IBM TO INTRODUCE NETWORK COMPUTING VERSION OF OS/2
IBM will introduce a version of OS/2 Warp Server next week at its Technical Interchange conference in St. Louis, optimized for network computing. Bluebird is a derivative of OS/2 Warp Server that stores as many as six different desktop configurations on the server. Those client systems are pushed down to desktop computers when users boot up. The server also stores data files and the user's access to network services.
Bluebird's client systems include 3270 and 5250 mainframe terminal emulation, a browser desktop, a DOS/Windows 3.1 desktop, or a slimmed-down version of the Workplace Shell and Presentation Manager. All client systems include the Java Virtual Machine, so every desktop has Java application support, according to Steven King, product manager for Warp Server at IBM's personal software products division in Austin, Texas. Bluebird will support multiple network cards in one PC and automatically perform load balancing to maximize network throughput.
The first release of Bluebird will run on Intel-based PCs, and all client systems are small enough for a 486-class machine, IBM officials say. IBM expects to ship Bluebird around the Comdex trade show in November.
Customers Can Get Early Electronic Access To New Features
AUSTIN, TX (April 29, 1997) - OS/2 Warp 4 and OS/2 Warp Server customers now have an easier way to get the latest features and updates for their OS/2 products with the availability of Software Choice, IBM's new software delivery program via the Internet. Software Choice offers eligible customers access to new features and updates, including those related to network computing, in advance of the next product release date making it easier to manage, test, and certify their applications.
"Our customers need to be able to add function without compromising their current application set,",/i> said Donn Atkins, vice president of marketing for IBM's Personal Software Products. "Every customer does not always require every new feature or function that we may offer in a new release. With Software Choice our customers will have the option of choosing the right feature set for their computing environment without having to rollout a complete upgrade across their enterprise."
Features When You Want Them
Software Choice is easily accessed through the Internet and offers eligible customers several options in selecting product downloads. In addition to technical information and hot links, customers can choose from a catalogue of downloadable features and updates that will be available to customers with Internet access -- many at no charge. Most new network computing functions, along with a periodic CD , will be reserved for IBM customers who have purchased an eligible Upgrade Protection option under one of IBM's software purchasing agreements.
By visiting the Software Choice Web site, eligible customers can download many of the features and updates that are available today for both OS/2 Warp and OS/2 Warp Server, such as Java 1.02, and Netscape Navigator 2.02. In addition, for OS/2 Warp Server customers, Network Logon for Windows 95 and NT clients, and Network Neighborhood Browser Support, will be available for download. Customers will find the Software Choice Web site at http://www.software.ibm.com/os2warp. As new features and updates become available, such as Java 1.1, TCP/IP Enhancements, and support for the IBM Network Station, eligible customers will be able to download these from the Web site, rather than waiting for the next product release.
IBM Workstation Software Advantage and Upgrade Protection
OS/2 Warp 4 and OS/2 Warp Server customers can participate in the IBM Workstation Software Advantage program with a two-year commitment of as little as $10,000** of IBM workstation software products. Customers can contact their IBM Business Partners or IBM Representative to determine their eligibility for the Software Advantage program.
In addition, customers in the Software Advantage program can purchase the Upgrade Protection Option for OS/2 Warp 4 and OS/2 Warp Server through their IBM Business Partner or Representative to gain access to future features and updates, as well as new versions and releases of these products that are announced during their contract period.
Through the Software Advantage program, OS/2 Warp 4 and OS/2 Warp Server customers will have access to the subscription content of Software Choice, as well as receive a periodic CD of the applicable features and updates, with the purchase of an eligible Upgrade Protection Option. For a limited time, Software Advantage customers in North America can purchase an Upgrade Protection Option from IBM at a promotional price of 30 percent off the suggested retail price. This offer is available to Software Advantage customers through September 30, 1997.
OS/2 Warp 4 and OS/2 Warp Server
IBM is the largest software company in the world and is the home of the OS/2 Warp family of products. OS/2 Warp is the ideal operating system solution for today's network computing environments, offering customers a true cross-platform business solution that delivers on the promise of network computing. Within the OS/2 Warp family of products customers will find features such as Internet/intranet connectivity, integrated Java support and dependable systems management. The OS/2 Warp operating system is the foundation for this broad family of products, which includes OS/2 Warp, OS/2 Warp Connect, OS/2 Warp Server, OS/2 Warp Server SMP and the Directory and Security Server for OS/2, one of the IBM Software Servers.
