IBM Begins Shipping OS/2 Version 2.0 Operating System

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            IBM BEGINS SHIPPING OS/2 VERSION 2.0 OPERATING SYSTEM
    WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., March 31, 1992 . . . IBM today delivered OS/2*
    Version 2.0, its powerful, yet easy-to-use operating system that opens
    new doors in personal computing and lets users manage information in
    ways more productive and pleasing.
    OS/2 Version 2.0, which began shipping to customers today, delivers
    three operating environments -- DOS, Windows and OS/2 -- in a single
    package, offering unique value and flexibility.  Special introductory
    prices, including a $49 offer for Windows** users and a $99 upgrade
    price for any DOS user, are part of IBM's plan to firmly establish
    OS/2 2.0 as the PC operating system of the 90's.
    OS/2 2.0 also introduces the Workplace Shell*, a graphical user inter-
    face (GUI) that brings to the IBM-compatible PC a superior look and
    feel.  Its elegant design delivers advanced function with enticing
    drag-and-drop simplicity.  In addition to native OS/2 programs, OS/2
    allows users to run familiar PC applications for DOS and Windows in a
    far more stable environment.
    "The release of OS/2 2.0 is the PC industry's most significant advance
    since the introduction of the IBM PC 10 years ago," says James A.
    Cannavino, IBM vice president and general manager of the Personal
    Systems line of business.  "Just as they did a decade ago, today's
    users can experience powerful productivity gains immediately."
                     RUNS MULTIPLE PROGRAMS CONCURRENTLY
    Capable of exploiting today's advanced hardware, 32-bit OS/2 2.0
    offers true multitasking, allowing concurrent execution of multiple
    software programs.  OS/2 2.0 ships with over 25 utility, entertainment
    and personal productivity mini-applications ("Applets") such as a
    Calendar, NotePad, Calculator and To-Do List.  Adobe Type Manager**
    for both Windows and OS/2 environments is also included.
    "As a result of our new open development paradigm, we are delivering a
    terrific and compelling product that was shaped by customers at 30,000
    sites through one of the most extensive beta test programs in the
    industry," says Lee Reiswig, assistant general manager of programming,
    IBM Personal Systems.  "We are shipping today what others are still
    promising and are committed to continually enhance this leading edge
    product through the 90s."
    OS/2 2.0 is an ideal platform for a client and server networking envi-
    ronment, providing superior function, performance and reliability.
    OS/2 networking offerings include LAN Server, NetWare** from IBM and
    Extended Services.  OS/2 LAN Server 2.0 and Extended Services will be
    available on April 10, 1992.  Extended Services consists of Database
    Manager and Communications Manager.
                            ABUNDANT APPLICATIONS
    Currently, there are more than 17,000 DOS, 4,900 Windows and 2,500
    16-bit OS/2 applications available.  With tens of thousands of appli-
    cations to choose from, OS/2 2.0 users have access to a tremendously
    broad range of software programs.
    In addition, more than 1,000 software vendors are developing 32-bit
    applications for delivery in 1992, including Lotus, Borland,
    WordPerfect and Novell.  There are also more than 250 development tool
    products available for OS/2.
    To ensure that OS/2 2.0 will run on IBM-compatible PC platforms, IBM
    has established a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) test
    laboratory in Boca Raton, Fla., in addition to its OEM test lab in
    Basingstoke, England.  At this moment, over 100 OEM models have passed
    OS/2 2.0 compatibility tests, including models from Compaq, Dell,
    CompuAdd, AST and Tandy.
    As part of IBM's intention to support OEM 386- and 486-based plat-
    forms, the company will work with all users who may experience compat-
    ibility issues in the first 90 days of use and, if a resolution is not
    possible, the customer will be reimbursed.
                      COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE AND SUPPORT
    OS/2 2.0 will be distributed as a single shrink-wrapped package which
    will include IBM service and support for IBM and OEM equipment.  All
    users of OS/2 2.0 will receive:
         o    Free 60-day support via a toll-free number; and
         o    Technical information and message exchange through
              commercial bulletin board services, including
              Compuserve and IBMLINK electronic support.
    This service can be extended for a nominal fee.  In addition, OS/2 2.0
    will be supported by IBM's HelpWare*, 1-800-PS2-2227, the most compre-
    hensive customer satisfaction offering in the PC industry.  Users can
    order OS/2 2.0 via a toll-free number, 1-800-3-IBM-OS2.
    IBM today also announced several introductory promotions.  Through the
    OS/2 direct order toll-free number, the following promotional prices
    will be available until July 31, 1992:  Current Windows users can
    purchase OS/2 2.0 for $49, any DOS user can upgrade to OS/2 2.0 for
    $99 and new users can purchase OS/2 2.0 for $139.  These promotional
    prices do not include shipping and handling.
    As part of a previous promotion, any IBM OS/2 user can receive a free
    upgrade to 2.0 until July 31, 1992.  A manufacturer's rebate will be
    available to Windows users who purchase OS/2 2.0 through IBM author-
    ized remarketers.
                       WORLDWIDE PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS
    IBM will introduce OS/2 2.0 to the public through over 120 customer
    meetings worldwide, followed by the "OS/2 To You" demonstration tour,
    a travelling roadshow which will take place at customer facilities in
    a "Big Tent" style.  The tour begins today and will continue
    throughout the year.
    IBM will make OS/2 2.0 as widely available as DOS through an extensive
    distribution network that provides convenient sales locations and
    quality support.  IBM's direct marketing force will be augmented by
    its established base of Business Partners, including authorized PC and
    software dealers, industry remarketers and associate remarketers,
    retailers and superstores.
    A key component of IBM's broad-based distribution strategy will be
    active support by IBM's aggregators, distributors and national dealer
    chains, such as Computerland, Corporate Software, Egghead, Ingram
    Micro D, Merisel, Intelligent Electronics, Microage Computer Stores
    and Sears.
                                    # # #
    *    Trademark or registered trademark of the International
         Business Machines Corporation.
    **   The following is a trademark of the indicated company:
         Windows (Microsoft Corporation), Adobe Type Manager
         (Adobe), Netware (Novell).