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| Date: | Fri, 11 Sep 1998 16:15:45 EST |
| From: | SBT Information Systems <sbtaus@ibm.net > |
| Reply-To: | |
| To: | 32bits@sbt.net.au |
| Subject: | OS/2 News, Views and PRs 15-5-97 |
OS/2 News, Views and PRs 15-5-97
Hi there, and we start with a shameless commercial plug:
1. Vigilance on Talos V from Polyex:
a native OS/2 DIVE or full screen parallax scrolling game (ala Commander
Keen) is now in stock ! $59.95
Available directly from us or Sentience Software ex stock.
more details at www.polyex.com, FLIGHT2 demo can be d/l
2. LogoArt from WorkLab Systems:
vector graphics native OS/2 app is now in stock ! $149.
Available immediately directly from us and from all OS/2 outlets:
Multitasking, Sentience, Frankson.
more details at www.worklab.com, trial version can be d/l
Are these good ? YES, I have no hesitation in recommending either. Whilst
minor glitches may be be experienced, overall, both products are well done.
First things first: well, I haven't finished first level yet, I found the
Saturn Ball (allow Jaraad to roll up an fit through small holes), but I am
still looking for missiles......
Also, LogoArt is an excellent app, allows conversion of of bitmaps in
vector drawings, includes lots of cliparts, easy to use and powerful.
Current (and last) issue of YC has a review of LogoArt.
This is a very brief newsletter, as I have a lot of levels, oops, letters
ahead of me, and I'll work on them as the email goes out.
If you're an office holder of an OS/2 SIG, and would like to demo Talos V
and LogoArt at your SIG, please contact us.
did anyone found the Plasma Gun yet ?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
it seems everyone is 'coming out': the latest to come out as an OS/2 user
is Richard Ashton, in the current edition of MultiCAD magazine, Richard has
several articles over quite a few pages. Whilst admitting he is not yet
110% OS/2 user, he describes his trials and tribulations with all things
that can load on your boot sector.
Well written, and factual (but you can have long file names on FAT)
===========================================================================
I feel this a rather appropriate comment on your letter to editor, Richard;
Fm: Milton Margai 102661,3131
>>But in truth, isn't that the way it has always been?<<
No, oh you young greenhorn. Be told by an old man like myself (spit into
the bullseye) that once upon a time there was the land of plenty. Where PC
companies actually guaranteed with their good name for their products and
where the BETA testing was done INSIDE the manufacture's premises !!! This
was the time where you could actually get your money back if the HW or SW
crashed and where machines didn't even a a "Reset" button, because people
hardly needed one. In this time people who called in because their system
crashed weren't told to just skip in the handbook to the page which handles
the "power on/off" switch. But times change and old PC warriors grow tired.
So I just sit here on my pillow and watch my screen-saver smash my OpSys
into pieces. Afterwards I'll have some over-burned CD-Rs for dinner.:-()
M.M.
==========================================================================
Sorry for delays in supplying Lotus Freelance WordPro bundle.
Every month we get a "new" due date from Lotus, and it gets longer every
month ......
Supposedly, it will became available on 19th May - but we're not sure what
year.
You may express your dissatisfaction with delays by emailing
Nicole_Cadet@lotus.com at Lotus Australia.
==========================================================================
Consumers to be covered by Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
Australia's residential and small business Internet users will have access to the
Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman's (TIO) complaint handling procedures
for the first time from I July when tbe TTO's jurisdiction expands.
In addition, consumers using new telecommunications companies supplying
standard and mobile phone services, as well as companies which resell these
services, will also have recourse to the complaint handling agency.
The TIO will grow to cover approximately 475 Internet service providers and 90
telecommunication service providers when legislation comes into force on 1 July.
===========================================================================
I/O - Can you help - reader's queries
where's the plasma gun ?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please be advised that today we have released the June 1997
issue of the OS/2 CONNECT newsletter.
<<< FEATURING THE NEW OS/2 PRODUCT PRIORITY LIST! >>>
NOTE: If you would like to be removed from this mailing list,
simply send an e-mail reply of REMOVE.
OS/2 CONNECT is THE authoritative source for contact information
in the universe of IBM's OS/2 32-bit operating system.
The newsletter is implemented as a web page at:
http://www.tbos2cla.com/connect
It is also available as a set of HTML files suitable for use with standard
web browsers, such as the Netscape Navigator or IBM's WebExplorer. The file
is named CON0697.ZIP which includes a README.TXT file describing the
newsletter and how to install it. The newsletter is being distributed
through the following channels:
1. Commercial Networks:
A. America Online
In Computing; "OS/2 Forum" - under "OS/2 Newsletters"
NOTE: You can also access our Web site through AOL's
"OS/2 Links and Web Sites" section in the OS/2 Forum;
select "OS/2 Publications Websites."
B. CompuServe
In the "IBM OS/2 Users+" Forum (GO OS2USER), go to the
Library & Browse the "Documentation" section.
2. On the Internet:
FTP Sites: hobbes.nmsu.edu (/pub/os2/info/newsltr/connect) or
(/pub/incoming)
ftp-os2.cdrom.com (/pub/os2/incoming) or (/pub/os2/newsltr)
World Wide Web Sites:
OS/2 CONNECT home page (HTML)
http://www.tbos2cla.com/connect
- the zipped HTML files for downloading can be found at:
http://www.tbos2cla.com/connect/purpose.htm
Warp Center (World Systems Ltd.)
http://www.wsl-media.com/warpcenter/os2connect.html
IN BRAZIL
http://www.ele.puc-rio.br/~donnici/os2.shtml
http://www.ele.puc-rio.br/~donnici/os2_eng.shtml (in English).
3. Bulletin Boards:
The 42nd Street BBS (Northern Ireland, UK) +44-(0)1247-270883
ABSOLUT(e)LY TEMPORARY (Las Vegas, NV) 702/254-8601
Clarion BBS (Tampa, FL) 813/832-3851
IBM OS/2 BBS Slovenia (Ljubljana, Slovenia) +386-61-1253464
Interactive BBS (India) +91-11-7104973
The Lighthouse OS/2 Support BBS/HUGO (Netherlands) +31-183-402427
MBA's The "PRIDE" Network (Palm Harbor, FL) 813/786-4864
Mid-Atlantic OS/2 BBS (Virginia Beach, VA) 757/422-8462
New England Online (Boston, MA) 617/961-7870
NightCall (Odense, Denmark) +45-6312-1074
OS/2 Shareware;Pete Norloff's BBS (Fairfax, VA) 703/385-4325
Status Indiagate (New Delhi, India) +91-11-6985111, 6993111
Status Kalptaru Net (Nagpur,M.S,India)+91-712-744323,745946,745715
Viper OS/2 (Enschede, The Netherlands) +31-53-4780086
Virtual Dream BBS (Palermo, Italy) +39-91-489642
Xanadu OS/2 BBS (Stockholm, Sweden) +46-8-918390
The OS/2 CONNECT HTML files can be distributed free of charge.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO RE-DISTRIBUTE THIS NOTICE ACCORDINGLY.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Tim Bryce
Editor, OS/2 CONNECT
M. Bryce & Associates, Inc. (MBA)
777 Alderman Road
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
United States
Tel: 813/786-4567
Fax: 813/786-4765
BBS: 813/786-4864
E-Mail: TimB1557@aol.com
CompuServe: 76235,2364
WWW: http://www.tbos2cla.com/connect
MBA: Developers of the "PRIDE" Information Factory(R) and Batch Manager
Since 1971: "Software for the finest computer - the Mind"
==============================================================
IBM Australia Phone: 61-2-9353 3762
Darling Park - DP12 Fax: 61-2-9353 3496
201 Sussex Street Notes Id: MORPHETT@IBMAU
Sydney 2000 Internet: imorphett@vnet.ibm.com
AUSTRALIA
Today at the 1997 Technical Interchange software developers' conference,
IBM previewed a new software technology, code-named "Bluebird," that
demonstrates IBM's direction in addressing the range of emerging
Intel-based hardware environments, including "managed PCs" and "thin
clients."
Bluebird allows for the consolidation of applications and data on the
server, which reduces complexity and overall costs by allowing IS managers
and system administrators to more easily manage user applications --
fulfilling one of the promises of network computing. Bluebird provides the
ability to add applications or make changes to client systems at the server
rather than at multiple client machines.
Bluebird will help customers transition from a traditional client/server
model to a network computing environment optimized for 100% Pure Java, the
Internet, and corporate intranets. In addition to supporting newer network
computing technologies such as Java, Bluebird will provide support for
customers' existing application and hardware investments. This will allow
CIOs and IS managers interested in Java and network computing to make the
transition over time and at their own pace.
Bluebird is targeted as the industry's first managed solution that will
allow users to access data ranging from host systems to PC applications to
emerging Java environments.
What is Bluebird?
Bluebird is an extension to the OS/2 family of products and consists of two
components: a client operating environment and a set of utilities to
manage that environment. Both components reside on a server running OS/2*
Warp Server and allow client systems to boot -- or start up -- off the
server and access the applications and user data that reside on the server.
The Bluebird client operating system runs on new "managed PCs" and on
traditional PCs used in a "thin client" mode. In this case, a "thin client"
is defined as a diskless Intel-based PC which gets all of its software
components from the server. A "managed PC" would be defined as an
Intel-based PC with an inaccessible hard disk that provides temporary
storage for performance improvements.
Bluebird complements the existing line of OS/2 products and takes
advantage of proven OS/2 technology.
Bluebird includes the Java Virtual Machine built directly into the
operating system, which allows users to run the increasing number of 100%
Pure Java applets and applications. In addition, Bluebird supports native
OS/2 applications, as well as Windows 3.x and DOS applications, and
provides access to 3270 and 5250 host mainframe systems. Customers may
also use third party software such as Citrix WinFrame server, which can be
licensed directly from Citrix, to allow users to access and run 32-bit
Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows NT applications.
Bluebird Talking Points
"Bluebird will put you on the road to Network Computing"
Bluebird will be the industry's first operating system to address the range of
emerging Intel-based hardware environments, including "managed PCs" and "thin
clients."
Bluebird lowers the cost of administration by increasing manageability
--- "Makes job easier for IS managers"
Server-based model increases manageability of network and clients:
- Make changes to apps on one server, rather than on multiple clients
- Easy to make new apps or updates accessible to clients
- Uses Warp Server systems management to backup and recover user data on the
server
Bluebird can access information ranging from 3270, 5250, DOS, Windows, OS/2 or
Java-based systems and applications, making it an ideal client for customers in
a heterogeneous environment.
Bluebird is based on proven, reliable technology in OS/2 Warp 4 and Warp Server
IBM is delivering on this technology while others are just talking about it --
IBM is staking leadership in this space
Bluebird presents a key market opportunity for IBM in the emerging managed PC
space
Bluebird eases the transition to network computing and
Java by protecting customers' investments
Leverages Existing Applications:
- Supports Win 3.x, DOS, 3270, 5250, OS/2 apps
- Supports 32-bit Win 95/NT apps via third-party solutions, eg Citrix WinFrame
- Continues to run mission critical, line of business applications
Supports Existing Intel Hardware:
- Runs on traditional PC server hardware
- Supports traditional PC workstations acting as "thin clients" (diskless PCs)
- Connects to mainframe/host systems
Allows businesses to start taking advantage of the benefits of network
computing today:
- Supports Java (and the increasing number of business-specific Java apps)
- Supports new "managed PCs" and PCs acting as "thin clients"
- Reduces complexity and cost of management
Bluebird provides both administrator control and user freedom
"Greater IS control that's not at the expense of end users"
Allows IS managers to retain/regain control of their network and clients:
- Easier to designate which apps users can access
- Easier to grant users access to those apps
- Ability to prevent users from accessing hard drive or other resources
"Roaming Application Access" lets end users access their apps from any client
system:
- Easy access to the apps they need and use from anywhere
- Changes at server quickly reflected at the client (screen refresh)
Bluebird has a flexible interface tailored to users' needs
"The most practical way to access the applications most frequently used"
Choice of UI depends on the user's needs:
- Simple shell with icons
- Customizable apps menu on Navigator browser interface
- Java desktop such as Lotus Kona
UI can simply be a single application:
- Appropriate for users of "fixed function" or "task specific" apps
- e.g., bank tellers, form fill apps
- Lotus Notes
Bluebird complements the OS/2 family of products
OS/2 Warp and Warp Server:
- Can be implemented today to address current computing needs
- Allow customers to begin using Java and network computing in their "full
function" PCs
- Also, Warp & Warp Server can be purchased today and configured to operate in
a "Bluebird mode" (do it yourself Bluebird)
Bluebird:
- Can be introduced later as the "managed PC" environment matures
- Allows customers to leverage their Warp Server systems
BLUEBIRD Q&A
Q. Who do you see as the target customer?
A. Bluebird is targeted at the medium to large enterprise customer segment, a
market where IBM has traditionally been strong. As Bluebird will support
Windows 3.x, DOS and OS/2 applications, it will be extremely appealing to
customers who want to build on the investment they have made in these types of
applications. Users who work in a fixed-function application environment will
benefit from Bluebird as well, as they will have a customized interface
allowing easier access to the applications that they really need.
Q. When is Bluebird expected to ship?
A. Limited customer testing will begin this summer. GA is not expected until
late 1997 or early 1998.
Q. What will Bluebird cost?
A. Pricing will be announced at the time of availability.
Q. How will Bluebird be packaged and sold?
A. We are still determining the best way to package and sell this product.
Q. Will Bluebird be sold through IBM's BESTeam Partners?
A. Yes.
Q. Will Bluebird run Windows NT and Windows 95 applications?
A. Yes, with the addition of a third party application, such as Citrix WinFrame
server, users can also access and run Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows NT
applications.
Q. How much does the Citrix WinFrame Server cost?
A. Citrix WinFrame costs approximately $5995 for 15 users.
Q. How do you compare this to the Windows Terminal that Microsoft has
outlined?
A. Bluebird provides access to a broader set of applications, unlike Windows
Terminal, which seems to be targeted at NT applications only.
Unlike the Windows Terminal, Bluebird gives CIOs and IS managers interested in
network computing the ability to leverage support for existing application
investments and make the transition to network computing over time and at their
own pace.
Q. Why would a customer buy this product vs. Warp 4 (and vice versa)?
A. It depends on the customer's application needs. Bluebird is targeted at
users who work with only a few applications or a task-oriented application more
than those who work with many applications. Warp 4 is a full-function OS for
users who need local processing, horse power and multiple applications. It's
not that one would purchase Bluebird in place of Warp 4, but rather the two
could coexist.
Warp 4 and Warp Server can be implemented today to address current computing
needs and to begin using Java and network computing. Bluebird can then be
introduced later as the "managed PC" environment matures, allowing customers to
leverage their Warp Server investments.
Also, Warp 4 & Warp Server can be purchased today and configured to operate in
a "Bluebird mode." (do it yourself Bluebird)
Q. What browser will you utilize?
A. Bluebird incorporates Netscape's Navigator 2.02.
Q. Navigator 2.02 is old technology. Why aren't you using a new version?
A. Navigator 2.02 is what we are working with today and it has the
functionality that most customers require. We will update this technology
as it makes sense.
Q. Will this replace OS/2?
A. No. In fact, the two products complement each other and can coexist.
Q. What will the name be? Will it include the OS/2 Warp brand?
A. We have not made a decision on the name at this time.
Q. Would you not call it OS/2 Warp because of the negative perception of OS/2
Warp?
A. No. Our large customer base actually thinks very highly of OS/2. It has
been the foundation on which they have reliably run their mission-critical
applications over the years. Our long-standing customers are committed to
OS/2 and have faith in it as a proven, reliable technology.
Q. What hardware will it run on?
A. The majority of Intel-based PC servers. The client OS supports managed PCs
and thin clients (diskless PCs).
Q. Will this support IBM's Network Station or recently announced Managed PCs?
A. Bluebird will not support the IBM Network Station. However, it should work
on a wide variety of existing and new Intel-based hardware including
managed
PCs and traditional PCs acting as thin clients (PCs without a hard drive.)
Q. Why does Bluebird not support the IBM Network Station? Do the two products
compete with one another?
A. Bluebird is an Intel-based solution, Network Station is RISC-based.
The two products do not compete with each other or with any other network
computing solution that IBM may offer. They each comprise a piece of IBM's
overall network computing strategy, which is designed to fulfill a complete
range of customer environments.
Typically, Bluebird would be the best choice for OS/2 customers who need to
continue running existing applications in parallel with new Java applications.
Q. Would you classify this as a thin client?
A. From a hardware perspective, Bluebird can be used in a thin client
environment. In this case, we would define a thin client as a diskless
Intel-based PC. Bluebird also addresses the emerging managed PC space,
ie PCs
with an inaccessible drive for temporary storage to enhance performance.
Q. Have you shown this to customers? What is their reaction?
A. Yes, we have shown this to a select group of customers and their reaction
as been very positive.
=====================================================================
Microsoft's Unix Browser Effort Lags (05/04/97; 2:45 p.m. EDT) By Barbara
Darrow, Computer Reseller News
REDMOND, Washington -- Last October, MIcrosoft Chairman Bill Gates told
the crowd of Unix faithful at Unix Expo that Internet Explorer for Unix
would be in beta by year's end.
Things haven't worked out that way. Now, four months after its promised
delivery, the Unix browser still has not hit beta.
Microsoft is "still hard at work on Unix versions and we've grown our
in-house development team to make this happen," said Product Manager Kevin
Unangst. He did not offer a time frame.
Microsoft could hardly be called a Unix proponent ever since targeting
Unix with Windows NT, but it has repeatedly said it will have browsers on
all the major desktops. It now plans IE versions for Solaris and HP/UX
first, with other Unix platforms to follow, Unangst said.
There had even been rumblings around Microsoft that the company would do a
version of its browser for IBM's OS/2, but Unangst said there are no plans
for an OS/2 version currently.
Observers said it could make sense for Microsoft to develop for platforms
it normally disdains if the company is serious about competing with browser
rival Netscape.
Netscape actively supports OS/2, Unix and Macintosh, as well as Windows
desktops.
Microsoft already offers IE 3.0a for Power Macs and a beta of 3.01 that is
downloadable for 68000- and Power Mac-based machines, Unangst said.
Copyright (c) CMP Media, 1996.
=======================================================================
....: actually, Commander Keen wasn't a parallax scrolling game, was it ?
well, I better get back to work,
Voytek Eymont
SBT Information Systems Pty Ltd - Distributor of OS/2 software
fax 61-2 9310-1118 ph 61-2 9310-1214
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~sbt
sbtaus@ibm.net
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