The OS/2 WarpFlash - 15

From OS2World.Com Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

THE OS/2 WARPFLASH - Issue #15 (June 04, 1995)

A Periodical Update On The World Of OS/2 and LAN Server


If you know someone who might be interested in OS/2 WarpFlash, feel free to forward this document, provided you forward it in it's entirety, as per the copyright notice at the end. See below on instructions on how to subscribe by e-mail and get old issues via Worldwide Web.


P.S. Sorry about the "hugeness" of this issue...a lot has happened in two short weeks!

IMPORTANT NEWS (if you are reading this on USENET) !!!!!!

The OS/2 WarpFlash is now available as a mailing list.

Send e-mail to: netwarp@ibm.net with your e-mail Subject line = "SUBSCRIBE WARPFLASH"

You will then automatically receive the weekly OS/2 WarpFlash in your e-mailbox.


BACK ISSUES of the OS/2 WarpFlash are now available on the following Web site: http://www.iceonline.com/home/duncans/warpflash.html

"IT'S A WARPED WORLD" TOUR

Join IBM for a FREE seminar about OS/2 and OS/2 products. Knowledgeable presenters will demonstrate the features and benefits of using OS/2 in both business and personal settings.

During this fun, exciting day, you'll learn about installation, running DOS and Windows applications, running OS/2 applications, using the BonusPak applications

  • including the Internet Access Kit
  • and using OS/2 in a network.

The day starts at 8:00am with coffee and a showcase of OS/2 applications, The main tent presentation begins at 8:30. The three-hour session illustrates the benefits of OS/2 available now, OpenDoc, Taligent, and the future of OS/2

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

"Warp Connections" - Attach to your existing NetWare network, host system, or other LAN. You'll learn about IBM's new peer-to-peer networking product and s why LAN Server is the fastest-growing network solution. You'll also get an overview of Communications Manager/2 and IBM's system management tools.

"It's a Warped World" - How can OS/2 help you do more? During this session you'll see how to use the OS/2 desktop, work with some of the 30-plus BonusPak applications, and use OS/2 applications. You'll also get a look at some neat OS/2 tricks.

"Get with the Program" - For independent software developers (ISVs), retailers, consultants, and VARs. You'll learn about the many programs IBM has to assist you with developing and selling OS/2 applications. Get the information you need about the OS/2 marketplace and how you can be a success in it!

"Internet at Warp Speed" - Are you ready for the Internet? OS/2's Internet Access Kit makes it easy to create an Internet account and navigate the ever-expanding world of the Internet. Learn how to use the tools and utilities to find the information you need. And what kind of information is out there? We'll show you!

"Hot Stuff" - OS/2 is the platform for some of the neatest applications on the market today. During this session, you'll see hot new products from IBM and other vendors. Expect to see software and hardware for accessing information and data on your computer using voice, object-oriented technology, and visual front-ends.

"Warp 101" - You're convinced that OS/2 is for you. Now you need the information to get OS/2 on your computer and run the applications you already have. During this session, you'll explore the installation options, learn to set up and run your existing applications, and customize the OS/2 desktop. By the end of the hour, you'll know how to really take advantage of your new operating system.

Doors open at 8:00am, first session at 8:30 Cost: FREE

Call 1-800-766-4344 to reserve your seat or e-mail your name, address, and phone number to 74452.1633@compuserve.com

DAY TWO -- VISUAL REVOLUTION

This day-long session with a main tent and breakout sessions is for large development houses. During the day, you'll see a variety of IBM development tools for all IBM platforms. Breakout sessions include focuses on COBOL, VisualGen RPG, CICS and MQSeries, VisualAge, and PL/1.

****** Second Quarter Dates and Places ******* 
June 6-7        Chicago
June 14-15      Tulsa
June 20-21      Des Moines
June 28-29      San Francisco

********Third Quarter********
July 10-11      Columbus, OH
July 13         Charlotte, NC (Visual Revolution only)
July 19-20      Toronto, Canada
July 26-27      Seattle, WA
August 2-3      Vancouver, Canada
August 9-10     Los Angeles, CA
August 16-17    Hartford, CT
August 23-24    Des Moines, IA
September 12-13 Pittsburgh, PA

GOSERVE - A WEB AND GOPHER SERVER FOR OS/2

Two popular protocols for providing information on the Internet are the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP, used by World-Wide Web clients) and Gopher (used by both Web and Gopher clients).

'GoServe' is a multi-purpose server for OS/2 which supports both these protocols. The emphasis in the design of GoServe has been to make it easy to become an information provider for the Internet, while not inhibiting full use of the protocols by sophisticated users.

Providing that you already have TCP/IP installed, GoServe can be running and serving files across a network in minutes; no re-boot or editing of configuration files is necessary. The GoServe package includes 'quick start' instructions and working samples for both Web and Gopher servers.

GoServe processes requests from Web or Gopher clients using a Rexx script to allow for customization. A server can handle requests from many clients, using OS/2 threads and script caching for efficiency. Multiple servers can be started (using different ports), and an audit trail of requests and actions can be recorded. When running as a Web server, much of the complexity of the Web protocol is handled automatically; many GoServe users will only need to be concerned about the data being provided, and need not be concerned about the mechanism.

While running, a graphical display of GoServe activity is shown (the "Graphical Webspinner Interface"?), with optional response-time graphing and audible indication of connections. For control, various restrictions may be employed to limit the load on the server machine. GoServe operations can be controlled remotely, if desired, using any Web client (or an OS/2 CMD program).

GoServe is a 32-bit OS/2 application, which requires OS/2 2.x or OS/2 Warp. GoServe requires IBM TCP/IP for OS/2, or equivalent, to be installed and operational (either on a real network or using the loopback driver). GoServe may be used as both a Web server and a Gopher server at the same time, on one or more ports for each, if required.

The latest GoServe package, and other relevant links, information, and programs are available at the GoServe Web page at http://www2.hursley.ibm.com/goserve/

A WEB SITE TO BEHOLD

Do you want a current, complete, accurate list of OS/2 applications? And a source for OS/2-related services? Point your Web Explorer at http://www.mfi.com/os2dev

Search for OS/2 software by industry or product category, locate OS/2 service providers, submit nominations for new entries, and more.

Check it out! Then spread the word!

The site opens officially June 24th but lots of applications are there already.

MORE WARP & WARP CONNECT PRELOAD DEALS! (ICL & UNISYS)

And yet another PC vendor has joined the ever-growing pack of PC providers that are pre-loading OS/2 Warp. ICL announced on May 16, 1995 that they will begin pre-loading OS/2 Warp on a number of models in its Fujitsu ICL ErgoPro and ErgoLite PC ranges. Some models will always pre-load OS/2 Warp and on other models, OS/2 Warp will be a pre-install option.

"The advantages our customers receive from OS/2 Warp lie in the robust 32-bit multitasking, the ease of use and the built-in application software including easy Internet Access and Office applications. In addition to this, the OS/2 Warp family will grow to offer further interesting solutions for both professional and home users of our PCs", says Mr Jorma Niinivaara, Director, Software and Networking, of ICL Personal Systems.

OS/2 has won 57 awards worldwide for technical excellence and Warp has sold in excess of 2 million copies since its availability in November, 1994. Worldwide over 8 million copies of the OS/2 operating system have been sold.

ICL Personal Systems

Personal Systems, part of ICL Volume Products is the recognized leader in ergonomic PCs. In 1994, ICL shipped close to 300,000 PCs and estimates for 1995 exceed 400,000. In March 1995, Volume Products introduced the Fujitsu ICL brand for PCs, servers and connectivity products.

Based in Helsinki, Finland, Personal Systems has development and manufacturing operations in Finland, Sweden and the UK.

AND......UNISYS CORPORATION PRE-LOADING OS/2 WARP CONNECT

Unisys Corp.'s products will support the OS/2 Warp Connect operating system. In a press release, Unisys said it will offer the option of the operating system pre-loaded on its servers and PCs, beginning in June.

From the Unisys press release:

"Many of our customers have standardized on OS/2 for personal productivity and mission-critical applications and we want to be able to ship the latest OS/2 operating system technology as quickly as possible," said Vaughn G. Hysinger, vice president, marketing operations for the Unisys Personal Computer Division. "Unisys has led the industry in being able to build 100% of its PCs and servers on a Build-To-Customer-Order basis, including the option of having pre-loaded software. Now our customers will have an OS/2 option as part of our BTCO manufacturing and delivery process."

OS/2 WARP CONNECT IN THE NEWS

OS/2 Warp Connect garnered lots of press coverage during the past week or so:

IBM INTROS OS/2 WARP CONNECT
Newsbytes via First!, 5-19-95
IBM's new release, OS/2 Warp Connect is "about an even match for the upcoming Windows 95, one industry analyst said, but IBM faces a tough battle for market acceptance."
IBM TO SHIP OS/2 WARP CONNECT IN WINDOWS, 'WIN-LESS' VERSIONS
Steve Kovsky, PC Week, 5-22-95
IBM is shipping the WIN-OS/2 version of Warp Connect this week and will ship a "Window-less" version later this summer.
IBM'S WARP CONNECT KEY TO OPEN BLUEPRINT PLANS
Ed Scannell, InfoWorld, 5-22-95
IBM described Warp Connect as a key element of their Open Blueprint strategy.
WARP CONNECTS
InformationWeek, 5-29-95
IBM launched Warp Connect May 17 in New York. This summer, IBM will offer an additional Connect CD-ROM with SNA communications software.
IBM IMPROVES PC COMMUNICATIONS
The Sunday Business Post, 5-21-95
IBM's OS/2 Warp Connect will ease communications between personal computers.
NEWS 4 NEW YORK AT 11
00:Dave Browde, WNBC, 5-20-95
Interview with Lee Reiswig about the launch of Warp Connect and how it compares to Windows 95. Browde says, "Now we have tried Windows 95 and Beta and OS/2 for real. The difference to us? OS/2 is available and solid; Windows 95 is still officially slated for August release."
IBM DELIVERS NET-ENHANCED WARP CONNECT
Marcia Jacobs, Communications Week, 5-22-95
IBM has launched Warp Connect with networking features such as peer-to-peer capabilities, connectivity to many types of servers, remote access, enhanced TCP/IP support and Lotus Notes Express.

LIVEWIRE PUBLIC BETA

DataMirage Software is announcing the public beta of LiveWire 3.0 for the WorkPlace Shell.

LiveWire 3.0 for the WorkPlace Shell is an object-oriented 32-bit multi-threaded professional communications program for OS/2 Warp 3.0.

LiveWire 3.0 retains the great features of the text mode version of LiveWire (version 2.2) along with a set of new features and an excellent new interface.

Truly object-oriented, LiveWire is a collection of familiar WorkPlace objects (Terminal, Phone Book, and Log) that interact loosely. More than one terminal, phone book, and log object with its own settings can be created and in use on your desktop!

LiveWire's intuitive and elegant interface allows you to get online right away. Advanced users will find extremely pleasing the fully multi-threaded GUI.

LiveWire 3.0 can be retrieved from one of the following places, filename LW30B1.ZIP (uppercase!):

ftp site: hobbes.nmsu.edu
CompUServe (GO OS2SHARE)
DataMirage Software BBS at 1-714-856-2071
  • NOTE: Read the READ.ME on DISK1 for install information.

OS/2 WARP GETS A+ IN COLLEGE NETWORKING CLASS

From a WarpFlash reader:

We recently completed an advanced networking class at a local technical college. The course used NetWare 3.x and 4.x in a lab environment. 30% of our final grade was contingent on the final team projects. The majority of the students were network administrators for local companies and the state; virtually all were Windows shops. The projects were based on NetWare.

For the final project, most of the teams chose to install and demonstrate average network applications, all of which were DOS or Windows-based running on NetWare. Although NetWare uses DOS to bootstrap itself, it is itself a full-fledged 32-bit NOS; you can remove DOS after it is up. Unlike OS/2 LAN Server, the network supervisor has to sneaker-net to another machine to log-in, install applications and manage the network.

Our team, understanding the true power of OS/2, decided to demonstrate what no other OS could do. We decided to install NetWare 4.1 Server on OS/2 using IPX, TCP/IP, and Token Ring as the underlying protocols and topology; Netware 4.1 for OS/2 allows NetWare to run as a native guest OS under OS/2, sharing memory and DASD concurrently.

For extra credit, we decided to run a NetWare Client on the *same* machine using 1 network interface card (NIC). The instructors had never seen this (neither did we) and thought that this alone was enough to claim success (in fact, they appeared skeptical).

Then came project presentation day: We fired up OS/2 Warp and spent a few minutes demonstrating the Workplace Shell. You could sense the excitement grow as we used OS/2's object-oriented drag-and-drop interface. Just for fun, we put all of the NetWare icons on the LaunchPad and launched them.

Then we fired-up NetWare 4.1 Server in a window. NetWare 4.1 runs in 8M of RAM, but Novell strongly recommends 16MB. We gave it 8M and it was responsive on our 16MB 66Mhz 486 machine. We gave the other 8MB of RAM to OS/2.In a production environment, giving NewWare its full 16MB compliment is highly recommended. As always, the more RAM the better.

Next we fired up both an OS/2 NetWare client and a Windows NetWare client and logged to the NetWare server as 2 different users - each having their own environments and drive mappings. You could hear gasps.

Our project objective's secure, we then ventured where no OS has gone before. We fired up NWADMIN, NetWare's Windows-based graphical network administration program. Next, added a few users and resources to our new network. The machine was very responsive considering the load we had placed on it. We then switched back to the WP shell and fired up NetWare's graphical monitor. We were now well beyond the scope of our project. Someone asked how much further could we push OS/2 multitasking before the system would crash. Remember, we were running on only a 16MB machine with 2 full-fledged 32-bit operating systems running concurrently, not to mention the multiple requestors and applications.

Our team had never tried to stress our system or OS/2 Warp beyond this point in our preparation, but OS/2 Warp rose to the challenge. We opened window after window of independent DOS sessions and ran commands and utilities, then we did the same with OS/2 windows. We switched back to look at our Windows programs, NetWare's real-time graphical monitor application, our logged-on Windows and OS/2 clients, and various applications all continued to run without even a pause; The NetWare server on the same machine never broke a sweat. OS/2 Warp handled it all with grace.

In our post-demonstration Q&A, people asked more about OS/2 than our project. The OS/2 Warp Bonus-Pak, especially the Internet access, added to their intrigue. They asked what all of this cost. We had to repeat the answer a few times; they couldn't believe that an OS for less then œ80 could support Windows, DOS, OS/2, NetWare, Internet access, drag-and-drop, and more, with the stability they witnessed.

We're awaiting our final grade. We know OS/2 got an A+.

IBM AND SECURITY - INTERNET AND BEYOND

For those of you wondering what IBM has done in the area of Security, in general, and on the Internet specifically, please take some time to check out IBM Research's security page, publicly available on the World Wide Web http://www.zurich.ibm.com/Technology/Security (Yes the capitals seem to be important)

You will find papers IBM has published, or submitted for publication as well as some detailed background on NetSP Secure Gateway, Terisa Systems, SSL, S-HTTP, and other security related items.

THE IBM DEVELOPER CONFERENCE AND TECHNICAL INTERCHANGE

NEW ORLEANS, May 25, 1995...At a gathering of commercial and corporate software developers, IBM brought all IBM operating platforms together for the first time at the 1995 IBM Technical Interchange here this week. Developer response to new support programs and IBM developer tools strategy for OS/2* Warp, System/390* software, AIX* and AS/400* was enthusiastic.

The range of technologies spanned IBM's largest systems to its award-winning 32-bit operating system for personal computers. News announcements included:

  • PC Server 500 S/390, the first IBM PC server that can run both PC and mainframe-based applications, which will enable application developers to write and test mainframe applications right on their PC;
  • High Performance Routing, the industry's first delivery of dynamic new software for Wide Area Networks, is expanding later this year to support key networking hardware;
  • Indelible Blue of Raleigh, North Carolina, named Blue Orchard Software, a new independent marketing and distribution company, to pursue shelf space for OS/2 applications in the retail channel with a program called Warp Ware.
  • IBM introduced The National Software Testing Lab (NSTL) seal of approval during the Technical Interchange. The validation program is designed so that the placing of the NSTL seal on developers' software packages means that the applications inside have been tested by NSTL for compatibility with OS/2 Warp. The NSTL approval program allows solutions developers, including Windows** developers, to certify that their applications are OS/2 Warp-ready.
  • As part of its ongoing effort to reduce software developers' costs and give them opportunities to capitalize on the rapidly growing OS/2 market, IBM announced its new Developer API Extensions at the conference. The Developer API Extensions help solution developers deliver their applications across PC operating systems including Warp, Windows 3.1, Windows NT** and Windows 95**. The company also showcased a range of technologies and tools that will allow solution developers to bring multiple-platform applications to market quickly and easily and announced its intent to deliver tools and services for developers who are investing in OLE and MFC.
Record Attendance

Turnout of developers and customers for The 1995 IBM Technical Interchange was the largest ever for such an IBM conference. Nearly 4,000 people attended the event, including 75 exhibitors.

Solution developer support of OS/2 is growing. In the first five months of 1995, 30 major software developers have announced development plans for more than 70 native Warp applications on both Intel and PowerPC platforms. IBM has sold 2.1 million copies of OS/2 Warp worldwide since November. The OS/2 installed base is now more than nine million. OS/2 Warp comes preloaded on systems from the IBM PC Company, Toshiba, Vobis, Escom, Legend and Osborne. Dell and CompuAdd offer OS/2 Warp as a preload option to customers when they order PCs.

* Trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation
**Windows is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation

IBM news releases are available on the Internet, via the IBM Home Page at http://www.ibm.com. The IBM Fax Information Service allows you to receive facsimiles of prior IBM product press releases. Dial 1-800-IBM-4FAX and enter "99" at the voice menu.

ACCESSING THE IBM SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT HOME PAGE

To get to the IBM Systems Management Home Page from the IBM Home Page follow this sequence:

  1. Access the IBM Home Page (URL address: http://www.ibm.com).
  2. Select the hypertext for "Products, services and support".
  3. Next select "Networking ". This will bring up the IBM Networking Home Page.
  4. Select "Networking Software".
  5. Select "Systems Management".

The fast path to the Systems Management Home Page is URL address: http://www.raleigh.ibm.com/svd/

1995 ISSUE 6 OF IBM SDO DEVELOPER SUPPORT NEWS

Announcing 1995 Issue 6 of IBM SDO Developer Support News (DSNEWS), in ASCII format. (Note: Use a monospace font so that columns align.)

Issue 6 is being published earlier than usual because it contains a lot of timely news items.

Produced monthly and distributed electronically by the IBM Solution Developer Operations (SDO) organization, DSNEWS gives members of IBM's Developer Assistance programs the latest information about all the IBM technical, business, and marketing programs in place to help them develop and market their software successfully.

DSNEWS is *only* distributed electronically; IBM is not producing printed copies for distribution.

DSNEWS is now available on the Internet World Wide Web through the IBM Solution Developer Support home page. The URL for DSNEWS is http://www.austin.ibm.com/developer/library/dsnews/.

The monthly DSNEWS files are ZIPped into the file DSNymA.ZIP, where y = last digit of year, and m = issue number represented as alpha (for example, DSN5BA.ZIP is the 1995 second issue). DSNymA.ZIP contains:

This announcement file, DSNyA1.ANN
The current month's contents list, DSNym.SMY
An annual cumulative list of contents, DSNy.CUM (except for Issue 1)
The current month's ASCII newsletter, DSNymA.ASC

The ZIPped files are posted on several e-mail and BBS systems:

  • America Online, in the OS/2 forum, in the Newsletters library
  • CompuServe, in OS2DF2 forum, *DAP library section 14 and in OS2DF1 forum, OPEN FORUM library section 15
  • Fidonet, in the OS2 Information file area, FWOS2INFO
  • GEnie, in OS/2 Software Library 16
  • Hitline mailbox (Switzerland), in file area 8
  • IBM Canada BBS, in file area 35, OS/2 Programming
  • IBM Europe/Middle East/Africa (E/ME/A) DAP BBS, in file area GENERAL.DOCS
  • IBM France OS/2 Developer Assistance Program BBS, in area PUBS01
  • IBM OS2BBS (TALKLink), in OS/2 Software Library, in Documents and Info
  • IBM Personal Computer Company BBS, in file area 11, OS/2 Programming
  • Internet, via anonymous ftp from software.watson.ibm.com, in directory /pub/os2/info; or via Gopher from index.almaden.ibm.com, in the OS/2 Information menu
  • NIFTY-Serve (Japan), in FOS2 forum, library section 4
  • OS2NET (Europe), on all OS2NET bulletin boards in Europe, usually in the DSNEWS download area
  • PRODIGY, in the OS/2 Club topic's download library, in IBM Files

Note: If you cannot find files named dsn... (in lower case), look for files named DSN... (in upper case).

We hope our newsletter serves your needs, and we'd like your feedback - please send it to DSNEWS@VNET.IBM.COM.

(R) IBM and OS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corp.
(R) CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe Inc.

Mike Engelberg, Editor

NEW SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TOOLS & STANDARDS FROM IBM

NEW ORLEANS, May 22, 1995 -- As part of its ongoing campaign to reduce software developers' costs and give them opportunities to capitalize on the rapidly growing OS/2* market, IBM announced its new Developer API Extensions at The 1995 IBM Technical Interchange conference here today. The company also showcased a range of technologies and tools that will allow ISVs to bring multiple-platform applications to market quickly and easily.

IBM's growing set of developer tools and technologies includes its new IBM Developer API Extensions, SMART****, Hyperwise*, VisualAge C++*, the IBM Open Class Library and OpenDoc***.

Developer API Extensions

The IBM Developer API Extensions announced today enhance the portability of 32-bit Windows** applications to OS/2 Warp, helping software developers deliver their applications across PC operating systems including Warp, Windows 3.1, Windows NT and Windows 95. The Developer API Extensions are extensions to the OS/2 Warp interfaces, designed to make existing investments in Win32 APIs portable to OS/2 Warp.

The Developer API Extensions are comprised of a subset of over 700 APIs and 300 messages that are consistent with Win32 APIs and messages. The subset includes the most frequently used Win32 APIs, and was chosen based on the analysis of more than nine million lines of source code from a variety of popular Windows applications. Windows applications that use the APIs defined in the Developer API Extensions can be recompiled to produce functionally equivalent OS/2 Warp applications.

Selected software vendors will begin limited alpha testing of the Developer API Extensions next week. The extensions will be available for broad beta testing this summer, and IBM expects them to be generally available by the end of the year. The Developer API Extensions will eventually be shipped as part of the base OS/2 Warp operating system.

"With our Developer API Extensions as the solution for migrating existing Windows applications, IBM's object-oriented VisualAge family of application development tools represents our long-term commitment to helping developers succeed, by enabling them to reach multiple, growing market segments from a single development environment," said John Swainson, IBM vice president of application development solutions. "The future application software market leaders will be companies that leverage their migration investments into competitive advantage by exploiting object technology in the form of portable and interoperable class libraries and frameworks."

VisualAge C++ and IBM Open Class Library

IBM's award-winning VisualAge C++ and object-oriented IBM Open Class Library, currently in beta testing on OS/2, will be made available on Windows later this year. VisualAge C++ is a powerful development environment that allows developers to visually build parts and then combine these parts to construct programs. VisualAge C++ and IBM Open Class Library are part of a broad set of IBM tools that already gives developers a high degree of portability between many platforms, including AIX, OS/400, MVS, and Sun Solaris. Support for PowerMac and HP-UX is also planned to round out the tools set that customers and independent software vendors have requested. Starting with VisualAge C++ for OS/2, which will be generally available in June, developers will be able to realize the highest degree of portability available with C++.

OpenDoc Support in VisualAge C++

OpenDoc is a compound document architecture that enables the development of object-oriented, cross-platform application components called OpenDoc parts. OpenDoc will be supported across OS/2 Warp, Windows, Macintosh, and UNIX (AIX). For developers who have already invested in the proprietary OLE or Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) technologies, IBM intends to provide utilities, tools and services to assist with conversion and source code creation for the more open, cross-platform OpenDoc and IBM Open Class.

"Software developers are investing heavily in migration from 16-bit to 32-bit operating systems," said Jed Harris, president of Component Integration Laboratories (CI Labs). "With everyone focused on exploiting 32-bit APIs and basic GUI capabilities, these will soon be insufficient to make their applications competitive. To increase application differentiation, leading vendors are moving toward software components. IBM's open software strategy, with its focus on object technology and component reuse and integration, represents a compelling source of differentiation for software developers."

SMART

The Source Migration Analysis Reporting Toolset (SMART), a product of OneUp Corporation, is a set of tools that help programmers readily convert their Windows applications to OS/2. SMART analyzes existing Windows code (16-bit or 32-bit) and OS/2 code (16-bit), sizes the conversion effort, and automatically converts the majority of the code to 32-bit OS/2 Warp. When used with the Developer API Extensions, SMART will indicate which parts of a Win32 application use the API Extensions and can be recompiled for OS/2 Warp. It will also analyze the rest of the application and make recommendations for the remainder of the development effort. IBM licenses SMART and makes it available to developers via the IBM Developer Connection CD-ROM.

Hyperwise

IBM's Hyperwise is a productivity tool that allows developers to use OS/2 Warp as their help development platform, regardless of the platform on which their applications will run. It is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get editor (WYSIWYG) for creating the help portion of applications and assists in moving Windows help to OS/2 Warp. Hyperwise includes a drag-and-drop capability to link text, audio, video and graphics and allows users to author text once and read it on OS/2 Warp, the Internet and Windows 3.1.

* Indicates trademark or registered trademark of the IBM Corp.
** Windows is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corp.
*** OpenDoc is a registered trademark of the Apple Computer, Inc.
**** SMART is a registered trademark of the OneUp Corp.

IBM news releases are available on the Internet, via the IBM Home Page at http://www.ibm.com The IBM Fax Information Service allows you to receive facsimiles of prior IBM product press releases. Dial 1-800-IBM-4FAX and enter "99" at the voice menu.

OS/2 WARP FINDS SUPPORT AMONGST HOME USERS

AUSTIN, May 18, 1995...IBM announced today that in an analysis of OS/2* Warp buyers, 49 percent of new customers report that home and family computing is the primary way that they use OS/2 Warp. Fifty-five percent cite OS/2 Warp's features as the top reason for buying the operating system, according to the OS/2 Warp User Profile results. The profile was developed from a sampling of more than 65,000 early purchasers of OS/2 Warp. Upgrade of America, a leading software registration expert, compiled the information from customer registration data.

Early feedback from the findings indicates that 76 percent of buyers use 486-based computer systems, 78 percent have disk drives larger than 300 MB, 44 percent have systems with about 8MB of memory and 41 percent have 16MB or more.

Seventy-one percent of purchasers have CD-ROM capability, supporting IBM's efforts to provide products on that medium. Ninety-two percent of buyers use modems and so can utilize OS/2 Warp's easy access to the Internet and a variety of online services. Only 23 percent of the users are LAN-connected, as that segment has been deferring purchase for delivery of OS/2 Warp Connect.

A recent study by Computer Intelligence InfoCorp (CII) reports that sales of OS/2 Warp increased more than 300 percent during the first five months that it was offered.

IBM has sold more than two million copies of OS/2 Warp worldwide since November. The product is the third generation of IBM's award-winning 32-bit operating system. It features impressive usability features, slimmed-down system requirements and comes with a BonusPak of more than a dozen exploitive OS/2 applications. OS/2 Warp comes preloaded on systems from the IBM PC Company, Toshiba, Vobis, Escom, Legend and Osborne. Dell and CompuAdd offer OS/2 Warp as a preload option to customers when they order PCs.

OS/2 Warp Connect, IBM's one-box solution for integrated networking capabilities and easy access to the Internet and other online services, shipped on May 17.

*Trademark or registered trademark of IBM Corp.

IBM news releases are available on the Internet, via the IBM Home Page at http://www.ibm.com. The IBM Fax Information Service allows you to receive facsimiles of prior IBM product press releases. Dial 1-800-IBM-4FAX and enter "99" at the voice menu.

NTT - NOW THE WORLD'S LARGEST OS/2 USER

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), the second largest telecommunications carrier in the world with more than 215,600 employees, has become the world's largest user of IBM's OS/2 operating system.

In 1994, NTT installed more than 20,000 copies of OS/2 V2.11. According to Mr. Shuji Yamamoto, NTT's senior manager, plans are to increase the number of copies to 40,000 by the end of 1997.

OS/2 software was installed to support NTT's largest client-server system, known as Integrated Platform for Regional Information System (IRIS), to facilitate connectivity to any host system within NTT through servers or gateways.

Currently, over 30,000 copies of OS/2 software are being used across IBM, Toshiba, NEC and OKI personal computers in over 250 NTT regional headquarters and branch offices in Japan for the IRIS project. Two-thousand IBM ThinkPads model 755 running OS/2 also are being used by NTT's management staff.

"OS/2 was the only operating system we looked at which could provide multi-tasking capabilities," said Mr. Yamamoto. "One of the major benefits of OS/2 is that application development is made easier and quicker in a multi-tasking environment."

PRESS CLIPPINGS ON SOME NEW OS/2 WARP PROGRAMS

IBM PUSHES NEW OS/2 WARP LOGO
Jason Pontin, InfoWorld, 5-29-95
IBM announced a new logo program last week that is intended to reassure OS/2 Warp users that Windows 3.1 applications will run on OS/2 Warp.
NEW IBM PROGRAMS SHOWCASE OS/2 WARP
Lisa Nadile and Mary Jo Foley, PC Week, 5-29-95
IBM is increasing marketing efforts for OS/2 Warp applications with a distribution agreement with Blue Orchard, a joint OS/2 Warp testing and certification with the National Systems Testing Lab and a "try-before-you-buy" CD-ROM of Warp applications.

IBM WORKGROUP IS OS/2 WARP LAN CERTIFIED

IBM's WorkGroup product that became available May 26, 1995 has completed and passed all the testing required to use the "Tested and Approved for OS/2 Warp LAN Systems" compatibility mark.

IBM ANNOUNCES IBM PC SERVER 500

IBM announced the IBM PC Server 500. This system supports both S/390 and OS/2 Warp operating environments. These systems will be cost effective development environments for mainframe applications or a low-cost alternative deployment platform. This product is particularly useful to IS shops that are migrating to a client/server paradigm. This is good news for OS/2 Warp because it is another opportunity for IBM mainframe customers to discover the benefits of OS/2 Warp. The product will be available in July.

IBM'S SOURCES AND SOLUTIONS DIRECTORY EDITION 3 NOW AVAILABLE

The third edition of IBM's popular Sources & Solutions Directory is now available. This handy 230-page reference lists software vendors and applications, hardware systems and peripherals, courseware and training, publishers and authors, books, magazines and newsletters, consultants and services, certified professionals and support services for IBM desktop products.

The new edition, which will be packaged with OS/2 Warp, OS/2 Warp Connect, and LAN Server 4.0, now has multiple indexes to help users, developers, writers and others quickly find the information they need.

Complimentary copies of Sources & Solutions may be ordered by calling 512-823-2083 or fax (512) 823-1517.

IBM'S "OS/2 WARP MONTHLY" NEWSLETTER ON-LINE

Take a quick glance at what's new with IBM's OS/2 Warp in the new monthly newsletter on-line on the World Wide Web http://www.ibm.com/pspinfo/mnlvolume1.html or download a postscript, AmiPro or text version from the gopher.

This new monthly newsletter is yet another means for IBM to share info with you. We want to provide perspectives on an ongoing basis about the OS/2 Warp brand products such as OS/2 Warp, IBM LAN Server and other related products. We also want to help you get more out of your computer. If you aren't using OS/2 Warp, we want to convince you of its power and virtues. If you are using OS/2 Warp, we want to make sure you are getting the most out of it.

The different sections of the newsletter cover a wide variety of topics. Our "Electronic 'Scapes" section will review useful and interesting Internet sites. The "User Power" section will feature various types of users and their experiences with OS/2. Additionally, the newsletter will cover product tips, "Insights" from IBM executives and other prominent members of the computing community, "Solutions for a Small Planet", "Entrepreneurs" and businesses who depend on OS/2 and interesting OS/2 shareware as well as commercially available applications.

Each month we will feature a relevant topic. This month we are featuring OS/2 Warp Connect, IBM's newest OS/2 product, soon to be available worldwide. This new offering combines all the software in OS/2 Warp with a broad spectrum of connectivity software in one convenient, easy-to-install package. One article explains the rationale for producing a connectivity package and the other article provides some background on the peer networking environment.

Two additional features of getting information through cyberspace are that the communication can be two-way and it's easy to pass the information on to others. We want to know what you think of this newsletter. We provide the Internet ID of most of our contributors and we will all be glad to get mail from you. There's a survey at the end of the newsletter too. Also, feel free to pass this newsletter on to others.

FREE LAN MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW CD-ROM

IBM is providing, at no charge, a CD-ROM which describes and demonstrates OS/2* based LAN management solutions.

This CD lets you explore 10 of IBM's SystemView* LAN management products. You can see how individual products address your specific LAN management needs or how combinations of the products offer broader solutions for solutions for your LAN Administration and support requirements. You can even set up a miniature LAN in a test environment to evaluate some of IBM's newest LAN management products.

The {LAN Management Overview CD} includes:

  • Multimedia Presentations: Browse through self-guided presentations to explore LAN and systems management topics and technical details on the ten featured products.
  • Evaluation Code: Most of the products can be installed via the pre-configured evaluation code in a test environment. This live demonstration code allows you to see how the products, either individually or in combination, measure up to your LAN administration needs.
  • Product Documentation: Product documentation can also be viewed for even more detailed technical information.

Featured Functions:

  • Automated backup and recovery ADSTAR* Distributed Storage Manager/2 V1.2
  • LAN trouble-shooting and analysis tool DatagLANce Network Analyzer V1.2*
  • Remote control and monitoring of workstations Distributed Console Access Facility V1.3*
  • LAN management: configuration, operations, performance LAN NetView* Management Utilities for OS/2 V1.1*
  • LAN physical media management LAN Network Manager for OS/2 V2.0*
  • Hardware and asset management NetFinity Manager and NetFinity Services V2.01*
  • Remote unattended software distribution and installation NetView Distribution Manager/2 V2.1*
  • Comprehensive multivendor LAN management platform NetView for OS/2 V2.0*
  • Application use management Network Door/2 V1.0
  • Performance management of OS/2 systems System Performance Monitor/2 V2.0
* - evaluation code included on CD

How to Order the CD:

Customers may order this CD at no charge via one of the following options:

  • Call (800) IBM 3333 ext GE100
  • FAX the completed form below to (520) 574-4555
  • Send the completed form below via Internet to askibm@www.ibm.com
  • Mail the completed form below to:
           IBM Corporation
           P.O. Box 22590
           Tucson, AZ 85734-2590
           Attention: GE100

ORDER FORM
----------

LAN Management Overview CD - ATTN: GE100
               Your Name/Title __________________________________________
                  Company Name __________________________________________
       Department or Mail Drop __________________________________________
Street Address (no P.O. Boxes) __________________________________________
              City, State, Zip __________________________________________
            Telephone (      ) _____________   Fax (      ) ____________
What is your timeframe to buy?
 a) now b) within three months c) longer than three months d) just interested
Approximately how many users are supported by the systems you manage?
 a) < 10     b) < 80      c) < 650    d) < 5000    e) > 5000
On what platform(s) or operating system(s) do you envision Systems
Management running?
 a) Intel: DOS, Windows**or OS/2* b) UNIX c) IBM MVS d) IBM AS/400*
 e) Digital  g) Other _______________________________
Do you have a) a need to buy these products, or b) just interested?
*Trademark or Registered Trademark of IBM Corporation
** Trademark or Registered Trademark of Microsoft Corporation

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FROM IBM MOVES AHEAD

The Professional Certification Program from IBM can help provide recognition to you across the industry for your OS/2 and LAN Server skills. Whether you are already certified or have never been certified, you'll want to take a look at our new program changes and learn what you need to do to move ahead with changing software technologies.

You can now begin your journey towards certification on OS/2 Warp and LAN Server 4.0, with new roadmaps and new tests to support these product releases. Previously certified individuals will continue to be recognized in the program (recertification is optional) but we want to make it easy for you to keep up to speed. So by June, individuals who are already certified on previous releases of OS/2 and LAN Server will have a shortcut - one update test - to move your certification ahead to the latest product release.

To help you prepare for the new OS/2 Warp and LAN Server 4.0 tests, self-study books have been developed. The OS/2 Certification Handbook and the OS/2 LAN Server Certification Handbook are available now. These books serve as a convenient means for you to study on your own time and pace.

The OS/2 and LAN Server instructor certification program has been redesigned to open the doors to more technical individuals wanting to validate their instructional offerings with prestigious credentials.

To receive an information packet on our new offerings, call 1-800-959-EXAM and get ready to move ahead with the Professional Certification Program from IBM. You can also access information on the program through the World Wide Web by entering the following command:

http://www.austin.ibm.com/pspinfo/profesnl.html

IBM OS/2 LAN SERVER IS THE LEADING APPLICATION SERVER

IBM's best kept secret is that OS/2 is the leading installed application server platform in the Intel space - here are the facts, from IDC:

Market Share - 1Q'95
Server licenses shipped
IDC
OS/2 & Lan Server NT Server WFW Netware All Unix
File & Print NOS 14% 8% 9% 45% N/A
Application Server 25% 19% N/A 23%(NLM's) 34%
Total Server 18% 12% 5% 37% 12%

"PROFESSOR OWL" HELPS BORLAND OWL USERS DEVELOP FOR OS/2 WARP

Those looking for a C++ code generator for the Borland C++ OWL library will be happy to know there is one available for only $39.95 This is a PM Native OS/2 application written for and with the Borland C++ Object Window Library. You will be able to create a skeleton application with a few button presses. Several basic styles are available. It will generate all the C++ and header files, and resources for you. Simply add these files to your project or make-file and start compiling. This is the fastest way to learn programming for OS/2 with Borland C++ OWL. Professor OWL scans your existing C++ code and allows you to add and delete events, member functions, and class variables. This is a great tool for building small or medium size applications. Ever want to try out an idea, but resorted back to writing DOS code because it was easier to get started? Those days are over, Writing OS/2 apps is now easier and more fun. Professor Owl come on 3.5" high density disk, and all documentation is online. Send Check or money order payable to 'Ed March' for $39.95 + $1.50 Shipping and handling.

Ed March

1749 Golf Road #110
Mt. Prospect, Il 60056
(708) 228-1234
emarch@ais.net

IBM PC MULTIMEDIA SERVER KEY TO C/S MULTIMEDIA SOLUTIONS

This powerful multimedia server, based on IBM OS/2*, IBM OS/2 LAN Server*, IBM LAN Server Ultimedia* and the IBM PC Server, is designed to provide a multimedia audio/video server solution for a variety of applications and environments. The IBM PC Multimedia Server is a key component of client/server multimedia applications, providing the capability to distribute and share in real time, audio and video across local area networks (LANs).

For day-to-day ease of use, the new server is also packaged with NetFinity*, a member of IBM's SystemView* family, IBM's advanced management software that makes LAN management efficient.

The IBM PC Multimedia Server configuration has the capability to support 10 simultaneous video streams with superior quality. With additional network interface cards installed in the PC Multimedia Server, as many as 40 simultaneous multimedia sessions can be operated, supporting an entire building or company of users. The 1GB of multimedia data storage allows for approximately 110 minutes of video or several hours of audio depending on the technology used.

The IBM PC Multimedia Server, an integrated hardware/software package, initially will be configured with the IBM PS/2 Server 95, equipped with 1GB Fast SCSI-2 Disk (for multimedia data); 66 MHz Pentium processor, 1GB disk for system programs and applications; an internal SCSI 2X CD-ROM drive, IBM's NetFinity management software and the IBM Auto LANStreamer MC 32* adapter or IBM Ethernet Quad PeerMaster Server Adapter. The server comes pre-loaded with IBM OS/2 2.11, IBM OS/2 LAN Server 4/0 Advanced and IBM LAN Server Ultimedia 1.0.1.

IBM plans to offer the multimedia server solution on other PC Server platforms, including the IBM PC Server 300 and IBM PC Server 500. The IBM PC Multimedia Servers will be sold through IBM PC Direct at 1-800-426-2968. The new servers' general availability will be late spring, and pricing will be announced at that time.

INTERNET APPS FOR OS/2 - WWW DIRECTORY SERVICE

If you haven't been there yet, check out the "Internet Apps for OS/2 Page" located at http://www.phoenix.net/~vccubed/os2apps.html

You will find this to be a fairly complete listing of the Primary shareware/freeware/demo applications available on the Internet, and a wonderful place to do one stop shopping.

WEB EXPLORER PERFORMANCE TIP

As you all know, the WebExplorer is using multiple threads to get text and pictures over the net. At the bottom of your screen it shows the four threads that is uses by default.

You can increase the number of threads to 8 by putting the option '-t 8' as parameter to WE.EXE.

For more WebExplorer parameters, search on the keyword 'parameters' in the WebExplorer's online help.

VINCA STANDBY-SERVER FOR LAN SERVER

For LAN Server Advanced users who have wanted a new level of fault tolerance beyond simple disk mirroring or duplexing, Vinca announces StandbyServer 32 for LAN Server, a complete fault tolerant solution that provides high data availability for LAN Server file servers.

StandbyServer 32 for LAN Server was developed together with the IBM Development staff in Austin, Texas. It automatically mirrors data using native LAN Server mirroring, to a warm , on-line standby machine via a high-speed dedicated link. While in standby mode the standby machine is running OS/2 and Vinca's software. The Vinca software monitors the primary server to detect hardware or software server failures. When a primary server failure is detected, the standby machine automatically take

StandbyServer 32 for LAN Server was developed specifically for mission-critical networks where the cost of downtime is significant. This full 32-bit OS/2 implementation works in conjunction with all the rich features of OS/2 and LAN Server Advanced, and ensures data availability in the case of failure while preserving the diagnostic information on the primary server. It provides a level of fault tolerance previously unavailable for LAN Server networks.

StandbyServer 32 for LAN Server benefits:

  • All data is fully protected and made available through a redundant file server.
  • Switching to the standby machine is automatic with only a momentary delay for users.
  • Does not require identical servers, allowing companies to extend the life of older equipment.
  • With mirroring information being passed over high-speed Vinca components, the system never adds traffic to the network.
  • The standby machine, running OS/2 and Vinca's software, can be used for other network tasks.
  • Vinca's high-speed link boards use communication co-processors to maximize performance during remirroring and normal use.
  • Compatible with all OS/2 certified disk controllers and disk drives.
  • Utilizes OS/2's ability to have several disk controllers in one file server to increase the data transfer rate. (This feature also adds the flexibility needed to function with virtually all LAN Server Advanced network configurations).
  • Uses only a single LAN Server Advanced license.

For more information contact Vinca at (800) 934-9530 or (801) 223-3100, by fax at (801) 223-3107, and on the Internet at info@vinca.com.


Important Disclaimer

This is *NOT* an "official" IBM communique. Please respect that I will sometimes make typographical errors that result in incorrect phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses. I would appreciate it if you would contact ME and let me know before firing off e-mail to the general IBM in-box. This will help me continue to work at IBM and therefore, continue this informal newsletter. <grin>

Although notices within this newsletter may be IBM press releases, the OS/2 WarpFlash as a whole is not an official IBM communication and should not be treated or represented as such.

All efforts have made to internationalize the OS/2 WarpFlash where possible; however, it is entirely possible that certain information with OS/2 WarpFlash may be applicable only in the US and Canada.


If you know someone who might be interested in WarpFlash, feel free to forward this document, provided you forward it in it's entirety, as per the copyright notice below.

INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND FREEDOM FROM INFRINGEMENT. The user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document. This document may be copied and distributed subject to the following conditions: 1) All text must be copied without modification and all pages must be included; 2) All copies must contain relevant copyright notices and any other notices provided therein; and 3) This document may not be distributed for profit.