IBM RELATED NEWS & PRESS RELEASES



WARP 4 FIXPAK-5 RELEASED

FixPak-5 for OS/2 Warp 4 was posted for download via ftp from IBM's Boulder site on November 19th. There are 14 disk image files, 18.39 MB in all.

ftp://service.boulder.ibm.com/ps/products/os2/fixes/v4warp/english-us/xr_m005/

FixPak-5 may also be available for downloading at this time from several other OS/2 internet file distribution sites and BBS's.

User feedback has been mostly favorable. It was installed very quickly on my system with no apparent problems during or after the installation (so far).

- Larry Lavins
OS/2 SIG Leader
Philadelphia Area Computer Society (PACS)
November 24, 1997

WORKSPACE ON-DEMAND RELEASED

Allows Enterprise Customers to Implement Network Computing Technologies While Maintaining Existing Applications and Reducing Administration Costs

AUSTIN, TX (November 24, 1997) - IBM* today announced the general availability of WorkSpace On-Demand,* its Intel-based network operating system designed for network computing and managed PC's. WorkSpace On-Demand is 100% Pure Java** compliant and is the newest member of IBM's eNetwork* Software family that will help customers move from a traditional client/server environment to network computing.

"WorkSpace On Demand allows enterprise customers to take advantage of cutting-edge network computing technologies, such as Java, without having to sacrifice their previous software and hardware investments," said Donn Atkins, general manager, OS/2 business unit, IBM. "With the delivery of WorkSpace On Demand, we are offering our customers another e-business solution from IBM that builds upon their current investment while helping streamline the management of their enterprise -- today."

WorkSpace On Demand consists of two components: a client operating environment and a set of server-side utilities to manage that environment. Both components reside on top of OS/2 Warp Server* and allow client systems to boot -- or start up -- off of the server and access applications and user data anywhere on the network. WorkSpace On Demand is the only product on the market which offers a server managed client environment that supports OS/2*, DOS and Windows 3.x applications on 486 or better hardware. It allows customers to immediately begin using the emerging network computing technologies of tomorrow while at the same time providing the capability to leverage their existing investments in applications and hardware. This helps protect the CIO's buying decision and makes WorkSpace On Demand a safe investment on the road to network computing.

WorkSpace On Demand permits 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 and data, fulfilling one of the promises of network computing. WorkSpace On Demand provides the ability to add applications or make changes to client systems at the server rather than at multiple client machines. When a change is made at the server, the system administrator simply makes the update available to the designated client systems. The end user at the client machine then refreshes his or her screen to receive the update. If the update is a new application, an icon may appear on the user's desktop as soon as the screen is refreshed. Additionally, WorkSpace On Demand utilizes existing system management tools in OS/2 Warp Server to back-up and restore user data at the server.

The product provides a customizable front-end interface that can be tailored to meet the needs of specific types of users. Depending on the user's job and responsibilities, the interface for a WorkSpace On Demand client may be any of a number of things, such as a simple graphical shell, a single task-specific application, the Lotus eSuite* desktop, or the Netscape Navigator browser interface with a customized applications menu.

WorkSpace On Demand 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 designed for business-specific uses. In addition, WorkSpace On Demand supports native OS/2 applications, as well as Windows 3.x and DOS applications, and provides access to 3270 and 5250 host mainframe systems. Users can also access 32-bit Microsoft Windows 95** and Windows NT** applications via the Citrix WinFrame server.

Early Customer Testing

Fiducia, an IT operations manager and software developer in Germany, currently maintains 6,000 OS/2 servers and 30,000 OS/2 clients for its 450 banking customers. During a preliminary test of WorkSpace On Demand, Fiducia favored its security and client support benefits. If implemented, WorkSpace will provide Fiducia with an efficient IT infrastructure, and low customer support costs.

Silicon Space, a consulting firm in southern California, expects WorkSpace On Demand to comprise a significant part of its business. The low cost of ownership and manageability are appealing to the Fortune 500 companies they serve, many of which are looking to start moving to network computing. Silicon Space is currently working with a customer that is evaluating rolling-out WorkSpace On Demand to nearly 2,000 clients in 50 locations. Silicon Space is a Lotus Business Partner and an IBM BESTeam member.

Volt Information Sciences, an IBM business partner and BESTeam member, is a $1.1 billion corporation that specializes in human resources contingent staffing, telecommunication & information solutions, and pre-press publishing systems & services. IBM's WorkSpace On-Demand is an important product for Volt's customers due to its "ability to enable more application and system resources access to the desktop, cut down on the cost-of-ownership and improve the technical support to users," according to Dale McCallon, vice president, Advanced Technologies, R&D at Volt.

WorkSpace On Demand Availability and Pricing

Customers can obtain WorkSpace On Demand through IBM Business Partners and the IBM Direct sales force. Special upgrade pricing is available from IBM for customers using previous versions of IBM's OS/2 operating system. Upgrade Protection Options are also available from IBM. The WorkSpace On Demand product includes the server administration and management utilities, the WorkSpace On Demand client code, and one client access feature for a recommended dealer price of $729 per shrink-wrap copy. Additional server licenses have a recommended dealer price of $699 and additional client access features for $249.

IBM eNetwork Software and On-Demand Networking

WorkSpace On Demand is part of IBM's eNetwork Software family of networking communications products that provide enterprise-class universal connectivity and information access for cost-effective network computing. The On Demand initiative is focused on offering customers a communications platform that provides services for server-based components that are dynamically downloaded when needed by clients. These services include centralized administration, delivery and network optimization across multiple platforms. The result is low cost software management and support and effective application performance across the network. WorkSpace On Demand and IBM Host On-Demand*, a Java-based emulator for Web access to host applications, are the first steps in this direction.

About IBM Software

IBM, the world's largest software provider, creates, develops and manufactures some of the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. IBM offers information about the company, its products, services and technology through the World Wide Web. The fastest and easiest way to get information about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page at www.software.ibm.com .

*IBM, WorkSpace On Demand, eNetwork, OS/2 and Host On Demand are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corp.

Lotus eSuite is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation.

**Java and 100% Pure Java are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. All other product and service names may be trademarks and/or service marks of their respective owners.

IBM press releases issued in the United States can be found at http://www.ibm.com/news/uspress.html.

- Timothy Sipples
Internet Usenet Newsgroups - NNTP

IBM TO PORT WORKSPACE ON DEMAND TO OTHER OSes

Now that IBM's thin client for OS/2, WorkSpace on Demand, has started shipping, the company is looking to bring it to other operating systems.

"When you look at market share, it only makes sense to move it out to other systems," said Joseph Stunkard, media relations director for IBM's software group.

Giving WorkSpace on Demand the ability to manage platforms that are neither Intel-based nor OS/2 would be a significant advantage over projects such as Microsoft's Zero Administration Windows (ZAW) initiative, which will not be fully available until Windows NT 5.0 ships and will be limited to certain platforms.

However, Stunkard was cautious about issuing a time frame for bringing the product to other OSes.

"We're looking at NT and the IBM platforms, such as AS/400," Stunkard said. "Do we have some of these working in a lab? Yes, but I don't think you could even call them alphas. I certainly don't think you'll see them in 1998."

John Albee, OS/2 Warp program manager, said IBM would be most likely to port WorkSpace on Demand to its own systems, as well as to Intel-based systems.

The move to multiple OSes might serve to placate industry analysts, who in past weeks have said WorkSpace on Demand was an interesting product but limited by its OS/2 roots.

IBM Corp., in Armonk, N.Y., is at (800) 426-3333 or http://www.ibm.com/.

- Steven E. Brier
InfoWorld Electric
November 25, 1997

IBM MERGES SOFTWARE GROUPS

The parade of organizational changes at IBM is continuing, with the computer giant refocusing its software organization to give more prominence to its Java development. IBM is merging its Personal Software Products (PSP) group and its Network Software unit, and putting them under the new banner of IBM Network Computing Software Division, sources said.

The new division will be headed by Mike Lawrie, who had been general manager of the Austin, Texas-based PSP group.

Patricia Sueltz, who had been running IBM's Java development efforts as a vice president, has been promoted to general manager of Java software, sources said.

In a switch, Sueltz will report to Lawrie. Sueltz had been reporting to Steven Mills, general manager of IBM's software solutions group.

It is the second major shift for Sueltz' Java development organization within a matter of months. Earlier this year, her group was taken out of the IBM Internet Division and placed under Mills' jurisdiction.

Donn Atkins, who had been a marketing VP in the PSP group, will now assume the title of general manager of OS/2. The company also named Al Zollar to become its general manager of eNetwork Software.

Sources said while Lawrie's group will now concentrate on low-end software, including PC and network computer operating systems and network infrastructure, Mills software solutions group will continue to focus on higher-level areas such as transaction processing, IBM's DB2 database software, middleware, and packaged server products.

Mills and Lawrie will both report to John M. Thompson, IBM's senior VP and software group executive.

- Edward F. Moltzen
Computer Reseller News
November 17, 1997, TechWeb News

IBM's OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO ZIFF-DAVIS STORY

(November 26, 1997) - We believe it is necessary to respond to the misleading article that was published on various Ziff-Davis web sites regarding OS/2. The story takes an internal announcement at IBM about a new division, in which OS/2 plays a significant role and paints a negative story toward OS/2. This is far from correct. As we've stated for well over one year, OS/2 will continue to be positioned as a network computing operating system within IBM's overall network computing and e-business strategy.

During 1997, IBM enhanced both the OS/2 client and server products and also created an entirely new offering, WorkSpace On-Demand. As was stated to the reporter, IBM will continue to enhance the OS/2 product line during 1998. This involves additions to both the client and server product, an entirely new version of OS/2 Warp Server and also an update of WorkSpace On-Demand.

Also, as was stated to the reporter, the vast majority of the employees will continue work on the same projects that they were doing prior to the announcement of the new division. Stating that IBM is moving a number of OS/2 managers and developers into new positions is completely inaccurate. During the announcement of the new division, IBM named Donn Atkins, former VP of Marketing for OS/2 as the new General Manager of the OS/2 business unit. The former General Manager for OS/2, Michael Lawrie, is the General Manager for the newly created division. Again, the day-to-day activities of most employees will be unchanged.

IBM now has two focused organizations within its Software Group: the new Network Computing Software Division and the Software Solutions Division headed by Steve Mills. The two organizations within IBM Software will bring competitive, functional and integrated solutions to the market. The Software Solutions team will focus on the higher-level transaction processing, database, middleware and packaged servers. This team will place a greater emphasis on packaging server software into easy-to-use products, and focus on distributed systems and tools where there is a huge opportunity. The Network Computing Software division will focus on our Java initiatives, network infrastructure technologies and OS/2 products that support e-business. This brings together our Java team, and the Networking Software (NS) and Personal Software Products (PSP) organizations.

This is what was announced when forming the new division and this is how the news should be seen.

Donn Atkins
General Manager for OS/2
IBM Corporation

- Timothy Sipples
Internet Usenet Newsgroups - NNTP

OS/2, LOTUS NOTES BECOME OA STANDARD OF CHINA'S MINISTRY OF ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY

OS/2 Warp and Lotus Domino technologies continue to make strides in China. Here's the latest news...

Ministry of Electronic Industry, IBM and Great Wall Computer Software & Systems Inc. Launch Office Automation System

BEIJING, CHINA (November 6, 1997) - The Ministry of Electronic Industry (MEI) and IBM have announced that, together with Great Wall Software & Systems Inc., they have successfully developed and implemented an IBM OS/2 and Lotus Notes based office automation (OA) system for the Ministry. To facilitate software developers and users in China to use IBM's advanced technology, MEI has formed two committees to develop the national Chinese Application Program Interface (API) standards for the Notes and OS/2 software platforms.

The move is part of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which MEI signed with IBM in 1995 to co-operate in software. Using IBM and Lotus software products to develop OA applications is one of the major items of the MOU. The OA system is the result of the joint efforts of the MEI, IBM and the Great Wall company.

The integrated system includes modules for public information, backgrounder, personnel files, e-mail, document registry, document approval and meeting management. It uses IBM's DB2 Universal Database for database management, and IBM RS/6000 as the central server. More than 38 trade information/statistics and discussion databases are available in the system now, and more are being added. The OA system is connected to the Golden Bridge network and its data is made available to the local industry through this network.

The deployment of the system is expected to substantially improve workflow and process in MEI's offices. Starting now and working through 1998, MEI will roll out the system in more than 100 MEI organizations and affiliates across the country.

This system will serve as the OA model for other government ministries. In addition, Great Wall is joining hands with IBM and Lotus to market an OA package developed out of the MEI OA system to other companies in China.

At the same time, MEI has set up a Lotus Notes Working Group and an OS/2 Working Group under its Chinese Platform Commission to standardize the Chinese API for the two software platforms, so as to ensure efficient Chinese language application development and compatibility. Members of the Working Groups include those from MEI's Standardization Research Institute, Great Wall Computer Group Corp, Stone Richsight Co Ltd, Software Institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Information Engineering Institute and State Cereals and Oils Administration. Upon acceptance of the standards, China's software developers will be able to develop their applications more effectively allowing them to bring products to market faster.

Announcing the move at the China Information Technology Conference (CITC) the director general of MEI's Computer Division, Zhang Qi, said: "In today's world where information technology is developing rapidly and networks like the Internet are widely used, it is imperative for the various levels of government, enterprises and institutions in China to increase office automation as soon as possible or they would risk falling further behind global trends. Office automation is a key part of the country's infrastructure development.

The successful launch of the OA system for the Ministry of Electronic Industry will not only improve the way the ministry is managed, but also set a model to demonstrate to other industry and government organizations how the OA system can be used."

"IBM has been a long-term partner of China, committed to playing a major role in contributing to China's modernization through bringing its advanced technologies, solutions and experience to China," said Michael Colleary, director of emerging markets, IBM Software Asia Pacific.

"The OA system is a basic platform on which an organization can construct its complete, sophisticated and networked information infrastructure. The launching of the OA system will have far-reaching impact on the automation of the Chinese government. We are proud to be a part of the MEI OA project."

IBM's OS/2 operating system and Lotus Notes, developed to address the requirements in the networked world, have become more and more popular among customers worldwide. In China, according to Colleary, Lotus Notes has been installed in banks, insurance companies, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Petroleum, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Chemical Industry, provincial and city governments, the China National Chemical Corp and the China National Cereals and Oils Corp.

"This is a milestone announcement not only for IBM, but also the Chinese software industry. MEI should be applauded for its leadership and initiatives to make the OA system a reality," added Colleary.

About IBM Software

IBM, the world's largest software provider, creates, develops and manufactures some of the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. IBM offers information about the company, its products, services and technology through the World Wide Web. The fastest and easiest way to get information about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com.

* IBM, OS/2, DB2, RS/6000 are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corp.

** Lotus Notes is the trademark of IBM's subsidiary Lotus Development.

- Timothy Sipples
Internet Usenet Newsgroups - NNTP