Last week, OS/2 resellers and users were confused by rumors that IBM was quietly preparing a service-based OS/2 client for its corporate customers. IBM has straightened out the details, though the clarification may not make the OS/2 end-user community much happier.
IBM isn't creating a new OS/2 client that they'll sell only to enterprise customers, as the rumors posted on Warpcast (www.warpcast.com) had implied. Rather, IBM NCSD is providing customized installation images of IBM OS/2 Warp Server for e-Business, which may include a subset of the full server OS. For instance, a customized system might be used as a Web or Notes server, and leave out file and print services. In such a case, the customer still purchases a license for the full Warp Server for e-Business (though at a significant discount, if this is a big corporate customer). It's rather like buying a cheeseburger without cheese, according to Steven King, NCSD Services Manager.
Savvy OS/2 resellers know that providing a customized solution like this isn't a technically challenging feat. It's merely a matter of knowledgeably picking options during the installation process, or, in a larger deployment, modifying the CID files for the installation images. That's a service that any OS/2 VAR can offer, and many do so.
If your customers are interested in upgrading their OS/2 Warp 4 clients -- other than by IBM's FixPaks, which are up to #12 by now -- you may want to point out to them that, as of January 1, some services will be available only if they purchase IBM Software Choice ( http://www.ibmlink.ibm.com/usalets&parms=H_299-276). This new policy will make OS/2 the only operating system for which users will need to pay to get updated Java VMs or Netscape Web browsers. Ironically, IBM -- the e-Business company -- directs Web users to inquire about pricing via telephone.
In the new SciMark 2.0 benchmark, IBM's Java 1.1.8 (for OS/2 Warp) ranks right at the top. (Benchmark results are available at http://math.nist.gov/scimark2/index.html. At this web site you can test your own system's Java performance right from your web browser.) SciMark measures scientific and numerical computing performance.
Moreover, PCs with older processors still beat rival Java implementations on faster processors. In other words, IBM is helping to extend the life of older PCs by providing the highest performance Java technologies.
IBM customers can enjoy these Java performance benefits both inside and outside their web browsers. (Netscape Communicator for OS/2 Warp relies on IBM's Java runtime.)
To download the latest and greatest version of IBM's Java, or for more information on IBM's Java technologies, please visit http://www.ibm.com/java. To download the newest Netscape Communicator for OS/2 Warp (either Version 4.61 "Beta 2" or Version 4.04) please visit http://www.software.ibm.com/os/warp/netscape.
** Java is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems. OS/2 is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.
More information on this comprehensive technical manual can be found on the Internet at http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg245393.html. (You can even view the entire book online!)
OS/2 Warp Server for e-business, SG24-5393-00
Abstract
This redbook describes some of the core functions of the IBM OS/2 Warp Server for e-business product based on the experience of IT Specialists who participated in the ITSO, Austin Center project.
The purpose of this redbook is to provide information and guidance on new features that have been introduced into OS/2 Warp Server for e-business.
The book is organized as follows:
Chapter 1. Introduction and overview
Chapter 2. Base operating system enhancements
Chapter 3. adapters and protocol services
Chapter 4. Journaled file system and logical volume manager
Chapter 5. File and print services
Chapter 6. Integrating Windows NT Servers
Chapter 7. TCP/IP Version 4.21 new functions
Chapter 8. Lotus Domino Go Web Server and WebSphere
Chapter 9. IBM remote access services
Note that the redbook does not describe the systems management, backup and restore, software distribution and advanced print services components that are part of IBM OS/2 Warp Server for e-business. A second redbook is planned to cover those components.
Also note that this redbook is not intended to provide basic information, but instead, it builds on knowledge of IBM OS/2 LAN Server or OS/2 Warp Server, and an understanding of TCP/IP is assumed.
Netscape Communicator 4.61 for OS/2 Warp provides the latest web browser support to the OS/2 operating system, and supports the deployment of new Java and Web technologies. This version of Netscape Communicator includes the core components from Netscape Communicator Standard Edition 4.6 for Windows, as well as some OS/2-specific features. Here are some of the features contained in this product:
For more information about Netscape Communicator 4.61 for OS/2 Warp, and to register and download the preview, please visit http://www.ibm.com/software/os/warp/netscape/
Subsequently, IBM withdrew all disk image files dated June 30th, and reposted them all on July 1st. Apparently, there were some missing pieces in some of the disk images. Anyone who downloaded the June 30th files is strongly advised to dump them and download the July 1st releases.
Dick Kurtz, OS/2 Fix Distribution in Austin TX, advises how to tell which release you have if you didn't note the posting date:
NOTE: Beginning with this Warp 4 FixPak-11 and Warp 3 Fixpak-41, most OS/2 device drivers will be moved to separate Device Driver FixPak. The first such Device Driver FixPak will be XR_D001, scheduled for release at a later date.
There are 16 disk image files: xr_m011.1dk to xr_m011.gdk. The first disk includes 4 readme files, which are also posted for separate download.
Corrective Service Facility F.141, (now known as a FixTool) is required for installation of FixPak-11. Filename is cs_141.exe, 714819 bytes. Do not attempt to install with an earlier version. You can download cs_141.exe from:
ftp://service.boulder.ibm.com/ps/products/os2/fixtool/english-us/
I strongly recommend FastKick or QuickFix for installation. They allow direct installation from your hard drive and eliminate the need for the tedious, time-consuming task of making diskettes from disk images and installing from the floppies.
If the latest version of FastKick (updated for CSF F.141) is used, then it's not necessary to also use cs_140.exe.
The updated FastKick file and instructions for installation of FixPak-11 via hard drive or RSU may be found on Dan Casey's Abraxis web site at: http://members.iquest.net/~dcasey/
Click on "OS/2 EZ Reference" at the top of the frame on the left side of the Abraxis home page; then click again on the "Applying FixPaks ..." item. Now select either the Image Files or RSU installation method, which will bring up detailed installation instructions. It's a good idea to print this.
In either case, the updated FastKick is needed. Click on the highlighted area of line "1. You'll need FastKick 141" to download fastkick141.zip.
The most recent Version 1.1 of QuickFix, QF11.ZIP, can be downloaded from Hobbes. The main difference between QuickFix and most others is that QuickFix uses an image unpacking tool which performs CRC validation of the diskette images before applying what could otherwise be junk to your finely-tuned and previously functional OS/2 system. Many users believe this to be a most worthwhile safety factor to prevent problems arising, especially from corrupted disk image files.
I used FastKick's image files from the hard drive method. Installation was easy and fast. In the previous FixPak-10 installation, there were 10 instances detected of installed files of newer vintage than files of the same name in FixPak-10. But in FixPak-11, there was only one single instance of this. I chose not to overwrite the more recent file.
In the few days since FixPak-11 was installed, Warp 4 operation has remained stable, with no noticeable problems.