL for OS/2 includes System Object Model (SOM)-based object-oriented extensions, and access to existing SOM-based class libraries.

IBM COBOL for OS/2 has an integrated set of easy-to-use tools, including a language-sensitive editor and debugger; a visual GUI builder; and transaction and data assistants to help define existing Customer Information Control System (CICS) transactions as well as generate Structured Query Language (SQL) queries and COBOL data structures. It supports local and remote data access through distributed DATABASE 2 (DB2), Information Management System (IMS), CICS, and Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM) support. These features allow programmers to re-use previously written and tested code. IBM COBOL for OS/2 will enter a customer program in early 1995.


 * VisualAge 2.0

VisualAge and VisualAge Team Version 2.0, which also supports IBM's SOM technology, will ship in October. Primary enhancements include support for Windows development and execution environments; Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) support, which allows VisualAge to work with popular business applications such as Lotus 1-2-3; and upgraded CICS support. A VisualAge AS/400 feature that, along with VisualAge Team, brings visual and Smalltalk programming to the AS/400 family, is also announced.


 * C Set ++ Beta Program

The C Set ++ beta program introduces several key technologies that will enable C++ developers to deliver applications faster. These include the incorporation of a full visual construction environment, and a new browser capable of browsing both C++ source code and compiled programs. The new version also includes a new linker and usability enhancements.

The new C Set ++ version also provides full support for SOM. It enables developers to create SOM objects directly from C++ syntax through the compiler's direct-to-SOM facilities, without ever leaving their C++ development environment.


 * Application Productivity Family

Other visual development tools within IBM's application productivity family include:
 * VisualGen, an OS/2-based 4GL rapid application development tool that supports a wide range of execution environments, including MVS, VSE, AIX, OS/2, OS/400, and Windows.
 * IBM Visual Report Program Generator (VRPG) Client/2, a visual programming product for AS/400 developers, which includes a powerful GUI builder, a programmable editor, built-in communications services, and an RPG IV workstation compiler and debugger.
 * PL/I for OS/2, which offers customers using PL/I for host-based applications the opportunity to use a visual development environment to build client/server applications.

The application productivity family is consistent with IBM's enterprise strategy for open distributed computing, as described in the Open Blueprint. The Open Blueprint is a structure for a distributed systems environment and incorporates a wide range of standards. It provides the base upon which to build, run, and manage distributed applications in a diverse multivendor world.

For additional information about IBM's application productivity family, users in the USA can call 1-914-766-9155.

IBM Extends VisualAge to Access AS/400 for Easy, Object-Oriented Programming
IBM has extended VisualAge -- its advanced, client/server programming environment -- to access AS/400 business computing systems in order to speed and simplify the difficult task of developing client/server applications.

With VisualAge, even inexperienced programmers working in OS/2 or Windows can develop basic business programs that access an AS/400 server easily and visually. They can write programs by drawing lines on their PC screens, connecting icons or graphic elements that represent self-contained program units or "objects".

VisualAge is a key IBM product in support of the new object-oriented programming technology, which promises major increases in programming quality and productivity.

In extending VisualAge to access AS/400, IBM has incorporated data access facilities and other features from the current AS/400 object-oriented development program, ENVY/400.

With VisualAge and AS/400 access, programmers using OS/2 and Windows can:
 * Visually construct applications using standard, reusable, and tailorable parts or objects.
 * Work as part of a team in developing an application.
 * Access a wide range of communications protocols.
 * Access a variety of popular databases.
 * Make use of multimedia.
 * Access AS/400 resources such as database files, data queues, data areas, and system values.
 * Issue AS/400 commands and call AS/400 programs.


 * VisualAge

VisualAge represents a major advance in object-oriented programming, which is based on self-contained program units or objects. These software components can be fabricated, modified, linked, and grouped to write complete application programs.

VisualAge makes object-oriented technology easier to use with the software objects represented by icons on the PC screen. It comes in two varieties, the base VisualAge for individual programmers, and VisualAge Team, which supports writing of a program or application by a number of programmers at the same time. AS/400 extensions work with VisualAge Team.

VisualAge, the replacement for ENVY/400, is based on Smalltalk, a high-level, object-oriented programming language. Experienced programmers working with VisualAge can use the Smalltalk language directly for more complex programming.

The VisualAge AS/400 extensions support both ENVY/400 and VisualAge. Thus, programs created with ENVY/400 can be migrated to the VisualAge environment.

IBM also announces System Object Model (SOM) for AS/400, a standard that allows programmers to develop objects that can be used, shared, and reused by different programming languages and different systems. VisualAge includes SOM and Distributed System Object Model (DSOM) support for OS/2.

Under its Technology Preview Program, IBM will make available early in 1995 a new SOMobjects Developer Toolkit to help developers create standard reusable objects, classes of objects, and libraries.


 * Taligent

IBM also reported that it will provide access to data and services on AS/400 for client applications written to the Taligent Application Environment (TalAE). The initial offering will support IBM's Taligent Application Frameworks (ITAF) on OS/2. Taligent is a system software company providing a set of frameworks to ensure interoperability of object-oriented application development on IBM, Apple, and Hewlett-Packard platforms. It is jointly owned by the three companies.


 * Availability

VisualAge for OS/2, Version 2.0 and VisualAge, Version 2.0 for Windows, and the VisualAge AS/400 Feature are available this month.

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge for OS/2 and Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge for Windows
With Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge for OS/2 and Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge for Windows, IBM continues its commitment to provide integrated, object-oriented application development environments designed especially for client/server, mission-critical, line-of-business applications through visual programming and construction-from-parts technologies. VisualAge provides a series of high-productivity, object-oriented power tools for the development of OS/2 and Windows applications.

There are two base products for each platform:
 * VisualAge - entry-level product for individual programmers
 * VisualAge Team - advanced product for individuals or teams

The VisualAge product for individual programmers is a stand-alone product. It does not install as the client under VisualAge Team. VisualAge Team provides all the functionality of VisualAge, plus support for version control, central reporting for classes, and configuration management. Each member of a development team must have a VisualAge Team license. VisualAge Team is also preferred by some individual programmers who need advanced function.

Version 2.0 of VisualAge includes the functions of Version 1.0, plus:
 * One-step packager in VisualAge Team that significantly reduces the size of the run-time image and substantially enhances performance
 * Access to the DB2 family of relational databases
 * Access to AS/400 services, objects, and data
 * Common Programming Interface for Communications (CIP/C) support
 * System Object Model (SOM) support and Distributed System Object Model (DSOM) support (OS/2 only)
 * Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) support
 * CICS Version 2 External Call Interface (ECI) support, provided as part of the VisualAge Communications/Transactions Feature (sold separately)
 * VisualAge color and font support for parts
 * Connection Debugger
 * Double-byte National Language Support (NLS), enabled for OS/2 J, IBM Windows J, and Microsoft Windows J

Version 2 of VisualAge also includes significant size and performance enhancements in the edit and run-time portions of the program.


 * Highlights

Features include: plus ...
 * Support for OS/2 and Windows development and execution
 * Visual construction-from-parts technology
 * Visual GUI design capability
 * Client/server application development
 * Open, extensible architecture
 * Extensive code reuse
 * Access to a range of communication protocols, databases, and pre-existing code for reuse
 * Multimedia support
 * Access to AS/400 services, objects, and data
 * Team programming
 * Improved responsiveness to end-users
 * Increased developer productivity
 * Increased application usability
 * Reduced maintenance


 * Overview

VisualAge is an object-oriented application development environment and suite of power tools based on a visual construction-from-parts architecture that enables the development of the client portion of client/server applications with very complex GUIs.

Within its object-oriented development environment, VisualAge provides visual programming. This technology enables the developer to work with the end-user in an iterative manner to develop user interfaces and accurately map to the required business logic.

Reuse is one element of object-oriented programming that puts real power into the user's hands. VisualAge provides many opportunities for reuse. VisualAge was developed using VisualAge itself. This assures that the design and code supplied with VisualAge have been tested and optimized. The capability to reuse existing code reduces development-cycle time and drastically reduces errors, because many of the components can be reused without change.

VisualAge utilizes pure object-oriented technology to simplify the development of applications for OS/2 and Windows in a graphical environment using construction from parts. Additionally, more experienced developers have the benefit of the underlying IBM Smalltalk language, including an integrated suite of productivity tools (editors, browsers, debuggers, and inspectors). VisualAge Team adds advanced and team programming capabilities to the environment, multiplying the value derived from the technologies. VisualAge and VisualAge Team enable developers of various skill and experience levels to create mission-critical, client/server applications. VisualAge opens the door to these technologies and, over time, IBM plans to address additional development environments and expand its communications and database access capabilities.


 * Description

VisualAge is written in IBM Smalltalk, a pure object-oriented language. Using this technology, VisualAge provides an architecture and a rich set of application-enabling functions that support application construction from reusable components, including pre-existing third generation language (3GL) and fourth generation language (4GL) elements. VisualAge provides visual GUI development capabilities, so that complex CUA-compliant screens can be built quickly and easily. VisualAge also provides the protocols that enable the GUI front-ends to run with newly created object-oriented applications or with pre-existing applications.

VisualAge provides an open architecture via published interfaces. Through this approach, components created by the customer can easily be added to the development environment. This approach also encourages others to create GUI development tools and support tools (communications, database access, pre-existing code access, and class libraries) that work with VisualAge.

Applications developed with VisualAge for either OS/2 or Windows are portable to the other platform, without rewriting the application code. Using the Team development feature, an application developer using either a Windows or OS/2 client can store and reuse application source code in a common source code manager on the LAN. This allows multiple, heterogeneous development clients (OS/2 or Windows) to access, store, and reuse source code common to both platforms. Once the application is completed, you can build a platform-specific, executable IMAGE file using the target platform development environment. With this capability, you can create an application once and then easily port it to the other platform.


 * Enabling New Applications

The VisualAge AS/400 Feature provides visual programming parts and client code for accessing a wide range of AS/400 services, objects, and data, including:
 * Records and files
 * Record descriptions
 * Programs via remote program call
 * Commands
 * Data areas and data queues
 * System values and network attributes
 * User spaces

These parts can be graphically connected via the VisualAge Team composition editor to other parts of an application and packaged for distribution without any run-time charge.


 * Enable Customer's Competitive Advantage

VisualAge provides value to the customer by enabling developers to be more productive through ease of use, providing improved quality and maintainability through reuse of code, and facilitating the development of complex graphical user interfaces. VisualAge also provides a natural evolution from prototyping into production.

Less experienced users can become productive very quickly, because the levels of abstraction in VisualAge remove the need to understand databases and communication protocols. Users who are not literate in object-oriented programming can develop significant applications without moving into the underlying IBM Smalltalk code. With this capability, the user can develop the client portion of very sophisticated client/server applications much more quickly than with traditional application development tools, producing higher-quality applications and reducing maintenance costs. More experienced users may choose to access the underlying IBM Smalltalk code and create components that may be reused.

IBM Smalltalk, the pure object-oriented language used to write VisualAge, can be used as a scripting language or as a complete programming language. For example, existing components can be combined through the visual programming interface, existing components can be modified through the scripting language, or completely new components can be created in native IBM Smalltalk.


 * Time to Market

VisualAge supports logical separation of the client from the server, simplifying interface design and implementation, and provides high-level abstractions that hide the interface to the network protocols. This functionality results in the client portion of client/server applications being built in less time with higher quality and lower cost. You will be able to respond more quickly to changes in the marketplace due to shorter lead times for application development. This responsiveness is a key factor in the choice of developers for many applications.


 * Application Developer Productivity

VisualAge provides significant customer value in application development by enabling developers to improve their productivity in work effort and elapsed time through graphical screen-generation functions and reuse of existing components. VisualAge also enables easy development of the client portion of a client/server application. Prototyping and evolution of the user interface can occur without requiring changes to the programming of the underlying business objects or full development of the business logic.

Graphical user interfaces and line-of-business applications can be developed with VisualAge in a highly productive environment, using the rapid prototyping, prototyping-to-production, and code reuse capabilities of object-oriented programming. The applications developed with VisualAge provide end users with easy-to-use graphical displays for their workstations.

The productivity achievable by the developer encourages the re-implementation of applications, particularly those that can benefit most from a CUA '91 user interface.


 * Improved Application Quality

Design via prototyping through the object-oriented paradigm enables the developer to work iteratively with the end-user to ensure that the application meets requirements, avoiding misunderstanding and rework. The reuse of components is encouraged in this methodology, resulting in applications based on previously tested code.

The iterative design and development approach leads to improved application quality and higher customer satisfaction with the resultant application than is typical with traditional development paradigms. The resulting application is what the customer wants and needs, dramatically reducing fixes and rework and, therefore, end-user false starts and inefficient use of the application.


 * Improved Worker Productivity

VisualAge enables application development based on an object-oriented, construction-from-parts architecture. This approach provides an integrated what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) user interface tool that permits the user to select interface parts from a palette; size and align the parts as appropriate; and iteratively view the results as the interface is built. Either during or after this brief development process, the developer may build the application by selecting from a palette the sources and targets to populate, or by receiving information from the interface. The information may come from or be targeted for a database, a communications link, or some external source such as another application program.

The value of visual programming is realized through VisualAge's capability to generate the code required to support the links established between sources and targets and the user interface. Also, visual construction enables people with widely varying skill levels to develop applications. Those with little or no programming skills can easily create applications using existing components. Programmers with more experience have the additional option of creating new components.


 * Product Positioning

VisualAge is a product set of object-oriented, application development power tools for dealing with today's complex, mission-critical, GUI, client/server workstation applications. VisualAge introduces the construction-from-components paradigm, which eases the migration to object-oriented technology. VisualAge offers ready-built components enabling developer productivity without object-oriented skills, yet offers extensibility for those who are building object-oriented skills.

VisualAge can also be used to develop database applications for DB/2, DB2/2, Oracle, Sybase, and SQL Server.

VisualAge is positioned with the IBM Cross System Product (CSP) as a complementary application development power tool. CSP provides application definition, test, generation, and execution support for customers who prefer a host-based or cooperative (host and programmable workstation) 4GL/generator solution.

VisualAge is also positioned with VisualGen as a complementary application development tool. VisualGen is a workstation-based, procedural, 4GL tool for COBOL audiences and customers moving from host-based application development to workgroup-based application development. VisualGen targets customers who want to build on existing procedural skills and who prefer a single product for developing the client and server portions of applications.

The VisualAge object-oriented technology provides visual GUI development capabilities, so complex CUA-compliant screens can be built quickly and easily. The open architecture of VisualAge enables these GUI front-ends to run with new and existing applications.

VisualAge provides an open architecture via published interfaces. This approach encourages others to create GUI development tools and support tools (communications, database access, pre-existing code access, and class libraries) that work in the VisualAge environment and provide additional value to customers.


 * ENVY/400 Transition Plan

VisualAge Team and the VisualAge AS/400 Feature replace IBM ENVY/400. All ENVY/400 AS/400 access classes are included in the VisualAge AS/400 feature.

ENVY/400 customers can acquire a no-charge upgrade to Version 2.0 of VisualAge Team and the AS/400 feature, for OS/2 or Windows, as appropriate. All installed customers will receive notice of this plan via mail from IBM in Rochester, Minnesota. Customers will need to order the appropriate upgrade under the terms of the plan no later than 15 April 1995. Fax any questions about this transition plan to 1-507-253-1571, attention: Linda Argo.


 * Hardware Requirements

The following sections describe the minimum machine requirements for valid operating environments for the Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge for OS/2 and Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge for Windows families of products.

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge for OS/2 requires:
 * 25 MHz Intel 80486 IBM or IBM-compatible personal computer (PC) system
 * 16 MB installed RAM (24 MB are recommended if you are running other products that provide database or communications services)
 * CD-ROM reader or 3.5-inch diskette drive (1.44 MB)
 * 35 MB hard-disk space for installed product (an additional 10 MB if SOMobjects Base Toolkit is also installed)
 * 20 MB hard-disk space for OS/2 swapper file
 * VGA graphics monitor (an XGA or SVGA display system with a minimum resolution of 1024 X 780 pels is recommended)
 * Mouse

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge for Windows requires:
 * 25 MHz Intel 80486 IBM or IBM-compatible PC system
 * 16 MB installed RAM (24 MB are recommended if you are running other products that provide database or communications services)
 * CD-ROM reader or 3.5-inch diskette drive (1.44 MB)
 * 35 MB hard-disk space for installed product
 * 20 MB hard-disk space for swapper file
 * VGA graphics monitor (an XGA or SVGA display system with a minimum resolution of 1024 X 780 pels is recommended)
 * Mouse

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Team for OS/2 requires:
 * 25 MHz Intel 80486 IBM or IBM-compatible PC system
 * 16 MB installed RAM
 * CD-ROM reader
 * Hard-disk space for installed product
 * On client workstations: 15 MB (an additional 10 MB if SOMobjects Base Toolkit is also installed)
 * On file server: 75 MB, with additional disk space required on the file server for growth of the central library
 * 20 MB hard-disk space for OS/2 swapper file on client machines
 * VGA graphics monitor (an XGA or SVGA display system with a minimum resolution of 1024 X 780 pels is recommended)
 * Mouse

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Team for Windows requires:
 * 25 MHz Intel 80486 IBM or IBM-compatible personal computer system
 * 16 MB installed RAM
 * CD-ROM reader
 * Hard-disk space for installed product
 * On client workstations: 15 MB
 * On file server: 75 MB, with additional disk space required on the file server for growth of the central library
 * 20 MB hard disk space for swapper file on client machines
 * VGA graphics monitor (an XGA or SVGA display system with a minimum resolution of 1024 X 780 pels is recommended)
 * Mouse

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge AS/400 Feature for OS/2 requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge Team):
 * Hard-disk space for installed product
 * On client workstations: 3 MB
 * On file server: 14 MB

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge AS/400 Feature for Windows requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge Team):
 * Hard-disk space for installed product
 * On client workstations: 3 MB
 * On file server: 14 MB

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Multimedia Feature for OS/2 requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge or VisualAge Team):
 * Hard-disk space for installed product
 * For VisualAge: 15 MB
 * For VisualAge Team
 * On client workstations: 3 MB
 * On file server: 15 MB
 * Any digital audio adapters, compact-disc devices, or videodisc devices supported by Multimedia Presentation Manager/2 (MMPM/2), provided with Operating System/2 Version 2.1. IBM recommends that you contact the manufacturer of your hardware to ensure that you have the latest device drivers. NOTE: The digital video player has no additional machine requirements.

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Multimedia Feature for Windows requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge or VisualAge Team):
 * Hard-disk space for installed product
 * For VisualAge: 15 MB
 * For VisualAge Team
 * On client workstations: 3 MB
 * On file server: 15 MB
 * Any digital audio adapters, compact disc devices, or videodisc devices devices supported by Microsoft Windows Version 3.1. IBM recommends that you contact the manufacturer of your hardware to ensure that you have the latest device drivers. NOTE: The digital video player has no additional machine requirements.

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Communications/Transaction Feature for OS/2 requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge or VisualAge Team):
 * Hard-disk space for installed product
 * On client workstations: 2 MB
 * On file server: 5 MB

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Communications/Transaction Feature for Windows requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge or VisualAge Team):
 * Hard-disk space for installed product
 * On client workstations: 2 MB
 * On file server: 5 MB

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge COBOL Language Feature for OS/2 requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge or VisualAge Team):
 * Hard-disk space for installed product
 * On client workstations: 1 MB
 * On file server: 2 MB

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge COBOL Language Feature for Windows requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge or VisualAge Team):
 * Hard-disk space for installed product
 * On client workstations: 1 MB
 * On file server: 2 MB

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Multi-Database Feature for OS/2 requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge or VisualAge Team):
 * Hard-disk space for installed product
 * On client workstations: 1 MB
 * On file server: 2 MB

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Multi-Database Feature for Windows requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge or VisualAge Team):
 * Hard-disk space for installed product
 * On client workstations: 1 MB
 * On file server: 2MB

Application Runtime Environment requires:
 * 25 MHz Intel 80386 IBM or IBM-compatible PC system
 * 8 MB installed RAM (12 MB of installed RAM are recommended)
 * VGA graphics monitor

Installed RAM and hard-disk space depend on the size and run-time requirements of the packaged application.


 * Software Requirements

The following sections describe the minimum program requirements for valid operating environments for the VisualAge Version 2.0 set of products.

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge for OS/2 requires:
 * OS/2 Version 2.1, or later
 * For workstation or LAN database support, one of the following:
 * DATABASE 2 OS/2 (DB2/2) Version 1.0, or later
 * Database Manager component of OS/2 Extended Services Version 1.0, or later
 * For host (DB2, SQL/DS, or SQL/400) database access, IBM SAA Distributed Database Connection Services/2 (DDCS/2) Version 2.0, or later
 * To use the SOM support component, SOMobjects Base Toolkit Version 2.0 for OS/2 (supplied with the product) or SOMobjects Developer Toolkit Version 2.0 for OS/2
 * For Distributed SOM (DSOM) network access to objects, SOMobjects Workgroup Enabler Version 2.0 for OS/2

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge for Windows requires:
 * Microsoft DOS Version 6.0, or later. IBM PC-DOS Version 6.3 is recommended for better performance.
 * Microsoft Windows Version 3.1 (enhanced mode)
 * For workstation or LAN database support, either of the following:
 * DB2/2 Version 1.0 (Client/Server) with DB2 Client Application Enabler/DOS Version 1.2
 * DB2/2 Version 1.2, or later
 * For host (DB2, SQL/DS, or SQL/400) database access, DDCS/2 Version 2.0, or later, running on an OS/2 server

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Team for OS/2 requires:
 * OS/2 Version 2.1, or later
 * For LAN workgroup connectivity, either of the following:
 * OS/2 LAN Server Version 3.0, or later, and LAN Transport and Protocol Support (LAPS) component of Network Transport Services/2 (NTS/2)
 * Novell NetWare Version 3.11, or later
 * For workstation or LAN database support, one of the following:
 * DB2/2 Version 1.0, or later
 * Database Manager component of IBM OS/2 Extended Services Version 1.0
 * For host (DB2, SQL/DS, or SQL/400) database access, DDCS/2 Version 2.0, or later
 * To use the SOM support component, SOMobjects Base Toolkit Version 2.0 for OS/2 (supplied with the product) or SOMobjects Developer Toolkit Version 2.0 for OS/2
 * For Distributed SOM (DSOM) network access to objects, SOMobjects Workgroup Enabler Version 2.0 for OS/2

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Team for Windows requires:
 * Microsoft DOS Version 6.0, or later. IBM PC-DOS Version 6.3 is recommended for better performance.
 * Microsoft Windows Version 3.1 (enhanced mode)
 * For LAN workgroup connectivity, either of the following:
 * OS/2 LAN Server Version 3.0, or later, and IBM LAN Support Program Version 1.3
 * Novell NetWare Version 3.11, or later
 * For workstation or LAN database support, either of the following:
 * DB2/2 Version 1.0 (Client/Server) and DB2 Client Application Enabler/DOS Version 1.2
 * DB2/2 Version 1.2, or later
 * For host (DB2, SQL/DS, or SQL/400) database access, DDCS/2 Version 2.0

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge AS/400 Feature for OS/2 requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge Team):
 * IBM Communications Manager/2 Version 1.1
 * One of the following:
 * OS/400 Version 3 Release 1
 * OS/400 Version 3 Release 0 Modification 5 with VisualAge Server for OS/400 PRPQ P84243 (5799-FNN)
 * OS/400 Version 2 Release 3 with VisualAge Server for OS/400 PRPQ P84243 (5799-FNN)
 * OS/400 Version 2 Release 2, or later, with ENVY/400 QENVY Library
 * Client Access/400 for OS/2 or PC Support/400 for the OS/400 version that you are running

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge AS/400 Feature for Windows requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge Team):
 * One of the following:
 * OS/400 Version 3 Release 1
 * OS/400 Version 3 Release 0 Modification 5 with VisualAge Server for OS/400 PRPQ P84243 (5799-FNN)
 * OS/400 Version 2 Release 3 with VisualAge Server for OS/400 PRPQ P84243 (5799-FNN)
 * OS/400 Version 2 Release 2, or later, with ENVY/400 QENVY Library
 * Client Access/400 for Windows 3.1 or Client Access/400 for DOS with Extended Memory or PC Support/400 for the OS/400 version that you are running

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Multimedia Feature for OS/2 has no additional requirements.

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Multimedia Feature for Windows, in order to use the digital video player, requires Video for Windows Version 1.1.

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Communications/Transaction Feature for OS/2 requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge or VisualAge Team):
 * For Advanced Program-to-Program Communications (APPC), one of the following:
 * IBM Communications Manager/2 Version 1.1, or later
 * The Communications Manager component of IBM OS/2 Extended Services Version 1.0, or later
 * For CICS OS/2 External Call Interface (ECI), IBM CICS OS/2 Version 2.0, or later
 * For Common Programming Interface for Communications (CPI-C), IBM Communications Manager/2 Version 1.1, or later
 * For NetBIOS, one of the following:
 * Network Transport Services/2 Version 1.2
 * IBM LAN Server Version 2.0, or later
 * For Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), IBM TCP/IP for OS/2 Version 1.2.1, or later
 * For Emulator High-Level Language Application Programming Interface Interface (EHLLAPI), one of the following:
 * IBM Communications Manager/2 Version 1.1, or later
 * The Communications Manager component of IBM OS/2 Extended Services Version 1.0, or later

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge Communications/Transaction Feature for Windows requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge or VisualAge Team):
 * For CICS OS/2 External Call Interface (ECI), IBM CICS OS/2 Version 2.0, or later
 * For Common Programming Interface for Communications (CPI-C), Networking Service/DOS Version 1.1
 * For NetBIOS, LAN Support Program for NetBIOS
 * For Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), IBM TCP/IP for DOS Version 2.1, or later
 * For Emulator High-Level Language Application Programming Interface (EHLLAPI), IBM PC3270 3.1

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge COBOL Language Feature for OS/2 has no additional requirements.

Version 2.0 of IBM VisualAge COBOL Language Feature for Windows has no additional requirements.

Version 1.0 of IBM VisualAge Multi-Database Feature for OS/2 requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge or VisualAge Team):
 * Based on the non-IBM database products you plan to use, the appropriate products from among the following:
 * Microsoft SQL Server Version 4.2 or Sybase SQL Server Version 4.6
 * On the client workstation, you must have the appropriate Open Client, including DB-Library and Net-Library, installed to access the SQL Server databases. OS/2 client software must provide 32-bit support.
 * Oracle Version 7.0
 * On the client workstation, you must have the appropriate client support and Oracle SQL*Net installed to access the Oracle databases. OS/2 client software must provide 32-bit support.

Version 1.0 of IBM VisualAge Multi-Database Feature for Windows requires (in addition to the requirements for VisualAge or VisualAge Team):
 * One or more of the following:
 * Microsoft SQL Server Version 4.2 or Sybase SQL Server Version 4.6
 * On the client workstation, you must have the appropriate Open Client, including DB-Library and Net-Library, installed to access the SQL Server databases.
 * Oracle Version 7.0
 * On the client workstation, you must have the appropriate client support and Oracle SQL*Net installed to access the Oracle databases.

Application Runtime Environment requirements:

Applications developed with VisualAge run under OS/2 Version 2.1 or Microsoft Windows Version 3.1. Other program requirements vary based on the use of database, communications, SOM, and multimedia services.


 * Hardcopy Publications

All publications are common to both platforms (OS/2 and Windows), except for the License Information and the User's Guide and Reference. The following publications are provided in hardcopy in the program packages: Title                                                               Number -                                                               -- VisualAge User's Guide and Reference                                 SC34-4490 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming with IBM Smalltalk      SC34-4491 IBM Smalltalk Programmer's Reference                                SC34-4493 VisualAge Programmer's Guide to Building Parts for Fun and Profit   SC34-4496 IBM Smalltalk and VisualAge Development Guide Development Guide     SC34-4495 IBM Smalltalk and VisualAge Team Development Guide Development Guide SC34-4494 IBM Smalltalk and VisualAge Resource Catalog Catalog                G325-0813
 * Displayable Softcopy Publications

The following publications are provided in displayable softcopy form:
 * VisualAge User's Guide and Reference
 * Programmer's Guide to Building Parts for Fun and Profit
 * IBM Smalltalk and VisualAge Development Guide
 * IBM Smalltalk and VisualAge Team Development Guide
 * Communications Guide
 * Relational Database Guide
 * External Functions Interface Guide
 * SOMsupport Guide
 * Multimedia Guide
 * AS/400 Feature User's Guide

The files are shipped on the same media type as the basic machine-readable material.


 * Additional License Copies

Additional License Copies authorizes the customer who has a program package to make a single copy of the program diskettes or CD-ROM and the printed documentation. The authorization is given by sending the customer a Proof of Additional License certificate. The Proof of Additional License certificate has its own part number.


 * Additional License Copy Upgrade

Additional License Copy Upgrade authorizes the customer who has a program package upgrade to make a single copy of the program diskette and printed documentation. The authorization is given by sending the customer a Proof of Additional License Upgrade certificate. The Proof of Additional License Upgrade certificate has its own part number.


 * Charges
 * Program Upgrade

The program package upgrade option allows currently licensed users of VisualAge products to obtain upgrades for a program upgrade charge. The available upgrades are listed below. These upgrades will be available through IBM Authorized Personal Computer Dealers and Industry Remarketers -- Personal Computers certified to market IBM Authorized Advanced Products. The remarketer will require a Proof of License for each upgrade ordered. The original Proof of License is the colored front cover page (inside the hard binder) or the separate Proof of License page in the program package as identified by IBM to the remarketer.


 * VisualAge Features Upgrade Plan

VisualAge Version 1.0 customers who paid for any Version 1.0 features (Communications, Database, COBOL, or Multimedia) can upgrade to the equivalent Version 2.0 features at no charge. For more information, fax a request to 1-919-469-7005.

Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk for OS/2 and Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk for Windows
IBM Smalltalk is a standards-compliant, integrated Smalltalk language and development environment that programmers can use to rapidly develop applications for the OS/2 and Windows operating systems. Smalltalk is a part of the same product family as VisualAge, and complements the VisualAge offerings. It is the same Smalltalk available in VisualAge.

IBM Smalltalk is for customers who do object-oriented development directly with the Smalltalk language and development environment. This development can be with IBM Smalltalk only, or in combination with VisualAge. Applications written in IBM Smalltalk are fully compatible with applications written with VisualAge, and vice versa. Objects created with Smalltalk can be reused without change in either offering.

The Smalltalk family includes:
 * IBM Smalltalk, the entry-level product for individual programmers. Features of Smalltalk include:
 * A complete set of programming tools: editor, browser, debugger, compiler, and inspector
 * A class library that facilitates code reuse and portability across OS/2 and Windows platforms
 * System Object Model (SOM) support to facilitate reuse of objects and interoperability across programming languages
 * Access to the DB2 family of relational databases
 * IBM Smalltalk Team, the advanced product for individuals or teams who require robust function such as version control, configuration management, performance tuning, and a centralized repository of classes. Smalltalk Team includes the functions of Smalltalk.

These VisualAge Version 2.0 features can be used with Smalltalk:
 * VisualAge COBOL Language feature, which provides support for reusing programs developed in COBOL or any language that supports native operating-system DLLs. C support is included in IBM Smalltalk.
 * VisualAge Communications/Transaction feature, which provides communications and transaction processing components.
 * VisualAge Multi-Database feature, which provides database components for interfacing with Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and Sybase. DB2 support is included in Smalltalk.


 * Highlights


 * Part of the same product family as VisualAge
 * Standards-compliant Smalltalk language
 * Portability across supported platforms
 * Integrated development environment
 * Robust class library
 * Access to a range of communications protocols, databases, and pre-existing code through the use of VisualAge feature products
 * Access to the DB2 family of relational databases
 * SOM support
 * DBCS support
 * Team programming
 * Change management
 * Version control

Benefits include:
 * Ability to create mission-critical, line-of-business applications
 * Significant code reuse
 * Platform-independent applications across supported platforms
 * Increased programmer productivity
 * High-quality applications
 * Reduced maintenance


 * Robust, Standards-Compliant Smalltalk Language

Smalltalk is a pure object-oriented programming language that supports the object-oriented principles of polymorphism, data encapsulation, and inheritance. It includes a Smalltalk virtual machine, a base image, and general environmental access such as file, thread, and networking. The product shields developers from complex and low-level functions such as GUI, communication APIs, and memory management.

Smalltalk is fully 32-bit capable, and enforces Smalltalk language standards. The product includes a fully-documented application program interface (API) based on industry standards such as POSIX for filing systems and MOTIF for GUI widgets. It is also based on the proposed common Smalltalk standards that were submitted to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in 1993.

The use of the standards is a major benefit to development teams, since it means that Smalltalk developers are able to use the same terminology and application protocols used in other languages. The use of standards also leverages a corporation's investment in standards training and documentation. Developers who are familiar with industry standards such as MOTIF, POSIX, and ANSI can continue to use those skills.

Smalltalk supports the principle of change. It provides a development style of experimentation. There is a seamless integration between the development environment and the run-time environment. It is easy to make a change in the code and immediately have the application up and running to see the effects of that change.

Smalltalk enables businesses to take full advantage of the increasing power of the desktop. The product provides advantages inherent to object-oriented technology such as:
 * Improved application availability, quality, and maintainability at a reduced cost
 * Extensive reuse of proven components that shortens development time and leads to more robust, error-free applications


 * Portability Across Supported Platforms

Smalltalk allows developers to create applications that are fully portable across supported platforms without modification. Smalltalk includes a comprehensive class library that facilitates code reuse and portability. This library is implemented across multiple operating-system platforms. Programs written to these interfaces are portable across the support platforms without modification. The resulting ported applications take on the look-and-feel of the native platform.


 * Integrated Development Environment

Smalltalk supports an iterative application development approach for dealing with mission-critical workstation applications. The integrated development environment improves application developer productivity by allowing programmers to rapidly develop object-oriented applications. Programmers are able to write code, run it, debug it, and then repeat the process to quickly build applications -- without ever leaving the Smalltalk environment. This capability allows programmers to easily prototype applications, then work iteratively with end-users to ensure that the applications meet requirements. This approach allows developers to validate customer expectations throughout the development cycle. It helps to avoid rework, and to maximize reuse and customer satisfaction.

Smalltalk eases the transition to object-oriented programming by providing a scalable, upgradeable application development environment that supports either a single, stand-alone programmer producing personal productivity applications or an entire team of programmers creating complex, line-of-business applications. The Smalltalk integrated development environment includes:
 * The Smalltalk language
 * An object model that objects can be defined from
 * A set of reusable objects
 * A complete set of programming tools: editor, browser, compiler, debugger, and inspector
 * A run-time environment

Smalltalk Team allows development of large-scale corporate applications by providing shared access and control of development data in a heterogeneous environment. It enables a team of professional programmers to work on the same application simultaneously, managing applications, versions, and processes in an integrated fashion. Smalltalk Team can also be used by individual programmers. The product's integrated development environment includes the features of Smalltalk plus:
 * Team programming support
 * A centralized code repository
 * Version control
 * Change management


 * Open Enterprise

Smalltalk includes a fully-documented API that adheres to the following Open Blueprint standards:
 * Presentation Services: MOTIF
 * Local Operating Systems Services: POSIX 1003.1-1990


 * Product Positioning

Smalltalk is an important and emerging object-oriented language in the industry. Its usage in business and commercial application development is growing rapidly. IBM believes strongly in the future of object-oriented technology. Smalltalk is a strategic language for IBM, and is developed as an ANSI standard, open, multiple-platform language.

Smalltalk and Smalltalk Team are part of the same product family as VisualAge. The VisualAge environment includes Smalltalk as its base language, but offers additional features such as visual construction-from-parts, ready-built visual components, and pre-existing code access. Smalltalk is targeted at those customers who want to do object-oriented development directly with the Smalltalk language and development environment. This development may be with Smalltalk only, or in combination with VisualAge. Class libraries developed using Smalltalk can be reused in the VisualAge development environment. The wealth of class libraries already developed and available in VisualAge can be used by Smalltalk programmers.

The following VisualAge Version 2.0 features can be used with Smalltalk:
 * VisualAge COBOL Language Feature
 * Support for reusing programs developed in COBOL or any language that supports native operating system DLLs. This capability promotes the reuse of existing code, reducing development-cycle time and future maintenance requirements. C support is included in the IBM Smalltalk and Smalltalk Team products.


 * VisualAge Communications/Transaction Feature
 * Communications and transaction processing components that provide a diverse menu of protocols with a simplified common access, including TCP/IP, APPC, and CICS OS/2 ECI.


 * VisualAge Multidatabase Feature
 * Database components for interfacing with IBM and non-IBM databases that provide a menu of databases with a simplified common access, including DB2/2, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and Sybase. DB2 support is provided in the base Smalltalk and Smalltalk Team products.

Smalltalk supports the System Object Model (SOM) to facilitate reuse of object classes and interoperability across programming. It provides a facility for developers to create Smalltalk wrapper classes for SOM interfaces. These wrapper classes, together with the SOM classes they represent, can be used just like any other Smalltalk class with some restrictions.


 * Statement of General Direction

As part of its continuing commitment to object-oriented technology, IBM plans to provide Smalltalk for MVS. The intent is to provide a Smalltalk environment and base image to support the development of Smalltalk applications that execute in key MVS environments. This Smalltalk implementation will be designed to exploit SOM technology on MVS to ease reuse of object classes and interoperability across programming languages. It is planned to be part of the same product family as VisualAge, and is intended to complement VisualAge offerings.


 * Hardware Requirements

Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk for OS/2 requires:
 * Any personal computer with a 25 MHz Intel 80486 processor, or higher, that supports IBM OS/2 2.1
 * 3.5-inch diskette drive (1.44 MB)
 * Minimum 16 MB RAM (20 MB are recommended when running a database or communications service, like DB2/2)
 * Minimum 25 MB hard-disk space for Smalltalk for OS/2 (35 MB if SOMobjects Base Toolkit is installed), with another 10 MB to 15 MB to allow for growth of the development image
 * 20 MB hard-disk space for OS/2 swap space
 * VGA graphics monitor or higher-function monitor and its appropriate adapter, as supported by OS/2 2.1 (XGA or SVGA display recommended)
 * Pointing device, as supported by OS/2 2.1

Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk Team for OS/2 requires:
 * Any personal computer with a 25 MHz Intel 80486 processor, or higher, that supports IBM OS/2 2.1
 * Minimum 16 MB RAM (20 MB are recommended when running a database or communications service, like DB2/2)
 * Minimum 10 MB hard-disk space for Smalltalk Team for OS/2 (20 MB if SOMobjects Base Toolkit is installed)
 * 20 MB hard-disk space for OS/2 swap space
 * VGA graphics monitor or higher-function monitor and its appropriate adapter, as supported by OS/2 2.1 (XGA or SVGA display recommended)
 * Pointing device, as supported by OS/2 2.1
 * CD-ROM reader
 * On the file server, at least 60 MB of available hard-disk space to install the product files. Note that this hard-disk space includes the central library. Note also that the library grows rapidly, especially as the number and size of your applications grow. If you have a development organization that develops large applications, it is recommended that you provide between 200 MB and 400 MB of available hard-disk space on your file server.

Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk for Windows requires:
 * Any personal computer with a 25 MHz Intel 80486 processor, or higher, that supports Microsoft Windows 3.1
 * 3.5-inch diskette drive (1.44 MB)
 * Minimum 12 MB RAM (16 MB are recommended when running a database or communications service, like DB2/2)
 * 20 MB for swapper file
 * Minimum 25 MB fixed disk for Smalltalk for Windows, with another 10 MB to 15 MB to allow for growth of the development image
 * VGA graphics monitor or higher-function monitor and its appropriate adapter, as supported by Windows 3.1 (XGA or SVGA display recommended)
 * Pointing device, as supported by Windows 3.1

Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk Team for Windows requires:
 * Any personal computer with a 25 MHz Intel 80486 processor, or higher, that supports Microsoft Windows 3.1
 * Minimum 12 MB RAM (16 MB are recommended when running a database or communications service, like DB2/2)
 * 20 MB for swapper file
 * Minimum 10 MB hard-disk space for Smalltalk Team for Windows
 * VGA, SVGA, or XGA graphics monitor or higher-function monitor and its appropriate adapter, as supported by Windows 3.1
 * Pointing device, as supported by Windows 3.1
 * CD-ROM reader
 * On the file server, at least 60 MB of available hard disk space to install the product files. Note that this hard-disk space includes the central library. Note also that the library grows rapidly, especially as the number and size of your applications grow. If you have a development organization that develops large applications, it is recommended that you provide between 200 MB and 400 MB of available hard-disk space on your file server.

Application Runtime Environment requires:
 * 25 MHz Intel 80386 IBM or IBM-compatible personal computer system.
 * 8 MB installed RAM. However, 12 MB of installed RAM are recommended.
 * VGA graphics monitor.


 * Software Requirements

Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk for OS/2 requires:
 * OS/2 2.1, or later
 * For workstation or LAN database support, one of the following:
 * DATABASE 2 OS/2 (DB2/2) Version 1, or later
 * Database Manager component of OS/2 Extended Services Version 1.0
 * For host (DB2, SQL/DS, or SQL/400) database access, DDCS/2 Version 2.0, or later
 * For use of SOM support component, SOMobjects Base Toolkit Version 2.0 for OS/2 (supplied with product) or SOMobjects Developer Toolkit Version 2.0 for OS/2
 * For DSOM network access to objects, SOMobjects Workgroup Enabler Version 2.0 for OS/2

Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk Team for OS/2 requires:
 * OS/2 2.1, or later
 * For LAN workgroup connectivity, one of the following:
 * OS/2 LAN Server Version 3.0, or later, with the LAN Transport Protocol Support (LAPS) component of Network Transport Service/2
 * Novell NetWare Version 3.11, or later
 * For workstation or LAN database support, one of the following:
 * IBM DATABASE 2 OS/2 (DB2/2) Version 1, or later
 * Database Manager component of OS/2 Extended Services Version 1.0
 * For host (DB2, SQL/DS, or SQL/400) database access, DDCS/2 Version 2.0, or later
 * For use of SOM support component, SOMobjects Base Toolkit Version 2.0 for OS/2 (supplied with product) or SOMobjects Developer Toolkit Version 2.0 for OS/2
 * For DSOM network access to objects, SOMobjects Workgroup Enabler Version 2.0 for OS/2

Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk for Windows requires:
 * Microsoft DOS 6.0, or later (IBM PC DOS 6.3 recommended)
 * Microsoft Windows 3.1 (enhanced mode)
 * For workstation or LAN database support, one of the following:
 * IBM DATABASE 2 OS/2 (DB2/2) Version 1.0 (Client/Server) with IBM DATABASE 2 Client Application Enabler/DOS Version 1.2
 * IBM DATABASE 2 OS/2 (DB2/2) Version 1.2, or later
 * For host (DB2, SQL/DS, or SQL/400) database access, DDCS/2 Version 2.0, or later, running on an OS/2 server

Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk Team for Windows requires:
 * Microsoft DOS 6.0, or later (IBM PC DOS 6.3 recommended)
 * Microsoft Windows 3.1 (enhanced mode)
 * For LAN workgroup connectivity, one of the following:
 * OS/2 LAN Server Version 3.0, or later, with IBM LAN Support Program Version 1.3
 * Novell NetWare Version 3.11, or later
 * For workstation or LAN database support, one of the following:
 * IBM DATABASE 2 OS/2 (DB2/2) Version 1.0 (Client/Server) with DATABASE 2 Client Application Enabler/DOS Version 1.2
 * IBM DATABASE 2 OS/2 (DB2/2) Version 1.2, or later
 * For host (DB2, SQL/DS, or SQL/400) database access, DDCS/2 Version 2.0, or later, running on an OS/2 server

Application Runtime Environment:

Applications developed with Smalltalk run under OS/2 2.1 or Microsoft Windows 3.1. Other program requirements vary, based on the use of database, communications, and SOM services.


 * Publications

The following publications are provided in hardcopy form:
 * IBM Smalltalk Installation Guide
 * Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming with IBM Smalltalk
 * IBM Smalltalk and VisualAge Development Guide (provided with Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk for OS/2 and with Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk for Windows)
 * IBM Smalltalk and VisualAge Team Development Guide (provided with Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk Team for OS/2 and with Version 2.0 of IBM Smalltalk Team for Windows)
 * IBM Smalltalk Programmer's Reference


 * Additional License Copies

Additional License Copies authorizes the customer who has a program package to make a single copy of the program diskette and printed documentation. The authorization is given by sending the customer a Proof of Additional License certificate. The Proof of Additional License certificate has its own part number.


 * Additional License Copy Upgrade

Additional License Copy Upgrade authorizes the customer who has a program package upgrade to make a single copy of the program diskette and printed documentation. The authorization is given by sending the customer a Proof of Additional License Upgrade certificate. The Proof of Additional License Upgrade certificate has its own part number.


 * Charges
 * Program Upgrade

The following program package upgrades are available: Upgrade from                           Upgrade to Version 2 of IBM Smalltalk ...          Version 2 of IBM Smalltalk ... ... for OS/2 .................... to -> ... Team for OS/2 ... for Windows ................. to -> ... Team for Windows

Upgrade from                           Upgrade to Version 2 of IBM Smalltalk ...          Version 2 of IBM VisualAge ... ... for OS/2 .................... to -> ... for OS/2 ... for Windows ................. to -> ... for Windows ... for OS/2 .................... to -> ... Team for OS/2 ... for Windows ................. to -> ... Team for Windows ... Team for OS/2 ............... to -> ... Team for OS/2 ... Team for Windows ............ to -> ... Team for Windows The program package upgrade option allows currently licensed users of Smalltalk to obtain the Smalltalk Team product or the specified VisualAge products for an upgrade charge.

The price for the upgrade from Smalltalk to Smalltalk Team is the difference between the announced prices for Smalltalk and Smalltalk Team.

The IBM COBOL Family
In its most sweeping COBOL enhancements in a decade, IBM is bringing the industry's premier COBOL capability to the workstation and adding a visual development environment. In addition, IBM is adding object-oriented extensions for the OS/2 workstation and MVS host.

With the IBM COBOL Family, you can create high-performance applications running on host systems, workstations, and in heterogeneous client/server systems with improved data access to DB2, IMS, and CICS. The powerful new capabilities of the visual development environment help programmers create transactions, access databases and files, and link program components visually.

Object-oriented capability is now included in both IBM COBOL for OS/2 and a new release of the host product, IBM COBOL for MVS & VM (formerly called IBM COBOL/370). Additional object-oriented environments are planned to be added in the future. COBOL applications will be able to define and access objects using the System Object Model (SOM), IBM's strategic OO technology. SOM is the base technology in the SOMobjects family of products.

Support for application development will be integrated with the workstation and host environments through a wide range of tools. These tools, over time, will provide program structuring, application and program understanding, and an array of testing functions. Utilizing a comprehensive integration approach, the IBM COBOL environment also links to the newly announced IBM TeamConnection for OS/2. All of these will provide a complete development environment for IBM COBOL customers, including support for library management, data dictionary, data modeling, and database design.

Workstation COBOL is being delivered initially in the IBM COBOL for OS/2 and the IBM COBOL for AIX development systems. Additionally, IBM intends to support 32-bit Windows, other UNIX environments, and non-IBM databases in the future.

Early customer shipments of the new offerings are planned for the fourth quarter of 1994. Dates for general availability will be announced during the first quarter of 1995.


 * Highlights

IBM is announcing new COBOL products on OS/2, AIX, and MVS & VM.
 * For OS/2, IBM announces a new COBOL product, IBM COBOL for OS/2. IBM COBOL for OS/2 provides:
 * A 32-bit compiler with object-oriented language support
 * DB2/2, CICS/2, TeamConnection for OS/2, and IMS Client Server/2 support
 * Local record-oriented file access
 * Novell Btrieve file system support
 * For AIX, IBM announces a new COBOL product, IBM COBOL for AIX. IBM COBOL for AIX provides:
 * Common Desktop Environment (CDE) integration
 * CICS/6000 and DB2/6000
 * ENCINA Shared File Systems (SFS)
 * For MVS, IBM announces a new release of IBM COBOL for MVS & VM. IBM COBOL for MVS & VM provides:
 * Object-oriented language extensions
 * Direct creation of System Object Model (SOM) objects
 * Access to existing SOM-based class libraries


 * Family Description

The IBM COBOL family is designed to provide a way to leverage programmers' COBOL skills on to the client/server environment with object-oriented capability, tools to support existing and new COBOL applications, and visual GUI support.

Productivity gains are possible with the support of reuse through OO technology, with rapid prototyping support through the Visual Builder available with IBM COBOL for OS/2 and the workbench tools to reduce and/or eliminate manual steps.

The new tools, database, and OO support that these new COBOL products contain give today's IBM COBOL programmer help in realizing substantial productivity gains over existing IBM COBOL tools for MVS, OS/2, and AIX.


 * LAN Development - With or Without the Host

Customers who want to develop on a LAN environment (with or without a mainframe host) should use IBM COBOL for OS/2 and/or IBM COBOL for AIX, along with the other tools and products described in later paragraphs.

The workstation development environment will provide an integrated set of tool functions, and provide a visual builder that supports development of applications targeted for execution on various platforms. The initial visual system will be an OS/2-based environment with full visual development and object support. Support for AIX, Windows (32-bit), and other UNIX platforms is planned for later availability. WorkFrame/2 is a tool, currently available with the IBM C Set ++ family, that will be used as an integration point for the set of functionality available with the OS/2 development system.

The new AIX COBOL environment provides a powerful edit, compile, and debug system that is consistent and compatible with the OS/2 environment. The AIX system will be integrated into the Common Desktop Environment (CDE) on AIX. In the future, as the set of tool functions and object-oriented capability on AIX are introduced, they will be functionally consistent with those available on the OS/2 system.

Customers will be able to create applications on the visual development environments that can run natively on those platforms or be targeted to other systems for execution in most cases. (An exception is CICS/6000, which does require application development be done on the AIX environment where it will run.) Where other systems are selected to participate in a client/server application, the code will be compiled on the final target platform. The IBM COBOL environments will have consistent language implementation on OS/2, AIX, MVS, VM, and VSE to support dedicated or client/server applications. These environments all have access to data through DB2, IMS, and CICS on the appropriate platforms. A 32-bit Windows system and other UNIX systems will be provided in the future.


 * Host Extension to the Workstation

For customers who want to regain host cycles that are presently used for application execution, one alternative is to extend functionality to other server or client environments. This can lessen the host work, and shift computing to other alternatives meeting business needs. These customers should choose IBM COBOL for OS/2 and/or IBM COBOL for AIX for client/server execution and development. These products provide a development and execution environment with a set of tools designed to run on the 32-bit platforms.

The second alternative is to utilize the workstation as the primary point for application development. This frees up host cycles and begins the exploitation of workstation function for development in a highly responsive and productive manner. There are a number of approaches that IBM will be offering to provide this support. Each provides a set of capabilities that can be matched to customer environments and goals. The development offload can be done with IBM COBOL for OS/2, IBM COBOL for AIX, IBM COBOL Productivity Suite for MVS/ESA, or the IBM COBOL POWERbench for AIX. Customers who want to offload host development on the workstation should choose one of these products as discussed below.

While IBM COBOL for OS/2 and IBM COBOL for AIX are excellent choices for creating client/server applications, they also provide a means for moving development work to the workstation, even if the application is still targeted to execute on the host system. Since both of the workstation environments are built on a common compiler strategy and code base -- COBOL for MVS & VM -- customers can be sure that functions that work on the host will be implemented in a consistent manner on the workstation. This provides for higher quality and less testing effort than a comparable emulation environment. Although testing can be done on the workstation, in any mission-critical application it is necessary to perform final system testing on the actual target (host in this case) system. IBM's approach, with the final edit, compile, and debug capability on the host, allows this final testing to take place in a powerful, supported environment. IBM COBOL for OS/2 and IBM COBOL for AIX implement this paradigm by providing function that makes it easy to move programs between the workstation and the host.

COBOL Productivity Suite for MVS/ESA, available in the United States, will continue to provide an integrated set of tools which support migration to newer levels of IBM COBOL in addition to performing host development offload through emulation of host functions at the workstation. The IBM COBOL Productivity Suite will also continue to provide an initial step into client/server application development and support execution of applications utilizing 16-bit Windows and OS/2 systems. The comprehensive packaging and tutorial set for the IBM COBOL Productivity Suite make it an option for customers who want to begin utilizing newer technology through host emulation.

IBM COBOL POWERbench for AIX will continue to be an important member of the IBM COBOL family. This offering supports customers looking to perform host development offload in the AIX environment, including AIX level 3.2.5. Enhancements will help enable customers to gain better performance on the resulting execution.


 * Tools

In the future, a number of tool functions currently available, along with other new capability, will be integrated as part of COBOL maintenance. These tools/functions will also link through the WorkFrame/2 integration point, and exhibit a consistent look-and-feel across the development environment. A set of testing capabilities for IBM COBOL will also be provided in the future to enhance the overall management, creation, and testing functionality necessary to help produce higher-quality applications.

The IBM COBOL for AIX toolset supports both client and server application development on AIX, providing an integrated set of tools accessed from the Common Desktop Environment. This includes a language-sensitive editor and a new debugger.

A series of new tools that utilize IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 are also announced. These tools, including the LAN library facility in IBM TeamConnection for OS/2, tie into the IBM COBOL for OS/2 offering to form an integrated set of function for workgroups. The DataAtlas product allows for coordinated data-definition management and generation of COBOL data structures that can be utilized in the COBOL environment. Similarly, the Data Modeling tool and the Database Design tool can be used to create data definitions for use in COBOL programs.

Also announced is IBM VisualLift, which supports placing a GUI interface on existing applications without any change to the existing application. VisualLift is a first step for existing MVS, VM, and VSE applications to utilize graphics capability.


 * Compatibility

Both IBM COBOL for OS/2 and IBM COBOL for AIX are source-compatible with IBM COBOL for MVS & VM Release 2 (formerly named IBM COBOL/370), enabling compatibility between workstations and hosts. This compatibility extends to VS COBOL II as well, and gives multiple options and flexibility to customers for developing and running applications. In addition, customers will be able to easily access data on MVS from the workstation, including databases such DB2, and access to CICS on multiple platforms.


 * IBM COBOL for OS/2

IBM COBOL for OS/2 provides the COBOL programmer with 32-bit, direct-to-SOM-based, object-oriented support on the OS/2 operating system. In addition, a COBOL application development environment is provided that is designed specifically to handle client/server, mission-critical, line-of-business applications through visual programming. IBM COBOL for OS/2 also gives the COBOL programmer a set of high-productivity, OS/2-based power tools for the development of applications targeting OS/2 execution systems.

IBM COBOL for OS/2 supports:
 * Object-oriented programming
 * DB2/2
 * CICS for OS/2
 * IMS Client Server/2
 * Local record-oriented file access
 * Novell Btrieve file systems
 * TeamConnection for OS/2

The following tools are being included with IBM COBOL for OS/2:
 * Visual GUI builder
 * Source-level GUI debugger
 * Data assistant for building SQL queries and data structures
 * Transaction assistant for utilizing existing CICS ECI transactions
 * Execution trace analysis and performance tuning
 * COBOL language-sensitive editor
 * WorkFrame/2 integration
 * Local/Remote compiler options dialogs
 * Host communications for MVS file access

The visual GUI builder provides capabilities for building complex CUA-compliant screens quickly and easily. The visual interface (GUI work screen) that creates the GUI code is an easy-to-use, intuitive tool for creating graphical interfaces, eliminating the need for in-depth GUI programming knowledge. Programmers can create applications by selecting controls from the control palette and moving them onto the design editor, thereby providing an integrated what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) user interface. Either during or after this brief development process, developers may build the application by coding in COBOL logic with COBOL-sensitive edit/compile/debug tools.

IBM WorkFrame/2 provides seamless integration of all the components included in the IBM COBOL for OS/2 product. WorkFrame/2 is a highly configurable, project-oriented application development environment for use on OS/2, and is specifically designed to take full advantage of the features offered by OS/2. When used as the integration medium for application development tools, the fully configurable IBM WorkFrame/2 increases the effectiveness of these tools as agents for enhancing user productivity.

IBM WorkFrame/2 organizes the programmer's workplace by grouping files into logical units or projects. As an organizer, IBM WorkFrame/2:
 * Adapts to the user's project organization environment, instead of the project organization having to fit into the WorkFrame-defined environment.
 * Sets up projects to consist of source and object files spanning multiple directories, and one target directory (such as .EXE or .DLL).
 * Associates each project with multiple actions, including compiling, debugging, making, linking, browsing, profiling/analyzing, and preprocessing. An example of a tested preprocessor is the IBM DB2/2 SQL Preprocessor.

WorkFrame/2 is also a tools integrator. Using WorkFrame/2, multiple developers can now work concurrently on a single project by plugging in their own source control system.

IBM TeamConnection for OS/2, coupled with WorkFrame/2, provides a powerful team development environment, using a LAN library for configuration management and version control.

The debugger supplied with IBM COBOL for OS/2 provides many useful features, including the following:
 * Source-Level Debugging: This is built around a set of core functions designed to let users quickly and efficiently control execution, and analyze data. With these core functions, users can:
 * Display and change variables
 * Display and change storage
 * Display and change the processor registers
 * Display the call stack
 * Add and delete simple and complex breakpoints
 * Control the execution of multiple threads
 * View source code as a listing, disassembly, or mixed
 * Debug C and C++ programs
 * PM Application Programming Support: Synchronous and asynchronous modes give users two ways to debug PM applications. The application windows can be managed concurrently with the debugger windows.

IBM COBOL for OS/2 will provide an external file-handler mechanism and external file-handlers, enabling direct access to data managed by Btrieve.

Execution trace analysis and performance tuning is provided through the IBM Execution Trace Analyzer. It is designed to help users tune and understand their programs by monitoring program execution and generating a function-by-function trace of the run. This trace can subsequently be examined by utility programs that graphically display the execution trace. Not only does the analyzer trace procedures in the .EXE file, it also traces the entry points to system calls and application DLLs.

The data assistant component is an object-oriented visual programming tool that generates SQL queries for use in 3GL applications that access and manipulate data stored in a relational database. It allows the user to visually map relational database information into 3GL data structures, and it generates SQL queries based on that mapping and additional conditions specified by the application programmer.

The transaction assistant component is an object-oriented visual programming tool that generates a CICS ECI call and parameter list for invoking CICS transactions.


 * IBM COBOL for AIX

IBM COBOL for AIX provides a COBOL application development environment designed specifically for creating client/server, mission-critical, line-of-business applications. IBM COBOL for AIX also gives the COBOL programmer a set of high-productivity, AIX-based tools for the development of applications targeting AIX execution systems.

IBM COBOL for AIX supports:
 * DB2/6000
 * CICS/6000
 * ENCINA Shared File Systems
 * CMVC LAN library

The following tools are included with IBM COBOL for AIX:
 * LPEX Editor
 * Program Builder
 * Common Desktop Integration of COBOL tools, including:
 * LPEX Editor
 * Program Builder
 * Program Debugger
 * COBOL Online Documentation

The LPEX Editor is a language-sensitive color editor that supports COBOL. The LPEX Editor can be used to create and edit many types of text files, including program source and documentation. By automatically parsing COBOL source code, LPEX distinguishes between language constructs. For instance, language keywords, comments, string literals, and numbers are displayed using distinctive fonts and colors. Developers can quickly find items they are looking for in their source code. Using LPEX, developers can:
 * Identify some syntax errors when the source code is created
 * Use multiple windows to display several documents or to display more than one view of the same document
 * Dynamically configure LPEX to be a multiple-window or single-window tool
 * Select a block of text and move or copy it between documents
 * Cut and paste to a shell or another application
 * Undo previous changes to a document

Developers can customize and extend virtually every aspect of this programmable editor. LPEX is designed to be extended through dynamic link libraries; there is no proprietary extension language to learn. With the LPEX application programming interface (API), developers can write powerful extensions to the editor using C and C++. In addition, LPEX provides a rich command language that developers can use to create or modify editor functions. Developers can:
 * Define their own fonts and colors
 * Modify the editor action key layout
 * Add menus to perform frequently used commands (menu definitions can be applied on a filename extension basis)
 * Write their own editor commands

The Program Builder manages the repetitive tasks of compiling, linking, and correcting errors in program source code. The Program Builder:
 * Provides a graphical user interface to simplify the process of setting and saving compile and linker options.
 * Lists build errors in a window. Selecting a compile error in the list positions you at the error in the source code in the LPEX Editor.
 * Creates a makefile that is used by the AIX make command to construct and maintain programs and libraries. The Program Builder also determines build dependencies by scanning the source-code files for dependency information.

End-user productivity is enhanced on AIX Version 4.1 with a new user interface for the AIXwindows Desktop, which is based on the Common Desktop Environment. This new graphical user interface is included in both the AIX 4.1 for Clients and the AIX 4.1 for Servers packages. At initial availability of AIX Version 4.1, some desktop features are provided as demonstration code only. The demonstration code is expected to be upgraded and supported in future AIX releases.

The Common Desktop Environment (CDE) integration for COBOL for AIX consists of a COBOL application folder that is integrated within the CDE Application Manager. The COBOL for AIX application folder contains icons representing the COBOL tools and applications. The COBOL application folder will contain the following icons:
 * LPEX Editor
 * Program Builder
 * Program Debugger
 * COBOL Online Documentation

CDE Integration of the COBOL tools allows the user to invoke the tools in a simple and consistent manner. The CDE desktop recognizes different types of files using a data-type database. A data type identifies the files of a particular format, and associates them with the appropriate applications. These associations mean that users don't have to remember command-line invocations of tools. In most cases, when a user double-clicks on a file, the CDE desktop automatically launches the correct application that understands that file's data.

IBM COBOL for AIX provides an external file-handler mechanism, enabling direct access to data managed by IBM AIX ENCINA SFS.

The COBOL for AIX debugger helps you detect and diagnose errors in code developed using the COBOL for AIX compiler. This intuitive graphical user interface allows you to control execution of the program, examine and modify data (variables, storage, and registers), and perform many other useful functions. Additionally, you can debug C functions that your applications may be using.

This debugger provides many useful features, including source-Level debugging. The COBOL debugger is built around a set of core functions designed to let developers quickly and efficiently control execution, and analyze data. With these core functions, developers can:
 * Display and change variables
 * Display and change storage
 * Display and change the processor registers
 * Display the call stack
 * Add and delete simple and complex breakpoints
 * Control the execution of multiple threads
 * View source code as listing, disassembly, or mixed


 * IBM COBOL for MVS & VM Release 2

Formerly named IBM COBOL/370, IBM COBOL for MVS & VM Release 2 brings object-oriented programming to the MVS COBOL programmer. New OO COBOL syntax will enable SOM on MVS. SOM, the core OO technology for SOMobjects for MVS, is also being announced. SOM is a new object-oriented technology for building and manipulating class libraries. Enabling SOM on MVS will allow IBM COBOL programmers to develop class libraries on native OO COBOL language extensions. This capability allows the creation of SOM objects, and access to SOM objects implemented in other languages, in addition to full interoperability with existing COBOL applications and data.

The following new features are included in IBM COBOL for MVS & VM Release 2:
 * COBOL compiler with object-oriented language extensions that allow developers to create mission-critical client/server business applications. These extensions are based on a subset of the evolving ANSI OO COBOL Standard.
 * Support for the direct creation of SOM objects on the host via COBOL language syntax.
 * Optional IDL generation.
 * Access to existing SOM-based class libraries.
 * Improved interoperability with C and C++.
 * Source-level compatibility with IBM COBOL for OS/2 and IBM COBOL for AIX.
 * Performance enhancements.

IBM COBOL for MVS & VM Release 2 is compatible with VS COBOL II and IBM COBOL/370 Release 1. For SOM applications, customers must also order SOMobjects for MVS.


 * Services

The services proposed below are intended to quickly train the COBOL professional on the use of the new IBM COBOL products in the areas of visual development client/server applications, and the use of OO COBOL for delivering object-oriented applications or building object-oriented classes and methods to be used by other applications.

IBM plans to provide the following services when the product becomes generally available:
 * Installation and configuration
 * Client/server application development
 * Migration to IBM COBOL for OS/2
 * Development using OO COBOL

The IBM PL/I Family
In its continued commitment to the PL/I family of products, IBM plans to have IBM PL/I products continue to support the broad range of requirements that PL/I customers have been asking for -- specifically, moving to other platforms and delivering important function on the host product.

Today's announcement includes the intent to release:
 * CoOperative Development Environment/370 (CODE/370 1.2) support
 * Multitasking support for PL/I for MVS and VM in Language Environment/370 1.4
 * PL/I for VSE/ESA support using LE/370 (for information about PL/I for VSE/ESA see RFA 23654)
 * PL/I for AIX visual development environment
 * PL/I for OS/2 visual development environment enhancements

Enhancements to the existing IBM PL/I for MVS and VM and PL/I for OS/2, along with the introduction of the new PL/I for AIX, will provide multiple platforms and client/server support, representing a rich set of language functions and tools across multiple platforms. OS/2 and host PL/I products support local and remote data access through distributed DB2 and DDCS, CICS, IMS Client Server/2, and local and remote VSAM support today. With the addition of AIX, the PL/I programmer will have even more options.

IBM plans to extend the IBM PL/I family to AIX with an integrated visual development environment to support the AIX programmer in quickly developing high-quality PL/I applications. This is an extensive new set of PL/I language function, designed to provide even more power to already comprehensive language facilities.

IBM plans to deliver CODE/370 support for PL/I MVS and VM to enable the PL/I programmer on the host to use the cooperative or MFI debugger, help, and edit facilities available through CODE/370. Users of PL/I for MVS and VM will have multitasking support available with Language Environment/370 1.4, and the ability to use PLICALLx functions will be shipped in PL/I for MVS and VM 1.1.1.

The tool set in IBM PL/I for OS/2 currently supports application development of client/server code on OS/2. With the addition of host communication facilities, PL/I programmers will have the capability of remote support for enhancement and maintenance of existing PL/I applications, and development of server code on MVS, VM, VSE, and AIX. Additional tools planned for the PL/I for OS/2 products include a PL/I language-sensitive editor, language-sensitive help, WorkFrame/2 Version 3 integration, PL/I parts integration into VisualAge, and enhancements to the visual tools available with PL/I.

PL/I is "open" and getting more so. With the MVS, VM, DOS, and OS/2 platforms already supported, PL/I continues to be a strong option for application development.


 * Highlights

IBM PL/I intends to provide the following:
 * For AIX:
 * Compile, edit, and debug functions on the AIX platform
 * Language-sensitive editing and help
 * Program Builder
 * Common Desktop Environment Integration
 * For MVS:
 * CoOperative Development Environment/370 (CODE/370) support
 * Multitasking support via Language Environment/370 1.4
 * PLICALLA/B support in PL/I for MVS and VM 1.1.1
 * For OS/2:
 * Capability to use PL/I objects in the IBM VisualAge development environment
 * LPEX 32-bit editor/language-sensitive help support
 * WorkFrame/2 Version 3 enablement
 * Host communication and access to files


 * Family Description

The IBM PL/I family gives today's PL/I programmers a way to leverage their PL/I skills in a new client/server environment, plus tools like a visual programming environment to build new or support existing applications.

These new IBM PL/I products will offer PL/I programmers easier access to data, the capability to work from multiple platforms, and the ability to access multiple databases, making the PL/I Family one of the richest set of PL/I tools offered!

Productivity gains are possible by reusing common components and the rapid prototyping support available through the visual features of PL/I (PL/I for OS/2 Toolkit). This and other tools should greatly reduce and/or eliminate manual steps in programming process on multiple platforms.

Easy access to databases and Data Assistant Function can reduce the time PL/I programmers will now have to spend accessing data.

With the additional tools available on multiple platforms, PL/I programmers will have more options than ever. They can extend the substantial investment they have already made in PL/I applications by writing more usable front-ends for their users on multiple platforms.

The IBM PL/I family is positioned to extend PL/I applications and skills to the client/server environment from the host. Having the full powered PL/I for AIX available will give the existing PL/I customer another range of options for future growth and application development at substantially less cost than converting to another language and a new platform.

Seamless integration through WorkFrame/2 to new technologies and tools, workbench technology, and true client/server capability set the IBM PL/I family of products apart.


 * Compatibility

IBM PL/I for AIX will be source-compatible with PL/I for OS/2 Version 1, IBM PL/I for MVS & VM Release 1, and OS PL/I Version 2 Release 3, enabling compatibility between workstations and hosts. This compatibility will give customers multiple options and flexibility about where to develop and run applications. In addition, customers will be able to easily access data on MVS from the workstation, including databases such as DB2, as well as access CICS transactions.


 * IBM PL/I for AIX

IBM PL/I for AIX will contain the following functions and tools: IBM PL/I for AIX will support: In addition to the above function, the following tools will be included:
 * PL/I language-sensitive editor and help
 * Source debugger
 * PL/I compiler
 * DB2/6000
 * CICS/6000
 * Local and remote VSAM
 * CMVC
 * Program Builder
 * Online Documentation
 * Common Desktop Environment Integration


 * IBM PL/I for MVS & VM Release 1.1.1

IBM PL/I for MVS & VM Release 1.1.1 will provide CODE/370 debugger support, multitasking, and PLICALLx support to the MVS PL/I programmer. This support will complete the common debug function to be provided for the LE/370-based IBM languages (COBOL, C, PL/I).

PL/I for MVS and VM Release 1.1.1 will be compatible with OS PL/I Version 2 products.

IBM PL/I for MVS and VM intends to support the following functions through the indicated delivery vehicles:
 * Debugger support - to be delivered in CODE/370 1.2
 * Multitasking support - to be delivered in LE/370 1.4
 * PLICALLA/PLICALLB features - to be delivered in PL/I for MVS and VM 1.1.1

IBM PL/I for MVS and VM Release 1.1.1 will be compatible with OS PL/I Version 2 products.


 * IBM PL/I for OS/2

IBM PL/I for OS/2 has provided the PL/I programmer with 32-bit support on the OS/2 operating system. In addition, a PL/I application development environment is provided that is designed especially to handle client/server, mission-critical, line-of-business applications through visual programming and construction-from-components technologies. PL/I for OS/2 also gives the PL/I programmer a set of high-productivity, OS/2-based power tools for the development of applications targeting OS/2 execution systems.

PL/I for OS/2 Release 1 currently supports: PL/I for OS/2 Release 2 will additionally support:
 * Visual GUI builder
 * Source-level GUI debugger
 * DB2/2
 * CICS/2
 * IMS Client Server/2
 * Local and remote VSAM
 * PL/I language-sensitive editor and help
 * WorkFrame/2 Version 3 integration
 * Capability to use PL/I objects in IBM VisualAge
 * Inter-language communication with IBM COBOL for OS/2
 * Host communications for MVS and VM file access

IBM WorkFrame/2 provides seamless integration of all the components included in the IBM PL/I for OS/2 product. WorkFrame/2 Version 3 will be a highly configurable, project-oriented application development environment for use on OS/2, and is specifically designed to take full advantage of the features offered by OS/2. When used as the integration medium for application development tools, WorkFrame/2 increases the effectiveness of these tools as agents for enhancing user productivity. As an organizer, WorkFrame/2 organizes the programmer's workplace by grouping files into logical units or projects.


 * Services

Services aimed at setting up a new environment, or updating an existing one, will be available along with these products.

Each of the Services include Developer Environment Setup, Visual Builder Training, Data-Access Training, and Workbench Tool Training. Initially, services for the following development platform environments are intended to be available along with the products:
 * AIX Client/Server Application Development Assistance
 * OS/2 Client/Server Application Development Assistance
 * Host Data Client/Server Application Development Assistance
 * Host Version-to-Version Migration Assistance

IBM VisualGen Team Suite, Version 1.0
The VisualGen Team Suite (VGTS) is an advanced, integrated, LAN-based 4GL development environment for mission-critical transaction processing applications. The suite addresses the full application development team with highly productive tools that are supported by an integrated set of software configuration management, data dictionary, and repository facilities.

The suite is focused on the enterprise with medium-to-large development teams working on the LAN who need and expect the integrated management and control they are accustomed to in the large systems environment. The suite supports the development of second generation client/server applications that need high volume and quick response, as well as high levels of security and data integrity.

IBM is also delivering the VisualGen Team Suite in an integrated fashion for acquisition, installation, support, and service:
 * The suite is being delivered through the CD Showcase, allowing preview, selection, ordering, and installation from the CD.
 * The suite is supported by a rich array of service offerings ranging from turnkey implementation to discipline-specific offerings for the full range of development activities.
 * Integrated support and service is provided under a single service offering.


 * Beta Program Participation

The VisualGen Team Suite will be made available during the fourth quarter of 1994 to a selected set of customers. These customers are participating in a beta for evaluation and test, providing feedback on product function and quality. When these customers confirm that IBM has achieved the functional and quality objectives, IBM will announce planned availability and detailed information regarding pricing and ordering.

For further information regarding participation in the VisualGen Team Suite beta program, contact 1-800-IBM-CARY (1-800-426-2279) within the USA, or 919-469-7763 from elsewhere.


 * Highlights

VisualGen Team Suite is the flagship offering for the IBM Enterprise 4GL Client/Server Application Environment. The suite provides state-of-the-art visual programming facilities, and assists in deployment of the applications to a range of workstation and mainframe environments.

VisualGen Team Suite delivers:
 * Dramatic client/server application development productivity
 * A fully integrated visual development environment
 * Support for high volume transaction processing
 * Access to managed data across the enterprise
 * 4GL facilities for specification of client/server communications
 * Integrated business requirements, data design and administration facilities
 * Robust development management and application build facilities


 * Description

VisualGen Team Suite addresses the full application development team with highly productive tools that are supported by an integrated set of software configuration management, data dictionary, and repository facilities. Together, these facilities provide value to customers by:
 * Enabling customer's competitive advantage. VisualGen Team Suite lets the IBM customer provide their customers with superior applications and systems ahead of their competitors.
 * Enabling customer's quality improvements. VisualGen Team Suite lets IBM customers deliver higher-quality applications and systems through a managed application development environment that focuses on integrity and control of software assets. It promotes reuse of data and program definitions.
 * Enabling new applications. VisualGen Team Suite facilitates the IBM customer's ability to quickly develop new client/server or single-system applications through visual programming and high-function test, generation, build, and distribution facilities.
 * Providing integration of business solutions. VisualGen Team Suite is designed to integrate with other IBM software solutions application development offerings. The IBM customer gains full benefit from using a set of IBM application development tools that share common information sources and controls.
 * Providing access to enterprise data. VisualGen Team Suite provides a rich array of capabilities for both local and remote access to enterprise-managed data.
 * Increasing application developer productivity. VisualGen Team Suite reduces the application developer's time in managing the development of client/server and single-system applications through:
 * Reuse of data and program specifications
 * High-productivity tools
 * Automated support of test, build, and distribution
 * Improving application data integrity. VisualGen Team Suite has a powerful data dictionary that provides a central point of control for data definition.


 * Scope of the Suite

The VisualGen Team Suite incorporates the market-leading VisualGen 4GL development product and an extended set of new tools from IBM. VGTS addresses the application development lifecycle from requirements specification through definition, test, generation, and distribution. The suite is integrated on a LAN-based set of management and control facilities that not only control the development activity, but also manage and control the versions of the application in production and maintenance. The VisualGen Team Suite is built for the LAN environment, and brings a new standard of responsiveness, productivity, and control to client/server application development.

The VisualGen Team Suite is rich in capability, and supports the many roles in the application development team:
 * Requirements Definition
 * The REQUIREMENTS DEFINITION TOOL is an application analysis and requirements specification tool for use by the business analyst, systems analyst, or application designer. The requirements definition tool allows the specification of behavior of manual or automated application systems. Specifications are shown in graphical form, from multiple angles or views, in a manner easily understood by business personnel. The specifications may be reviewed, annotated for verification or update, and stored in the LAN repository as a basis for data and application design and development.
 * The requirements definition tool uses a visual dialog with the analyst or designer to document and organize the business activities associated with the application, their sequences, data, and associated business rules. All this information is stored in the LAN repository, and becomes the base for application development, test, and validation when used by other tools in the suite.


 * Configuration Management, Versioning, Build, and Distribution
 * IBM TEAMCONNECTION FOR OS/2 is both a software configuration management (SCM) facility and a robust LAN-based object repository facility. It tightly integrates and manages the suite of application development tools within the VisualGen Team Suite.
 * IBM TeamConnection for OS/2, as an SCM facility, delivers industry-leading function for team development in a LAN environment. IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 provides project-wide coordination across all phases of the product development lifecycle. IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 combines traditional application development library function with a fully integrated SCM tool set and a highly productive software development process model.
 * IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 delivers the function application that development teams need to manage the range of development objects, source code, versions, and application configurations. It helps automate and streamline the application build process. Its integrated problem-tracking and change-control system ensures that the developer is more productive, and that projects are effectively managed and tracked. Facilities are provided to interface to NetView Distribution Manager for distribution of generated applications for test and production.
 * The LAN repository component of IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 provides the object store for the tools within the VisualGen Team Suite, the common repository services used by the tools and the IBM Information Model through which the tools share information. The Information Model's view of data, shared by VisualGen, IBM DataAtlas for OS/2, data modeler, and database designer, provides an immensely powerful advantage in quickly and productively creating and managing the development of new applications.
 * IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 also includes repository integrator services that allow development teams and tool vendors to change or add to the IBM Information Model.
 * IBM DATAATLAS FOR OS/2 provides a central point of control and standardization for the data definitions of relational databases (including the IBM DB2 family), hierarchical (DL/I) databases, and high-level language applications. Database administrators and data designers can use IBM DataAtlas for OS/2 to populate, maintain, and generate data descriptors. By using IBM DataAtlas for OS/2 as the primary point of control for data, redundant data definitions can be eliminated and existing definitions shared across new applications.
 * IBM DataAtlas for OS/2 uses IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 for storage, control and sharing of information about data with the other tools in the VisualGen Team Suite.
 * IBM DataAtlas for OS/2 provides a broad range of utilities for extracting and populating its store, with data structures from IBM databases, catalogs, and copybooks, as well as other vendor tools.
 * Once under control of IBM DataAtlas for OS/2, the data administrator can maintain these definitions, create new ones, perform impact analysis of proposed changes, and regenerate definitions to the production environment with integrity and control provided through the facilities of TeamConnection.


 * Application Definition, Test, and Generation
 * VISUALGEN is a new-generation 4GL transaction development environment aimed at high-productivity implementation of client/server applications. Client/server technologies - visual programming for client-building, integrated client/server communications middleware, and broad-spectrum data access - are all delivered within the VisualGen 4GL environment. VisualGen provides visual program design, development, and test of both client and server applications, as well as traditional mainframe-based applications. VisualGen supports the development of GUI clients for both OS/2 and Windows 3.1, and server applications for OS/2, AIX, OS/400, and a range of mainframe environments.
 * VisualGen provides robust support of the DB2 relational database family of products, including full exploitation of Distributed Relational Database Architecture (DRDA). VisualGen provides broad support for IBM's transaction management systems, CICS and IMS, and for IBM's leading edge commercial messaging family, MQSeries.
 * Application generation facilities of VisualGen are LAN-server based. The full development lifecycle, design through test, is controlled in the VisualGen Team Suite through the facilities of IBM TeamConnection for OS/2.


 * Data Modeling, Design, and Administration
 * The VisualGen Team Suite brings together a set of powerful client/server tools that allow the development team to fully exploit, manage, and control their enterprise data in a single LAN-based object repository.
 * The DATA MODELER provides the development team with facilities for defining and representing business data as conceptual data models that are independent of the database implementation. The conceptual models are defined using the Chen entity-relationship (ER) modeling method. The conceptual model provides a means of communicating and verifying the data structure with the business user. When agreement is reached on data structures, the data modeler is used to map the conceptual models into logical structures that are specific to the target database.
 * The data modeler provides a graphical editor to define entities, relationships, and attributes. It includes facilities to transform conceptual models into logical models (relational models), and vice versa. Design and review documents can also be produced using the data modeler.
 * The data modeler is fully integrated with IBM TeamConnection for OS/2, and uses both software configuration-management facilities and the LAN repository.
 * The DATABASE DESIGNER is an expert design advisor for database administrators and designers. It provides a comprehensive set of heuristic rules for developing and optimizing physical database design for a DB2 environment. It supports both the physical design of new databases, and the optimization and tuning of existing databases.
 * The physical design of a database is a major task in the database design process that is often very time-consuming and requires expert skill. Design decisions made here have a major impact on the performance of the applications accessing the database.
 * The database designer uses information about data volumes and workload as the basis for optimizing the physical design. For new applications, the database designer estimates the data volumes and workload. For existing applications, information about real data volumes and workload is available from the database management system or from monitoring tools. Facilities are provided for optimizing data placement, storage allocation, and index configuration.
 * The data modeler and database designer work in concert with IBM DataAtlas for OS/2 to model and refine database structures from the conceptual level down to the physical level. In the reverse direction, database definitions can be extracted from the DB2 catalog and used to generate the corresponding logical and conceptual models.
 * IBM EXCHANGE FOR OS/2 is a companion product to IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 to assist companies in exploiting their existing investment in business and data models. IBM Exchange for OS/2 accepts analysis and design information from a wide range of CASE tools, data dictionaries, and database management systems, and transforms that information for storage in the IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 LAN repository.
 * Transformations are bi-directional, so that the company can continue to use the analysis or design tools as desired.


 * VisualGen Team Suite Deployment
 * VisualGen Team Suite is implemented as a client/server application on OS/2. Based on the specific tools selected by the development team, one or more tool clients will exist on the individual workstation.
 * Each tool client will also have IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 client functions co-resident on the workstation. The IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 LAN repository will be server-based, as will the VisualGen generation facilities and IBM DataAtlas for OS/2 management facilities.


 * Support for Solution/2000
 * The VisualGen Team Suite will support the IBM Solution/2000 methodology used by IBM System and Application Design/Development Services and the Integrated Systems Solutions Corporation (ISSC).


 * Support for Industry Modeling
 * IBM has leveraged its expertise in several key industries to defined detailed industry models. Currently, instances of these industry models defined in existing CASE tools aid IBM consultants in providing significant added value to major IBM customers as they begin the process of "modeling" the definition of their enterprise. These industry models provide invaluable starting points, and the coordinated consulting services provide invaluable education to these customers, who will eventually own and modify these industry models.
 * With the delivery of VGTS and the underlying integration technology (IBM TeamConnection for OS/2) on which it is based, IBM will be providing its own tool-suite support for these industry-specific models.
 * For customers working with another CASE tool who have customized the initial industry model to better reflect their enterprise, IBM Exchange for OS/2 can be used to move the customized model into TeamConnection, so that it can be leveraged by VGTS users.


 * Services

VisualGen is currently supported with a rich set of service offerings that provide:
 * Turnkey services for planning, configuration, installation, procurement, migration, and education
 * Implementation services that enable the customer to rapidly implement, migrate, and tune new and migrated applications
 * Rapid Application Development (RAD) services, using templates that teach rapid development using predefined templates

These offerings will be extended to the broadened scope of VGTS, and will include new services for:
 * Planning, installing and exploiting LAN-based library, and configuration management
 * Planning and administering the LAN repository and assisting in performance-tuning and extending the information model
 * Data modeling, design, migration, and administration

Availability of new and Extended Services offerings will be made in conjunction with announcement of the availability of VGTS.


 * Charges

For planning purposes, the VisualGen Team Suite will be priced from 10,000 to 20,000 USD per developer seat, depending on the team size and the hardware/software operating environments within the customer site.

IBM TeamConnection for OS/2, Version 1.0
IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 integrates software configuration management function and object-oriented repository services to support application development in a client/server environment. TeamConnection delivers the integrating platform through which development tools work together to allow a workgroup to develop and maintain business-critical applications.

TeamConnection delivers the function that your application development teams need to manage source code, application versions, and application configurations. It also helps automate and streamline your application build process. The integrated problem-tracking and change-control system ensures that while your application developers are more productive, your project leaders can effectively manage the development process and track progress.

An open, extendable information model provides the vehicle for data sharing between a set of integrated tools using TeamConnection. This object-oriented information model enables an extensible architecture, thus ensuring continued support for new versions of existing tools, as well as new tools that are brought into the repository environment. IBM Exchange for OS/2 provides the function necessary to migrate a customer's existing model information into TeamConnection.

TeamConnection is built on Object Design, Inc.'s ObjectStore object-oriented database, which allows TeamConnection's repository to store fine-grained application development data with high performance. Its configuration management, change control, and problem-tracking facilities work equally well with fine-grained data and conventional coarse-grained data (files). The integration of these higher-level services with more traditional repository services such as constraint checking, version management, concurrent and distributed access, and data exchange make TeamConnection a state-of-the-art repository.

TeamConnection is designed to complement your existing application development environment. It will be delivered as an integrated component within IBM's application development solution offerings. These include Enterprise 4GL client/server application environment, Workgroup C++ application environment, and Enterprise 3GL client/server application environment.

TeamConnection is being made available with the VisualGen Team Suite (VGTS), IBM's new, integrated enterprise 4GL application environment. VisualGen Team Suite integrates the market-leading VisualGen 4GL development product with a LAN-based set of management and control facilities that deliver, for the first time, a rapid application development environment on an object-based repository.

TeamConnection will be made available during the fourth quarter of 1994 to a selected set of customers. These customers are participating in a Beta evaluation and test, providing feedback about product function and quality. When these customers confirm that IBM has achieved the functional and quality objectives, IBM will announce planned availability and detailed information regarding pricing and ordering.


 * Highlights
 * Supports a defined, yet flexible development process
 * Keeps track of application component revisions
 * Supports concurrent development with reconciliation
 * Manages the application change process
 * Automates and integrates the application build process
 * Automates the project release and delivery process
 * Provides archive, backup, and recovery facilities
 * Provides data persistence with rich OO data modelling that is OMG-compliant
 * Provides SOM-based, language-independent APIs
 * Supports concurrent, distributed data access
 * Provides mechanisms for data and event notification
 * Supports schema evolution of its open, extensible repository
 * Supports evolution of the current data model
 * Allows extensibility of the model by others
 * Facilitates data sharing
 * Supports data exchange with other platforms and CASE tools (including migration of legacy data) through the optional feature IBM Exchange for OS/2


 * Part of VisualGen Team Suite

TeamConnection will initially be marketed as part of the VisualGen Team Suite solution. VisualGen Team Suite is the flagship offering for the IBM Enterprise 4GL Client/Server Application Environment. It focuses on medium-to-large corporations that need to rapidly plan, build, test, put into production, and refine enterprise-wide, second-generation client/server applications. VisualGen Team Suite offers an integrated LAN-based development environment that supports and enhances the skills of the teams throughout the development lifecycle. The VisualGen Team Suite leverages the customer's experience in managed data and transaction processing with new high-productivity, LAN-based tools.

The VisualGen Team Suite is intended for the current MVS customer who is planning to migrate existing applications to the LAN, or who is planning new LAN-based applications that must use enterprise data residing on the mainframe. It is also intended for current customers of VisualGen or Cross System Product who are developing applications in medium-to-large teams, either for LAN or mainframe execution. Finally, customers who have previously begun development of applications using CASE tools or other host-based development facilities (such as 4GLS or code generators) will find the productivity of VGTS attractive, and can use the IBM Exchange for OS/2 to migrate dictionary and repository information to VGTS.


 * Description

The IBM TeamConnection for OS/2 integrates software configuration management function and object-oriented repository services to support application development in a client/server team-programming environment. TeamConnection delivers the integrating platform through which development tools work together to allow a workgroup to develop and maintain business-critical applications.

TeamConnection provides:
 * Information Model The information model provides the common semantic definition by which integrated tools share and interact. The initial target for this information model is the management of application development meta-data. This data includes (but is not restricted to):
 * Entity, attributes, relationships
 * High-level language constructs (for example, COBOL data structures)
 * Relational database definitions
 * Hierarchical database definitions
 * Application systems definitions
 * Build process definitions (in support of automated build processing)
 * Bulk data (multiple file types are managed)
 * The schema for TeamConnection is defined by a set of interface classes defined in Interface Definition Language (IDL) of IBM's System Object Model (SOM). SOM is IBM's implementation of the Object Management Group's (OMG) standard. The scope of the semantics over which these classes act is related to the tool suites enabled to the integration framework. This scope includes support for data descriptions from the analysis and design phase of development through the specific characteristics for given languages or database technology.
 * The specification of these object-oriented interface metaclasses leverage a robust set of descriptive semantics. These semantics include:
 * Multiple inheritance
 * A relationships framework supporting attributes, relationships on relationships, cardinality constraints (minimum and maximum), ordering, and complex controlling semantics
 * Passive constraints
 * Complex data typing on attributes (for example, structures, pointers)


 * Information Model Schema Evolution
 * TeamConnection provides schema evolution facilities that allow the information model to be extended without having to recompile existing code. It exploits the subclassing facilities of SOM to provide for schema evolution. These facilities are used with each new release of the information model. Not having to recompile the tools for changes in the information model is a very important feature, because tools normally ship just the executable form of their products.


 * Data Constraints
 * Constraints are methods that ensure that the data is consistent with the definition of the information model. Constraints are defined as part of the model definition. Constraints are useful in that tools do not require code to validate data in the model prior to use.


 * Version Control
 * Version control provides the basic function of a Software Configuration Management (SCM) tool. It controls access to the component files, and provides the ability to store versions of an entire application, so that the state of the application at a particular point in time can be re-created. Version control supports both serial and parallel development, and includes a merge tool for reconciling source code changes.


 * Configuration Management
 * Configuration management identifies and classifies application components and their relationships in a build tree. The build tree graphically represents how components of an application fit together, and it enables you to manage those components and their relationships.
 * The build tree also manages file objects that are associated with the application, but are not components of the application. Test cases and design documents are two examples of these file objects.


 * Application Build
 * Application build uses the build tree in TeamConnection to compile and link complete applications from their subcomponents. The application build process can segment the build activity, so that multiple build processors can be used in parallel to complete the build faster. The application build function controls these multiple build tasks. Application build also automatically determines the include dependencies, updates the build tree, checks for a minimal set of objects to rebuild, and then builds the application. The build process also encompasses building applications for local or remote systems, and building applications that run in multiple environments.


 * Electronic Software Packaging and Distribution
 * Electronic software packaging and distribution extends the conventional compile-and-link steps of the application build function to perform the transformation steps that are required to prepare the application for use. The packaging and distribution function enables applications to be distributed electronically using LAN-based file server technology such as IBM NetView Distribution Manager/2.


 * Problem Tracking and Change control
 * Problem tracking and change control manages the process of allowing changes to application components. TeamConnection provides a very strong development model that controls and tracks modifications to software components. It associates identified application defects and features with component modifications. It provides a reporting facility on what changed, when it changed, who changed it, and why it was changed. TeamConnection manages the process of integrating related component modifications through the ability to build the application based on defect and feature changes.


 * Backup and Recovery
 * The backup and recovery facility allows TeamConnection data to be stored on alternate media for archival purposes. However, there is no capability to merge the old data with new or current data upon restoration because of data consistency concerns.


 * Object-Oriented Repository
 * TeamConnection leverages Object Design, Inc.'s ObjectStore database technology and services. This high-performance, distributed, object-oriented database stores the persistent data and provides query, locking, and transaction functions.


 * TeamConnection Customer Value

TeamConnection provides a facility for application developers to better manage their software development process.

The increased complexity of today's software development environment creates new problems for application developers, such as developing graphical user interfaces and writing client/server and distributed applications. These problems present new challenges to development teams that are being asked to deliver software products to market at faster and faster rates.

In addition to faster development time, customers and employers demand higher-quality software than ever before. Successful software development organizations are measured by SEI maturity levels and by compliance with ISO 9000 standards.

Pressure to deliver high-quality code at a quickening pace requires new levels of efficiency in software maintenance. Meanwhile, application development organizations recognize the need to manage their software as a corporate asset.

TeamConnection helps address these development issues by:
 * Enabling you to manage the changes to your software more efficiently.
 * Helping you to more effectively, and with greater assurance, rebuild your applications after they have been modified.
 * Packaging your applications for delivery, so you can get them to your customers more quickly and with greater reliability.
 * Providing a development model that can help increase your SEI maturity level through a reliable, efficient, and repeatable process.
 * Providing a graphical user interface that enables you to quickly and easily realize the benefits of TeamConnection.
 * Providing extensive problem tracking and change control for both fine-grained and course-grained application development objects.
 * Supporting non-disruptive schema evolution of the existing information model. The end users can maintain their investment in the current tools and their existing skill base working with those tools, and still allow for introduction of state-of-the-art tool suites into their development environment. The meta-data is therefore evolved to allow for schema modification without loss of existing meta-data.


 * TeamConnection Services for the LAN Environment

The TeamConnection services offering will provide customers with the tools to quickly establish a more productive and efficient development environment. These services offering have eight modules, all of which are customized to meet individual customer needs:
 * Operational and Technical Planning. This includes the mapping of the customer's current development environment to its future environment with TeamConnection, and considers implications to the customer's processes given the planned change.
 * Installation. This provides for complete installation, or assistance in installation, of TeamConnection and supporting application development tools.
 * Development Environment Customization, which tailors TeamConnection to meet the needs of the customer's environment. TeamConnection has flexibility in development processes and also in tailorable data fields.
 * Software Quality Standards and Templates. Templates provide a pre-defined set of tailored TeamConnection fields and processes that support a specific industry need.
 * Migration, which aids in the migration of project-control information and project data from the current application development environment to TeamConnection.
 * On-Site Education and Training
 * Consulting
 * Programming


 * TeamConnection Repository Administration Services

TeamConnection Repository Administration Services has six modules, all of which are customized to meet individual customer needs:
 * CASE Tool Interoperability -- developing and customizing bridges
 * Planning
 * Performance and Tuning
 * Information Model Extensions
 * Software Distribution
 * Backup, Security

IBM DataAtlas for OS/2, Version 1.0
Feel like you've lost control of your organization's growing application development and database environment? IBM DataAtlas for OS/2 enables you to regain control over your company's metadata, the information you rely on every day to accurately describe your organization's data and applications.

IBM DataAtlas for OS/2 has rich functionality to handle a wide range of databases and languages for the development of new applications and the maintenance of existing applications.

DataAtlas handles your relational and hierarchical database definitions for IBM's premier MVS and OS/2 databases: DB2 for MVS, DB2 for OS/2 (DB2/2), and IMS DB. Support will also be provided for Oracle and Sybase.

It handles your high-level language data definitions for VisualGen, COBOL, and PL/I. It can also scan your JCL libraries to assist you in documenting your application systems.

DataAtlas participates in the IBM VisualGen Team Suite. The VisualGen Team Suite is an advanced, integrated, LAN-based development environment for mission-critical transaction processing applications. This suite provides visual programming, 4GL development and testing, conceptual data modeling, and database design, along with the data administration facilities of DataAtlas. These facilities are tightly integrated and managed by the TeamConnection component, a robust, LAN-based, object-oriented repository incorporating a software configuration manager (SCM).

With this solution, you can quickly develop an application with a powerful visual programming/code generation tool, VisualGen; find and include the data that is needed via DataAtlas; test; and do an automated build and package via the TeamConnection. All this can be done within this tightly integrated solution.

DataAtlas, through TeamConnection, provides facilities for versioning, model extensibility, constraint specification and checking, and an SQL query capability all built upon a LAN-based object-oriented database.

IBM intends to make DataAtlas available during the fourth quarter of 1994 as a part of the VisualGen Team Suite to a selected set of customers. These customers are participating in a beta evaluation and test, providing feedback about product function and quality. When these customers confirm that IBM has achieved the functional and quality objectives, IBM then plans to announce availability and detailed information regarding pricing and ordering.


 * Highlights

Application programmers and database administrators can use DataAtlas to:
 * Populate DataAtlas with data definitions from the production environment
 * Migrate definitions from the OS/VS DB/DC Data Dictionary
 * Create new definitions
 * Maintain existing definitions
 * Query the relationships and effects of change on definitions in the repository
 * Validate definitions prior to placing them back in your production environment
 * Generate data definitions back to your production environment for:
 * DB2
 * DB2/2
 * IMS/ESA DB
 * Oracle
 * Sybase
 * COBOL
 * PL/I

DataAtlas:
 * Provides a state-of-the-art OS/2 Presentation Manager object-oriented graphical user interface (GUI) with an integrated tutorial
 * Participates in IBM VisualGen Team Suite
 * Utilizes the versioning, model extensibility, constraint specification and checking, and SQL query capability of TeamConnection


 * Description

Like its forerunners, the OS/VS DB/DC Data Dictionary and IBM Dictionary Services/MVS, DataAtlas provides a central point of control and standardization for the data definitions of relational databases, hierarchical databases, and high-level languages. The support plan includes:
 * DB2
 * DB2/2
 * IMS/ESA DB
 * Oracle
 * Sybase
 * COBOL
 * PL/I

Application programmers and database administrators can use the IBM DataAtlas for OS/2 to:
 * Populate the DataAtlas with data definitions from the production environment. DataAtlas provides scanning functions that can take existing data structures like catalogs and copybooks and use them to populate the common model in the datastore. For example, DataAtlas uses DBD (database descriptor) and PSB (program specification block) information from IMS load libraries to populate the model.
 * Create new data definitions. This can be done via a template dialog that DataAtlas provides.
 * Maintain existing data definitions. DataAtlas dialogs enable authorized users to add, update, and/or delete these data definitions.
 * Perform impact analysis. DataAtlas allows various "canned" or custom queries to be run against applications or data to understand the relationships between, and the effects of changes on, the application parts and the data parts. The reports on the query results can be printed for further analysis.
 * Validate data definitions prior to generating them. For example, DataAtlas provides functions to validate IMS DBDs and PSBs in terms of their macro syntax.
 * Generate data definitions back to the production environment. DataAtlas provides functions to generate DBDGEN and PSBGEN source statements for IMS from definitions stored in the common model in the datastore. Similar support exists for generating relational data structures (including DB2, DB2/2, Oracle, and Sybase) as well as COBOL COPYBOOKs and PL/I DECLAREs.

In addition, DataAtlas provides application system functions that can assist in the documentation of all source-module relationships. This can help provide information on how applications, jobs, and programs are related to one another. To do this, DataAtlas scans JCL libraries, downloads the needed data to the workstation, and populates its datastore.

DataAtlas also provides a migration tool to move information from the OS/VS DB/DC Data Dictionary.

Like other dictionaries, DataAtlas provides the single point of control to populate, create, maintain, and generate data definitions. However, DataAtlas has advantages in several areas. From a usability standpoint, DataAtlas has a state-of-the-art OS/2 Presentation Manager object-oriented graphical user interface (GUI) with an integrated tutorial that makes learning and using its function easier and faster.

Further, the datastore of DataAtlas has advantages. This platform provides a comprehensive configuration and versioning mechanism capable of common maintenance and tracking of all definitional aspects of an application, both data and program. The underlying object-oriented, client-server object database provides good performance for the complex associations supported by the platform. The client/server platform of DataAtlas has the advantage of providing good performance for its GUI interface while exploiting the processing power of today's desktop machines.

In addition, DataAtlas, which may be ordered as a separate product, is also available as an integrated part of IBM's VisualGen Team Suite. DataAtlas shares a common model with IBM's advanced 4GL, VisualGen, as well as the repository and library functions of the prerequisite platform product, TeamConnection. The power of this integrated solution to rapidly and easily build, update, and maintain applications is an important reason for considering DataAtlas.

Complementary to DataAtlas, IBM offers DataGuide, a business-oriented tool supporting end-users in locating and accessing data. DataGuide can help the end-users access information and data via decision-support tools.

DataAtlas and DataGuide have complementary roles in the life cycle of metadata. The metadata in DataAtlas, created to support database administration and application development, is an excellent source of information for DataGuide as the database schemas and applications are placed in production.


 * Statement of Direction

To take advantage of the metadata available in DataAtlas, a function will be provided in a future release of DataGuide to allow data descriptions from DataAtlas to be imported into DataGuide.


 * Services

The four modules in the DataAtlas services offering cover:
 * Data modeling
 * Data design
 * Data migration
 * Data administration

OS/2 for PowerPC
Using IBM's Workplace Technologies to build the next generation of computing

This article explores the key issues facing developers over the next few years. It also shows how the Workplace Technologies and OS/2 for PowerPC will deliver to developers, business users, and consumers the next generation of computing.


 * The Demands on Today's Developer

Multimedia, Internet access, desktop videoconferencing, component software, voice and handwriting recognition -- with every increase in computer performance comes new demand for innovative technologies. Keeping up with the needs of users is more than a full-time job -- not to mention the work required to support the plethora of operating-system choices.


 * IBM is Changing the Landscape of Operating Systems

The ideal operating system is scalable, robust, reliable, lean, and fast. It is capable of exploiting leading hardware platforms to their full potential while remaining flexible -- both for users and developers.


 * IBM Delivers Workplace

In order to deliver these capabilities, IBM is implementing a new core technology in operating systems from OS/2 to OS/400 and AIX. This product strategy, called Workplace, provides a single architectural foundation for a new generation of IBM operating systems. The first implementation of this new strategy is OS/2 for PowerPC.


 * Four Challenges for Developing the Next Generation of Software

The playing field for software developers has never been more competitive. Even the largest, most powerful companies are reaching the limits of their resources just to keep up. There are four primary challenges:


 * Procedural Monoliths

Common applications like word processors and spreadsheets have grown to become virtually unmanageable monolithic structures, making incremental change almost impossible, and essential precluding significant innovation. Even a simple change requires complete knowledge of an application to avoid breaking it in unpredictable ways. New technologies and functionality are demanded by customers, but they are often difficult to incorporate in a timely manner without enormous resources.

This difficulty is evidenced by the number of exciting, high-potential technologies that have not exploded in the marketplace. Voice recognition, objects, and other innovations touted for years are only now being implemented. New technology is appearing at an ever-increasing rate. Yet, developers who can take hold of the latest innovations and deliver them quickly to their customers will have a competitive edge.


 * 16-Bit Versus 32-Bit Processing

Though a number of operating-system vendors, including IBM, have offered 32-bit operating systems for some time, few understand the extensive benefits available with a 32-bit computing model.

Hardware and software technologies have now reached a point where the limits of the prevalent 16-bit software model are evident. Advanced software technologies for 3-D modeling, videoconferencing, voice and handwriting recognition depend on fast, precise manipulation of large amounts of data.

16-bit applications break data into small pieces to process it, then reconstruct it with integer calculations. Though current microprocessors are fully capable of more precise floating-point math, applications have been tied to more primitive integer processing by the limits of popular operating systems. For users, the move to a 32-bit system will bring them better performance, multitasking, improved graphics, and the ability to take advantage of advanced technologies.

It is clear that applications must be converted to 32-bit, but choosing from numerous application programming interface (API) sets is a continuing dilemma for many developers. Support for multiple operating systems is costly, and converting from one API set to another requires additional expertise, testing, and support teams. At the same time, failure to support a popular platform can be disastrous.

One opportunity that can be leveraged is the long wait for a 32-bit-capable version of Microsoft Windows (Chicago, renamed Windows95). Current delivery projections for Windows95 are mid-1995. Many developers have already invested development resources to make their applications 32-bit compliant. According to The Gartner Group industry analysts, with only 30 percent additional effort, these applications can be ported to the Workplace 32-bit environment, and brought to market now.


 * Putting Your Money Where the Market Is

Determining which environments and platforms to support is vital for any software developer's success. Companies must focus on investments that provide the greatest payback. A platform's popularity with the developer's audience is a prime factor, as is the long-term strategy and ease of development, now and in the future. Decisions are also influenced by past choices and future options.

Some of the factors involved include:
 * Market potential and growth
 * Market position opportunities
 * Prior investments in knowledge, software, or hardware
 * Availability of supporting components on new platforms
 * Amount of time required to make sufficient changes balanced against market pressures
 * Emergence of new hardware platforms

Software developers need assurance that the platforms they choose to support are going to be viable both today and in the future.


 * Implementing New Technologies

In addition to demands of platform support, performance, etc., independent software vendors (ISVs) need to continue to evolve the functionality of their products to remain competitive. Every product category goes through waves of breakthrough innovations and catch-up. The challenge facing many ISVs today is how to adopt new technologies in a way that will deliver the next generation of application functionality. Once again, the operating-system platform can either encourage or discourage innovation.


 * Workplace - IBM's Vision of Computing

To help developers cope with today's competitive market and continue to break ground with new innovations, IBM is working to simplify the software development process. IBM's new Workplace Strategy removes much of the complexity of software development, and increases the flexibility of all types of computing devices -- from palmtop personal digital assistants (PDAs) to desktop computers and servers.

This will allow developers to focus on delivering new technologies and products, while not worrying about connectivity, platform compatibility, and other obstacles to access. At the same time, Workplace lets users continue to enjoy the ever-increasing productivity, communication, education, and entertainment capabilities of these new computer products.

Workplace moves today's computing environments into a simple, consistent, modular architecture, supporting a broad range of applications, operating systems, and hardware platforms. It is also smoothly adaptable to future computing needs and opportunities.

The Workplace Strategy is defined by five central principles:
 * Advances in human-centered interfaces, to place the benefits of computing within everyone's reach by making computers more consistent, inviting, and easy to use
 * Scalable and portable solutions, to protect customers' investments, control application development costs, adhere to open standards, and provide consistent user and programming interfaces across a wide range of platforms
 * Reusable object technology, to speed development, control costs, and spur innovation
 * Continuous connection computing architecture, to provide access to data across heterogeneous, geographically distributed systems any time, anywhere
 * Industrial-strength foundation, for building safe and reliable software, and allowing customers to implement new technologies at their own pace


 * Workplace Technologies

To realize these benefits, the Workplace Strategy incorporates a suite of leading-edge technologies for developing applications that are platform-independent and can function across distributed, object-based client/server environments. The Workplace Technologies include:
 * IBM's Workplace Architecture - an integrated operating-system environment that incorporates the IBM Microkernel, a modularized set of Shared Services, and operating-system personalities such as OS/2, AIX, and OS/400
 * Human-centered computing - advances in voice recognition, handwriting recognition, and human/computer interaction
 * Object technologies, including System Object Model (SOM), OpenDoc, and Taligent
 * Distributed technologies, for enterprise data management, network administration, inter-object communication, and client/server implementations

With these state-of-the-art building blocks, a new generation of component-based applications will be built, setting new standards for software development.


 * Advantages of Workplace's Microkernel Architecture

The Workplace Architecture delivers five key components in IBM's overall operating-system strategy: portability, scalability, reliability, investment protection, and innovation.


 * Portability

The IBM Microkernel essentially isolates the functionality of the operating system from the hardware platform. This means Workplace-based operating systems like OS/2 for PowerPC, as well as the applications developed for them, will share a common API. They will be easily portable from one hardware platform to the next, requiring only a simple recompile.

Workplace also incorporates the ability to run many different operating-system "personalities" on one machine. Just as today's OS/2 users can simultaneously run DOS, Windows, and OS/2 applications, Workplace will enable users to run their AIX-based CAD application side-by-side with the Lotus SmartSuite for OS/2 and Doom running in DOS. Users will be able to choose the hardware and applications they want without needing to consider compatibility.


 * Scalability

The second significant benefit of the Workplace Architecture is its modular construction. Only the pieces of the operating system that are required for a specific implementation are deployed. This makes Workplace ideal for all types of devices, from engine-management systems in automobiles to PDAs to desktop computers and even multiprocessing super-servers. So an application developed for OS/2 for PowerPC can be easily deployed on many different types of computer products.


 * Reliability

The Workplace Architecture defines a separate space for each application, and even for each Shared Service (e.g., printing, network connections, fonts, etc.) within the operating-system structure. Because each application and service operates in a protected mode, isolated from the rest of the system, failure in any single part will not cause a complete shutdown. Users experience a solid, reliable infrastructure for running their business, home, and recreational applications.


 * Investment Protection

The combination of OS/2 and the IBM Microkernel protects prior investments in software, hardware, and skills. Legacy applications are protected because DOS and Windows applications can be run in the OS/2 operating environments. User knowledge and experience in using specific applications and user interfaces are retained through the Microkernel's ability to run multiple "personalities", including OS/2, Windows, DOS, and AIX. Programmer training investments are also protected because the OS/2 32-bit API set can be used to develop for many new hardware environments.

For developers, a single set of source code that supports multiple platforms makes it possible to sell more applications on different types of hardware -- without the cost of developing and maintaining different code for each platform.


 * Making Room for Innovation

By defining a space for each Shared Service, and separating the services from the IBM Microkernel, Workplace makes it possible to provide OS-level innovations without rewriting the entire system. Independent developers can provide innovative Shared Services for specialized applications, and other improvements can be incorporated, without compromising the reliability or performance of the operating system.


 * The Power of Human-Centered Computing

Using OS/2 for PowerPC, developers will be able to set new standards for user interfaces using human-centered technologies like voice and handwriting recognition. This will enable interaction with information and people in ways never imagined. Just as applications without graphical user interfaces are unacceptable for mass marketing today, applications without human-centered interfaces will be unacceptable tomorrow.

This technology used to consume most of the processor cycles of a high-end workstation, together with additional hardware. For the first time, with PowerPC, there is an inexpensive microprocessor available with the processing power to deliver speech and handwriting recognition, multimedia, etc. without sacrificing performance in other areas, and without extra investment in hardware.

These technologies have already begun to appear in IBM products. The IBM Personal Dictation System has an English-language vocabulary of 32,000 words, and recognizes words as fast as a good typist can type. With this system, users can control the OS/2 Desktop with their voices. For example, they can select icons, open folders, and move windows.

Eventually, users will be able to verbally delegate tasks to their personal computers, including making travel plans, taking dictation, conducting research, scheduling meetings, and other work that currently requires intense user involvement. These technologies will give business users and consumers a whole new level of computing power, enabling internetworked machines to actually do work independently.

Additionally, these technologies will provide more comfortable user interfaces, making computers appealing to groups of users that have been intimidated or otherwise unable to use current computing solutions. This means an expanding market for developers.


 * Speeding Development and Controlling Costs with Object Technologies

The new class of object technologies implemented in OS/2 for PowerPC delivers two key benefits for software development. First, the objects are inherently portable, capable of communicating with each other through common, standard interfaces. Second, they allow the creation of modular products, providing code re-use and the ability to deliver new innovations without reconstructing an entire application. These technologies include SOM, OpenDoc, and Taligent Frameworks.


 * SOM

Workplace's object technology begins with the System Object Model (SOM), available today in OS/2 and AIX. SOM packages objects in a way that exposes only their interfaces. This lets objects written in one language be used or refined by objects created in another language without requiring the object's source code. Furthermore, SOM supports transparent, remote access to objects in a distributed environment, and is fully compliant with industry standards as defined by the Object Management Group (OMG).


 * OpenDoc

OpenDoc is the vendor-neutral industry standard for software integration that enables the development of distributed, cross-platform component software. OpenDoc uses components to speed development and reach the broadest market. Unlike OLE, it is being developed and maintained by industry leaders to ensure interoperability, encourage innovation, accelerate industry growth, and increase customer choice.

For developers, OpenDoc: (1) is easy to use, (2) has a stable set of APIs, (3) is designed for both local homogeneous and distributed heterogeneous environments, and (4) is open. IBM views OpenDoc as a central element in the Workplace object strategy, and is continuing to invest substantial resources in developing the technology in partnership with Apple, WordPerfect, Lotus, Xerox, and others.


 * Taligent Frameworks

A powerful new set of Workplace Object Technologies soon to be introduced on OS/2, OS/2 for PowerPC, AIX, and other IBM and non-IBM platforms are Taligent Frameworks. Frameworks are defined as sets of objects that perform specific tasks. They are useful for incorporating new functionality because they provide the general design for implementing an application, yet they can be customized to meet specific needs.

Since most of the code required to build an application is included in the framework, less design work and coding is required. Therefore, developers can concentrate on making applications more appealing to customers, and can deliver solutions to market quickly.

At the same time, Workplace provides the freedom to incorporate object technology when and where it is most appropriate. Since the Workplace Architecture allows for the coexistence of object-oriented programs and procedural programs, OS/2 for PowerPC and other Workplace products provide end users with a gradual migration to object technology. This allows software developers to integrate new object-oriented applications into existing environments.


 * Distributed Technologies

More than any organization, IBM has a proven track record of delivering distributed information management solutions (like DCE) on an enterprise scale. Today, IBM is incorporating its wide range of networking, database, distributed computing, and object technology products into the Workplace family. This integration will provide a broad range of distributed solutions for enterprise data management, network administration, inter-object communication, and client/server implementations.


 * OS/2 for PowerPC - the First Delivery of Workplace's Promises

PowerPC-based systems are the first marriage between the RISC and PC worlds. RISC computing has represented powerful performance and industrial-strength applications typically associated with workstations.

The new systems, featuring the PowerPC microprocessor and industry-standard PC components, create a dramatically improved price/performance standard. The 601 is a 32-bit chip with a 64-bit data bus. It is the first in a fully scalable family of chips that are smarter, faster, more energy-efficient, cooler, and smaller than anything else in the industry. This chip family will eventually provide full 64-bit processing at high speeds and a competitive price.

RISC technology was invented by IBM, as was the POWER Architecture. Together with Motorola and Apple, IBM developed the PowerPC chip to combine these forces to deliver a family of systems that bridges the gap between workstation power and desktop affordability.

The forthcoming OS/2 for PowerPC will be the first full implementation of IBM's Workplace Technologies. As an industrial-strength 32-bit multitasking and multithreading operating system, OS/2 for PowerPC continues to provide the stability and crash protection required for building serious computing solutions. Because OS/2 was designed to adapt to change, IBM has been able to insert the IBM Microkernel without any disruption of the Workplace Shell interface or OS/2 APIs. This way, users and developers will have no new learning curve, yet applications will be portable to new computing platforms.

OS/2, as a part of the Workplace family, brings customers improved system interoperability, scalability, and portability. IBM systems will be brought to market faster, so business customers and ISVs will be able to make use of them more quickly, with less investment. That means end users will see more variety of applications, improved more quickly, at increasingly affordable costs.

Workplace preserves and extends the OS/2 32-bit API, meaning that applications need be written only one time -- for OS/2 today or OS/2 for PowerPC -- and can then be deployed over a whole range of hardware and device platforms, including many not yet invented.


 * The Workplace Microkernel-Based Architecture

As described above, the Workplace Architecture incorporates three basic components:
 * The IBM Microkernel - an industrial-strength foundation that provides core services and isolates the hardware from the rest of the operating-system environment
 * Multiple operating-system "personalities" that incorporate consistent user interfaces and APIs
 * A common set of Shared Services that each operating-system personality can use vis-a-vis interprocess communications.

Figure 1 depicts IBM's Workplace Architecture. +-+   |                                                             |  ++  |  |                                                            |  | +---+  |--+ +---+
 * Software Applications                    |--+
 * Software Applications                    |--+

+-+                                        |     Communications      | ++        ++  |    |          AIX           |         |    File Services       |  | +---+ |       +---+  |--+  |        OS/2           |  |       |      Networks         |  | +--+ |--+     +--+  |--+ +--+           +--+
 * | |        |   Shared Services    |  |
 * Personalities    |--+        |   Available Across   |--+
 * |          |   Personalities      |

+---+ +---+
 * IBM Microkernel                        |
 * IBM Microkernel                        |

+---+                          +--+  |                   |                           |                  | +--+  |    +-+      +-+  | +--+       +-+      +-+ Figure 1. IBM's Workplace Architecture
 * Intel X86 CPUs |--+    |   PowerPC   |      | Other Platforms |--+


 * The IBM Microkernel

The IBM Microkernel will become the underlying engine for most IBM operating-system personalities including OS/2, OS/400, AIX, and Taligent. The IBM Microkernel is capable of supporting multiple personalities concurrently, along with a broad set of common Shared Services. The first operating system employing the IBM Microkernel will be OS/2 for PowerPC.

According to Michael Goulde of Patricia Seybold's Open Information Systems, "Microkernels have important advantages for users, applications, and vendors over today's monolithic operating systems. Robustness, scalability, maintainability, and extendibility are just some of the more salient ones. We may even see a new market for operating-system services as a result of widespread adoption of microkernel server programming interfaces."

Describing their architectures, Goulde explains that microkernels are designed to isolate the most essential functions of an operating system in a small core of code that runs in the most privileged state of the computer. The rest of the system is supported as a set of applications running in non-privileged, or user, space, isolated from the kernel by a clearly defined set of interfaces. The result is a system that is more secure, more robust, and easier to extend and maintain.

The IBM Microkernel is a commercial version of the Mach microkernel developed at Carnegie Mellon University. IBM invested substantial resources to evolve the Mach microkernel into an industrial-strength technology foundation that can be used for building production-class business applications. As an open, platform-independent technology, the IBM Microkernel incorporates:
 * Robust client/server architecture
 * Support for an integrated set of Shared Services that can be used by multiple personalities or accessed by applications directly
 * Support for symmetric multiprocessing and distributed multiprocessing
 * Scalable architecture
 * Broad range of new device drivers
 * Support for distributed object technologies

These attributes simplify the task of porting Workplace-based operating systems and their applications to different hardware platforms. This provides the advantage of addressing new hardware platforms without encountering a new system structure, a new set of APIs, or a changed set of supporting components. In many cases, porting a software product can be accomplished by recompiling.

Finally, the IBM Microkernel is a prime example of how IBM is delivering on its commitment to open standards. The IBM Microkernel is being licensed to the Open Software Foundation, Inc. (OSF), and its programming interfaces have been published. Both the source code and object code are available from IBM.


 * Operating-System Personalities

The Workplace Architecture isolates operating systems from the underlying hardware -- making the OS function as a separate "personality." Just as third-generation languages lifted development a step above the machine-specific orientation of assembler languages, personalities increase efficiency by providing a consistent programming environment that is client/server-based and hardware-independent.

In the Workplace Architecture, an operating system personality allows applications that are supported in a particular OS environment to run natively. The personality provides the user interface and the programming interface. Because personalities are processor-independent, one or more can run on the same microkernel simultaneously.

For example, by providing the same functionality as OS/2 for the Intel platform, OS/2 for PowerPC will run an OS/2 personality and will also run DOS/Windows applications. The architecture is structured so that new personalities can be added as they are developed.


 * Workplace Shared Services

Shared Services provide functions that are common in many operating systems such as device drivers and networking. In the Workplace Architecture, these services are found outside the kernel, and are only dependent on the foundation services within the Microkernel, or on other Shared Services.

The implementation of these architectural components is based on a client/server computing model. Applications can be viewed as clients that request services from the operating-system personality servers. In turn, the personality server may need to request to one of the Shared Services or to a microkernel service. This access is accomplished via interprocess communications (IPC).

Several of these services are included with OS/2 for PowerPC. The rest are optional, and can be added and deleted as deemed necessary. Some of the types of functions contained in these optional services include database, communications, and file server. Using this modular structure, OS/2 for PowerPC reduces complexity and minimizes the amount of system interdependence.

Shared Services will also provide new business opportunities. Shared Service modules like mail servers, relational databases, and workflow engines can be sold to the Workplace market. Workplace allows developers to write a service or device driver directly to the microkernel, which then automatically makes the service available to all the OS personalities.


 * Turning Our Technology Into Your Solutions: IBM Wants to Partner With You

We at IBM understand that our success is dependent on yours. For OS/2 for PowerPC to become a broadly adopted platform for the next generation of computing, powerful applications must be developed that provide customers with new benefits, solutions to problems, and breakthroughs in work practice.

IBM is committed to providing developers with the tools, product information, and support required to build OS/2 for PowerPC applications. We are also committed to partnering with ISVs to help market products.


 * Developer's Toolkit for OS/2 for PowerPC

In 1995, IBM will introduce its Developer's Toolkit for OS/2 for PowerPC. The OS/2 PPC Toolkit will support the development of OS/2 personality applications as well as Shared Services. This product, in conjunction with IBM C Set ++ for OS/2 for PowerPC, will provide a complete solution for application and Shared-Service developers. The C/C++ Compiler includes class and runtime libraries, as well as the IPMD Debugger.

The Developer's Toolkit will provide a comprehensive set of tools, code samples, and information that are fundamental to porting existing 32-bit OS/2 programs or building Workplace-exploitive programs. The OS/2 for PowerPC Toolkit is based on the Developer's Toolkit for OS/2.


 * Unlocking Enormous Possibilities

Workplace and OS/2 for PowerPC unlock enormous possibilities for users and developers alike. Taking advantage of these new IBM technologies is much easier than ever before.

An application, once converted to the OS/2 32-bit API set, is able to take advantage of the benefits of Workplace. The portability and scalability gained through the microkernel-based architecture ensure that investments in one hardware platform will directly apply toward deployment on other platforms -- expanding market opportunities.

This means that time and resources for redevelopment of source code are no longer considerations when exploring which platforms applications should run on. The bottom line is that the IBM Microkernel architecture will provide the means to enlarge the market for any application by increasing the number of platforms on which the application can run -- without incurring significant additional development expenses.

IBM is committed to your success.

OpenDoc and OLE 2.0 Point/Counterpoint
(This is a paper produced by Component Integration Laboratories, Inc. during September 1994. Copyright (c) 1994 Component Integration Laboratories, Inc.)


 * OpenDoc Facts
 * 1) More than 20,000 developers have received OpenDoc SDKUs, which are available on Macintosh, Windows, and OS/2 platforms.
 * 2) Alpha versions of the OpenDoc SDK on all three platforms are publicly available, without nondisclosure agreements.
 * 3) More than 5,000 developers have seen OpenDoc interoperate with and support OLE 2.0 at various developers' meetings, "Parts Kitchens", and conferences.
 * 4) OpenDoc is fully extensible to mainframe and mid-range "legacy" systems.
 * 5) OpenDoc's System Object Model (SOM) gives developers the ability to use various programming languages such as C, SmallTalk, and C++ to create objects that can work together on a single desktop, across a network, and throughout an enterprise.
 * 6) OpenDoc's SOM is based on the industry standard for distributed object management, the Object Management Group (OMG) CORBA 1.1 specification. Microsoft's proprietary Component Object Model (COM) is not.
 * 7) OpenDoc provides inheritance, which significantly reduces development time and dramatically improves software quality through re-use of known and tested objects.
 * 8) Developers need less time and fewer development resources to develop for OpenDoc, gaining complete OpenDoc functionality in addition to OLE container/server support. In comparison, developing for Microsoft's OLE is many times more complex.
 * 9) More than 200 products supporting one or more of the OpenDoc technologies - SOM, Bento, and OSA -- are shipping today.
 * 10) Because OpenDoc components are light in weight, componentized applications will require less memory, and users will be able to remove unnecessary components or plug in preferred components.


 * Point and Counterpoint

The following Microsoft commentary on OpenDoc and OLE appeared on a public Internet server for widespread viewing. The statements by CI Labs are offered to correct and clarify the misinformation provided by Microsoft Corporation.

Microsoft: Is OpenDoc superior to OLE 2.0? Absolutely not. OpenDoc is a proposal for a compound document architecture that will be based on separate technologies supplied by Apple and IBM. For instance, Apple will supply core OpenDoc compound document features; Bento, file system; and its Open Scripting Architecture to give objects a cross-application scripting ability similar to OLE Automation. IBM at some time in the future will supply its System Object Model (SOM).

CI Labs: OpenDoc is an architecture for component software based upon openly developed industry standards and proven robust technologies. OpenDoc will enable not only the construction of compound collaborative documents, but also the creation of customized solutions across all popular desktop and server platforms. SOM has been shipping in OS/2 since mid 1993 and on Windows since March 1994. Beta versions of OpenDoc on all three platforms will be based on SOM.

Microsoft: However, key parts of the development effort have been split not only between IBM and Apple, but also among other partners in the OpenDoc consortia including WordPerfect and Borland.

CI Labs: OpenDoc is a cross-platform architecture built by industry leaders in their respective areas of expertise: IBM is developing OpenDoc for OS/2, Apple is developing OpenDoc for Macintosh, and WordPerfect is developing OpenDoc for Windows with full OLE 2.0 support. Borland has never had OpenDoc development responsibilities. This level of cooperation is possible because the members have made the decision to share infrastructure technologies broadly, rather than retaining infrastructure control as Microsoft is doing.

Microsoft: It remains to be seen if these different technologies can be gracefully combined and supported by many different vendors in a coherent, customer-focused manner.

CI Labs: WordPerfect, Apple, IBM, and CI Labs have demonstrated the OpenDoc technologies running on the Windows, Macintosh, and OS/2 platforms. OpenDoc was developed from the ground up with the five technologies (SOM, Bento, OSA, OpenDoc API, and Open Linking and Embedding of Objects) in mind. There is no loss of functionality in their combined implementation. In fact, during demonstrations, many people have commented that OpenDoc on all three platforms provides an excellent user experience.

Microsoft: Unlike OLE 2.0, preliminary specifications were not distributed to all major software vendors for open industry review (preliminary OLE 2.0 specifications were reviewed by more than 150 different ISVs).

CI Labs: OpenDoc's full specifications and source code were made widely available to ISVs, including Microsoft, for review, long before the alpha shipment. Microsoft has never distributed source code for OLE. The preliminary OpenDoc specifications were put on an FTP server for complete open access, with no non-disclosure agreement (NDA) restrictions, prior to the alpha shipments. In addition, the source code was made available for review as part of the alpha, without an NDA. Prior to alpha, more than 125 developers reviewed the specifications, the pre-alpha libraries, and the source code of OpenDoc.

Microsoft: Perhaps most importantly, OpenDoc requires that application vendors create, distribute, and maintain two separate versions of their programs. One runs in stand-alone mode, while the other is a series of special "parts" that can be loaded into the address space of a container application to create a single, monolithic compound document application.

CI Labs: False. OpenDoc does not require two separate versions of an application vendor's programs at any point. Unlike OLE 2.0, OpenDoc parts are comprised of small, lightweight components. There are no large monolithic applications running in the background. Furthermore, OpenDoc parts do not need to be loaded into the address space of a container application.

Microsoft: This raises questions about the costs and eventual availability of OpenDoc applications.

CI Labs: Developers working with the OpenDoc alpha are finding it takes takes only days or weeks to convert existing applications and functional modules into prototype part editors that run embedded or stand-alone, with increased functionality and performance. For example, WordPerfect has retrofitted a charting application to OpenDoc on the Macintosh and Windows platforms, including 100 percent OLE support, in less than five days.

Microsoft: OLE, on the other hand, enables the seamless integration of shrink-wrapped software, and does not require software vendors to supply special "parts".

CI Labs: Microsoft's OLE 2.0 allows software interoperability on the desktop. Even Shapeware agrees. "OLE is a desktop thing" according to Morgan Brown, product manager for Visio, an imaging application from Shapeware Corp. in Seattle. "OLE is not elegant in a network environment right now. It is really something that excels and shows its use in integrating Windows applications on a single desktop." Source: Network World, 27 June 1994)

Microsoft: Vendors simply write their applications to be OLE-enabled, and then they are ready to be integrated out of the box with any other OLE-enabled application on the market."

CI Labs: OpenDoc is a much easier way to write OLE-enabled applications than writing directly to OLE 2.0. Every OpenDoc for Windows part is automatically a first-class OLE container and server. Every OpenDoc part provides support for OLE that is more complete than that provided by the vast majority of current OLE applications. Because CI Labs provides source code and validation services, users can be assured that all OpenDoc-enabled parts will interoperate properly with one another. Microsoft has not provided any such assurance for OLE 2.0-enabled applications.

Microsoft: This is a much more efficient and practical model which has already been adopted by hundreds of major software vendors. Furthermore, OpenDoc is at best a paper specification that has not been publicly released for any platform, and has only been demonstrated for the Macintosh computer."

CI Labs: False. OpenDoc alpha implementations and source code have been released on Windows, Macintosh, and OS/2 to thousands of developers without a non-disclosure agreement. Furthermore, OpenDoc for all three platforms has been publicly demonstrated at major industry events.

Microsoft: Even so, a close look at the separate technologies on which it is based reveals some serious shortcomings in the OpenDoc architecture. Many of these are specifically identified in the accompanying technical comparison of OLE 2.0, OpenDoc, and IBM SOM/DSOM.

CI Labs: Microsoft's comparison document separates OpenDoc, SOM, and DSOM, while it unifies OLE 2.0, COM, and distributed COM (which is not yet available). OpenDoc supports lightweight objects, as is demonstrable on all three platforms.

Microsoft: OpenDoc does not attempt to address several important issues, such as distributed object support.

CI Labs: False. OpenDoc includes SOM, which is based on the CORBA 1.1 specification for distributed object support. SOM, which has been available for years, has shipped with distributed object support for nearly a year.

Microsoft: OLE with distributed object support has been distributed to over 5,000 developers in pre-release form. Many other areas of architectural weakness stem from weaknesses that will be inherited from the IBM SOM architecture. For example, since all objects in a single OpenDoc document must execute in the same address space, any single object can crash/corrupt the entire document; and multiple applications cannot share the same object."

CI Labs: False. As mentioned above, SOM can already support objects in other address spaces and on other machines. Furthermore, Microsoft has not yet shipped OLE 2.0 on any operating system with protected address spaces, such as OS/2. As a result, current OLE 2.0 technology has the exact problem of which they accuse OpenDoc: objects operating in unprotected common address spaces.

Microsoft: OLE gives objects the capability to run in separate address spaces, protecting compound documents from crashing when an object crashes, and also allowing multiple applications to share objects.

CI Labs: SOM is a robust, standards-based, thoroughly tested object messaging mechanism that has been used in real operating systems products for years.

Microsoft: To understand many of the other limitations of OpenDoc, read the accompanying comparison of these technologies, titled Object Linking and Embedding 2.0, OpenDoc and SOM/DSOM: A Comparison of Technologies. Also, read the previous question and answer that address IBM SOM. A recent PC Week article summed up the OpenDoc architecture as follows: "Shortcuts taken by Apple will result in the redesign of aspects of OpenDoc. The documentation is unclear as to when these changes will occur, specifying only that 'later in the development cycle' the hierarchy will be replaced by one based on IBM's SOM." ("First OpenDoc Spec Raises Many Questions", PC Week, 10 January 1994.)

CI Labs: Since January, this question has been answered publicly. The SOM (IDL) APIs have been released to developers. The redesign was very minor because SOM, unlike Microsoft's COM, does not require the use of an object model different from the native-language object model.

Microsoft: Microsoft is firmly committed to OLE and the Component Object Model. These technologies are more advanced than the technologies on which OpenDoc is based, and were refined in an Open Process in which major software vendors participated in open design reviews starting as early as January 1992.

CI Labs: We are not aware of any independent technical evaluation of OLE 2.0 and OpenDoc that concluded that OLE 2.0 is superior. A number of independent technical evaluations of OpenDoc and OLE 2.0 concluded that OpenDoc is superior from a developer and end-user perspective.

Microsoft: These vendors included Apple Computer, Claris Corp., Lotus Development Corp., WordPerfect Corp., Borland International, and many others. Preliminary specifications for OLE 2.0 were also distributed to over 150 other software vendors for further feedback. OLE is a proven technology that is available with many shipping applications, with hundreds more on the way. OLE is being implemented on the Apple Macintosh (it is in beta-testing now), and the technology is being made available on many UNIX systems.

CI Labs: To our knowledge, several vendors of Macintosh software have not received a beta copy of Microsoft OLE 2.0. Developers who created applications based on OLE 2.0 for both Windows and Macintosh cannot ship those applications on the Macintosh until Microsoft ships OLE 2.0, unless they strip out the OLE 2.0 support. The "technology being made available on many UNIX systems" does not include visual editing, so applications with a graphical user interface based on OLE 2.0 will not port to those systems at all.

Microsoft: Finally, OLE 2.0 and the Component Object Model are the foundation for Microsoft's future releases of the Windows Family of operating systems. Applications built using OLE 2.0 technology today will be ready to seamlessly integrate with the system level OLE support in these coming releases of Windows. This means existing OLE applications not only give benefits today, they are "ready-made objects" that will provide seamless integration with the most powerful object-based system environments on the horizon: the next generation of Windows ("Chicago," targeted for late 1994); and the next generation of Windows NT ("Cairo," targeted for the middle of 1995).

CI Labs: OpenDoc is a true component software architecture. The CI Labs partners are committed to providing interoperability with Microsoft OLE and insulating developers from changes in the OLE API (i.e., the transition to Chicago and then to Cairo). In addition, OpenDoc technology provides an easier and open development environment, better user experience, greater value, and broader platform support. If developers want to be in a position to support future Windows versions, Microsoft requires that they support OLE today. For this reason, WordPerfect has developed complete, transparent support for OLE 1.0 and 2.0. Parts written using the OpenDoc APIs are automatically first-rate OLE servers and containers. The OLE support by WordPerfect's OpenDoc parts is much better than most developers can achieve by themselves, and in some cases, better than that offered by major Microsoft applications.

Approved OpenDoc Development Schedules
As of 26 September 1994, the following OpenDoc development schedules were approved by their respective companies: OpenDoc for OS/2

Alpha: Shipped Alpha with SOM: December 1994 Beta: 1Q 1995 Final: 2Q 1995

OpenDoc for Windows --- Alpha: Shipped Beta: December 1994 Final: 2Q 1995

OpenDoc for Macintosh - Alpha: Shipped Beta: November 1994 Final: 1Q 1995

Taligent Briefings in Europe
Last week, Taligent held a number of briefings with press and analysts in the UK and Germany. The objectives of these meetings were to bring these key audiences up to speed and to clarify Taligent's product strategy and positioning.

The format for the briefings was a two-hour presentation featuring a review of our product strategy; demonstration of the TalAE system (running on AIX/RS/6000s); an overview of Taligent's roll-out plans; and investor road maps for TalAE. A question-and-answer session was held after each presentation.

The strategy we laid out is very simple: Taligent and its investors are trying to establish an object-oriented programming standard for the industry. Taligent's goal is to see the Taligent Application Environment (TalAE) become pervasive across all key 32-bit platforms, providing unrivaled functionality and portability for framework-based applications.

Key to our strategy is ensuring that our investors deploy TalAE on their operating systems in 1995. To accomplish this, Taligent is currently working with IBM, Apple, and HP to port the TalAE system to OS/2, AIX, PowerOpen and HP-UX respectively. During each briefing, we also outlined each investor's plans and schedules, and held a question-and-answer session.

During the Q&A session, we were pressed specifically about our plans for TalAE on Chicago and NT. Our answer has always been very consistent -- while we view Microsoft NT and Chicago as potential opportunities for deployment, we have not announced firm plans or shipment dates for TalAE on any non-investor platform, including NT or Chicago. We will continue to evaluate these and other opportunities as we roll out TalAE on the investor platforms in 1995.

Unfortunately, in an article that appeared in the 4 October issue of the UK version of PC Week, the reporter chose to use information regarding Taligent's potential plans for Chicago as the focus of his article. This information was taken completely out of context of the entire briefing (as outlined above).

Taligent has always said that we will support other high-volume, 32-bit environments as they become viable in the marketplace, but that our first priority is deployment on the shipping investor OSs. We believe this positioning is consistent with the investors' desire to see TalAE become the most widely deployed O-O API.

The article also inaccurately states that we have "all but abandoned plans to create a full-blown OS." In our presentation, we covered our development efforts on the Taligent Object Services (TalOS), and our continued intention to incorporate these system frameworks within IBM's Workplace technologies.

We also took the opportunity to describe several key milestones in our development and marketing plans, the most notable of which was IBM's delivery last month of the pre-beta release of TalAE for OS/2, the first investor to deploy Taligent in the market.

I hope this helps to clarify our public positioning and deployment plans for TalAE through our investors.

Stratton Sclavos VP of Marketing and Sales Taligent

The Technical Connection Available World-Wide
IBM announces worldwide availability of The Technical Connection Personal Software, a CD-ROM loaded with useful OS/2, DOS, and LAN platform service and technical information.

This product is the same Technical Connection that was announced to US customers in May 1994 as part of the Personal Systems Support Family (PSSF) announcement. The US product is unaffected by this announcement.

For the worldwide versions, the available translated CSDs are included. The initial versions include these translated versions in 15 languages other than U.S. English.

For more information about The Technical Connection, or to order your subscription in the USA, call either 1-800-992-4777 or 1-800-237-5511. In Canada, call

In Europe/Middle East/Africa, single-purchase versions can be ordered through retail channels. Subscription orders only may be purchased through ISMS Direct Services.

In Asia/Pacific, ordering is available only through the Developer Assistance Program. Phone numbers are: Australian DAP  +61-2-354-7684 Korean DAP      +822-781-7770 or +822-781-7777 Taiwan DAP      +886-2-776-7965

Happy Anniversary, Developer Connection!
(This article is reprinted with permission from The Developer Connection News, Volume 5.)

The Developer Connection News (and The Developer Connection for OS/2) is celebrating its first anniversary this issue. As Product Manager, I'd like to review the past year, while recognizing some of the IBMers whose efforts over the last 18 months have made The Developer Connection for OS/2 possible. I'd also like to share some of our plans for the future.


 * Genesis of The Developer Connection

The concept of the Developer Connection grew, as most good ideas do, from the difficulties of the past. Throughout the extraordinary development process that culminated in OS/2 2.0 in 1992, the necessity to distribute programming tools widely and economically became more and more obvious. The Betas and SDKs that made up the development environment were going to disappear when the shrink-wrap system and toolkit appeared on the store shelves. We thought that the development community, with whom we had grown quite close during the Beta effort, would like to continue this kind of "one-on-one" relationship with our development team. As we approached the ship date for OS/2 2.0, an "inversion" of the process for delivering development tools was proposed -- instead of stocking store shelves in the hope of attracting developers, we were going to sign them up in advance and make sure they had what they needed. The idea for a magazine-like subscription for programming tools was born! And the technology of CD-ROM delivery was tailor made for it. Jay Tunkel, our lead architect, laid out the principles behind The Developer Connection for OS/2 and its accompanying Developer Connection News - a newsletter written by our developers, with a minimum of hype and a maximum of information.


 * Based on Developer Assistance Program PDK

Coincidentally, at around this time, the Developer Assistance Program was experimenting with delivering CD-ROMs filled with tools and utilities to attendees at OS/2 conferences and seminars. This CD-ROM, called the PDK, enabled us to try out many of the concepts of the Developer Connection and fine-tune our content goals and delivery processes. As the last shipment of the PDK went out in February 1993, it was gracefully retired. But from the experience of the PDK, we found out that customers liked the idea of a "subscription service for tools." So, in February, the team moved full-force toward building, marketing, and delivering Volume 1 of The Developer Connection for OS/2. Target delivery -- August 24, 1993. As Product Manager, I was removing roadblocks and encouraging the team to make this aggressive schedule.


 * Developer Connection Team

And, what a team it was: David Kenner was the the technical team lead, Merilee Lawrence was the planner, Stacey Miller was editor of The Developer Connection News, and Suzanne Gagnon was responsible for marketing. In addition, Brian Black, our art director, was working hard on the visuals that are The Developer Connection. But, this product would not have happened without all the talent behind this core group -- the developers, testers, builders, and others.

In the past year, the Developer Connection has been recognized by our customers as the best way, not only to get programming tools, but also to get information on the future of OS/2. So, please, if your subscription is up, don't forget to re-subscribe.


 * A Peek at Future Plans

Over the next year, we're going to have a lot more of the "good stuff" for you. Some of this good stuff will include significant software products such as VisualAge and an entry-level C ++ compiler. And, let's not forget Taligent, OpenDoc, and OS/2 for PowerPC. The Developer Connection for OS/2 will continue to be the single deliverable of tools that support any function in the base OS/2 operating system. As functions such as OpenDoc and objects are added to the base, we will continue to add the tools to support them in The Developer Connection for OS/2.

We also are looking at consolidating other toolkits, like the Device Driver Kit, with the Developer Connection. Our goal is to make all of these tools available at a lower cost than if you purchased them separately. We also will soon be providing a new offering to subscribers -- a way to purchase compilers and other high-end tools directly from an encrypted CD-ROM.

But this is your product; it is shaped and molded by your suggestions. So, please make yourselves heard. Talk to us via one of our electronic forums or drop us a line. We'd love to hear from you!

Barbara J. Britt Product Manager Developer Connection

SMARTsort Beta-Test Program
IBM's Storage Systems Division Software Products announces a beta-test program for SMARTsort, a new high-performance product that will be able to sort files in OS/2, AIX, HP-UX, and Solaris and SunOS workstation environments.


 * SMARTsort Features

SMARTsort includes the following features:
 * Sorting, merging, copying, and sequence checking of data according to the collating rules of the national language.
 * Graphical User Interface (GUI) for simple and easy use.
 * Data filters consisting of one or more keys can be used to control what data will be sorted or merged. Reformatting rules can be specified to allow data to be restructured during the product's processing.
 * Support of user written exit routines to allow a user to intercept intermediate results to further manipulate the data being sorted or merged.
 * Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)


 * Cross-Platform Operation

SMARTsort will operate across the following hardware platforms in addition to plug-compatible alternatives:
 * PS/2
 * RISC System/6000 and Power Parallel
 * Sun SPARCstation and Sun SPARCserver
 * HP 300, 400, and 900 series, and HP 9000 systems


 * Three Phases

The beta test will be in three phases. Additional functions will be provided with each new test phase. Phase I began during the week of 19 September 1994. Phase I includes SORT, MERGE, COPY, and CHECK functions, various APIs, and the OS/2 GUI. Only OS/2 and AIX environments are supported during Phase I.

Announcements for Phase II and Phase III will be made at a later date.


 * More Information

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the SMARTsort beta code, or if you would like more information on the SMARTsort beta test, contact the beta-test coordinator, John Burt, via Internet at jburt@vnet.ibm.com, or (within IBM) JMB01 at STLVM4.

CompuAdd, IBM Sign OS/2 Joint Marketing Agreement
CompuAdd Computer Corporation and IBM announce an OS/2 joint marketing agreement for current and future products.


 * Preloaded on CompuAdd Systems

Customers can now have the advanced 32-bit operating system preloaded on any system in CompuAdd's product line, which has been certified as OS/2-compliant by IBM. In turn, IBM is providing CompuAdd with comprehensive sales, technical support, education, and engineering support.

"This agreement allows CompuAdd to capitalize on the growing momentum behind OS/2, and in particular we expect it to foster incremental sales of our high-end products," said Jerry Mixon, CompuAdd's director of sales and marketing.


 * Added Value for Customers

"We are pleased that CompuAdd is embracing OS/2 as a strategic operating system," said John Soyring, worldwide director of OEM sales and strategic relations for IBM's Personal Software Products. "Offering OS/2 preloaded on CompuAdd systems, with CompuAdd's reputation for customer satisfaction and high-quality support, is a combination for real added value for our customers."

IBM LAN Server 4.0 Wins Best of Show at NetWorld + Interop
IBM's OS/2 LAN Server 4.0 won the top honor for network software when it was awarded Best of Show at NetWorld + Interop '94, the networking industry's largest conference held in mid-September.


 * Advancing the State of the Art

The award was one of 12 presented by a Data Communications/LAN Times panel at the NetWorld + Interop '94 awards ceremonies. The awards honor new products and services announced at the show which significantly advance the state of the art of distributed computing and networking.

Cited for New GUI, Adapter Support --

LAN Server 4.0 was cited for its new graphical user interface and increased support for adapter cards. It is the newest version of IBM's strategic network operating system, and includes added features that provide unmatched usability, interoperability, and scalability.

LAN Server is available in Entry and Advanced versions, with a new GUI for simplified installation and administration, integrated TCP/IP, and peer services for DOS, Windows, and OS/2.

C and C++ Education for the PS/2 Platform
If you're looking for C or C++ programming education for the PS/2 platform, IBM Education and Training has the courses for you! Each of the courses is offered at many locations around the country, making it easy for you to get the C and C++ programming education that you need.

If you are interested in courses for either a host or RS/6000 platform, we offer that education as well.


 * Introduction to C Programming on the PC

If you are an experienced programmer, you can learn how to develop and maintain ANSI C-language programs. In this five-day course, extensive lab exercises on the PC reinforce the lecture materials.

The labs for the classes listed below use OS/2. DOS and Windows environments can be requested for private classes. Course Code: K3604

Tuition: 1,340 USD

Schedule: 17 through 21 October ...... Dallas TX         17 through 21 October ...... Johnson City NY          7 through 11 November ..... San Jose CA         14 through 18 November ..... Austin TX         14 through 18 November ..... Boulder CO
 * Advanced C Programming on the PC

If you already have basic C-language skills, this five-day course builds on those skills and teaches how to use advanced ANSI C-language facilities. This course follows up on the concepts presented in Introduction to C Programming on the PC.

The labs for the classes listed below use OS/2. DOS and Windows environments can be requested for private classes. Course Code: K3605

Tuition: 1,440 USD

Schedule: 17 through 21 October ............ Boca Raton FL         31 October through 4 November..... Charlotte NC         14 through 18 November ........... Johnson City NY         14 through 18 November ........... San Jose, CA
 * C++ Programming on the PC

If you are an experienced C programmer, this course will teach you how to use the C++ programming language on the PC. You will get instruction and practice in the use of language features for an object-oriented approach to writing large and complex applications and systems. This approach streamlines program design and makes code more portable and maintainable. Particular emphasis is placed on the syntax and constructs of C++, rather than the design aspects of object-oriented program construction. Extensive lab exercises on the PC reinforce the lecture materials.

The labs for the classes listed below use OS/2. DOS and Windows environments can be requested for private classes. Course Code: K3606

Tuition: 1,440 USD

Schedule: 7 through 11 November ..... Austin TX         14 through 18 November ..... Boca Raton FL         14 through 18 November ..... Charlotte NC
 * Registration

To register, U.S. customers should call 1-800-IBM-TEACh (1-800-426-8322). Outside the USA, contact your local IBM office.

If you are disabled and require reasonable accommodation, please advise us in advance of your needs.


 * More Information

For more information, contact Beth Stuyck, 1-214-406-7324.

IBM Multi-Language Computing: A National-Language Structure
Do you need multilingual processing or the effective interchange of textual data in a client/server environment? Do you need to create applications that support multiple cultural environments at the same time? If so, this preview announcement is for you.

In response to demands for improved international products, IBM will enhance its national-language support by providing multi-language computing across operating-system platforms. Multi-language computing addresses:
 * Support for the Unicode Standard and ISO/IEC 10646-1
 * Improved character-data-interchange capability
 * Character Data Representation Architecture (CDRA) enhancements
 * Support for cultural sort
 * Locale support for user-specified language and cultural conventions
 * X/Open Portability Guide, Issue 4 (XPG4) internationalization services

These enhancements address requirements put forth by SHARE Europe's National Language Committee.

The Unicode Standard and ISO 10646 are designed as universal character sets. They support text processing for the character data found in many of today's written languages, providing an international character code for worldwide information processing -- a base for multi-language computing.

The power of a universal character set extends to data interchange: whether between applications on the desktop, between systems in an enterprise, or as the data interchange code for client/server computing, all are enhanced. When coupled with robust character data converters and the character identification system of CDRA, this support will greatly improve data access, exchange, and network interoperability by reducing incompatible data encodings, loss of information, and conversions.

In addition to language, cultural conventions vary throughout the world for items such as: date and time formats, currency symbols, and language sort sequences (collation). A profile that specifies a set of language, country, and cultural information is called a locale. Support for computing with cultural conventions is provided through locale-based internationalization services, and XPG4 is today's industry standard for such services.

Universal character encoding, data conversion, and culturally dependent processing combine to enable global applications for the worldwide market. For these global applications, multi-language computing means basic, fundamental usability. It means computing with your name correctly spelled, your calendar supported, and your currency sign available online. It means being able to correctly print a mailing label with your personal computer. It means usable computing ... around the globe.

This preview announcement is provided to communicate IBM's plans to provide enhanced national-language support across the AIX, OS/2, OS/400, and MVS operating-system platforms.


 * Highlights
 * Unicode support, particularly for network interoperability
 * Developers toolkits and programming interfaces for Unicode
 * Character Data Representation Architecture (CDRA) enhancements
 * Cultural sort
 * Locale support for language and cultural conventions
 * X/Open XPG4 internationalization services


 * Overview

With IBM's multi-language computing, you can develop applications for a global market. Such international applications are enabled for different cultural values and different languages.

In addition:
 * Applications can interoperate in an open, distributed, or client/server environment, minimizing loss of language information in data exchange.
 * Users can more easily share data between desktop applications through character data conversion services.
 * Application portability is enhanced for international usability through XPG4 programming interfaces.


 * Character Data Support

Character-set technologies are the building blocks put in place to enable text processing. Currently, most text processing is based on certain restricted sets of characters supported by a particular system or product. Typically, only one or two languages or scripts are supported at one time.

Not only are a small number of characters or languages usually supported, there are many differing collections, or sets, of characters that are in use today. These character sets (or code pages) are often difficult to identify or manage by software users. For software systems and products to expand to a more international user community and a more flexible data access environment, character set technologies must be improved.

IBM plans to enhance its character set technologies in two key areas, staged over time. The key areas are:
 * The scope of the supported character set (from small sets of characters or languages to a single universal set)
 * Improved data access and exchange


 * Internationalization Support

Software users want applications to function in a multilingual, multicultural manner. This requires flexible support of multiple languages and cultural values, often in an open or client/server environment.

To achieve this goal, IBM will offer:
 * Enhanced language support (including sort)
 * Extended locale-based processing
 * Industry-standard internationalization services


 * Universal Character Data

A large, universal character set has recently been standardized through the joint effort of industry and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The industry standard, Unicode, defines a fixed-width, uniform text- and character-encoding scheme that includes characters from the world's scripts, as well as technical symbols, which are commonly used today. The ISO standard, ISO/IEC 10646-1, specifies a Universal Multiple-Octet Coded Character Set (UCS) that has a two-byte version (UCS-2) with the same character content and encoding as the Unicode standard. The ISO standard further specifies levels of UCS-2 support: level 1, level 2, and level 3.

The different levels specify the scope of languages supported. Languages of Europe, basic Hebrew and Arabic, and the ideographic languages of Asia can be represented with UCS-2, level 1. The level 2 and level 3 languages require the use of combining characters (usually diacritics or vowel marks such as those required by Thai or Devanagari).

In the industry today, certain file and communications systems are sensitive to particular character byte values. In order to maintain compatibility with these systems, IBM will support the UCS transformation format developed by X/Open, FSS-UTF, or, as called by ISO, UCS transformation format (UTF-8).

IBM's initial product support for the Unicode Standard and ISO/IEC 10646-1 will be for the ISO defined subset: UCS-2, level 1. IBM will support application programming for UCS-2 through existing programming interfaces and a specific interface for handling UCS-2 character data directly. IBM plans to provide a common programming interface for UCS-2 that supports all of the combining characters of levels 2 and 3.

NOTE: In the section below titled "Product Previews", ISO terminology (UCS-2 and levels 1, 2, and 3) is used to describe universal character data support. This is because the levels and subsets are defined as part of the standard.


 * Character Identification and Conversion

Data identification underpins its integrity. Without correct identification, data-sharing on the desktop is confusing, and sometimes impossible, without the loss of information. Similarly, with distributed and client/server computing, data interchange often results in a loss of content, or worse, an inability to meaningfully process the data at all.

IBM will use the character data identifiers defined in CDRA to tag data when data tagging is appropriate. For example, when using Distributed Relational Database Architecture (DRDA) as the communications architecture, data tagging is provided, and CDRA identifiers are used.

In addition to data identifiers, the CDRA architecture defines services, supporting resources, and conversion conventions to achieve consistent representation, processing, and interchange of character data. IBM will use CDRA and industry-standard conversion services and utilities for data conversion. In either case, CDRA identifiers will be supported as input to the conversion process.


 * Internationalization

Using existing and emerging standards, X/Open has defined a comprehensive, integrated system environment to provide portability and interoperability of applications. Commonly referred to as the X/Open Portability Guide (XPG), it includes services, utilities, and objects for the purpose of creating internationalized and localized software. Issue 4 is the current specification.

Cultural information is maintained in a profile called a locale. Various locales are predefined, and can be customized to reflect the combinations of language, culture or usage, and character set (code page) preferences. Internationalization services access the information in these locales for the appropriate cultural values and language information.

XPG4 defines a robust set of services coupled with industry-standard interfaces. The XPG4 services can support a variety of character encodings, including UCS-2 and UTF-8. Using these services will enhance global usability and aid application portability. IBM will offer locale-based, XPG4 internationalization services to enable applications for worldwide users.


 * Product Previews

This announcement focuses on the first stage of IBM's multi-language computing support in the AIX, OS/2, OS/400, and MVS operating system platforms:
 * Universal Character Data:
 * UCS-2 character encoding support
 * UCS-2 support in data interchange
 * A common programming interface that directly supports UCS-2
 * Developers' tools for UCS-2
 * Character Identification and Conversion:
 * Enhanced Character Data Representation Architecture (CDRA) conversion support
 * Enhanced CDRA programming interfaces
 * Support of CDRA identifiers
 * Internationalization:
 * Cultural sort enhancements
 * Locale support for language and cultural preferences
 * XPG4 internationalization services

This announcement preview is provided to facilitate your planning, and to communicate IBM's plans, which may be subject to change for business or technical reasons. Exact availability, pricing, and ordering information will be provided in individual customer announcements.


 * AIX

Universal Character Data: AIX Version 4 Release 1 offers UCS-2 level 1 support throughout the system based on a UNIVERSAL locale. The UNIVERSAL locale provides a developers environment for UCS-2 and the UCS transformation format 8 (UTF-8), which includes universal:
 * Cultural sort
 * Input method
 * Printing
 * Text drawing/input using X library
 * Text drawing/input using Motif library
 * Text drawing using graPHIGs

Network interoperability using UCS-2 or UTF-8 data encoding is supported.

On AIX Version 4, IBM plans to provide programming interfaces that directly support UCS-2 level 3 character data.

Character Identification and Conversion: AIX Versions 3 and 4 provide industry-standard conversion based on the XPG iconv conversion utility definition. A comprehensive conversion library is provided that supports most needs of client/server code-set interchange between IBM and industry-standard based systems. In addition, utilities are provided to customize or add conversions within the system.

AIX Versions 3 and 4 support services to map CDRA identifiers to names that can be used with the above-mentioned iconv conversion services.

Internationalization: AIX Versions 3 and 4 offer locale-based XPG4 internationalization services and cultural sorting for the development of international applications. An extensive set of locales are available that support many regions of the world, including Western and Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America.

Applications: IBM intends to provide support for UCS-2 in:
 * AIX C Language
 * C Set ++ for AIX/6000
 * AIX XL FORTRAN
 * AIX XL Pascal

This is in addition to the current support for locales and XPG4 internationalization services.

In SMARTsort, IBM plans to provide enhancements for cultural sort support based on locale definitions.


 * OS/2

OS/2 will continue to enhance internationalization support for usage on both current and new hardware platforms.

Universal Character Data: IBM intends to provide UCS-2 support, including programming interfaces that directly support UCS-2 character data and network interoperability using UCS-2 data encoding. Subsequent releases will provide complete UCS-2 level 3 support.

Character Identification and Conversion: IBM intends to support CDRA identifiers for input to the data conversion process.

Internationalization: OS/2 Version 2 Release 1 provides services for creating resource files, help text and messages, code page management, and sorting for internationalized applications. IBM intends to enhance these capabilities initially with the UCS-2 functions (mentioned above), and subsequently with XPG4 internationalization services.

Applications: IBM intends to provide system API support for UCS-2, providing cultural formatting and sorting support. An individual application can manipulate character data from any of the native languages supported, providing complete monolingual support. Additional support will extend these functions to include multilingual European, multilingual Asian, or Asian/European scripts. The APIs will also be enhanced to support the XPG4 locale-based internationalization services.


 * OS/400

Universal Character Data: With the general availability of Version 3 Release 1, OS/400 offers UCS-2 level 1 support for file and path naming through the Integrated File System (IFS). Network interoperability using UCS-2 data encoding is supported.

Additionally, IBM intends to provide programming interfaces that directly support UCS-2 level 3 character data, and to extend the AS/400 integrated relational database manager DB2/400 to support UCS-2 level 1.

Character Identification and Conversion: OS/400 Version 2 Release 3 provides support for CDRA Level 2. With Version 3 Release 1, OS/400 provides programming interfaces for UCS-2 level 1 character data conversions. These interfaces use both CDRA- and XPG4-based services.

OS/400 has supported CDRA since 1992. As CDRA evolves, IBM intends to implement additional CDRA programming interfaces within OS/400.

Internationalization: OS/400 Version 2 Release 3 supports cultural sorting. IBM intends to enhance the cultural sort capabilities of OS/400 beyond the current support for single- and mixed-byte encodings to also support UCS-2 level 1 data encodings.

IBM intends to provide locale-based XPG4 internationalization services in addition to the current OS/400 internationalization support.

Applications: Since Version 2 Release 3, AS/400 programming languages have been enabled for CDRA identifiers and cultural sort. In addition, IBM intends to provide support for UCS-2 level 1 in:
 * Integrated Language Environment RPG/400
 * Integrated Language Environment C/400
 * C Set ++ for OS/400


 * MVS

Universal Character Data: Through the MVS Data Facility Storage Management Subsystem (DFSMS) Version 1, IBM intends to support network interoperability using UCS-2 level 1 data encoding.

Character Identification and Conversion: In addition to the industry-standard conversion provided in MVS Version 5 Release 1, IBM intends to provide in DFSMS Version 1 a CDRA programming interface for character data conversions (both single-byte and double-byte).

Internationalization: With MVS Version 5 Release 1, IBM provides XPG4-based internationalization services through the AD/Cycle C/370 Language Support feature. IBM supports a large set of locales for language and country environments.


 * MVS and VM

Applications: Today, locale management and XPG4-based internationalization services are offered through:
 * SAA AD/Cycle C/370 Compiler Version 1
 * C/370 Library Version 2 Release 2
 * SAA AD/Cycle Language Environment/370 Version 1 Release 3

IBM intends to provide locale management and XPG4-based internationalization services in the Common Execution Language interface of SAA AD/Cycle Language Environment/370.

In DFSORT, IBM intends provide support for cultural sort based on locale definitions.

Correction to Multimedia Help Center Phone Number
In the 14 September DSNEWS, the article titled "Person to Person and OS/2 Warp Beta 2 BonusPak" contains an incorrect phone number for the IBM Multimedia Help Center. The correct phone number is 1-800-241-1620.

How to Join the IBM Developer Assistance Program
The IBM Worldwide Developer Assistance Program (DAP) is open to all developers of IBM Personal Software-based products. These products include applications and tools for PC-DOS, Pen, OS/2, Multimedia, and LAN Systems. In addition, the DAP is now open to developers interested in producing applications and tools that exploit OS/2 for PowerPC. THe DAP is designed to provide a broad range of services for this growing and increasingly diverse development community.

The Worldwide DAP has a number of extensions that offer customized services for specific developer needs. Your eligibility for a specific service depends on the type of products you are developing. Some services vary by country.


 * Worldwide Services

Worldwide DAP services are available to all developers of Personal Software-based products. These developers include corporate programmers producing in-house applications, MIS professionals, consultants, educators, industry analysts, government agencies, and others with an interest in PC-DOS, Pen, OS/2, Multimedia, LAN Systems, and now OS/2 for PowerPC application development.

DAP services include a variety of technical, business, and marketing support activities, such as:
 * Technical support through IBM OS/2 forums on CompuServe
 * The opportunity to participate in early-code programs
 * Access to OS/2 Custom Application Porting Workshops and LAN Systems Workshops
 * Technical conferences
 * Product announcements

Worldwide Developer Assistance Program membership is open to individuals, with no company or product prerequisites. Enrollment is done electronically through either the CompuServe information service or Internet. On CompuServe, enter GO OS2DAP and complete the online application form. On Internet, FTP to DAP.SVO.COM (192.195.29.5). Log on using a guest account (GUEST1, ..., GUEST10) and password of DAP4ME, and complete the online application, WWDAP.TXT.

In addition to Worldwide Services, you may be eligible for extensions such as Commercial Services and Premier Services. To see if you qualify for these other programs, refer to the following descriptions and enrollment instructions.


 * Commercial Services

Commercial Services are available only to software vendors in the U.S. who are developing or marketing IBM Personal Software-based products for commercial release.

In addition to the Worldwide DAP services, Commercial Services members receive additional services in support of their product development and marketing activities:
 * Online technical support at no charge
 * Defect support for all warranted products that are supported by IBM support centers
 * Complimentary access to the online database of Personal Software-based development tools
 * Complimentary subscriptions to OS/2 Developer magazine
 * Discounts on IBM Personal Software products

Offerings available to assist Commercial Services members in their marketing activities include:
 * IBM OS/2 and LAN Systems Application Directory
 * IBM OS/2 and LAN Systems Development Tools Guide
 * Sources and Solutions catalog
 * "READY! for OS/2" Certification Mark
 * "READY! for LAN Systems" Certification Mark
 * IBM Direct Marketing Center

To enroll in the Commercial Services extension, call 1-407-982-6408 or fax to 1-407-998-7610, and ask for the Commercial/Premier Services DAP Application form. You or your company must be currently marketing a Personal Software-based product. If not, you should submit (with your application) a non-confidential business plan showing development and marketing activities and schedules for your planned product.


 * Premier Services

Premier Services are available only in the U.S. They are for software developers who are marketing or have committed to develop software products that provide native (32-bit API) support for OS/2, LAN Systems products, or OS/2 for PowerPC. Products that exploit object technologies like SOM and OpenDoc are also eligible.

In addition to the Worldwide Services and Commercial Services extensions, Premier Services members have voice access to an advocate in IBM who can assist them with various development and marketing activities that are offered exclusively to Premier Services members.

To enroll in the Premier Services extension, call 1-407-982-6408 or fax to 1-407-998-7610, and ask for the Commercial/Premier Services DAP Application form. You or your company must be currently marketing a Personal Software-based product. If not, you should submit (with your application) a non-confidential business plan showing development and marketing activities and schedules for your planned product.


 * Developer Assistance Program Contacts Worldwide

IBM Developer Assistance Programs exist in several geographic areas around the world. For information about the DAP in your area, consult the following list of contacts. Geographic Area                         Voice Phone ---                         ---  Asia/Pacific countries (except Japan)    65-225-2617 Brazil                                  55-192-65-8057 Canada and the Caribbean                1-905-316-2996 (Fax: ask for document 75112)         1-800-465-3299 Europe, Middle East, and Africa         44-256-51136 Japan                                   81-3-3279-8231 Latin America and South America         525-580-4267

IBM Canada OS/2 Developer Assistance Programs
Three program offerings are available to Canadians who are interested in developing applications for OS/2 2.x.


 * Worldwide DAP

The Worldwide Developer Assistance Program (DAP) provides technical support to OS/2 developers via CompuServe forums. The support, provided by IBM in Boca Raton, Florida, includes DOS, OS/2, and LAN Systems.

Anyone can sign up for the Worldwide DAP. On CompuServe, type GO OS2DAP and fill in the online application form.

To obtain a CompuServe userid, call 1-800-524-3388 (from Canada and the USA), and ask for representative 239 for a free introductory membership.

The Worldwide DAP also offers exclusive access to DAPTOOLS, a private tools repository. The tools include various utilities, debugging tools, small applications with source examples, and programming documentation. The tools were originally developed for IBM internal use, and have been re-licensed for the exclusive use of DAP members.

Worldwide DAP questions can also be addressed on Internet through the userid wwdap@vnet.ibm.com.


 * Canadian OS/2 DAP

This program, managed by IBM Canada in Markham, Ontario by Ms. France Loubier, includes:
 * Informational mailings, sent every six to eight weeks, to keep you informed about OS/2 and LAN Systems development tools.
 * Eligibility to purchase beta-code offerings when available.
 * Selected promotions that provide discounts on development-related products by IBM and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs).
 * An education discount from IBM Education Services. The discount is 10 percent for a maximum of 5 people per company.
 * Information about workshops, seminars, and conferences.
 * Marketing programs to assist you once your product is ready to market. Certification programs exist for OS/2, DOS, or Windows applications that run under OS/2 2.1 or LAN Server 3.0. Once certified, you will receive camera-ready artwork of the appropriate certification marks.
 * Registration for a key contact who must be developing an OS/2 application with a business plan for its release, either in-house or into the marketplace.

To enroll in the Canadian OS/2 DAP, send a fax to (Ms.) France Loubier, 1-905-316-2535, or send a note to floubier@vnet.ibm.com.


 * The Developer Connection for OS/2

Volume 4 is now available for 75 CDN for a single issue. A four-issue subscription (covering one year) costs 225 CDN.

The Developer Connection for OS/2 is a program that delivers the most current information, tools, and pre-release code available from IBM and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to developers in support of their continuing application development on the OS/2 platform.

The cornerstone of The Developer Connection for OS/2 is two CD-ROMs plus The Developer Connection News. The CD-ROMs and newspaper are updated and released four times per year.

The Developer Connection CD-ROMs contain pre-release programs that are licensed for 120 days or until the next Developer Connection CD-ROM is available, whichever comes first. Canadian DAP members will be notified of the next release via the regular mailing, and there are postings on CompuServe.

To use the CD-ROM, you must have a CD-ROM drive attached to your computer system, with the necessary drivers that work under OS/2 2.x. The Developer Connection News lists the OS/2-supported CD-ROM drives; additional device drivers are available from third-party vendors.

The Developer Connection also operates a forum on CompuServe that provides fast, responsive answers to your questions and problems.

To order The Developer Connection for OS/2 in Canada, call 1-800-561-5293.


 * Certification Programs

Canadian DAP members can certify their applications as compatible with OS/2 or LAN Server. The process entails self-certification. For each product that you want to certify, the certification package sells for 30 CDN plus applicable taxes. After receiving the package, you do the self-certification test, and then send it to IBM for verification, along with a not-for-sale copy of the product you are certifying.

To start the process of certifying your applications, call 1-800-992-4777 and request the appropriate package: To certify ...               Ask for ...

OS/2 applications            OS/2 certification package DOS applications             DOS certification package Windows applications         Windows certification package LAN Server 3.0 applications  LAN Server 3.0 certification package IBM Certification Program              1-800-992-4777 IBM Developer Connection for OS/2      1-800-561-5293 IBM Customer Assistance Group          1-800-465-1234 IBM DB/2 Developer Assistance Program  1-800-627-8363 IBM Direct                             1-800-465-7999 IBM Education Services                 1-800-661-2131 IBM HelpFax                            1-800-465-3299 IBM Publications                       1-905-316-7000 CompuServe                             1-800-848-8199 IBM Canada OS/2 BBS:         Montreal  1-514-938-3022 Toronto  1-905-316-4255 Vancouver 1-604-664-6464
 * Phone Numbers in Canada

The IBM Developer Assistance Program in Europe, Middle East, and Africa
As the computer industry shifts to new forms of development to meet the demands of client/server computing, the abilities of the software developer also need to evolve and expand. Fully exploiting the power and potential of the latest advanced operating systems, together with related products and technologies, places heavy demands on developers.

For software developers using IBM's OS/2 and OS/2-based products, the IBM Developer Assistance Program in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA DAP) meets these demands, and provides much more besides.

The EMEA DAP is open to any developer in EMEA who is actively developing for OS/2, be it a device driver, a commercial product, a line-of-business application, or a set of SOM objects.

Join the EMEA DAP and move into the fast lane of OS/2 development!


 * Bulletin-Board Service and CD-ROMs

As a DAP member, you can access our dedicated EMEA DAP Bulletin Board Service (BBS) and benefit from the wealth of tools, information, and advice that we make available.

The BBS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It enables fellow OS/2 developers around the world to exchange ideas and information, getting rapid responses from the experts. Support is provided by our own OS/2 Certified Engineers, developers in the IBM programming labs, and even other DAP members.

Our electronic repositories provide a comprehensive collection of many IBM-developed OS/2 tools, documentation, fixes, sample code, electronic newsletters, news items, and marketing material to support your development efforts. We periodically mail out the latest offers to EMEA DAP members, as well as DAP Library CD-ROMs, which conveniently package together much of the information available on the bulletin board, making this information readily accessible.

In order to make the BBS connection affordable for the developer, we have installed local systems in many countries throughout EMEA, which shadow the central BBS machine in Basingstoke UK. Members of the DAP in those countries now no longer need to make an international telephone call to connect to the DAP BBS. Local access to the DAP BBS will be provided in more countries in the near future.

And what's more, it is all currently free of charge!


 * Discounts

Selected promotions and discounts may be available when purchasing IBM PC hardware, OS/2 software, and OS/2-related publications. These discount programs vary by country, and your local IBM DAP contact will be pleased to tell you if such a program is available in your country.


 * Technical Seminars

Technical seminars are held several times per year in different countries, and the DAP program provides early information to members about the dates and venues. These seminars are an excellent way to learn about the latest developments in OS/2, and talk directly with the IBM developers themselves.


 * HelpFax

IBM HelpFax is an automated document-delivery system available on demand from your telephone, 24 hours a day. HelpFax offers a wide variety of information about IBM products and services, including "What's New", "Operating Systems", "Networking", "Database and Client/Server", through to "Marketing Brochures and Announcements". Your chosen documents will be sent directly to your specified fax machine.


 * Application Marketing

IBM support does not end once you have developed your product ... We have a variety of marketing programs to help you market your OS/2 product to the OS/2 community around the world. Most are free, but others are available at a nominal charge to help cover costs. Details about the current programs will be posted on the BBS or mailed out.


 * CompuServe Support

The IBM Worldwide Developer Assistance Program provides a complimentary service which is open to individuals without company or product prerequisites. Worldwide DAP services include a variety of technical, business, and marketing support services, provided through CompuServe. Enrollment is done electronically through either the CompuServe information service or by requesting an enrollment form from Internet.


 * Programming Tools and Information

The EMEA DAP, through the BBS and DAP Library CD-ROMs, provides developers with the latest OS/2 programming tools and information that are generally (freely) available. An essential complement to our services is The Developer Connection for OS/2, which provides additional professional tools, utilities, product demos, information, and sample code from IBM and others.

For a low-cost subscription to The Developer Connection for OS/2, you will receive four quarterly updates in the form of a CD-ROM and a newsletter. Support is provided through The Developer Connection for OS/2 forum on CompuServe, as well as the CF.DEVCON customer forum on the EMEA DAP BBS. Subscriptions to The Developer Connection for OS/2 are available from IBM Direct Services in Copenhagen, Denmark.


 * More Information

To obtain more information about the EMEA DAP, IBM Direct Services, or any other service we offer, please use one of the following means:

HelpFax: If you have a touch-tone telephone, call our IBM HelpFax automated response system in the UK at +44 (0)256 50096. Request document number 33001 for an EMEA DAP application form, or 1000 for the index of documents.

TeleFax: +44 (0)256 336778

Internet: emeadap@vnet.ibm.com

Post: IBM Developer Assistance Program Normandy House, PO Box 32 Alencon Link, Basingstoke Hants. RG21 1EJ, England

IBM Device Driver Support Center
If you are developing a device driver for OS/2, you need to know about the IBM Device Driver Support Center, your one-stop shopping for:
 * Worldwide device-driver developer support
 * The DUDE, a dedicated BBS providing up-to-the minute information solely for device-driver developers, as well as problem assistance. The BBS phone number is 1-407-982-3217, with settings 8, N, 1, and transmission rate 9600 bps. Contact the DUDE for more information about:
 * Logo program
 * Test program
 * Driver distribution program
 * DUDE-ads
 * Specialized device-driver development workshops

The DDSC team is in place to support your questions and education needs. The team's voice-mail phone number, available at all times, is 1-407-982-4239.

DB2 Client/Server Developer Assistance Program
ISVs who want to enable their products for DB2/2 should also join the DB2 Client/Server Developer Assistance Program (DB2 C/S DAP). ISVs who join this program get a free copy of DB2/2 for enablement (development and testing) purposes only. In addition, the receive free DB2/2 technical support while they enable their products for DB2/2. To join the DB2/2 C/S DAP, call 1-800-627-8363 within the USA.

CICS OS/2 Developers
ISVs who want to evaluate how their product or service could exploit the capabilities of CICS OS/2 Version 2 can obtain CICS OS/2 V2 code, documentation, educational video, and technical support. The code has a 90-day life, and is for development, test, and demonstration purposes only. Unlimited-life code is available to ISVs who are willing to commit to produce a product or service that exploits CICS OS/2. For more information, contact Fred Holland at 1-301-240-8143, fax 1-301-240-8836.

TCP/IP for OS/2 Developers
ISVs who have products that interoperate with the IBM TCP/IP V2.0 for OS/2 product, or who wish to enable their products to do so, should join the TCP/IP Application Partners Program (TAPP). ISVs who join TAPP get a copy of TCP/IP for OS/2 for enablement (development and testing) purposes only. To join the TAPP, call 1-919-254-2679.

AIX POWER Team
The POWER Team is an exciting program developed just for you, the developer. It is tailored to help you gain access to the IBM tools that can help build and grow your product in the AIX marketplace, using IBM's POWER architecture and the RISC System/6000.

Membership in the POWER Team program allows you to take advantage of a variety of programs, which include:


 * Technical Support

Choose from our menu of special fee-based technical support programs. You may select the type of technical support that is best for your development situation:
 * Porting assistance
 * Ongoing technical support
 * Consulting services
 * Design reviews
 * Performance tuning
 * On-site consulting
 * Benchmarking
 * Remote access to an RS/6000


 * Development

Receive information and tools to assist you in your ongoing development activities:
 * Electronic technical/marketing bulletin board
 * Question-and-answer database
 * Early product information
 * Access to AIX public-domain software
 * Porting information / white papers


 * Equipment

Enjoy the availability of equipment without straining your budget:
 * RS/6000 Developer's Discount Program
 * RS/6000 Leasing Program
 * RS/6000 Rentals


 * Marketing

Expand your marketing opportunities through our programs:
 * AIX Power Solutions Catalog
 * 50-word product description in magazine format
 * Up to 5 pages of marketing / product information via fax
 * Advertising discounts available for POWER team members
 * Call 1-415-855-3333 and request a document or catalog
 * IBM's online databases for AIX solutions


 * Education

Keep your leading edge with information about the latest products, new technologies, and trends:
 * POWER conferences
 * Technical conferences for independent software and hardware developers.
 * AIXpert magazine subscription
 * Quarterly technical publication with a distribution of 25,000
 * Advertising discounts available for POWER team members
 * Seminars / classes


 * Information

Learn about the many programs and facilities that IBM has to offer. Making it easier for you to work with IBM is an important goal of this program. POWER Team members receive technical, business, and marketing information on a regular basis.


 * Who is Eligible?

The POWER Team is intended for developers working on products for commercial release. You are eligible to participate in the program if:
 * You are currently developing products for AIX and the RISC System/6000
 * You are currently marketing AIX or UNIX products.


 * More Information

For more information, call the POWER Team information line at 1-800-222-2363 within the USA, and request additional information and a membership application.

Become a member of the POWER Team, and work with IBM to expand your sales and marketing opportunities, take advantage of the technical support and equipment offerings, and keep on the leading edge of new technologies.

AS/400 Partners in Development
Partners in Development builds on the ASsociation/400 business partner support program. Through Partners in Development, IBM will provide extensive technical support from the AS/400 Software Partner Lab in Rochester, Minnesota, and at application support centers around the world.

Because ASsociation/400 is the primary communication vehicle for the new Partners in Development organization, the entry membership fee for ASsociation/400 for 1994 has been reduced to 250 USD per year.

Technical support will include hands-on courses on product strategies, early development for unannounced products, and post-announce product issues. It will include courses for developers seeking to exploit emerging technologies, including:
 * Client/server implementation
 * Object-oriented programming
 * Multimedia
 * Imaging
 * Fax and mobile network access
 * Integrated Language Environment (ILE) assistance
 * OS/400 assistance

Customized courses also will be offered at vendor sites. In addition, Partners in Development has a toll-free phone number, 1-800-365-4426, extension 400, through which independent software vendors can get immediate help finding the appropriate person to assist with any AS/400 matter.

Partners in Development also will assist in vendors' marketing and delivery programs. For example, vendors will be able to work with the Rochester lab's fulfillment center on their system configuration proposals for customers, and to get their offerings included in IBM configuration proposals. In addition, they will be able to have their offerings pre-loaded in systems shipped directly from IBM. Assistance is also available to business partners using the IBM AS/400 Portable One, a full-function, portable model.

AS/400 Partners in Development also includes electronic access to IBM developers through ASsociation/400 On-Line. The interactive service provides all schedules, new offerings, and changes via a regular newsletter and special mailings. It also includes developers' forums, question-and-answer access to IBM technical support staff, bulletin boards, and computer industry trade articles.

On-line support also will be available to vendors seeking to enhance their marketing efforts with IBM's new Portable Sales Automation System (PSAS). PSAS is a portable configurator and a suite of automated selling tools with leading-edge graphics that runs on PC laptop or notebook computers.

Membership in ASsociation/400 continues to provide its members with benefits including developer support and two free software licenses per year for IBM software development tools and products such as ImagePlus and Ultimedia. ASsociation/400 members also receive education discounts and developer leases.

Object Connection for VisualAge
The Object Connection is a program for fostering an "objects" aftermarket for IBM's new VisualAge development system. It is designed to help you develop and sell VisualAge objects, or parts, for the open market. These parts must be written to the interface specifications provided in the IBM manual titled "Construction from Parts Architecture: Building Parts for Fun and Profit".


 * Who Can Join?

Enterprises interested in assessing the prospect of building VisualAge objects (or parts) from the open market are eligible for membership in the Object Connection.


 * Object Connection Services

Members are entitled to:
 * A development license for VisualAge at very favorable terms
 * Marketing assistance
 * Technical support
 * access via an 800 phone number to VisualAge Technical Consultants on a call-back basis
 * technical documentation updates
 * interactive technical support on CompuServe


 * More Information

To join, call VisualAge's Object Connection Program at 1-800-IBM-CARY (1-800-426-2279) within the USA, and request a program information package and membership application. Fill out the application form and return it to the Object Connection Program. The program manager will call you for a telephone interview.

PenAssist Program
The IBM Pen Developer Assistance Program (PenAssist) is designed especially for the developer of pen software. The program is tailored to help you develop applications in the emerging technology.


 * PenAssist Programs

Membership in the PenAssist program allows you to take advantage of a variety of programs:
 * Access to IBM test centers
 * Located in Palo Alto CA and Atlanta GA
 * Equipped with an IBM PS/2 and digitizing pads. The PS/2 has PenDOS SDK and Pen for OS/2 installed.
 * Electronic mail. Enrolled developers can send to and receive messages directly from the software developers' support organization.
 * IBM pen software CompuServe forum, a forum for pen and mobile systems. IBM monitors this forum and provides responses to inquiries.
 * Special software discounts:
 * PenDOS SDK
 * Pen for OS/2 SDK
 * Pen development tools
 * Special hardware discounts:
 * Special prices on pen hardware from IBM and other manufacturers.
 * Eligibility to receive a 50 percent discount on selected IBM printers and features.
 * Notification of special promotional offerings.
 * IBM Fax Information Service
 * Provides immediate information about IBM's pen and mobile software systems and other IBM products and services.
 * Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge.
 * Marketing
 * Pen application catalog
 * Personal Computer Company BBS - applications will be listed in this database at no additional charge.
 * Business-show support
 * A single point of contact will be provided to assist with reviewing development and marketing relationships.


 * Who is Eligible?
 * Developers of pen applications
 * Developers of commercially available applications
 * Corporations developing pen applications for their own use.


 * More Information

For more information about PenAssist, call 1-800-627-8363 within the USA, or fax to 1-404-835-9444.

Subscription Information for The Developer Connection for OS/2 and the IBM Device Driver Source Kit (DDK) for OS/2
The following list of phone and fax numbers was published in Volume 3 of The Developer Connection News.

The list applies to two products:
 * The Developer Connection for OS/2
 * IBM Device Driver Source Kit (DDK) for OS/2

The phone numbers shown are for ordering both products unless otherwise specified.

To order within the USA:
 * Call 1-800-633-8266, or fax to 1-303-330-7655.


 * NOTE: Commercial and Premier Services DAP members in the USA are eligible for a discounted price for The Developer Connection for OS/2. When ordering, be sure to specify that you are a Commercial and Premier Services DAP member, and give your membership number.


 * Additional numbers for ordering the IBM Device Driver Source Kit for OS/2: Call 1-407-982-4239, or use the DUDE BBS, 1-407-982-3217.

To order within Canada:
 * For The Developer Connection for OS/2 and the IBM Device Driver Source Kit for OS/2, call 1-800-561-5293.

To order within Brazil:
 * For The Developer Connection for OS/2, call 0800-111205, or fax to (011) 886-3222.
 * For the IBM Device Driver Source Kit for OS/2, call 02-1-800-6120, or fax to 02-1-800-6936. (02 is the country code for Brazil.)

To order within Mexico:
 * For the Developer Connection for OS/2, call 627-2444 within Mexico City, or +91-800-00639 elsewhere in Mexico.

To order within Asia/Pacific Countries:
 * Be sure to dial your country's international access code before dialing the listed phone number. 61 is the country code for Australia.
 * Call +61-2-354-7684, or fax to +61-2-354-7766.

To order within Europe:
 * If you live outside the USA, Canada, Asia/Pacific countries, Brazil, or Mexico, you can order directly from the IBM Software Manufacturing Center in Copenhagen, Denmark. Be sure to dial your country's international access code before dialing the appropriate phone number or fax number listed below. 45 is the country code for Denmark.
 * Operators speaking the following languages are available.

Language  Phone Number Dutch     45-4-810-1400 English   45-4-810-1500 French    45-4-810-1200 German    45-4-810-1000 Italian   45-4-810-1600 Spanish   45-4-810-1100 Fax       45-4-814-2207

Professional Certification Program from IBM for OS/2 and LAN Server
IBM's Personal Software Products division sponsors a Professional Certification Program from IBM for its OS/2 and LAN Server products. To gain certification, individuals demonstrate their proficiency in supporting selected products from IBM's PSP by passing a series of tests.


 * Four Certified Roles

Individuals, rather than organizations, can receive certification in the following roles:
 * Certified OS/2 Engineer
 * Provides the skills to support OS/2 installations and develop expertise in fine-tuning and customizing OS/2 platform systems.


 * Certified OS/2 Instructor
 * Helps candidates teach certified OS/2 engineers through extensive training and testing.


 * Certified LAN Server Administrator
 * Develops the skills necessary to support day-to-day network operations, such as backing up the server, maintaining security, and loading applications.


 * Certified LAN Server Engineer
 * Provides service and support skills for LAN Server networks, including network design, performance tuning, and installation.


 * Certified LAN Server Instructor
 * Enables participants to teach certified LAN Server engineers and LAN Server administrators through extensive training and testing.


 * Testing

Certification testing is administered by Drake Training and Technologies, a worldwide provider of certification testing in the computer industry. Classroom education is offered through the extensive network of IBM Education and Training division and IBM Licensed Education Center locations (in the United States only).


 * More Information

CERT94.ZIP, in the IBM/PSP Marketing Library (lib 8 of the OS2USER forum), contains sample tests, test objectives, and program descriptions for the current programs.

For more information about the PSP Professional Certification Program from IBM, contact Drake Training and Technologies:

IBM Independent/International Vendor League
The IBM Independent/International Vendor League (IVL) supports developers of non-software products (books, magazines, training videos, and courses) and providers of consulting services for the same IBM software products (OS/2, etc.). The IVL also helps vendors with technical and marketing support such as their product accreditation program and listings in the IBM Sources & Solutions directory. The IVL offers the IVL News Service, which delivers vendor product announcements and other newsworthy items electronically to the media.

To join the IVL, call 1-203-452-7704, fax 1-203-268-1075, or e-mail GailO@VNet.IBM.Com. IVL members can contact the IVL News Service at IVLInfo@VNet.IBM.Com, or voice/fax 1-407-495-4421.

Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, Service Marks
This concludes 1994 Issue 12 of IBM PSP Developer Support News. Please let us know how we can improve it; see the beginning of the newsletter for ways to contact us. Thank you!