IBM PSP Developer Support News - 1994 - Issue 6

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IBM® Personal Software Products

Developer Support News

1994 Issue 6 - 13 May 1994


Contents

PSP Developer Support News Begins Its Second Year
Message from the editor.
Sources & Solutions 1994 Advertising Information
What Sources & Solutions is. Who should advertise. Why advertise? Demographics. Mechanical requirements. Printing specifications. Shipping instructions. Advertising rates. Closing dates. Insertion order forms and more information.
Additional Copies of Sources & Solutions are Available
Fax number to call to request more copies.
IBM Developer Assistance Program Workshop
DCE Hands-On Application Programming for OS/2, AIX, and Windows: Overview. Objectives. Audience. Benefits. Prerequisites. Topics. Cost. Schedule. Location. Registration. Contact for more information.
IBM Developer Assistance Program Workshop
OS/2 DCE Installation and Administration: Overview. Objectives. Audience. Benefits. Topics. Cost. Schedule. Location. Registration. Contact for more information.
MXGA Extends OS/2 PM or Windows Desktop Across Multiple Monitors
Multiple-instance XGA (MXGA) device drivers. Monitor configurations. Resolutions and colors. MXGA setup in OS/2 and Windows. Available from Nth Graphics. Current offerings from Nth Graphics. Contact for more information.
Device Driver Workshops in High Demand!
6 June PDD workshop filled to capacity. Sign up now for 7 November PDD workshop! How to obtain workshop information.
Device Driver Support Team Progress Report
DDK Version 1.2. Free one-week workshops. Device-driver evangelists. OEM hardware compatibility list. Hardware vendors come to Boca Raton. Logo programs, ad space, exhibit space. DUDE and voice contact information.
IBM Offers No-Cost Licensing of Ultimotion Video Standard
No-cost licensing of Ultimotion digital video compression algorithm. Plus, beta version of Ultimotion decompressor for Windows. Video IN/2. Ultimotion Development Kit. Contacts for more information.
Student/Faculty Price for The Developer Connection for OS/2
Overview of The Developer Connection. Price. Order form. Volume 3 content list.
Reminder
Special Price for The Developer Connection is Available to US DAP Commercial and Premier Members: Prices for Commercial and Premier members. Criteria for becoming Commercial or Premier member. Contact information.
TCP/IP Application Partners Program for TCP/IP for OS/2 and DOS/Windows
How to qualify. TCP/IP Application Partners Catalog. Contact for more information.
IBM OS/2 2.1 for Windows ServicePak (XR06300) Now Available
OS/2 products to which the ServicePak applies. Ordering the ServicePak. Downloading electronically. Ordering via 800 number.
IBM PC DOS 6.3 Offers Integrated Data Compression, Improved Memory Management
Overview. Integrated data compression and pen support. Eight full-featured utilities. SuperStor/DS. Multiple configuration support. RAMBoost. Central Point Backup. IBM AntiVirus. Additional enhancements. Prices and how to acquire. (See next item for announcement details.)
IBM PC DOS 6.3 Announcement Details
New features in DOS 6.3. DOS 5.02 still available. AccessDOS 1.1. Description of enhancements. Hardware requirements. Software requirements. Definitions of terms. IBM technical support. Corrective service. Problem determination procedures. Electronic bulletin-board systems. Packaging. Program upgrade. Ordering information and charges.
PC DOS 6.1 to 6.3 Upgrade Promotion
Free via e-mail systems, or 24.95 USD for diskettes. DOS 6.1 prerequisite. Offer expires 30 September 1994.
PC DOS Beta Test Participants Wanted
Membership process for USA and Canada. Membership process for Europe, Middle East, Africa.
IBM Restructures Technical Support for Software to Provide Consistent Services Across All Platforms
Elements of new structure. Platforms supported. IBM Support Family. Core services. Base and enhanced support. On-site support.
Comprehensive Technical Support Structure Announced
Enhancements to technical support structure. Personal Systems Support Family. Technical support structure. (See next item for more information about Personal Systems Support Family.)
IBM Announces Personal Systems Support Family
Overall services. Core services: Support Line and Support Line Selectable Options, Consult Line, House Call, Forum. Additional services: Customer Application Assistance, Technical Connection Personal Software CD-ROM, IBM Personal Systems Technical Solutions Magazine, Desktop Application Support, Technical Education. One-stop shopping. Support services for complex applications. BESTeam participation. Contact for more information. (See next item for full details.)
IBM Personal Systems Support Family, Withdrawal of SystemXtra for Personal Systems, and New Technical Support Structure for Personal Systems
Abstract. Project office. Program services. Getting-started period. Personal Systems Support Line. Per-incident service. Standard service. Premium service. Personal Systems Consult Line. IBM House Call. Personal Systems Forum. Personal Systems Customer Application Assistance. Personal Systems Technical Connection Personal Software CD-ROM. IBM Personal Systems Technical Solutions magazine. Personal Systems Desktop Application Support. Personal Systems Technical Education Coupons. General terms and conditions. Satisfaction guarantee. Additional terms and conditions: scope of services, IBM responsibilities, and customer responsibilities. Charges. Supported products.
Technical Support Announcement Questions and Answers
General issues. Base and enhanced technical support. One-Time Charge and Monthly License Charge models. Critical situation process. IBM Support Family. Support Line. IBM Support Family administration and billing. Pricing.
Immediately Available VisualAge Wins Customer Approval
Overview. Object Connection Program. Customers cite benefits. Structured for multiple platforms. Technical detail. Product family.
VisualAge General Information
Description. Components and support. Two versions of VisualAge. Key reasons to use VisualAge. Database support. VisualAge Team support. VisualAge positioning vis-a-vis Highpoint and AD-Cycle.
IBM Object Connection for VisualAge
Purpose of program. Eligibility. Membership benefits. Membership process.
IBM Opens LAN Systems Integration Test Lab to Customers
Overview of offering. Compatibility testing in replicated environment. Test IBM or third-party software. Contact for more information.
Open Blueprint
A Guide to Distributed Computing: Structure of components for industry-standard client/server applications. Concerted effort to ascertain most widely accepted standards. Extensive questions and answers about business value, IBM commitment, standards, related IBM strategies, IBM products/platforms relationships, software vendor relationships, other industry infrastructures, and support.
IBM Announces Record Attendance at Developer Conference
2300-plus attendees at San Francisco Technical Interchange. Comments by Reiswig, Mills, and Haile. Innovative products featured. Conference attendees praise the Interchange.
IBM PSP 1994 Trade Show Schedule
List of trade shows in which IBM PSP is participating through the end of July.
Calling Team OS/2 for COMDEX/Spring '94, 22-26 May, Atlanta
What we do. What you'll get. What you do. How to volunteer. Team OS/2 suite at COMDEX.
IBM Participation in COMDEX/Spring '94, 23-26 May, Atlanta
Overview of COMDEX. IBM Community exhibit. IBM speakers and panels.
1994 Client/Server Database Conference, 13-17 June, New Orleans
Overview. Five days, new topics. Over 75 mini-classes. Conference highlights and benefits. Much more for '94. Three vital conference theme areas. Two targeted conference tracks. Exposition of software providers. Seven keynote speakers. Find harmony in New Orleans. Registration. Fees. Accommodations. Save on air travel. More information.
1994 APPC/APPN Technical Conference, Boston in July, Amsterdam in September
Overview. Dates and cities. Audience. Highlights. Topics. Cost. Venues. Registration.
OS/2 World Conference & Exhibition, 19-22 July, Santa Clara, California
Overview. Eight technical tracks. Objective, balanced faculty. Spend the year using what you've learned. Proven sponsorship. OS/2 World Products Exhibition. Tutorial sessions. Keynote address. Opening night reception. Conference agenda. Registration fees. Early registration. Cancellations. Where to check in. Travel information. Three easy ways to register. Contact for more information.
Coming This Fall /2 Atlanta
IBM OS/2 Technical Update '94, 11-14 September, Georgia World Congress Center: Brief announcement. Contact for registration and information.
Third Annual ColoradOS/2 Developers Conference, 30 October - 4 November, Colorado Springs
Preview for DSNEWS readers. Five leading speakers. 40+ presenters, 80 topics. Topics for everyone. Stellar presenters. Brochure due in July. Brochure text also on CompuServe. Registration. Where will you be?
IBM Product Information Now Available on Internet
Announcements and press releases. Where to find the IBMLink Gopher server. Accessing Gopher.
Latest List of OS/2 2.1 Books
Subscription Information for The Developer Connection for OS/2 and the IBM Device Driver Source Kit (DDK) for OS/2
Worldwide phone and fax numbers for ordering.
800 Phone Numbers
Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, Service Marks

PSP Developer Support News Begins Its Second Year

With this issue, IBM Personal Software Products Developer Support News begins its second year of bringing news of interest and relevance to the many Independent Software Vendors who continue to climb aboard the Personal Software Products bandwagon.

DSNEWS is now available on more e-mail and BBS systems than ever before, all over the world. Because of this international exposure, we strive to include news of value to readers outside the USA, and to build a following in countries far and wide.

We also try to include developer news from parts of IBM other than Personal Software Products, so that our ISVs can get as complete a picture as possible about IBM's developer support offerings.

Although DSNEWS is intended for developers, anyone with electronic access to the major e-mail and BBS systems can obtain DSNEWS, and many non-developers do just that. We're pleased that we are meeting your needs as well.

Our philosophy is to furnish as much information as possible, and to leave no stone unturned. Many of our readers tell us they appreciate the amount of information and the detail presented. Granted, DSNEWS is not a quick read, if you read all of it, but we sense that you like having all of its information at your disposal, so we will continue to search for and publish lots of good stuff in each issue.

We will also continue our efforts to expand our distribution points, and of course to attract more and more regular readers as they become aware of the value of DSNEWS.

As we begin year 2 of DSNEWS, we extend our appreciation to you readers for the kind words and encouragement you have given us during the past year. Thank you!

Mike Engelberg
Editor

Sources & Solutions 1994 Advertising Information

Sources & Solutions is the only comprehensive reference tool for users and developers of OS/2 and LAN Systems products, including DB2/2, Communications Manager/2, and C Set ++. These users and developers need to locate products and services to make them more productive. They will be looking in Sources & Solutions for your story!

Who Should Advertise

Are you an Independent Software Vendor with OS/2 and LAN Server applications or tools? Are you an OEM preloading OS/2, PC DOS, and/or LAN Server on your products? Are you a member of the Independent / International Vendor League with an OS/2 product or service to sell? Are you a Reseller or Distributor? A VAR? Are you a peripheral manufacturer with OS/2 and LAN drivers? A publisher?

Sources & Solutions is the only place you can go to reach the focused target audience you want! Sources & Solutions is designed to reach the largest, most focused, and most qualified audience for OS/2 and LAN Systems products and services. With unequaled advertising price / performance, Sources & Solutions provides the perfect vehicle to promote your products and services.

Act now! Select your focus area, design your ad, and call to reserve space: 1-512-823-1859!

Why Advertise?
  1. 700,000 qualified PC and LAN buyers twice a year!
    • Direct mail to our specialized proprietary lists (we reach back into established user bases as well as new users)
    • Included in OS/2 and LAN Server product packages
    • Distributed to corporate users, user groups, software developers, hardware vendors, plus influencers, VARs, consultants, and more
    • International distribution
    • Bonus distribution at specific trade shows and special events
  2. Unequaled Price / Performance
    • Highly qualified and focused audience
    • Affordable rates -- no better price / performance anywhere else
    • Full page, 4-color ad less than 80 cents per impression
  3. Specific Focus Areas
    • Software applications and development tools
    • Hardware products
    • Independent / International Vendor League
    • PSP product dealer locator
    • General information
    • Advertisements
Demographics

The following charts are demographics and psychographics for respondents to a recent proprietary primary market research study of OS/2 and PSP product consumers:

Organization Size:                 Job Titles:

   1 -   24    30 percent          CEO/GM or VP           20 percent
  25 -  100    10 percent          Other manager          16 percent
 100 -  500    15 percent          DP manager             10 percent
 500 - 1000     6 percent          Engineer               10 percent
1000 - 5000    16 percent          Analyst / Programmer   18 percent
5000 +         23 percent          Consultant              8 percent
                                   Controller              2 percent
                                   Other                  16 percent

Plan to Spend This Year (OS/2- and LAN Server-Related)

                                 Hardware     Software

    Up to      50,000 USD        60 percent   71 percent
   50,000 -   100,000 USD        16 percent   12 percent
  100,000 -   250,000 USD         8 percent    6 percent
  250,000 -   500,000 USD         5 percent    4 percent
  500,000 - 1,000,000 USD         5 percent    3 percent
1,000,000 - 5,000,000 USD         4 percent    2 percent
5,000,000 +                       2 percent    2 percent
Mechanical Requirements
Trim Size:     7-3/8 inches x 9 inches
Untrimmed:     7-5/8 inches x 9-1/4 inches
                 to accommodate 1/8-inch trim at gutter, sides, top, and
                 bottom

Space:         Non-Bleed         Bleed

1 page         6-3/4 x 8-3/4     7-5/8 x 9-1/4
1/2 page       6-3/4 x 4-1/4     7-5/8 x 4-1/4
All bleeds must be prepared for both right- or left-hand page placement. Type should be a minimum of 1/2 inch from gutter and 1/8 inch from trim to allow for trim and grindout for perfect binding.
Printing Specifications

Black-and-White: Screened film negatives to size, right reading, emulsion side down, are required. A velox should accompany all negatives.

Four-Color: Color-corrected screened film negatives to size, right reading, emulsion side down, MUST be accompanied by a color-correct proof. Please do not send disks or laser proofs.

Screen: 150-line screen.

Production Charges: Mechanical preparation for advertisements such as typesetting, paste-up, copy changes, film duplication, and film mailing will be billed at cost to the advertising agency or advertiser. Production charges may apply on work performed to bring ads within conformance to specifications.

Shipping Instructions

Mail all insertion orders and ad materials to:

 Leslie Palin
 Sources & Solutions
 IBM Corporation, zip 3013
 11400 Burnet Road
 Austin TX 78758
 1-512-823-1859 voice
 1-512-823-1517 fax

Please protect all materials against bending and tearing.

Advertising Rates
Effective 9 May 1994. Rate Card number 2.

Display Advertising:

Size         Color        1X          2X
Full page     4C          6,500 USD   6,000 USD each
Full page     BW          5,200 USD   4,800 USD each
Half page     4C          3,500 USD   3,200 USD each
Half page     BW          2,900 USD   2,600 USD each
Covers        4C          9,500 USD   9,000 USD each

Terms: Net 30 days. No cash discount. Net amount due within 30 days from date of invoice. Invoices are rendered on date of issuance. Finance charge of 1.5 percent per month will be levied on balances of over 30 days.

Agency Commissions: To recognized advertising agencies, 15 percent commission on space and position charges only. Agency commission will be revoked on space unpaid 60 days after billing date. Advertiser and agency assume joint liability for payment of all debts incurred by agency on behalf of advertiser.

Publisher's Protective Clause: Advertisers and agencies assume liability for all content (including text, representation, and illustrations) of advertisements and also assume responsibility for any claim arising therefrom made against the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to hold the advertiser and/or its advertising agency jointly and severally liable for such monies as are due and payable to the publisher.

Closing Dates
Second Edition (Fall '94):

o Insertion orders     17 June 1994
o Ad materials         24 June
o Distribution         15 September

Third Edition (Spring '95):

o Insertion orders     20 January 1995
o Ad materials         27 January
o Distribution         21 April
Insertion Order Forms and More Information

To obtain insertion order forms or more information, contact (Ms.) Leslie Palin at the address or phone numbers listed above under "Shipping Instructions".

Additional Copies of Sources & Solutions are Available

Additional copies of the first edition of Sources & Solutions are available at no charge. To order, send a fax request to 1-203-268-1075.

IBM Developer Assistance Program Workshop: DCE Hands-On Application Programming for OS/2, AIX, and Windows

The Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) was developed by the Open Software Foundation to provide the basic services required to produce secure client/server application programs.

In this five-day workshop, formerly known as "OS/2 DCE for Software Developers Workshop," students become familiar with the components of OSF DCE by following the development of a basic distributed application using the full complement of DCE tools and services.

This workshop is a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on lab work. The student will spend a significant portion of the week writing basic DCE client/server programs in the OS/2 2.1 32-bit environment.

Objectives

The objectives of this workshop are to explore issues affecting the design and implementation of DCE Application Programs from the OS/2 perspective, and to provide an effective learning environment for writing client/server applications using DCE.

Audience

"C" application programmers who want to learn the Application Programming Interface (API) of the OSF DCE, either to assist them in creating DCE applications for OS/2, AIX, and Windows platforms, or to assist them in understanding the issues involved with DCE for future designs.

Benefits

The workshop will provide a broad base of understanding of the development of DCE applications in an OS/2, AIX, or Windows environment. The instruction will include the basic design and distribution issues faced by client/server programmers in a DCE environment using DCE Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs). The course covers the various aspects of the DCE programming model, including security, naming, time service, interface definitions, etc. The knowledge gained will allow the student to understand how to modify existing applications to take advantage of the DCE client/server models.

Prerequisites

Experienced C language programmers who have written or intend to write distributed applications, or who have application programming experience.

Topics

Topics include:

  • Application development in a distributed environment
  • Developing an application using remote procedure calls
  • Design and distribution issues
  • Using IDL to define a basic interface
  • Developing a basic server and basic client
  • RPC programming topics
  • Using the DCE security service
  • Using the DCE threads service
  • Using the DCE distributed time service
  • Using the DCE directory service
Cost

The cost for this workshop is 2,000 USD per student.

Schedule

The schedule for this workshop for the rest of 1994 is:

13 June      - 17 June
29 August    -  2 September
26 September - 30 September
10 October   - 14 October
 7 November  - 11 November
 5 December  -  9 Decmeber
Location
IBM Austin
Building 808, Room 1M-100
11100 Metric Blvd.
Austin TX 78758
Registration

To register, call 1-800-IBM-TEACh within the USA, and ask for course code P1064. Outside the USA, call 1-602-629-2731, and ask for education enrollment. IBM employees should register through the MSE system, using course code P1064.

More Information

For more information, contact:

Barbara Batton
Workshop Administrator
Voice: 1-512-823-1815, IBM tie line 793-1815
Fax:   1-512-823-3047, IBM tie line 793-3047
Internet: bbatton@vnet.ibm.com

IBM Developer Assistance Program Workshop: OS/2 DCE Installation and Administration

The Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) was developed by the Open Software Foundation to provide the basic services required to produce secure client/server application programs.

In this five-day workshop, students become familiar with the components of OSF DCE Administration by installation, configuration, and administration of DCE for OS/2. This workshop is a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on lab work (the student will spend a 50/50 ratio between lecture and lab).

Objectives

After successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  • List and describe each core DCE component
  • Describe the inter-relationship of the core DCE components to each other
  • Install and configure the core DCE components
  • Administer the DCE environment
  • Add users and groups to the DCE cells
  • Administer the DCE namespace
  • Install typical DCE applications
Audience

This workshop is for administrators of Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) software who want to learn more about installation, setup, and configuration of DCE. The workshop also can benefit DCE application programmers.

Benefits

The workshop will provide a broad-based understanding of the administration, setup, and installation of DCE for OS/2. This course reinforces key principles, topics, and methods by using diagrams, examples, and coded applications. This workshop combines classroom lectures with laboratory projects (50/50 ratio) to build and maintain an OS/2 DCE cell.

Topics

Topics include:

  • Installation of DCE components
  • Configuration of single/multiple machine cells
  • Principle, group, organization, and account management
  • Directory service management and replication
  • Cell security implementation and management
Cost

The cost for this workshop is 2,000 USD per student.

Schedule

The schedule for this workshop for the rest of 1994 is:

20 June      - 24 June
22 August    - 26 August
19 September - 23 September
17 October   - 21 October
14 November  - 18 November
Location
IBM Austin
Building 808, Room 1M-100
11100 Metric Blvd.
Austin TX 78758
Registration

To register, call 1-800-IBM-TEACh within the USA, and ask for course code C3835. Outside the USA, call 1-602-629-2731, and ask for education enrollment. IBM employees should register through the MSE system, using course code C3835.

More Information

For more information, contact:

Barbara Batton
Workshop Administrator
Voice: 1-512-823-1815, IBM tie line 793-1815
Fax:   1-512-823-3047, IBM tie line 793-3047
Internet: bbatton@vnet.ibm.com

MXGA Extends OS/2 PM or Windows Desktop Across Multiple Monitors

If you need a bigger desktop with high resolution in order to:

  • Run multiple applications side by side, with each occupying separate full screens
  • Run a wide spreadsheet across multiple monitors
  • View or run applications while watching FNN or CNN (additional hardware and software required)
  • Use your imagination!

then read on...

Multiple-instance XGA (MXGA) Device Drivers

MXGA (Multiple-instance XGA) device drivers have been developed to support the above capabilities. These drivers enhance the OS/2 2.1 32-bit XGA Presentation Manager and Seamless Windows device drivers, also supporting native Windows 3.1.

MXGA can extend your OS/2 PM or Windows desktop across multiple monitors, and is of interest to anyone who wants more desktop space. Interest has already been shown by industries with applications such as financial trading, process control, railroad switching, terrain mapping, dispatch, and video.

These device drivers can support multiple XGA instances, where "multiple instance" means combinations of XGA-1, XGA-2, and planar XGA-1 or XGA-2 systems, with either the OS/2 PM Desktop or a Windows 3.1 desktop split across multiple monitors at the same resolution. Windows applications running seamlessly on the OS/2 PM Desktop are also permitted to run across multiple XGA instances. When the drivers operate on a system that contains a mix of XGA-1 and XGA-2 hardware, it will always default to the resolution and color depth of the lowest capabilities of the XGA hardware and monitors available. NOTE: At least one XGA-2 must be present in the system.

Monitor Configurations

A maximum of eight instances of XGA will be supported in various horizontal and vertical monitor configurations, with the following configurations allowed (horizontal x vertical):

1x2, 1x3, 1x4, 1x5, 1x6, 1x7, 1x8,
2x1, 3x1, 4x1, 5x1, 6x1, 7x1, 8x1,
2x2, 2x3, 3x2, 2x4, and 4x2.
Resolutions and Colors

The following resolutions/colors will be supported:

64K colors: 640x480, 800x600, and 1024x768*
256 colors: 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1104x828, 1280x960*, 1280x1024* and 1360x1024*
16 colors: 1280x960, 1280x1024, and 1360x1024.
* = requires an OEM 2 MB card option (see below)

In each case, the horizontal and vertical resolutions will be multiplied by the number of XGAs installed and monitors attached. For example, a 4x2 monitor configuration operating at 1104x828 by 256 colors will provide an effective resolution of 4416x1656x256.

XGA's DMQS (Display Mode Query and Set) function is maintained in the Multiple-instance XGA device drivers. The drivers interrogate the number of cards installed and monitors attached, and only those configurations that are valid will be provided for selection.

MXGA Setup in OS/2 and in Windows
  • In OS/2, an MXGA page will appear in the Setup Notebook. The Setup Notebook is found under the Systems Settings Program located in the System Folder. This new page allows the selection of the multiple screen layouts in addition to the XGA configuration pages available under the current single XGA support.
  • In the Windows environment, an MXGA Setup icon appears in the Control Panel on the Windows Main Group. User-friendly panels will allow selection of configuration, monitor types, supported resolutions, and number of colors.
Available from Nth Graphics

At the current time, the product is available, packaged with a multiple MXGA card, either ISA and Microchannel, from Nth Graphics (see below). IBM Marketing Reps can obtain multi-system licenses (minimum 10) via an ICA with the IBM PC Company in Boca Raton FL. The intention is to bundle this software product with IBM XGA-2 cards for 3Q94 availability.

Current Offerings from Nth Graphics

Contact Tom Hall or Tony Tittle at Nth Graphics, phone 1-512-832-1944.

Nth Graphics provides a family of Double Edge graphics cards which have two complete XGA-2 chip sets on a single graphics card. It is possible to install as many as four of these cards in an ISA bus PC (AT bus) or MCA bus computer to obtain eight accelerated graphics monitors operating in one PC.

Nth Graphics has the following products available (you must mention the part numbers below to ensure that you receive the correct version of the card and enabling IBM Multiple-instance XGA device drivers):

  • Nth Double Edge with 2 MB of VRAM for each channel will run two monitors per card at either 1280x1024 resolution with 256 colors or 1024x768 resolution with 65,536 colors at up to a 60 Hz refresh rate. The part number of the MCA bus version of this card is NAT03, and the single-quantity price is 1,895 USD. The part number of the ISA bus version of this card is NAT04, and the single-quantity price is 1,695 USD. Prices include the cost of the device-driver software.
  • Nth Double Edge with 1 MB of VRAM for each channel will run two monitors per card at either 1280x1024 resolution with 16 colors or 1024x768 resolution with 256 colors at up to a 75 Hz refresh rate. The part number of the MCA bus version of this card is NAT01, and the single-quantity price is 1,695 USD. The part number of the ISA bus version of this card is NAT02, and the single-quantity price is 1,495 each. Prices include the cost of the device-driver software.

These graphics cards have a one-year warranty from Nth Graphics. Once again, be sure to ask for the products by part number to get the correct IBM device drivers included with the card.

More Information

For additional information about MXGA, contact:

Nathan Tinanoff
Features & Options, Visual Application Design
IBM PC Company, zip 1716
1000 n.w. 51 Street
Boca Raton FL 33431
Voice: 1-407-982-6030, IBM tie line 982-6030
Fax:   1-407-443-7728, IBM tie line 443-7728
CompuServe: 71005,1373
Internet: 71005.1373@compuserve.com

Device Driver Workshops in High Demand!

Due to the increasing demand for the Physical Device Driver Workshop held in Boca Raton, the Device Driver Support Center Team scheduled an additional PDD workshop for 6 June. Two weeks after this workshop was publicly announced, it was filled to capacity, with a waiting list!

Sign Up Now for 7 November PDD Workshop!

If you are interested in attending a PDD workshop, sign on to the DUDE (the dedicated BBS managed by the DDSC Team) and register for the next PDD, scheduled for 7 November 1994. Make haste! Do it NOW, because enrollments are already being received for the November PDD workshop!

How to Obtain Workshop Information

Also, to see which other workshops you may be interested in attending, sign on to the DUDE and follow the instructions to download the workshop schedules and workshop descriptions. As an alternative, if you don't have modem access, call Bob Peterson (1-407-443-8289) or Jim Bennett (1-407-982-4143) for workshop information.

Device Driver Support Team Progress Report

(Supplied by Steve Mastrianni)

DDK Version 2

We on the Device Driver Support Team have spent a lot of time working on our Device Driver Source Kit (DDK). The latest version (1.2) is bigger than ever; it now contains updated driver documentation, as well as a presentation driver design guide. We've added many more samples: PCMCIA, non-SCSI CD-ROMs, audio, the new IBM COM drivers, ... There is even some multimedia to entertain you while installing and using it. We've also brought the price down to 199 USD for a one-year subscription.

Free One-Week Workshops

We continue to offer free one-week workshops in Boca Raton for all types of drivers -- SCSI ADD, display, printer, CD-ROM, ... -- and we'll have some new workshops in the future for Workplace OS. All anyone has to do to enroll is contact the DUDE or DDSC team to register, and provide your own airfare transportation, lodging, and meals.

Device-Driver Evangelists

We have evangelists assigned to each hardware area: multimedia, pen/touch, printers, displays, PCMCIA, plug-and-play/PCI, storage, and OEM manufacturers. The evangelists work with the driver writers to ensure they have everything they need -- tools, documentation, information, etc.

OEM Hardware Compatibility List

We maintain and publish the OEM hardware compatibility list, which has grown to the size of a small phone book.

Hardware Vendors Come to Boca Raton

In many cases, we invite hardware or PC vendors to come to Boca Raton with their hardware. Here, they work with developers to get their drivers done in the least amount of time.

Logo Programs, Ad Space, Exhibit Space

We've established a logo program for IHVs and OEMs to display on their boxes, and we provide cooperative advertising space, booth space at COMDEX, PC Expo, etc. to help the vendors. We've sent hundreds of tools packages, including DDKs, compilers, toolkits, and documentation, to driver writers at no cost, and have provided them with DUDE support to help them with their development. Occasionally, we travel to the developer's site to debug a driver problem for them.

DUDE and Voice Contact Information

Worldwide device-driver developer support is available through The DUDE, our dedicated bulletin-board system for development problem assistance and the latest information for device-driver developers. The DUDE BBS phone number is 1-407-982-3217, N81, 9600 bps.

Voice messages can be left on our voice-mail system, available at all times. The phone number is 1-407-982-4239.

IBM Offers No-Cost Licensing of Ultimotion Digital Video Standard

IBM announces that it is offering no-cost licensing of its Ultimotion digital video compression algorithm.

In addition, IBM has introduced a beta version of the Ultimotion decompressor to run on Microsoft Windows. OS/2 and AIX versions of the Ultimotion decompressor are already available.

These two announcements enable software developers to take advantage of high resolution software-only Ultimotion video to create a wide range of applications such as games, computer-based training, desktop video conferencing, sales kiosks, or edutainment. Ultimotion offers up to full-screen VGA resolution or, at lower resolutions, frame rates of up to 30 frames per second (full-motion video). Ultimotion also offers an excellent compression ratio that allows the creation of high-quality video at low data rates. This makes it ideal for networked or CD-ROM-based applications.

The Ultimotion license, a beta Ultimotion Windows decompressor, and complete documentation on the Ultimotion data stream were distributed to the more than 2,000 attendees at the PSP Technical Interchange Conference in San Francisco on 26-29 April, and also at the Computer Game Developers Conference in Santa Clara on 24-26 April. In addition, these items are available to developers directly from IBM.

"These announcements should make Ultimotion an open standard for digital video, and the codec of choice for many people building video-driven applications," said Wally Casey, director of marketing, IBM PSP.

The Ultimotion decompressor for Windows enables the Windows-based playback of Ultimotion video clips created under OS/2. The Ultimotion decompressor is a plug-in module that can be installed and used with existing video tools such as Microsoft's Video for Windows. It can also be used by software developers or MIS professionals to create their own customized Windows applications that incorporate digital video.

Video IN/2

Ultimotion playback capability was introduced as part of OS/2 2.1 in May 1993. In November 1993, IBM introduced Video IN/2, software that enables users of OS/2 version 2.1 to capture images and create digital video clips in IBM's Ultimotion and Intel's Indeo format. Using the Ultimotion format, Video IN/2 can create digital video clips in a choice of resolutions, from 640x480 (full-screen VGA) to 160x120. Video IN/2 also offers a choice of frame rates for Ultimotion, with a maximum of 30 frames per second full motion video (at resolutions of up to 320x240). Both real-time and asymmetrical (off-line) capture support are provided.

Ultimotion provides excellent image quality at extremely low data rates. An average compression ratio of 18:1 allows Ultimotion to deliver 320x240 video running at 15 frames per second at the 150 kilobytes per second data rates offered by a single-spin CD-ROM, and 30 frames per second on double-speed CD-ROM data rates of 300 kilobytes per second.

Ultimotion Development Kit

The Ultimotion Development Kit, including a license for Ultimotion, Ultimotion data stream documentation, a beta of the IBM Ultimotion decompressor for Windows, and sample Ultimotion files, is available at no charge to qualified developers.

More Information

For more information in the USA and Canada, contact IBM Worldwide Industry Hardware Support at 1-800-426-4579, ext. 200. Information can be received worldwide by faxing requests to 1-708-635-3620. The Ultimotion Development Kit is also available online via PRODIGY (IBM Device Driver in the OS/2 Club Download Library) or CompuServe (OS/2 Support, Library 17, IBM files).

Student/Faculty Price for The Developer Connection for OS/2

The Developer Connection for OS/2 is an annual subscription program that delivers a CD(s) and a newsletter to your door four times a year. Electronic support is also provided through BBSs, CompuServe, and the Internet.

We've designed The Developer Connection for OS/2 to support your continuing application development on the OS/2 platform by providing the most current tools, technical information, sneak previews, and insider tips. The regular price of the subscription within the USA is 199 USD per year (for four issues).

A special price has been established for the academic community. Students and faculty in the USA can now order The Developer Connection for OS/2 for 119 USD. The part number to order is 06H1986. The order form appears below.


                                  I B M
                     The Developer Connection for OS/2
                        Student/Faculty Order Form
                           Part Number 06H1986

      Send to: IBM DevCon              Fax to: 1-303-330-7655
               c/o Starpak
               237 22nd St.
               Greeley CO 80631

Step 1:

Call 1-800-6DEVCON to get your total price, including local tax,
shipping, and handling.

Step 2:

Send or fax: (1) This completed order form.
             (2) A photocopy of university/college ID (front and back)
                 or proof of occupation.

PLEASE COMPLETE: (Please print or type)

Name ___________________________________________________________________

College/University ______________________ Phone ________________________

Street _________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________ State __________Zip _______________

Method of Payment:

  __ Check    __ Money Order  __ Visa/MasterCard/AmEx/Discover

  Card #______________________________________Expiration Date __________

       Annual Subscription =   119.00 USD

                 Local tax =   ______ ***

     Shipping and handling =   ______ ***

               Total Price =   ______

*** Call 1-800-6DEVCON for these amounts.

I certify that the information I have provided is accurate and complete,
and the submission of this form is in accordance with the conditions
specified below.

Signature _______________________________________   Date _______________

CONDITIONS:

1. The Developer Connection for OS/2 is for the customer's own use and
is not to be remarketed.

2. Lost or misdirected Order Forms are not the responsibility of IBM or
IBM Fulfillment Headquarters.

3. IBM reserves the right to modify or withdraw this promotion at any
time.

Volume 3 Content List

The following is the complete list of products included in The Developer Connection for OS/2, Volume 3. It includes the software products in the Catalog and the on-line documentation in the Browser. In the lists following, IBM internally-developed software is identified by (I), pre-release software by (P), new products by a double exclamation point (!!), and products by an asterisk (*). Excerpted documentation is identified by an (E).

  • Bitmaps
    • BITMAP32: A 32-bit bitmap viewer (I)
    • Bitmap Samples: Samples of Developer Connection Bitmaps (I)
  • Communication Tools
    • * APPC Games: A collection of three games CYCLES, REVERSI, and MANDPM (I)
    • * APPC Utilities: A collection of six APPC command-line utilities (I)
    • !! AutoDisp: A graphical display of APPN resources (I)
    • IBM: Communication Manager/2: API programs & productivity aids
    • * IBM: Communication Manager/2: Product & Applications: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • * IBM: Communication Manager/2
    • !! Creative Systems: Golden CommPass (Demo)
    • OS/Tools Inc: COM/8 and COMscope: 3.5-Inch Diskette (Demo)
    • !! GOPHER: An OS/2 PM client for the Internet Gopher protocol (I)
    • !! GoServe: A Gopher Server for OS/2 2.x (I)
    • IBM: Networking Services/DOS: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • PMFTERM: An OS/2 asynchronous emulation and file transfer utility (I)
    • REXXAPPC: REXX Communications APIs (I)
    • IBM: TCP/IP for OS/2
  • Databases
    • DBMRPW: A database manager remote password administrator utility (I)
    • !! IBM: DATABASE/2 for OS/2
    • !! PrOffice: Personal Address Book/2 Light: 3.5-Inch Diskette (Demo)
  • Development Tools
    • * ALPHA2: A code browser and analysis program (I)
    • !! IBM: APL2 For OS/2 (Demo)
    • ASDT32: An applications/system 32-bit debug utility (I)
    • !! BIDI: OS/2 Bi-Directional Language SDK (I)
    • !! IBM: Cross System Products/2 AD: 3.5-Inch Diskettes (Demo)
    • * CTFORMAT: A code and text formatter (I)
    • Data Access: DataFlex v3.0 (Demo)
    • * IBM: Kernel Debugger: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • * IBM: Kernel Debugger
    • IBM: Dialog Editor enhanced to support Pen for OS/2 (P)
    • !! DrDialog: A PM dialog editor for OS/2 (I)
    • * EDITINI: An OS/2 text editor for .INI and profile files (I)
    • IBM: Graphics Interface Kit/2 (Demo)
    • * HexDump: A hexadecimal display and conversion utility (I)
    • IBROW: An image browser utility (I)
    • IPFCPREP: A preprocessor for the IPF Compiler (I)
    • Transcendental Automation: LRParser v1.0: 3.5-Inch Diskettes (Demo)
    • IBM: Object Utility/2 (P)
    • !! IBM: Pen for OS/2 Base (P)
    • !! IBM: Pen for OS/2 Base : 3.5-Inch Diskettes (P)
    • * IBM: Pen for OS/2 Developer's Toolkit
    • * IBM: Pen for OS/2 Developer's Toolkit : 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • !! IBM: Personal AS Builder/2 Base (Demo)
    • !! IBM: Personal AS Builder/2 Development (Demo)
    • * IBM: PL/I Workstation/2: 3.5-Inch Diskettes (Demo)
    • ATG Enterprises: PM Debug (Demo)
    • !! PMPRTF: Extends PRINTF to PM applications (I)
    • PMSPY32: OS/2 PM message spying program (I)
    • RXD: PM source level debugger for REXX (I)
    • RxMathFN: A REXX DLL with C-language math functions (I)
    • RXNETB: REXX APIs for the OS/2 NetBIOS (I)
    • Softbridge: Softbridge Basic Language (Demo)
    • !! SD38!!: Source level debugger for C (I)
    • IBM: Sniff1!!: A utility to search 16-bit apps (P)
    • IBM: Software Installer for OS/2 (Demo)
    • !! IBM: SOMobject Base Toolkit: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • !! IBM: SOMobject Base Toolkit Documentation
    • * IBM: The Developer's ToolKit for OS/2 2.1 Folder Creation
    • * IBM: The Developer's Toolkit for OS/2 2.1
    • * IBM: The Developer's Toolkit for OS/2 2.1: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • * IBM: The Developer's Toolkit for OS/2 2.1: 5.25-Inch Diskettes
    • !! IBM: The Developer's Toolkit for OS/2 2.1 (Japanese): 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • !! IBM: The Developer's Toolkit for OS/2 2.1 (Japanese)
    • * IBM: The Developer's Toolkit for OS/2 1.3: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • Hockware: VisPro/REXX v1.1 (Demo): 3.5-Inch Diskette
    • Visual REXX2: A library of REXX functions that provide a PM interface (I)
    • !! IBM: XPG/4 Internationalization Library (P)
    • IBM: 32-bit OS/2 toolkit utilities (P)
    • !! One UP Corp: The S.M.A.R.T. Tool v1.0 (P)
  • Editors
    • !! CustEPM: Customized version of the enhanced editor (I)
    • !! EnvEd: Environment Editor (I)
    • * IBM: EPM: Enhanced Editor (P)
    • MicroEdge: SlickEdit v2.3 (Demo)
    • * TINYED: A tiny OS/2 and DOS editor (I)
  • IBM OS/2
    • !! IBM: OS/2 2.1 (Japanese) CD-ROM: 3.5-Inch Installation Diskettes (Demo)
    • !! IBM: OS/2 2.1 (Japanese): 3.5-Inch Diskettes (Demo)
    • * IBM: OS/2 SMP CD-ROM: 3.5-Inch Installation Diskettes (P)
    • * IBM: OS/2 SMP: 3.5-Inch Diskettes (P)
  • LAN Systems Tools
    • !! IBM: DCE For OS/2 Starter Kit (P)
    • !! IBM: DCE Client for OS/2 and Developer's Tools
    • !! Pinnacle Technology, Inc.: Desktop Observatory v3.0 (Demo)
    • !! DIRSTAT: A PM application that displays LAN adapter information (I)
    • !! IBM: DOS LAN Services: 3.5-Inch Diskette (P)
    • !! IBM: LAN Adapter Protocol Support for TCP/IP (P)
    • !! IBM: LAN Server APR and Sample Programs: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • !! IBM: MPTS AnyNet for OS/2: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • !! IBM: Network SignON Coordinator (Demo)
    • !! IBM: LAN Distance for OS/2: 3.5-Inch Diskettes (P)
    • !! Lotus: VIM Developer's Toolkit 2.0: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
  • Multimedia Tools
    • * CD Explorer: A compact disc audio explorer (I)
    • IBM: MMPM2 v1.1 Base (Demo)
    • IBM: MMPM2 v1.1 Base: 3.5-Inch Diskettes (Demo)
    • IBM: MMPM2 v1.1 Base: 5.25-Inch Diskettes (Demo)
    • IBM: MMPM2 v1.1 Toolkit
    • IBM: MMPM2 v1.0 Toolkit and Base (Demo)
    • BOCASoft: BOCASoft System Sounds v1.0 (Demo)
    • BOCASoft: BOCASoft WipeOut v1.0: 3.5-Inch Diskette (Demo)
  • Product Overviews
    • IBM: AnDes: Animated Design/2 Overview (Demo)
    • !! IBM: DataGuide/2 v1.0 (Demo)
    • !! IBM: DCE (Demo)
    • !! IBM: IMS Client Server/2: 3.5-Inch Diskette
    • !! IBM: LAN Systems (Demo)
    • IBM: Tutorial Manager/2 #1 (Demo)
    • IBM: Tutorial Manager/2 #2 (Demo)
    • !! IBM: VisualAge (Demo)
  • Productivity Tools
    • !! MHR Software & Consulting: ATS for OS/2 v2.0B (Demo)
    • * BOOTOS2: An OS/2 bootable diskette creation utility (I)
    • * CLOKGS: A digital/analog clock for your desktop (I)
    • !! ClipServ: TCP/IP clipboard server for OS/2 2.x (I)
    • Central Point: Anti Virus for OS/2 (Demo)
    • * DINFO: A swapper file monitor (I)
    • FORBROWS: A forum browser (I)
    • !! GFOLDR: A folder subsections creator (I)
    • * GSEE: A file search utility and batch file builder (I)
    • IMGTK16.: The Image Toolkit (I)
    • MAGNIFY: An OS/2 desktop magnifier (I)
    • !! Megadesk: A desktop expander (I)
    • * OS20MEMU: An OS/2 memory utilization utility (I)
    • !! PMCAM2: Saves pictures of PM screens into bitmaps/postscript files (I)
    • * PmDraw!: An OS/2 graphics editor (I)
    • * PMGB32: A display of planet Earth as a globe (I)
    • PMTIMER: An OS/2 program timer (I)
    • PMTREE: A graphical display of PM windows (I)
    • QCONFIG: A system configuration utility (I)
    • SCRAP: A screen capture utility (I)
    • !! ShiftRun: Runs OS/2 program before IPL is completed (I)
    • * IBM: SearchManager/2 (Demo)
    • !! Capstone Software: SpaceMap For OS/2 v1.0 (Demo)
    • * TXT2PS: A text-to-postscript conversion utility (I)
    • * UTIL2: AIX-like utilities for OS/2 (I)
    • ViewAll: An OS/2 program that displays all OS/2 books on the bookshelf (I)
    • Arcadia Technologies: Workplace Companion v1.53 (Demo)
  • Service
    • * IBM: C Set ++ for OS/2 Compiler CSD: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • * IBM: C Set ++ for OS/2 Compiler CSD
    • * IBM: C Set ++ for OS/2 2.0 Class Library CSD: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • * IBM: C Set ++ for OS/2 2.0 Class Library CSD
    • * IBM: C Set ++ for OS/2 2.1 Class Library CSD: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • * IBM: C Set ++ for OS/2 2.1 Class Library CSD
    • * IBM: C Set ++ for OS/2 Utilities CSD: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • * IBM: C Set ++ for OS/2 Utilities CSD
    • !! IBM: LAN System Service Pack: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • !! IBM: OS/2 2.1 CSD
    • !! IBM: OS/2 2.1 CSD: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • !! IBM: OS/2 2.1 CSD: 5.25-Inch Diskettes
    • !! IBM: CSDI for WorkFrame/2 2.1: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • !! IBM: CSDI for WorkFrame/2 2.1
  • Source Code
    • !! Apple Computer, Inc.: OpenDoc components (P)
    • !! BIDISRC: OS/2 bi-directional language support developer's kit source code
    • BITMAP32: Source code (I)
    • IBM: The Developer Connection News: Vol I, Multithreading PM Apps (I)
    • !! IBM: The Developer Connection News: Vol II, Dynamic Linking on OS/2 2.x
    • !! IBM: The Developer Connection News: Vol II, Exception Management in 32-Bit OS
    • !! IBM: The Developer Connection News: Vol II, OS/2-WIN-OS/2 Communication
    • !! IBM: The Developer Connection News: Vol III, M Shell (I)
    • !! IBM: The Developer Connection News: Vol III, StartDos (I)
    • !! IBM: The Developer Connection News: Vol III, T Shell (I)
    • !! IBM: The Developer Connection News: Vol III, Transform Example (I)
    • !! IBM: The Developer Connection News: Vol III, 32-bit Character-Mode APIs
    • IBM: Doubplay: Multimedia Double Buffering Playlist C Samples (P)
    • * GBM: Generalized bitmap module source code (I)
    • !! PMSPY32S: OS/2 PM spying source code (I)
    • !! IBM: RIFFSamp: Multimedia RIFF Source Code (P)
    • IBM: A collection of Workplace Shell samples (P)
    • * UTIL2: AIX-like utilities source code (I)
    • IBM: Workplace Shell IDL (P)
  • Test Tools
    • Softbridge: Automated Test Facility WorkStation and ATF Networked: 3.5-Inch Diskettes
    • PMATE: An automated test environment with user input captured (I)
    • * IBM: Workstation Interactive Test Tool: 3.5-Inch Diskettes (Demo)
  • On-Line Documentation
    • IBM, The Developer Connection News: Volume 1
    • !! IBM, The Developer Connection News: Volume 2
    • * ComputerWorld On CD: Selected Articles 1991-1993
    • Wiley Professional Computing, Designing OS/2 Applications, by David Reich
    • SAMS, OS/2 2.1 Unleashed, by David Moskowitz & David Kerr (E)
    • SAMS, Real World Programming for OS/2 2.1, by Blain, Delimon & English
    • Apple Computer, Inc., OpenDoc White Paper
    • Apple Computer, Inc., OpenDoc Technical Summary
    • IBM, Comm Manager/2: ACDI Programming Reference
    • IBM, Comm Manager/2: Application Programming Guide
    • IBM, Comm Manager/2: Command Reference
    • IBM, Comm Manager/2: Message Reference
    • IBM, Comm Manager/2: Overview
    • IBM, Comm Manager/2: Problem Determination Guide
    • !! IBM, Comm Manager/2: Response File Reference
    • !! IBM, Comm Manager/2: APPN Programming Reference
    • !! IBM, Comm Manager/2: X25 Programming Reference
    • !! IBM, Comm Manager/2: Users Guide
    • !! IBM, Comm Manager/2: Glossary
    • !! IBM, Comm Manager/2: Device Driver Programming Reference
    • !! IBM, Comm Manager/2: EHLLAPI Programming Reference
    • !! IBM, Comm Manager/2: PCM Development Guide
    • !! IBM, Comm Manager/2: CMI Programming Reference
    • !! IBM, Comm Manager/2: LUA Programming Reference
    • !! IBM, Comm Manager/2: SPRI Programming Reference
    • !! IBM, Comm Manager/2: SPAR/ROPS Programming Reference
    • !! IBM, LAN Systems: CID Enablement of DOS LANs
    • !! IBM, LAN Systems: LAN Server v 3.0
    • !! IBM, LAN Systems: LAN Server Ultimedia
    • !! IBM, LAN Systems: National Language Support Library
    • !! IBM, LAN Systems: DCE Concepts
    • !! IBM, LAN Systems: CI Enabled Applications
    • !! IBM, LAN Systems News
    • !! IBM, PSP's LAN Systems Solutions
    • IBM, OS/2 2.1 Technical Update
    • IBM, OS/2 Application Developer Training
    • IBM, PM Programming Guide Volumes 1, 2, and 3
    • !! IBM, PM Programming Reference: Data Types
    • !! IBM, PM Programming Reference: Graphic Functions
    • !! IBM, PM Programming Reference: Hooks
    • !! IBM, PM Programming Reference: Message Processing
    • !! IBM, PM Programming Reference: Profile Functions
    • !! IBM, PM Programming Reference: Window Function
    • !! IBM, PM Programming Reference: Workplace
    • IBM, Red Book Volume 1: Control Program
    • IBM, Red Book Volume 2: DOS and Windows Environment
    • IBM, Red Book Volume 3: PM and Workplace Shell
    • IBM, Red Book Volume 4: Application Development
    • IBM, IPF Reference
    • IBM, Debug Kernel Reference
    • IBM, Application Design Guide
    • IBM, CP Guide and Reference
    • IBM, Tools Reference
    • IBM, SOM Reference
    • IBM, REXX Reference
    • IBM, REXX Users Guide
    • IBM, OS/2 v2.1 Virtual Device Driver Reference
    • IBM, OS/2 v2.1 Presentation Driver Reference
    • IBM, OS/2 v2.1 Physical Device Driver Reference
    • IBM, OS/2 Command Reference

Reminder: Special Price for The Developer Connection is Available to US DAP Commercial and Premier Members

The special price available to students and faculty for The Developer Connection for OS/2 (see previous item) is also available to Commercial and Premier members of the IBM Developer Assistance Program in the USA.

Prices are: Regular Price Special Price
First license 199 USD 119 USD
Additional license 75 USD 45 USD

Commercial and Premier members are those who have delivered or committed to commercially marketing a PC DOS, OS/2, LAN Systems, multimedia, or pen application. These members receive other benefits and services in addition to the special price for The Developer Connection.

To order The Developer Connection for OS/2 and receive the DAP Commercial and Premier discount, call 1-800-633-8266, request the DAP discount, and have your DAP member number ready.

For more information about DAP Commercial and Premier membership, call 1-407-982-6408, or send a fax to 1-407-998-7610.

TCP/IP Application Partners Program for TCP/IP for OS/2 and DOS/Windows

The IBM TCP/IP Application Partners Program is open to Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) whose products interoperate with IBM TCP/IP Version 2.0 for OS/2 and/or IBM TCP/IP Version 2.1.1 for DOS/Windows.

How to Qualify

To qualify as a TCP/IP Applications Partner, the ISV must certify that his or her application interoperates successfully with the appropriate TCP/IP product (DOS/Windows and/or OS/2). The testing required for certification is left to the discretion and judgment of the ISV.

TCP/IP Application Partners Catalog

Now available is the first edition of the TCP/IP Application Partners Catalog, a listing of the product offerings (from both IBM and third parties) that have joined the TAPP program, and information about their capabilities. New offerings are continually being added to this catalog.

More Information

The TCP/IP Application Partners Catalog and the TCP/IP Application Partners Program Enrollment Form are available from:

 John Connor
 G90/503
 IBM Corporation
 4250 S. Miami Blvd.
 Research Triangle Park NC 27709
 Voice: 1-919-254-2679 (IBM tie line 444-2679)
 Fax:   1-919-254-4027 (IBM tie line 444-4027)
 Internet userid ibmtapp@vnet.ibm.com
 IBM internal VNET userid TAPP at RALVM12

IBM employees can also find the catalog in MKTTOOLS as TCPISVS PACKAGE.

IBM OS/2 2.1 for Windows ServicePak (XR06300) Now Available

The IBM OS/2 2.1 for Windows ServicePak, level XR06300, is available for customers using OS/2 Version 2.1 for Windows. This ServicePak contains fixes for problems reported by customers since OS/2 2.1 for Windows was distributed in November 1993.

ServicePak XR06300 is designed to be applied to:

  • OS/2 2.1 for Windows as released in November 1993
  • OS/2 2.1 for Windows preloaded systems

This ServicePak does not apply to customers using OS/2 Version 2.1.

Ordering the ServicePak

You may download the ServicePak electronically (its availability depends on the particular electronic facility), or, starting 16 May 1994, you may order either the diskettes or a CD-ROM of the ServicePak from an 800 number. Shipping of the ServicePaks will begin on 19 May 1994.

You may make as many copies of the ServicePak as you have licensed copies of OS/2 2.1 for Windows. You may distribute copies to other properly licensed OS/2 2.1 for Windows owners.

A booklet of installation instructions is included with the ServicePak. A README file contains technical considerations.

Downloading Electronically

Electronic delivery of the ServicePak will be available from the following electronic bulletin-board systems, if you have high-speed communications to download the diskette images:

  • IBM OS2BBS - If you are a subscriber to the OS2BBS, you may download the ServicePak. The ServicePak is located in the software download library. If you are not a subscriber to the OS2BBS, and you wish to subscribe, please call 1-800-547-1283. Expected availability: 13 May.
  • CompuServe - Members of the CompuServe Information Service may download the ServicePak from the IBM OS2 Forum Library (GO IBMSERV). Expected availability: 16 May.
  • Internet - Customers having access to Internet services will be able to download the ServicePak from the network. Customers should do an anonymous FTP to software.watson.ibm.com. The ServicePak will be located in the /PUB/OS2 directory. Expected availability: 20 May.
  • IBM Personal Computer Company BBS - Customers may call the IBM Personal Computer Company BBS by dialing 1-919-517-0001 via your communications modem. Expected availability: 20 May.
  • TOOLCAT OS2CSD (IBM internal only) - IBM employees with access to the IBM network may download the ServicePak from the OS2CSD repository. Expected availability: 13 May.

Some of these systems may not be available outside the United States. If these bulletin board systems are not available in your country, contact your service representative or the place where you purchased OS/2 2.1 for Windows.

Ordering Via 800 Number

Starting 16 May 1994, if you reside in the USA and do not have access to any of the electronic bulletin board systems, or if you need the ServicePak delivered on diskettes or CD-ROM, you may order the ServicePak by calling 1-800-494-3044 and charging the shipping and handling fees to your credit card. You may also pay by check or purchase order. Second-day Airborne service is used to deliver the ServicePak.

The diskette version of the ServicePak consists of twenty 3.5-inch diskettes or twenty-five 5.25-inch diskettes. It will be shipped for a non-refundable fee of 40 USD plus applicable sales tax, shipping, and handling. The CD-ROM version costs a non-refundable 25 USD plus tax, shipping, and handling.

When ordering, please specify:

  1. Whether you want the 3.5-inch diskette, 5.25-inch diskette, or CD-ROM version of the ServicePak. NOTE: If you want diskettes, be sure to order the size that is bootable on your machine (i.e., typically the size of your A: diskette drive).
  2. An actual business or home address, not a Post Office Box number. (Airborne cannot deliver to P.O. boxes.)
  3. A current credit card, expiration date, and number to which the fee will be charged, or
  4. Whether you choose to pay by check, or
  5. Whether you choose to pay by purchase order.

IBM PC DOS 6.3 Offers Integrated Data Compression, Improved Memory Management

IBM announces PC DOS 6.3, the most full-featured DOS available, with integrated data compression, improved memory management, and a suite of enhanced utilities.

PC DOS is IBM's version of the DOS operating system that runs on all IBM and compatible PCs and works with MS Windows.

Integrated Data Compression, Pen Support

The integrated data compression feature of PC DOS 6.3 enables users to increase significantly the storage capacity of their fixed and removable disks without any investment in hardware. The new PC DOS is the only version of DOS that has built-in support for pen-based computers and PCMCIA cards.

Eight Full-Featured Utilities

PC DOS 6.3 is loaded with a suite of eight updated full-featured utilities, including:

  • IBM's SuperStor/DS provides safe and reliable data compression capabilities for DOS and Windows.
  • Central Point Software's RAMBoost, Central Point Backup, and Undelete and Program Scheduler allow users of DOS and Windows to easily optimize memory, back up or retrieve files, and schedule activities.
  • Phoenix Technologies' PhoenixCARD Manager Plus provides PC DOS 6.3 with PCMCIA support.
  • PenDOS provides extensions that allow users to replace the mouse with a pen to launch DOS applications.
  • IBM's AntiVirus protects against more than 2,000 common computer viruses.
  • Integrated E Editor enables users to draw, perform basic math, sort, and edit multiple files.

"IBM is committed to the future of DOS, and we're continuing to invest time, money, and research and development effort into upgrading PC DOS," said Wally Casey, director of marketing for IBM's Personal Software Products division. "With PC DOS, we're offering a DOS that has consistently been rated superior by leading computer trade publications, and has won the respect and trust of millions of DOS users."

SuperStor/DS

With PC DOS 6.3, the SuperStor/DS compression software is fully integrated into the operating system, offering users real-time data compression. SuperStor/DS is DoubleSpace-compatible, and will work with DoubleSpace-compressed disks, allowing for easy migration from DoubleSpace. SuperStor/DS includes advanced features such as password protection and support for Universal Data Exchange, which allows compressed files on removable media to be read by a DOS system, even where compression software is not installed.

Multiple Configuration Support

PC DOS has been enhanced to provide comprehensive support for multiple configurations, which simplifies the upgrade process from MS-DOS. PC DOS 6.3 allows users to create several different configurations of their AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files, then to choose among the various configurations at startup.

RAMBoost

Central Point's RAMBoost provides enhanced support for multiple configuration environments, storing and executing separate memory management schemes for each configuration. Unlike the memory management products included with competitive DOS offerings, RAMBoost continually tracks system configuration and re-optimizes memory when configurations change.

Central Point Backup

Central Point's Backup utilities for PC DOS and Windows have been enhanced to support additional tape drives. IBM's PC DOS is still the only DOS to provide support for tape backup.

IBM AntiVirus

With PC DOS 6.3, IBM's AntiVirus utility has been upgraded to scan for, identify and eliminate 40 percent more viruses -- more than 2,000 in all. The AntiVirus utility offers a wealth of other advanced features, including small memory footprint, a fuzzy logic engine to assist in identifying mutating viruses, and advanced false-alarm avoidance. The PC DOS AntiVirus shield runs in less than 6 KB of memory, while others use as much as 44 KB. AntiVirus is a comprehensive "install-and-forget" automatic protection package, with interfaces for DOS and Windows.

Additional Enhancements

Additional enhancements to PC DOS 6.3 include SMARTDRV, DEFRAG, and FORMAT improvements, among others. SMARTDRV now offers better hard-disk performance and increased data protection, and it will cache compressed data as well as CD-ROMs. DEFRAG now uses extended memory to safely and efficiently defragment even large files.

Prices and How to Acquire

The PC DOS 6.3 upgrade for all DOS 2.1 or higher users is available immediately at a suggested retail price of 77 USD.

IBM is also providing an electronic upgrade at no charge for current PC DOS 6.1 licensed users. This package can be downloaded from CompuServe (GO IBMPCDOSUPGRADE) or the IBM PC Company bulletin board (1-919-517-0001). For PC DOS 6.1 users who want upgrade diskettes and documentation, a special 6.3 upgrade package can be purchased for 24.95 USD by calling 1-800-342-6672 in the USA or 1-800-465-7999 in Canada.

IBM PC DOS 6.3 Announcement Details

PC DOS 6.3 is the primary operating system for entry level IBM and compatible non-IBM personal computer systems.

New in PC DOS 6.3:

  • SMART UPGRADE from MS-DOS 6.0/6.2 or PC DOS 6.1 to PC DOS 6.3. Install is modified to understand the multi-config support delivered in these versions of DOS.
  • RAMBOOST searches the CONFIG.SYS file to determine if DOS 6 Multi-Config is used.
  • BACKUP adds additional tape drive support, making a great backup solution even better.
  • COMPRESSION is fully integrated into PC DOS 6.3.
  • SMARTDRV is enhanced to improve performance and now caches CD-ROMs.
  • DEFRAG uses extended memory to efficiently defragment large hard-files safely.
  • QCONFIG diagnostic tool is updated to recognize a host of new non-IBM adapters.
  • MSCDEX 2.23 provides access to CD-ROM drives.
  • E EDITOR is enhanced to create a separate file of all search instances found on a document.
  • ANTIVIRUS is enhanced to detect and eliminate more than 2,000 viruses.
  • COMMAS now appear when using DIR, CHKDSK, FORMAT, and MEM commands.
  • NO-SWAP DISKCOPY copies the entire contents of one floppy disk to another by using the system's hard disk as a temporary storage area.
  • INTERACTIVE BOOT lets you bypass or step-through the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT.
  • INTERACTIVE BATCH PROCESSING brings the step-through feature to any batch file.
  • FILE-OVERWRITE prompts you before overwriting files that have identical file names when using the COPY, XCOPY or MOVE commands.

PC DOS 6.3 is offered as a base product for new systems and a full DOS 6.3 upgrade package capable of upgrading over any existing DOS (IBM, or other, Version 2.1, or higher, installed on a hard-disk) at a significantly reduced cost.

A special, limited-time PC DOS 6.3 upgrade offering for licensed PC DOS 6.1 users is being announced separately.

IBM DOS 5.02 continues to be available to those customers not requiring the PC DOS 6.3 utilities or features.

PC DOS 6.3 can be installed from a server to an unattended workstation using the PC DOS 6.3 CID Install Utility. The CID Install Utility is available on the PC Company Bulletin Board System at 1-919-517-0001, or by contacting your IBM representative.

AccessDOS 1.1

AccessDOS 1.1, a software program that provides extended keyboard, mouse and sound access, is included in this announcement. AccessDOS is helpful to users with disabilities, and is available at no charge by calling 1-800-426-7282.

AccessDOS 1.1 features:

o StickyKeys      o BounceKeys
o MouseKeys       o SerialKeys
o RepeatKeys      o ToggleKeys
o SlowKeys        o ShowKeys
Description of Enhancements
  • PC DOS 6.1 Kernel Enhancements
    • Display of Country Thousands Separator
    • Interactive Boot
    • Batch Processing for COMMAND.COM
    • New Prompt for File Overwrite
    • Enhanced SMARTDRV.EXE
    • Enhanced DEFRAG.EXE
    • Enhanced DISKCOPY
    • Enhanced FORMAT.COM
    • CD ROM Support (MSCDEX.EXE 2.23)
    • DOS Version Update
  • Improved Memory Management
    • RAMBOOST Updates
      • Learn Mode Enhancement
      • Multi-Config Environments
      • Stacker 3.1
      • DOS UMB Support
      • SmartFRAME Support
      • RAMBOOST within DESQview or Windows
      • RAMSETUP.EXE
  • Updated Utilities
    • SETUP.EXE Changes
      • Version Control of DOS Tools
      • Windows path for RAMBOOST
      • Installation of new files
      • Multi config aware
        • SETUP2.OVL changes
      • DoubleSpace Compression Enhancements
      • IBM AntiVirus Updated Signature File
      • QCONFIG Updates
      • CP Backup Enhancements
      • E Editor Updates
        • Enabling of the "ALL" function
        • Removal of the QDATE and QTIME commands
  • Improved Commands
    • SETVER Updates
    • KEYB/KEYBOARD Enhancements
Hardware Requirements

PC DOS 6.3 operates on all Intel-based personal computers (processors 8088, 286, 386, and higher).

The minimum processor system memory required for PC DOS 6.3 install is 512 KB. A new system, one without a previous version of DOS installed, should also have a 720 KB, 1.44 MB, or 2.88 MB 3.5-inch or a 360 KB or 1.2 MB 5.25-inch "A:" diskette drive.

The PC DOS 6.3 Upgrade requires a system with a prior version of DOS Version 2.1, or higher, including MS-DOS 6.0 or MS-DOS 6.2, installed on the hard disk. Installation on upgrade systems can occur either from any diskette drive or from the network to the hard disk.

The minimum disk disk space required for PC DOS 6.3 is 3 MB. The maximum disk space required for PC DOS 6.3 is 11 MB.

Software Requirements

PC DOS 6.3 maintains upward compatibility with prior versions of IBM DOS. Support of functions that were supported on previous levels is continued, unless that specific function is no longer supported by IBM. Functions no longer supported in PC DOS 6.3 include QBASIC and BASICA. However, QBASIC and BASICA from prior versions of DOS should continue to run compatibly with PC DOS 6.3.

Applications that were supported on previous levels of DOS should run compatibly with PC DOS 6.3. However, with each release of DOS, adding new features introduces some incompatibilities. Below is a list of changes that may cause compatibility problems:

  • A20 Gate Handling
DOS 5.0 toggled the A20 line on and off as needed, which resulted in a performance penalty but aided compatibility with older applications that made assumptions about the state of A20. PC DOS 6.3, when loaded high (DOS=HIGH), keeps the A20 line enabled for performance reasons. If users find that this is a problem, they should load DOS low (DOS=LOW).
  • No BACKUP.COM
The BACKUP command is replaced with the new full-screen backup program CPBACKUP. CPBACKUP is superior in every way to BACKUP, but is incompatible in name, switches, and backup format. To enable users to restore backups made with previous releases of DOS, the RESTORE command is shipped as part of PC DOS 6.3. Also, if the user has BACKUP.COM, it is not deleted when PC DOS 6.3 is installed.
  • New SMARTDRV
The SMARTDRV disk-cache program is totally redesigned, causing the invocation and command-line options to change. Install automatically makes the necessary changes to CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT.
  • MIRROR replaced with DATAMON
Some of the functions of the DOS 5.0 MIRROR command are integrated into DATAMON. Users who used to run MIRROR will need to run DATAMON instead.
  • EDIT replaced with E
The DOS 5.0 full-screen editor EDIT is replaced in PC DOS 6.3 with E. E is superior to EDIT in functionality, but has a different user interface. Users who select EDITOR from the DOSSHELL and expect EDIT will get E instead. Install does not delete the user's DOS 5.0 EDIT and QBASIC, so current EDIT users can still run it. E was purposely not named EDIT to make this possible.
  • No BASICA or QBASIC
PC DOS 6.3 does not contain a BASIC interpreter. Customers who already have DOS installed are still able to run their BASIC or QBASIC product, because install does not delete it.
  • Disk Compression
Compressed hard-disks represent a departure from previous DOS versions. Users who compress their hard disks will not be able to boot an older version of DOS and view files on their hard disks. Compressed diskettes are also possible with PC DOS 6.3, but pose no compatibility problem, since they contain a TSR program that allows the diskette to be read by systems running older versions of DOS.
Definitions of Terms

End User: An end user may be a systems engineer, technical coordinator, dealer, or any other person who uses DOS in its intended operating environment.

ServicePaks (CSDs): Corrective Service Diskettes, referred to as ServicePaks, contain corrected code that address problems reported by customers. The corrected code contains an accumulation of code fixes (APARs) that address code defects reported.

Technical Advisor: A dealer who has registered with the National Support Center as a technical advisor. The technical advisor package includes a set of services available on an electronic bulletin-board system.

Technical Coordinator: A person who is designated to coordinate technical and service activity for others. This person is an employee of an account that is serviced by IBM direct channel marketing and support.

IBM Technical Support

For PC DOS 6.3 preloaded on IBM PC hardware:

Technical Support is provided by the PC Help Center. For customers supported by the PC Help Center, the customer will call 1-800-772-2227. The Help Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If, after analysis, a product defect is suspected, the suspected defect is forwarded to the DOS Product Support Group for resolution.

For the PC DOS 6.3 retail package:

IBM technical support is available for PC DOS 6.3 until 30 April 1995, as follows:

PS Programming Support Center: The telephone number for service is 1-800-342-6672. Telephone calls may be placed to the Support Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. End users may call the Support Center at any time; however, the normal hours for technical support are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern standard time, Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern standard time on Saturday and Sunday.

Central Service: IBM Central Service will respond, upon request from an end user, to a defect in the unaltered portion of a supported release or licensed program. Corrective service includes corrected documentation, corrected code, notice of availability of corrected code, or a restriction or a bypass as determined by IBM. Defect support is only applicable if found to occur in the operating environment in which the product was intended.

Support for Large Accounts: Technical coordinators and IBM representatives have access to a RETAIN™ file via IBMLink™. The RETAIN file provides product defect information such as the description of a defect, the severity of the defect and the current status relative to resolution.

IBM Personal Systems Competency Center: Installation and technical support are provided by National Technical Support - Personal Systems Service and Support, Dallas, Texas. Eligible customers in the IBM Technical Coordinator Program may obtain installation and usage assistance through IBMLink Ask Questions - Support.

Corrective Service

Circumvention or Bypass: A circumvention or a bypass may be provided by IBM to correct a given problem. This corrective action is provided by IBM Technical Support.

Private Fixes: Private fixes are given to a specific customer to correct a specific problem.

ServicePaks (CSDs): Corrective Service Diskettes, referred to as ServicePaks, will be released as needed during the period of service for the product. ServicePaks contain accumulated "code fixes" during that period. Notification of the availability of the latest ServicePak will be posted on the PCC BBS and TALKLink Bulletin Board Systems.

ServicePaks may be obtained from one of the following sources:

  • PS Programming Support Center
A call is placed to the PS Programming Support Center, 1-800-342-6672, by an end user with a problem. If IBM Level 2 support has determined that a ServicePak is available that fixes the problem reported, the customer can receive the latest ServicePak. An order is placed on the RETAIN file and sent to the CSD distribution center in Boulder, Colorado. A valid PMR number is a prerequisite for placing an order in Retain for a ServicePak. The ServicePak is then mailed to the end user from the distribution center in Boulder, Colorado. The mailing address is the one that reported to IBM at the time the problem was submitted. The persons who can obtain ServicePaks using this methodology include:
  • Dealers registered as Technical Advisors
  • Dealers not registered as Technical Advisors
  • Registered Technical Coordinators
  • IBM representatives
  • Any end user who has acquired a license to PC DOS 6.1 or higher
  • The Dealer or Point-of-Sale
ServicePaks may be obtained from authorized dealers. The end user may be asked by the dealer to furnish the required diskette(s). Dealers have the following sources for obtaining ServicePaks.
  • Dealers who are not Technical Advisors
    • PS Programming Support Center
    • Download from the Electronic Bulletin Board System (PCC BBS, 1-919-517-0001
  • Dealers who are registered as Technical Advisors
    • Using The PCC BBS Electronic Ordering System
    • Download from the Electronic Bulletin Board System (PCC BBS)
  • Obtaining ServicePaks Via Electronic Bulletin Board System (PCC BBS)
The IBM PC Company Bulletin Board System (PCC BBS) is available 24 hours a day. Registered Technical Advisors have access to the Bulletin Board System, which offers a menu of services as part of the Technical Advisor program. Dealers who are not Technical Advisors and all other end users have access to the Bulletin Board System on a toll-call basis. The toll number for the PCC BBS is 1-919-517-0001.
Requirements for asynchronous electronic connection to the Bulletin Board System are:
  • A modem that supports 1200 bps to 9600 bps communication
  • Communication software that supports 8-bit file transfer
  • A switched telephone line
  • The modem should be set at eight data bits, no parity, one stop bit
The end user is instructed to refer to the bulletin titled "Corrective Service Information" on the Bulletin Board System for instructions once connected.
  • Downloading ServicePaks (CSDs) from the PCC Bulletin Board System
Registered Technical Advisors have this service as one of the services available on the Technical Advisor Menu. Other end users, including dealers who are not registered Technical Advisors, may select this function after connecting to the Bulletin Board System on a toll call basis. The CSD download includes the actual corrective service diskette in binary image, a README file with instructions to the end user in how to perform the installation, and a licensed program that converts the binary images to diskette at the receiving workstation.
After the download has completed, the end user is then told how to do the installation with information contained in the README file.
  • Electronic Ordering of ServicePaks (CSDs) on the PCC BBS
Dealers who are registered Technical Advisors may order CSDs as one of the services provided on the Technical Advisor menu. The dealer specifies his or her name and mailing address. A program operating on the server generates a file which is basically the same file created by the RETAIN system when a Level 2 support person places an order for a CSD. The difference is that, with the electronic ordering system, a valid PMR number is not a prerequisite to order a CSD. The RETAIN file is then sent by electronic file transfer to the VMNODE in Boulder,
Colorado that contains the CSD ordering program. A CSD mail order is then issued to the name and address specified in the file that was electronically generated. Post office box numbers are not considered valid addresses by the Boulder CSD distribution system.
  • Obtaining ServicePaks (CSDs) from The TALKLink Bulletin Board System
Customers who subscribe to TALKLink receive a package that includes the communications program as well as instructions on how to connect to TALKLink. Customers download ServicePaks from TALKlink by selecting the ServicePak from the menu of services offered on the TALKLink software libraries.
  • Obtaining ServicePaks (CSDs) From The local IBM office
Any end user who has acquired a license to PC DOS 6.3 may obtain the latest level ServicePak from a local IBM office if the end user has a problem and a ServicePak is available that fixes the problem.
Problem Determination Procedures

Service Information is contained within the product shipment group for PC DOS 6.3. Service information is printed on the inside back cover of the User's Guide. It contains the telephone number of the IBM Support Center. The customer is told what to do relative to problem determination before contacting IBM for support. The end user is given guidelines about where to go for additional technical information, and is told how to obtain ServicePaks (CSDs) from IBM.

Electronic Bulletin-Board Systems

PCC Bulletin Board System: The IBM PC Company Electronic Bulletin Board System (PCC BBS) is owned and maintained by the IBM PC Company in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Registered Technical Advisors have a variety of services, such as ordering information, technical bulletins, and corrective service diskette (CSD) downloading. Other end users may access the BBS by calling 1-919-517-0001 (providing they have the hardware/software required).

The major services provided by the PCC BBS are:

  • End User Message Conferencing
Questions are placed on the BBS by end users, and answers are appended to the question by other end users.
  • News and Announcements
View recent information regarding products and services.
  • Software Library
The customer can download application programs, device drivers, ServicePaks (CSDs), and SelectPaks (Fixes).
  • Electronic Ordering of ServicePaks (CSDs)
This service is available to Technical Advisors only. The order is sent to the CSD distribution center in Boulder, Colorado, and the ServicePak is mailed to the dealer who placed the electronic order.

TALKLink: The TALKLink Bulletin Board System is owned by the IBM Electronic Information and Delivery Systems organization located in Atlanta, Georgia.

IBM TALKLink is the worldwide IBM Electronic Bulletin Board System that is available via a subscription.

  • Conferences and Forums
There are several DOS Question and Answer Bulletin Boards on TALKLink. These Q&A Bulletin Boards contain several PC DOS 6.3-related topics. The items posted here are shared between Bulletin Board System (BBS) users and IBM personnel worldwide.
  • Customer-to-Customer Messaging
Private messages can be sent to other TALKLink customers.
  • News and Announcements
View recent information regarding products and services.
  • Search Service
Search IBM databases in an interactive mode. This facility includes a large Q&A database, IBM Center Flashes, and IBM problem management libraries. The customer will find information on problems and fixes.
  • Set Display Options
The customer can customize for personal choice such as display colors.
  • Support
The customer can view or submit problem reports that receive the prompt attention of IBM. The customer can also place orders for product-related materials.
  • Software Library
The customer can download application programs, device drivers, ServicePaks (CSDs), and SelectPaks (fixes).
Packaging

Distribution of PC DOS 6.3 is on high density 3.5-inch media (1.44 MB) and 5.25-inch (1.2 MB) media. Upgrade and base packages will be offered for retail.

Low-density diskettes will be available separately, and may be ordered with a coupon.

The program package for PC DOS 6.3 and PC DOS 6.3 Upgrade, U.S. English, 3.5-inch media (part numbers 82G5400 and 82G5401) consists of four 3.5-inch high-density (1.44 MB) diskettes and the following contents:

  • IBM Program License Agreement (PLA)
  • PC DOS Version 6.3 Installation
  • PC DOS Version 6 Everyday DOS
  • PC DOS Version 6.3 User's Guide
  • PC DOS Version 6.3 Command Reference and Error Messages
  • PC DOS Version 6.3 Program License Information
  • Registration Card
  • Two product serial number stickers.

The program package for PC DOS Version 6.3 and PC DOS Version 6.3 Upgrade, U.S. English, 5.25-inch media (Part numbers 82G5402 and 82G5403) consists of five 5.25-inch high-density (1.2 MB) diskettes and the following contents:

  • IBM Program License Agreement (PLA)
  • PC DOS Version 6.3 Installation
  • PC DOS Version 6 Everyday DOS
  • PC DOS Version 6.3 User's Guide
  • PC DOS Version 6.3 Command Reference and Error Messages
  • PC DOS Version 6.3 Program License Information
  • Registration Card
  • Two product serial number stickers.

Customers are instructed to fill out and mail in their registration card in order to be provided with information on future product announcements and special promotional offers.

The separate documentation package for PC DOS 6.3 (part number 82G5399) includes the following:

  • PC DOS Version 6.3 Installation
  • PC DOS Version 6 Everyday DOS
  • PC DOS Version 6.3 User's Guide
  • PC DOS Version 6.3 Command Reference and Error Messages
  • PC DOS Version 6.3 Keyboards and Code Pages.
Program Upgrade

The program package upgrade option allows currently licensed users of all prior IBM and compatible DOS versions to obtain the new function for a program upgrade charge. For most users, the upgrade option is fulfilled via the PC DOS 6.3 Upgrade, a separately packaged program. This program upgrades the user from prior IBM and compatible DOS Versions 2.1 or higher to PC DOS 6.3. The PC DOS 6.3 Upgrade program requires that one of these previous DOS versions is present on a fixed disk before installing the upgrade. The customer is authorized to continue to run specific features, if desired and compatible in prior DOS programs (that is, QBASIC, EDLIN), and the PC DOS 6.3 Upgrade Program on the same system unit. However, separate transfer of either program is not allowed.

The program may be obtained through IBM Authorized Personal Computer Dealers and Industry Remarketers.

Additionally, end users may order the PC DOS 6.3 Upgrade program at the single-unit price by contacting an IBM representative or IBM Authorized Personal Computer Dealer or calling 1-800-342-6672. NOTE: Because the PC DOS 6.3 Upgrade program does not allow end users with DOS versions before DOS 2.1 and/or end users not having fixed disks to perform the upgrade, the following special procedure is put in place:

End users may contact their IBM representative or IBM Authorized Personal Computer Dealer or call 1-800-342-6672 to order the PC DOS 6.3 Upgrade program package at the single-unit price of the PC DOS 6.3 Upgrade program. In this case, the end user is required to furnish proof of license of a previous version of DOS. That proof of license can be a "Proof of License" or the cover page of their previous DOS manual. Only originals will be accepted. Upon receipt of the required proof of license, the order will be filled.

Customers may also order upgrades through the local IBM office or an Authorized remarketer. The IBM Personal Computer/System Program IBM US Upgrade and Certification Order Form is not required for PC DOS 6.3.

Ordering Information and Charges

The available order types are as follows:

  • Program Package - Program diskette with documentation.
  • Additional License Copies - Authorization for the customer who has a program package to make a single copy of the program diskette and documentation. There are two ways to receive authorization to copy. Receipt of the invoice authorizes the customer to make the Additional License Copy. The ICA must be in effect. The customer also has the option of ordering a Proof of Additional License certificate, in which case the ICA is not required.
  • Documentation - Separate documentation without program diskettes.
  • Program Package Upgrade - Program diskette with documentation.
  • Additional License Copy Upgrade - Authorization for the customer who has a program package upgrade to make a single copy of the program diskette and documentation. Receipt of the invoice authorizes the customer to make the Additional License Copy upgrade. The ICA must be in effect. The customer also has the option of ordering a Proof of Additional License Upgrade certificate, in which case the ICA is not required.
PROGRAM NAME PART NUMBER ONE-TIME CHARGE
PC DOS Version 6.3, 3.5-inch diskettes 82G5400 127 USD
PC DOS Version 6.3, 5.25-inch diskettes 82G5402 127 USD
AccessDOS 1.1, 3.5- and 5.25-inch diskettes 83G7828 no charge
PC DOS Version 6.3 Additional License 83G7526 125 USD
PC DOS Version 6.3 Proof of Additional License 83G7528 125 USD
PC DOS Version 6.3 Upgrade, 3.5-inch diskettes 82G5401 77 USD
PC DOS Version 6.3 Upgrade, 5.25-inch diskettes 82G5403 77 USD
PC DOS Version 6.3 Upgrade Additional License 83G7527 75 USD
PC DOS Version 6.3 Upgrade Proof of Additional 83G7529 75 USD
PC DOS Version 6.3 Documentation Only 82G5399 10 USD
PC DOS Version 6.3 Keyboards and Code Pages 83G7531 5 USD
PC DOS Version 6.3 Command Reference and Error 83G7530 15 USD
DOS 5.02 Technical Reference 52G9932 49 USD

(The DOS 5.02 Technical Reference is applicable for PC DOS 6.3.)

PC DOS 6.1 to 6.3 Upgrade Promotion

For a limited time only, licensed users of PC DOS 6.1 can upgrade to PC DOS 6.3 online at no charge. To download the upgrade, customers can:

  • Connect with CompuServe (GO IBMPCDOSUPGRADE), or
  • Connect with TALKLink (choose DOS environment), or
  • Call the IBM PC Company Bulletin Board at 1-919-517-0001

While the software is available at no charge, you may be required to pay connect charges to the networking service you use.

IBM PC DOS 6.1 must already be installed for this upgrade to work.

A README file and license information accompany the download. Six files are downloaded; the user can make the five specific 6.1-to-6.3 (3.5-inch) upgrade diskettes locally. These diskettes contain a specific 6.1 (and 6.3) "sniffer" that prevents the PC DOS 6.3 executables from working except on systems with PC DOS 6.1 (or 6.3) installed. This means the new 6.1 to 6.3 upgrade diskettes can be used as supplemental 6.3 backup diskettes. The familiar SETUP command is used to begin the installation.

NOTE: Those wishing to acquire PC DOS 6.3 upgrade diskettes and full PC DOS 6.3 documentation can do so by calling 1-800-342-6672 within the USA or 1-800-465-7999 within Canada. A 24.95 USD fee will be charged to the caller's credit card.

Commercial, state, and local government and education customers are eligible to participate in this offering. Federal government customers should call 1-800-333-6705 or 1-301-564-7970 to determine eligibility.

The upgrade will be available until 30 September 1994. IBM reserves the right to modify or withdraw this offering at any time.

PC DOS Beta Test Participants Wanted

IBM is currently seeking talented individuals to participate in beta tests of IBM's PC DOS products. If you are interested in becoming a member of our beta-test team, please follow the instructions below that pertain to your area.

Membership Process for USA and Canada

Within the USA and Canada, call the IBM PC DOS beta-test hotline at 1-800-368-8365.

When you call the hotline, you will hear a recorded message that asks for your name, full mailing address, daytime telephone, and your preferred floppy-diskette size.

The PC DOS beta test team will then send you a letter giving additional information about the beta program, and a copy of IBM's Tester Profile Software, which will help you to register as a PC DOS beta candidate.

Membership Process for Europe, Middle East, Africa

Within Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (E/ME/A), send a fax to +44 256 336778 with the following information:

  • The title "DOS Products Beta Testing"
  • Your name
  • Company name
  • Postal address
  • Country
  • Postal code
  • Daytime telephone number (including country code)
  • Your preferred floppy-diskette size

Within a month, you should receive a package that will help you to register as a PC DOS beta-test candidate.

Note that IBM beta software normally comes in USA versions only.

It is IBM's intention to make beta code downloadable from electronic bulletin boards, such as the IBM E/ME/A Beta BBS, and optionally available (where appropriate) on a CD-ROM for a nominal charge of about 25 USD plus taxes, payable in the candidate's local currency.

Participation in an IBM beta program is otherwise free of charge, and technical support is furnished through electronic conferencing on various bulletin boards.

IBM Restructures Technical Support for Software to Provide Consistent Services Across All Platforms

IBM announces a new technical support structure providing consistent support for software across all IBM platforms. Elements of this new structure include IBM Support Family, base and enhanced services and support, and One Time Charge and Monthly License Charge support models. This broadened services portfolio offers IBM customers direct access to IBM technical experts and the ability to customize a support program for their specific needs.

IBM Support Family provides technical support for eligible software for IBM System/390, Networking, AS/400, AIX/6000, and Personal Systems platforms. IBM Support Family offers a robust choice of competitively-priced services that are easier to understand, buy, and use than in the past. All IBM Support Family services are backed by a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

"We are providing our customers -- from the largest enterprises to emerging and growing businesses -- with an integrated set of hassle-free, post-sale support options," said Jim Seitz, general manager, availability services and technical support, IBM United States. "This new structure provides a consistent, clear and comprehensive way for customers to address technical issues, including supported code-related problems and 'how-to' questions."

IBM Support Family

IBM Support Family includes the following core services:

  • Support Line provides customers with both telephone and electronic access to technical specialists for answers to usage questions and code-related problems.
Support Line access is available consistently across all IBM platforms from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding national holidays. Optional 24-hour, seven-days-a-week access is also available.
  • Consult Line is a telephone-based help line staffed by technical specialists providing in-depth analysis and assistance in such areas as application design, configuration, and performance tuning.
  • House Call delivers on-site assistance and/or specialized support at customer locations.
  • Alert provides customers on System/390, Networking, and AS/400 platforms with automatic notification of critical software and hardware fixes in electronic and/or paper form, and is customized by software release level.
  • Forum is electronic bulletin board support for users on System/390, Networking, AS/400 and Personal Systems platforms.

IBM Support Family core services vary somewhat by platform, and additional services, unique to each platform, are also available.

Base and Enhanced Support

IBM's new technical support structure provides a choice of base and enhanced support for IBM licensed software. Base support for Monthly License Charge products includes unlimited code-related problem support via fax, mail, telephone, and electronic access 24 hours a day. For One Time Charge products, base support for code-related problem reporting and resolution is provided via mail, fax, or electronic access.

One Time Charge base support also includes a period of complimentary support for installation and usage assistance in "getting started." During this time period, eligible customers can access Support Line free of charge. This time period varies by platform, but is never less than 60 days for eligible products.

Other base support provided at no additional charge may include seminars, system assurance reviews, and installation planning assistance for new software licenses.

Enhanced support, via IBM Support Family, is now the means to access telephone assistance for usage questions for both One Time Charge and Monthly License Charge customers. In addition to IBM Support Family core services, enhanced support may include services unique to each platform, such as S/390 Technical Library, AS/400 RemoteInstall and AIX/6000 Performance Management. All enhanced services are available for a fee on an individual product, or in some cases, a packaged basis. Additional enhanced support options may include education and training, project management, conversion and migration assistance, hardware and software customization, software installation, facilities planning, and performance tuning.

On-Site Support

IBM's Availability Centers nationwide are the delivery channel for in-person services provided through House Call. Availability Centers now provide local operational support for both hardware and software.

"Together with the skills present in our Availability Centers, the consolidation of all technical support within a single organization and our continued investment in educating and training our services professionals, the IBM Support Family delivers the very best of IBM services to our customers," Seitz concluded.

Hardware maintenance services and warranty support are unaffected by this announcement.

Comprehensive Technical Support Structure Announced

IBM announces enhancements to its technical support structure, including:

  • Introduction of Personal Systems Support Family, complementing the previously announced System/390, Networking, AS/400, and AIX/6000 Support Families;
  • Introduction of One Time Charge (OTC) and Monthly License Charge (MLC) support and services models, modifying customers' access to the support structure for OTC-only products, and introducing a complimentary ("getting-started") support period; and
  • Establishment of a national definition of base (free) and enhanced (fee) support.
Personal Systems Support Family

With the addition of Personal Systems Support Family to IBM Support Family, IBM now provides customers with a technical support portfolio that is consistent across all IBM platforms and allows customers to choose those options that meet their specific needs. All IBM Support Family services are available under a single contract, and are backed by a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

Personal Systems Support Family is composed of the following core services:

  • Support Line provides customers with both telephone and electronic access to technical specialists in areas such as OS/2, LAN Server, DB2/2, and more than 100 other products.
  • Consult Line is a telephone-based help line staffed by technical specialists providing in-depth analysis and assistance on applications, configuration, tuning, and other issues.
  • House Call delivers on-site assistance and/or specialized support at customer locations.
  • Forum is electronic bulletin board support on CompuServe, Internet, PRODIGY, and IBMLink.

System/390, AS/400, and Networking Support Family offerings also include Alert, which provides automatic notification of critical software coding corrections in electronic and/or paper form customized by software release level. Some other core services also vary by platform, and additional services are available that are unique to each platform.

Technical Support Structure

In an effort to tailor software technical support to the needs of its customers, IBM has defined two support models -- one that applies to software products that can be purchased only on an OTC basis, and one that applies to all other software products: i.e., MLC-only products, products that can be acquired on either an OTC or an MLC basis, and Annual License Charge and Program License Charge (ALC/PLC) products. Recurring-charge products that have been previously announced will keep their current support terms and conditions.

The OTC software support model includes a complimentary period of use of Support Line, an IBM Support Family service, to help customers with installation and usage assistance in "getting started." Following this period, code-related problems may be reported to IBM electronically, by facsimile, or by mail (with voice access available for a fee via the Support Line offering). A number of services are available, at no additional charge, during product currency. OTC customers may purchase Per Call, Standard, or Premium Support Line service, plus a range of other fee-based services.

As before, customers with MLC products may report code-related problems to IBM through voice access 24 hours per day, seven days per week, in addition to the electronic, facsimile and mail methods. As with OTC products, a number of services are provided, at no additional charge, during product currency. IBM Support Family services, plus other fee-based services, are available.

Hardware technical support (maintenance services and warranty support) is unaffected by this announcement.

Local base services are those that are provided, at no additional charge, with the purchase of new IBM products, and may include seminars, product demonstrations, systems assurance reviews, and education planning assistance.

Local enhanced services are available for a fee, and include IBM Support Family services, plus such offerings as conversion and migration assistance, facilities planning, performance tuning, and software customization.

IBM Announces Personal Systems Support Family

IBM is offering a new support service for its Personal Systems products. The Personal Systems Support Family provides a menu of services designed to support software solutions on a broad selection of Personal Systems products. The services go beyond the scope of traditional maintenance agreements and include contact with IBM product experts and cross-company solution support for other vendor software.

"By granting direct access to the technical expertise of IBM through the Personal Systems Support Family, IBM customers from the single-license end user to the developer and large corporate customer can enhance their systems availability and productivity," said Jim Seitz, VP of Availability Services and Technical Support.

Services

The Personal Systems Support Family core services include Support Line with Per Incident, Standard, or Premium levels of support; Forum; Consult Line; and House Call. Additional services include the Technical Connection Personal Software CD-ROM; IBM Personal Systems Technical Solutions magazine; Desktop Application Support; Customer Application Assistance; and Technical Education.

"We make it easy to understand, easy to customize and easy to use. The customer will simply select one or more support services to meet his or her specific support requirements, and we'll structure a package to provide a single, unified contract. We will meet all Personal Systems platform needs of our customers, satisfaction guaranteed," stated Del Reith, Director of End User Support Services and Software Solutions.

Core Services
  • Support Line
Voice or electronic access to Personal Systems specialists for timely assistance with code-related or usage problems. Customers may select either Per Incident, Standard, or Premium support, with many options to permit tailoring to support a full spectrum of users from corporate to small businesses.
Support is available via a toll-free 800 number, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., in the customer's time zone, Monday through Friday, except on U.S. national holidays.
Support Line Selectable Options:
  • Access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Priority handling that provides direct access to a product expert and automatic invocation of additional technical resources after specific time intervals.
  • Multi-vendor coordination, which simplifies access to a solution when products from multiple vendors are involved.
  • Additional customer contacts to access Personal Systems Support Family services.
  • Consult Line
Conference-call access to Personal Systems experts who will evaluate problems and provide consultation, guidance, analysis, and recommendations as appropriate Experts are available via appointment, offering advice and direction for highly complex environments.
  • House Call
Technical specialist support on the customer premises to solve problems or enable the customer's implementation and use of Personal Systems products. The service will be charged on an hourly basis plus any necessary travel or related costs.
  • Forum
Electronic bulletin board availability via IBMLink (U.S. only) that allows the customer to share in valuable "as-is" technical ideas, tips, and techniques of other IBM customers and the internal worldwide technical IBM community. Customers may purchase a TALKLink ID that is used to access the Forum.
Additional Services
  • Customer Application Assistance
IBM will notify the customer if it determines that a problem is not in any of the IBM supported Personal Systems products, but is in the customer's or vendor's code. If the customer requires IBM to further debug the problem and determine where the failure exists in the customer or vendor code, IBM will continue to perform services at an hourly charge.
  • Technical Connection Personal Software CD-ROM
Collection of "as-is" information, such as tips and techniques regarding installation, operation, performance tuning, and commonly asked questions and answers pertaining to Personal Systems products.
  • IBM Personal Systems Technical Solutions Magazine
A bimonthly publication that provides detailed information about personal computer hardware, software, and more.
  • Desktop Application Support
Enhances the customer's total desktop computing capability by providing support for non-IBM vendor applications. This service addresses questions and problems with usage, tailoring, and systems integration and compatibility.
  • Technical Education
A wide range of Personal Systems education classes is available from Skill Dynamics. Customers purchasing any Personal Systems Support Family services will receive discount coupons which can be applied to any of the eligible Personal Systems classes offered by IBM Skill Dynamics.
One-Stop Shopping

Tom Kendra, Personal Software Marketing director of services and support, said, "We did extensive research on what customers wanted in software technical support. They wanted to pay for only what they chose; they wanted highly trained specialists available to answer their questions on site or over the phone; and they wanted high quality. They also wanted one-stop shopping for a variety of support services. The Personal Systems Support Family delivers on these requirements, and all services are offered on a satisfaction guarantee basis."

Support Services for Complex Applications

"Our effort last year was to develop a world-class support system that provided our customers easy access to competent technicians who could answer their questions on a timely and accurate basis," said Martha Gimbut, Personal Software Product division's director of technical support. "Our goal this year is to continue working with our customers to deliver support services that augment their capabilities in the design, deployment, and on-going support of increasingly complex, mission-critical applications."

BESTeam Participation

Participants in IBM's Business Enterprise Solutions Team (BESTeam) program, a marketing and technical support program that was announced early this year, will be able to market family services and earn fees.

More Information

For more information, contact the Personal Systems Support Family Project Office. Voice phone numbers are 1-800-799-7765 within the USA and 1-914-433-2929 from elsewhere. Fax phone numbers are 1-800-426-6494 within the USA and 1-914-433-3353 from elsewhere. Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (GMT-5), Monday through Friday, except U.S. national holidays.

IBM Personal Systems Support Family, Withdrawal of SystemXtra for Personal Systems, and New Technical Support Structure for Personal Systems

Abstract

The Personal Systems Support Family provides a menu of fee services designed to provide software solutions support on a broad selection of IBM and other eligible personal computer products. The services come with many options to permit tailoring support to each customer's needs, and span a full spectrum of users, including:

  • Small businesses
  • Department-sized groups within businesses of all sizes
  • System supporters and medium businesses
  • Developers and large businesses
  • Users and developers of personal productivity, general business applications, or complex applications

This offering is not intended for home users of OS/2 on a single desktop system. In addition, purchasers of IBM PC Company hardware systems can access a set of offerings that support their systems, hardware, and software in a non-host-connected LAN environment of up to 250 nodes.

Personal Systems Support Family services include:

  • Personal Systems Support Line
  • Personal Systems Consult Line
  • IBM House Call
  • Personal Systems Forum
  • Personal Systems Technical Connection Personal Software (CD-ROM)
  • Personal Systems Desktop Application Support
  • Personal Systems Customer Application Assistance
  • Personal Systems Technical Education Coupons
  • Personal Systems Technical Solutions magazine

Concurrent with availability of Personal Systems Support Family, SystemXtra for Personal Systems is withdrawn from marketing.

A new technical support structure includes Program Services (code related problem support) and a "getting-started" period of Support Line Standard level of support. This will be provided for the first license within a site, location, or centralized help desk for all eligible products.

Effective 11 July 1994, the planned availability date for Personal Software Support Family Services, current voice support for program services will be available only through the Personal Systems Support Line.

Features of the Personal Systems Support Family services include:

  • Satisfaction guarantee
  • Coverage during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in your local time zone, Monday through Friday, except U.S. national holidays
  • Extended-hours coverage, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Project Office

The Personal Software Project Office is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (GMT-5) Monday through Friday except U.S. national holidays. Phone numbers are:

Voice: 1-800-799-7765 (USA), or 1-914-433-2929, or tie line 293-2929
Fax: 1-800-426-6494 (USA), or 1-914-433-3353, or tie line 293-3353

The mailing address is:

Personal Systems Support Family Project Office
IBM Corporation
522 South Road - Building 052
Poughkeepsie NY 12601-5400
PERSONAL SYSTEMS TECHNICAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Program Services

Code-related problem (defect) support is provided through program services for all supported IBM licensed software products. Code-related problem means the product does not conform to specifications and could be either a code or documentation error. You can report code-related problems to IBM electronically, via facsimile, or through U.S. Mail. IBM will respond using the same media as your inquiry. IBM will respond to your inquiries within a maximum of two business days of electronic or facsimile receipt, and seven days of mail receipt, advising of the problem disposition. Response to known code-related problem inquiries may be a code correction, bypass, or restriction.

If the problem reported is not known to be a code-related problem, you will be informed that IBM will continue to work on it for a fee if you do not have a support contract, or that it is beyond the "getting started" period. If the problem is determined to be caused by an error in IBM code, the fee will be waived.

Getting-Started Period

A getting-started period is provided to help customers with installation and usage assistance. In addition to Program Services, customers will receive a no-charge getting-started period of Personal Systems Support Line Standard level of support. This will be provided for the first license within the site, location, or centralized help desk for all IBM products. Personal Systems Support Line, a Personal Systems Support Family fee offering, provides voice access to question and problem support for a 60-day period for the product being installed. The 60-day period begins with the first call from within the site, location, or centralized helpdesk. At the conclusion of the getting-started period, you can contract for continued voice access through Personal Systems Support Line fee offerings.

ENHANCED SERVICES -- PERSONAL SYSTEMS SUPPORT FAMILY

Personal Systems Support Line

The Personal Systems Support Line service provides support for customers requiring voice assistance with usage- and code-related problems. The OS/2 and IBM PC DOS operating systems, a broad range of products that operate on OS/2 and IBM PC DOS, and selected other IBM Personal Computer software products are supported. (Refer to the Supported Products section.) This offering does not extend or enhance the central service provided with OS/2 products. Customers may select either Per-Incident, Standard, or Premium support. Per-Incident support is charged on a fixed solution basis. (An Incident is defined as a single request for assistance with a specific personal systems product. Requests for assistance with different questions, or different problems, will be considered to be separate incidents). Standard and Premium support is available on an annual contract basis and is charged monthly. The monthly charge option gives the customer unlimited questions or problems. Personal Systems Support Line Per-Incident, Standard, or Premium are not intended for the home user of OS/2 on a single desktop system.

Per-Incident Service

With Personal Systems Support Line Per-Incident service, the customer receives:

  • Voice access via an 800 telephone number. If customers have TALKLink, they can submit an incident or incidents electronically.
  • Support for questions and problems with any of the products eligible for support. Refer to the Supported Products section.
  • Support during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the customer's time zone, Monday through Friday, except U.S. national holidays). Services provided outside of business hours are subject to a 35 percent premium.
Standard Service

With Personal Systems Support Line Standard service, the customer receives:

  • Voice/electronic access as described in Per-Incident Support Line.
  • Support for questions and problems regarding the OS/2 and IBM PC DOS operating systems. Additional product support beyond the OS/2 or IBM PC DOS operating systems is provided on an optional basis for a fee on a product-by-product basis. If OS/2 or IBM PC DOS is not installed, IBM will treat the first additional product as the equivalent of either OS/2 or IBM PC DOS.
  • Support during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the customer's time zone, Monday through Friday, except U.S. national holidays). Services provided outside of business hours are subject to a 35 percent premium.
  • Monthly activity reports, which show the customer's personal systems product support activities including number of incidents and their status.
  • Two customer contacts (focal points) plus two alternates to access support.

Customers may select additional Support Line Standard options that are offered and priced individually. These options include:

  • Extended hours coverage: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With extended hours coverage, the customer receives two additional contacts plus two alternates (total of four) for off-shift coverage.
  • Priority handling that provides for direct access to a product expert and automatic invocation of additional technical resources after specific intervals. Priority handling is available either via voice or electronic access.
  • Multivendor Coordination support, which means that, when a problem is determined not to be in an IBM product, but in another vendor's software with whom IBM has a Multivendor Coordination Agreement, IBM will contact the vendor, explain the customer's problem, and obtain agreement to transfer the problem to the vendor's support organization. The customer is responsible for any fees associated with the vendor's service and support. If the problem is known to be in a non-IBM product, the customer's first point of contact should be the vendor. IBM is not able to transfer calls if the customer is not entitled to support on the vendor's product. For information on the vendors and/or business partners with whom IBM has a Multivendor Coordination Agreement, call the Personal Systems Support Family Project Office at 800-799-7765 (USA) or 1-914-433-2929.
  • Additional customer contacts (focal points) to access support.
  • Support for additional products. Refer to the Supported Products section.

Additionally, the following service can be selected as a Support Line Standard priced option:

  • A monthly subscription to the Personal Systems Technical Connection Personal Software CD-ROM, which provides "as-is" technical information, including closed APAR information, various compressed Corrective Service Diskettes (CSDs), tips and techniques regarding installation, operation, performance tuning, and commonly asked questions and answers about OS/2, IBM PC DOS, and LAN platform products and applications.
Premium Service

With Personal Systems Support Line Premium service, the customer receives:

  • Voice/electronic access, as described in Per-Incident Support Line.
  • Extended-hours coverage: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With extended-hours coverage, the customer receives two additional contacts plus two alternates (total of four) for off-shift coverage.
  • Monthly activity reports, which show the customer's Personal Systems product support activities including number of incidents and their status.
  • Four customer contacts (focal points) plus four alternates (total of eight) to access support.
  • A monthly subscription to Personal Systems Technical Connection Personal Software CD-ROM, which provides "as-is" technical information, including closed APAR information, various compressed Corrective Service Diskettes (CSDs), tips and techniques regarding installation, operation, performance tuning, and commonly asked questions and answers about OS/2, IBM PC DOS, and LAN platform products and applications.
  • Priority handling that provides for direct access to a product expert and automatic invocation of additional technical resources after specific intervals. Priority handling is available either via voice or electronic access.
  • Multivendor coordination support, which means that, when a problem is determined not to be in an IBM product, but in another vendor's software with whom IBM has a Multivendor Coordination Agreement, IBM will contact the vendor, explain the customer's problem, and obtain agreement to transfer the problem to the vendor's support organization. The customer is responsible for any fees associated with the vendor's service and support. If the problem is known to be in a non-IBM product, the customer's first point of contact should be the vendor. IBM is not able to transfer calls if the customer is not entitled to support on the vendor's product. For information on the vendors and/or business partners with whom IBM has a Multivendor Coordination Agreement, call the Personal Systems Support Family Project Office at 800-799-7765 (USA) or 1-914-433-2929.
  • Support for all products included in the Supported Products section, with the exception of Desktop Application products.

Customers can select an additional Support Line Premium option offered and priced individually:

  • Additional customer contacts to access support.

ADDITIONAL PERSONAL SYSTEMS SUPPORT FAMILY SERVICES

Personal Systems Consult Line

The Personal Systems Consult Line service helps customers better understand and more effectively use IBM and other personal computer products by providing telephone access to experts. These experts consult on a mutually-agreed-to topic, providing recommendations and corrective actions as appropriate. With Personal Systems Consult Line, the customer receives consultation in the areas of:

  • Systems management and performance
  • Evaluation of designs
  • Guidance toward the best approach and use of various systems

Personal Systems Consult Line is a support service that picks up where Personal Systems Support Line leaves off. It is designed to fulfill customer needs beyond the intended scope of Personal Systems Support Line. Personal Systems Consult Line is tailored to meet the customer's unique needs. IBM will advise and consult with the customer on various items. Examples include:

  • Advice and direction for highly complex environments
  • In-depth analysis, including design guidance and evaluations
  • Comprehensive implementation assistance
  • Direct technical support from technical specialists skilled in performance, capacity planning, and communications and systems management

Personal Systems Consult Line service is scheduled at a time that is mutually agreeable to both the customer and IBM. Consultation for products not included in the Supported Products list will be considered, based on available skills.

IBM House Call

The IBM House Call service can help customers supplement critical skills needed to perform on-site hardware and software support. In addition to answering questions, a support specialist can perform specific services pertaining to the installation, usage, and performance tuning of supported products. IBM House Call is charged hourly or by prepaid blocks of hours.

With IBM House Call, the customer receives:

  • Access to an on-site support specialist who can assist in hardware and software installation activities, software maintenance and upgrade activities, operational services, problem assistance, and any other mutually-agreed-upon tasks.
  • Coverage at a mutually agreeable time (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the customer's time zone, Monday through Friday, except U.S. national holidays).
Personal Systems Forum

The Personal Systems Forum is a bulletin-board service that provides customer-to-customer communication, a database of technical information, and tips and techniques. The items posted on the bulletin board are accessible to all customer and IBM personnel subscribers to the IBMLink facility TALKLink, a prerequisite for receiving Forum service. TALKLink provides the capability for customers to review information electronically, submit questions or requests, and receive answers or information.

With Forum, the customer receives:

  • Conferences and forums - "as-is" question-and-answer bulletin boards containing product-related topics.
  • Customer-to-customer messaging - customers can send messages to each other.
  • Software library - download application programs and upload contributions either owned by the customer or which the customer can legally make generally available.
  • News and announcements containing recent information regarding products and services.
  • Search Service - allowing searching of IBM databases via interactive mode. This search facility includes a large "as-is" question-and- answer database of items, IBM Systems Center Flashes, and IBM's problem management libraries. This database contains information about problems and fixes.
  • Customers can initiate, review, or respond to dialog in the conference areas.
Personal Systems Customer Application Assistance

When it is determined that the customer's problem is not in any of the supported products, but in the customer's code, IBM will make this known immediately to the customer. If there are circumstances where the customer requires that IBM further debug the problem and determine where the failure exists in the customer's code, the customer will be advised that IBM will continue the debugging at an hourly charge.

For additional information on these services, call the Personal Systems Support Family Project Office at 800-799-7765.

Personal Systems Technical Connection Personal Software CD-ROM

The Personal Systems Technical Connection Personal Software CD-ROM provides "as-is" technical information. It includes closed APAR information, various compressed Corrective Service Diskettes (CSDs), tips and techniques regarding installation, operation, performance tuning, and answers to commonly asked questions about the Personal Systems platform products. The user accesses this information through easy-to-use expert system tools: AskPSP, OS/2 VIEW, or BookManager. The latest OS/2 Book Collection CD-ROM is included with the first issue of Technical Connection. Customers can purchase the Technical Connection by annual subscription with either monthly or quarterly updates, or by single issue.

IBM Personal Systems Technical Solutions Magazine

IBM Personal Systems Technical Solutions is a bi-monthly publication that provides detailed information about personal computer hardware and software, OS/2, IBM PC DOS, local area networks, client/server solutions, programming languages, connectivity, and more. Customers can purchase Personal Systems Technical Solutions by annual subscription.

Personal Systems Desktop Application Support

Desktop Application Support complements Personal Systems Support Line. Customer contacts may obtain usage assistance on a list of over 250 applications running under OS/2, IBM PC DOS, and Windows. Information can be provided about the operation of desktop hardware, or the use of software programs. With Desktop Application Support, the customer may obtain:

  • Installation assistance
  • Assistance with a functional task
  • Help clarifying documentation or manuals
  • General information about the program's capabilities
  • Assistance in identifying a system problem

If the source of the problem is code-related in an eligible program, we will contact the appropriate support group (including other vendors) to request a correction. If a vendor correction is available at no charge, we will request that it be sent to the customer. If a charge is associated with the fix, the designated customer contact will be notified that a fix is available and how it can be obtained. Call activity data can be obtained electronically.

Products supported by the Personal Systems Support Line service are not supported through the Desktop Application Support Service.

Standard coverage is from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the customer's time zone, Monday through Friday, except U.S. national holidays. Extended-hours coverage provides support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is available for an additional fee. Refer to Desktop Applications in the Supported Products section for a list of the applications supported.

Personal Systems Technical Education Coupons

Customers purchasing any of the Personal Systems Support Family services will receive discount coupons, which can be applied to any of the eligible Personal Systems classes offered by Skill Dynamics, an IBM Company. For the latest information on courses and costs, call Skill Dynamics in the U.S. at 1-800-426-8322, or in Canada at 1-800-465-1234. For information on technical education offered by IBM support organizations, call the Personal Systems Support Family Project Office at 1-800-799-7765.

General Terms and Conditions

The following are the general terms and conditions that apply to Personal Systems Support Family:

  • Business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the customer's time zone, Monday through Friday, except U.S. national holidays. All services provided outside business hours are subject to a 35 percent premium, with the exception of Personal Systems Forum, Technical Connection Personal Software CD-ROM, IBM Personal Software Technical Solutions magazine, and Technical Education Coupons.
  • A customer contact must be available to work with a product specialist or expert during the entire time IBM is performing services outside of business hours (extended hours).
  • Personal Systems Support Family contracts are for a one-year term.
  • Customers choosing an hourly payment option for a Personal Systems Support Family service will be charged for the time IBM spends exchanging information with you, analyzing information you provide to us, and preparing recommendations to resolve a problem.
  • Customers may terminate any of the Personal Systems Support Family services by providing IBM with written notice of their intent to terminate the Personal Systems Support Family in its entirety or any of the individual services at least one month before termination. The mailing address is:
    Personal Systems Support Family Project Office
    IBM Corporation
    522 South Road - Building 052
    Mail Station P123
    Poughkeepsie NY 12601-5400
  • All Personal Systems Support Family services include a satisfaction guarantee.
Satisfaction Guarantee

If, for any reason, a customer is not completely satisfied with a service, IBM must be notified in writing within one month. If IBM is unable to resolve the problem to the customer's satisfaction, the customer will receive a refund as follows:

  • For Services using an hourly charge, a refund equal to the charge for the period of time the customer was dissatisfied.
  • For Services using a monthly charge, a refund equal to the monthly charge for the Service.
  • For Services using a Per Incident charge, a refund equal to the charge for the incident with which the customer was dissatisfied.
  • For Services using a block of hours charge, a refund equal to the charge for the number of hours for which you were dissatisfied.
  • For Services using annual or quarterly charges, a refund equal to a pro-rata monthly charge.
Additional Terms and Conditions

For Personal Systems Support Line:

Scope of Services: Personal Systems Support Line provides single point-of-entry voice (800 telephone) support for questions and problems about eligible products and the OS/2 and IBM PC DOS operating systems. (Electronic access is also available.)

IBM Responsibilities: IBM will provide voice support via 800 telephone access and, upon request, IBM will also provide electronic access, to product specialists who will:

  • Be available to provide support during the customer's selected period of coverage. IBM's objective is to respond to the customer within a maximum of two business hours of their call during business hours, and within a maximum of four hours of their call during extended hours. If If the customer uses electronic access, IBM's objective is to respond to the customer by the end of the next business day.
  • Answer specific, task-oriented problems or questions pertaining to the use and operation of currently supported products, and refer the caller to specific IBM product documentation or publications for additional information and instructions.
  • For Personal Systems Support Line customers with the Priority Handling option, IBM will respond as follows:
    • A product expert will respond to the customer within a maximum of 60 maximum of 60 minutes of a call received during business hours, and within a maximum of two hours for calls received during extended hours. Response to customers using electronic access will be within a maximum of 60 minutes during business hours.
    • The incident will be prioritized in the order of priority incident receipt and above the regular workload of the product expert.
    • When the source of the problem has been clearly determined to be in one of the eligible products, the product expert will work with the customer to gather the information necessary to further define the source of the problem within the product. At this point, if the problem is not resolved within a maximum of two additional business days, the product expert will invoke additional technical resources.
Customers with a TALKLink ID activated for submitting electronic requests for support, and who have purchased the Priority Handling option, may identify electronically reported incidents for Priority Handling.
NOTE: Critical situation incidents requiring Priority Handling during extended hours should be submitted via telephone. Priority Handling incidents submitted electronically during extended hours will be responded to within the first hour of the next business day.

Customer Responsibilities:

  • Call 800-237-5511 to initiate Personal Systems Support Line.
  • For customers with the Priority Handling option: Indicate which specific incidents require Priority Handling when requesting assistance.
  • The customer is responsible for acquiring an IBMLink (TALKLink) subscription and requesting electronic problem submission if electronic Personal Systems Support Line access is desired.
  • The customer agrees to designate at least two contacts (focal points) plus two alternates to coordinate communications with IBM, including the submission of incidents. Additional charges will be incurred for additional contacts, with the exception of customer's selecting the Personal Systems Support Line Premium service, where they will receive a total of four focal points and four alternates, included in the cost of Premium Support Line.
  • Provide information necessary to complete the Support Family Customer Information Profile.
  • Provide information and data that IBM may request to help answer the customer's questions.
  • Use your IBM customer number when requesting the Personal Systems Support Line service.

Other:

  • Personal Systems Support Line applies to only the U.S. English version of the supported eligible products.
  • Personal Systems Support Line does not extend the announced end of service and support of any eligible product.
  • If a code-related problem is found in an IBM supported product, there will be no charge for the incident reported.
  • Personal Systems Support Line is not intended to replace documentation or recommended training in the use and operation of the products.
  • Customers should make every attempt to contact the responsible service provider based on the nature of the problem. If a call is placed to IBM and it is outside the scope of this service, IBM will, on a reasonable basis, route these calls to the appropriate IBM service deliverer.
  • Under the Personal Systems Support Line service, customers are specifically NOT entitled to telephone or electronic support for any of the following:
    • Continuous contact during lengthy procedures that would best be provided on-site (refer to IBM House Call), such as:
      • Complete configuration of systems, workstations or networks
      • Complete hardware or software release upgrade installation
    • Application development assistance. (Refer to Customer Application Assistance for support availability). OS/2 and DOS application developers may obtain information on IBM's Developer Assistance Program (DAP) requirements and enrollment procedures by calling the IBM DAP Hotline at 1-407-982-6408.
    • Detailed design and analysis that IBM has defined to be consulting activity (refer to Consult Line).
    • Dispatch of any non-IBM personnel or service.
    • Technical education.
  • For Per-Incident Support Line, requests for assistance with different questions, or different problems, will be considered to be separate incidents. Each incident will be tracked individually. An incident may involve multiple calls or actions such as:
    • The initial request for assistance
    • Offline research
    • A callback from IBM to the customer
    • Closure of the incident
Closure of an incident occurs when an answer to the initial request is provided. Closure may also include referring the customer to the appropriate source for resolution.

For Personal Systems Consult Line:

Scope of Services: Personal Systems Consult Line provides telephone access for customers to IBM technical experts for consultation on an agreed-to topic relating to eligible products and environments.

IBM Responsibilities: When a Personal Systems Consult Line request is received, IBM will call the customer to schedule a mutually agreeable time for the Personal Systems Consult Line session to occur, and help assure that the nature of the consultation request is clear. IBM's intent is that this return call will occur within one business day of the customer's request. The actual consultation session with IBM's technical experts must be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time.

  • Advise and consult with the customer to interpret, analyze, guide, design, or study the requested aspect of their system.
  • Provide recommendations and remedial actions as appropriate.

Customer Responsibilities:

  • Call 800-237-5511 to initiate Personal Systems Consult Line.
  • Define the type of consultation requested to ensure the assignment of a technical expert with the appropriate expertise.
  • Provide information and data that IBM may request to help answer your questions.
  • Limit access to only those entitled to incur charges.
  • Use your IBM customer number when calling for services.

Other:

  • The charge for this service will consists of the call, (an hourly rate times the number of people involved in the call, times the number of hours involved in the call), the time IBM spends analyzing information you provide to us for the call, and preparing recommendations to resolve the problem will be charged.

For IBM House Call:

Scope of Services: IBM House Call provides an on-site support specialist to assist the customer with tasks related to the operation and software maintenance of the system. This service is provided to resolve a customer's product specific question/problem, or to provide the customer with a cross-platform solution. IBM House Call services, which cannot be provided by a local resource, may be provided by a technical support specialist from a remote IBM location.

IBM Responsibilities:

  • IBM will provide a technical support specialist who will provide services at the customer's location at a mutually-agreed-upon time.
  • IBM will respond within two business hours to a customer's request to schedule an IBM House Call engagement during business hours. Response to calls received within the last two business hours of the day, or later, will occur within the first two business hours of the next business day, unless otherwise specified by the customer.

Customer Responsibilities:

  • Select either the hourly charge or prepaid block option.
  • Call 800-237-5511 to initiate and schedule all IBM House Call activity.
  • Provide information and data that IBM may request to help answer your questions.
  • Provide information to the on-site technical support specialist detailing activities with which the customer wants assistance.
  • Provide all necessary and safe access to IBM to perform services.

Other:

  • Purchase of this service is available on an hourly basis or a prepaid block of hours (minimum of 20 hours). The minimum time allocated for the initial IBM House Call visit is two hours for customers paying on an hourly basis, and this is payable in advance.
  • Travel time will be added to the time spent at the customer location, and is considered part of the IBM House Call engagement.
  • Travel and other related expenses incurred (for example, airplane, hotel, travel outside of the service area), to deliver IBM House Call, must be mutually agreed to by IBM and the customer prior to the customer's acceptance of the IBM House Call contract. These expenses are not part of the House Call agreement.
  • All tasks performed are to be mutually defined and scheduled by the customer and the IBM technical support specialist who provides the service.
  • For customers purchasing prepaid blocks of hours, all hours must be used within one year of the purchase date or they will be considered forfeited. Prepaid blocks are business hours only. Extended-hour coverage for customers purchasing prepaid blocks is available at a 35 percent premium.

For Personal Systems Forum:

Scope of Services: A TALKLink ID that will provide access to Personal Systems Forum.

IBM Responsibilities: IBM will provide the customer with:

  • Initial configuration information to allow the customer to access Forum.
  • Electronic access to a computer-based bulletin board that will have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week availability, except during brief weekly maintenance periods (a period of time during which maintenance services are performed on IBM's system).
  • Access to forums on an "as-is" basis, to exchange with other customers of this service, comments and questions related by platform.
  • The ability to give IBM feedback on problems with this service.

Customer Responsibilities:

  • Obtain an IBMLink (TALKLink) subscription.
  • Provide a workstation or terminal and modem equipped to access the IBMLink facility, TALKLink.
  • Ensure the system is configured according to the protocols established by TALKLink.
  • Ensure that no items are submitted that contain solicitations, disparaging remarks, improper or discriminatory language, or intentionally inaccurate or misleading statements.

Other: IBM also reserves the right to discontinue access to any particular user based on misuse or inappropriate use of the forum.

For Personal Systems Desktop Application Support:

Scope of Service: Personal Systems Desktop Application Support provides the customer's contact with usage assistance on a list of over 250 applications running on OS/2, IBM PC DOS, and Windows. Assistance can be provided on the operation of desktop hardware, or the use of software programs.

IBM Responsibilities:

  • Provide standard coverage from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the customer's time zone, Monday through Friday, except U.S. national holidays.
  • Answer usage and installation questions related to eligible programs as specified in the Supported Products list.
  • Use commercially reasonable efforts to identify the source of the eligible program or system problem and assist you in resolving it. If the source of the problem is:
    • A code-related problem in an eligible program, we will instruct you to contact the vendor to request a correction. This does not apply to the Personal Systems Support Line for single-license user's supported products.
    • A hardware problem, we will instruct you to contact your local provider of hardware service.
  • IBM is not responsible for services or charges for services provided by other vendors.

Customer Responsibilities:

  • Call 800-237-5511 to initiate Desktop Application Support Service.
  • Use your IBM customer number when calling for services.
  • Designate a person to be the focal point for communications with IBM.
  • Provide IBM with a list of eligible machines and programs for which you are requesting service.
  • Accept call information from us and take action as required for unresolved problems.
  • Be responsible for distribution and implementation of corrections.
  • Destroy all copies of the call activity program upon termination of services.

For Customer Application Assistance:

Scope of Services: Assist in debug, problem determination, and problem source identification with customer code.

IBM Responsibilities:

  • Assist customer in debug activities, problem determination, and problem source identification with customer code.
  • Provide remote services to assist with custom application development.

Customer Responsibilities:

  • Provide information and data that IBM may request to help identify the customer's problem.

For Technical Connection - Personal Software:

Scope of Services: Technical Connection - Personal Software provides technical information, service, and solutions for OS/2 2.0 and later versions, IBM PC DOS, and LAN.

IBM Responsibilities:

  • Maintain and keep current, on a monthly basis, the information contained on the CD-ROM.
  • For a single CD-ROM license, IBM will deliver the CD-ROM within two to three weeks.
  • For monthly or quarterly updates, IBM will deliver the CD-ROM when it is available for that month or quarter.

Customer Responsibilities:

  • Place an order for a single issue, or an annual subscription with either monthly or quarterly updates.

Other:

  • All terms and conditions of the product license apply.
  • Technical Connection - Personal Software does not extend the warranty outlined in the product license agreement.
Charges

All services provided outside of business hours are subject to a 35 percent premium. For each additional Support Line Standard or Support Line Premium service purchased, a 10 percent discount will be applied.

For House Call:

  • Hourly contract rate: 170 USD per hour
    • Two hour minimum.
  • Hourly rate discounts available for 20 or more hours
    • 2 to 19 hours - 170 USD per hour
    • 20 to 99 hours - 155 USD per hour
    • 100 or more hours - 140 USD per hour

For Consult Line:

  • One hour minimum.
  • Hourly rate: 240 USD per hour

For Desktop Application Support:

  • Per-Incident price: 64 USD

For Technical Connection - Personal Software:

  • Single copy: 59 USD
  • Annual subscription with quarterly updates: 119 USD
  • Annual subscription with monthly updates: 299 USD

For Support Line:

  • Per-Incident
    • Fixed solution during business hours: 190 USD
    • 24 hours, 7 days per week: 260 USD
  • Standard
    • Annual: 4,495 USD
  • Standard Options
    • Each additional contact: 2,995 USD
    • 24 hours, 7 days a week: 1,575 USD
    • Priority Handling: 4,995 USD
    • Multivendor coordination: 1,995 USD
    • Technical Connection Personal Software CD-ROM: 299 USD
A 10 percent discount will apply for multiple purchases of the Standard Annual. Discounts do not apply to optional charges.
  • Premium: 29,995 USD
  • Premium Options:
    • Each additional Contact: 2,995 USD
A 10% discount applied for each additional Premium service purchased.

For Personal Systems Forum:

  • Forum: No Charge
    • TALKLink subscription: 18 USD per month

For Customer Application Assistance:

  • Hourly charge: 240 USD per hour

For IBM Personal Systems Technical Solutions magazine:

  • Annual subscription: 50 USD per year
Supported Products

The following are the products supported by Personal Systems Support Family at the time of this announcement. Customers with problems submitted for any of these products before 11 July 1994 will continue to have them resolved in the current manner; all voice requests on or after 11 July 1994 will be processed via one of the Personal Systems Support Line services. The Personal Systems Support Line services apply only to the U.S. English versions of the supported products.

The following are included:

  • IBM products included in the base offering
  • IBM products running on either OS/2 or IBM PC DOS platforms
  • IBM personal computer products running on other vendor software platforms
  • Novell NetWare products
  • Products supported under the Desktop Applications service.

The following products are included in the Support Line Standard annual service offering price of 4,495 USD:

  • MMPM/2
  • OS/2 16/32-Bit Operating System
  • OS/2 for Windows
  • OASAS I Disk Array Management
  • PenDOS
  • Pen for OS/2
  • IBM PC DOS
  • IMG Adapter/A Device Driver
  • MMPM/2 Toolkit
  • MVGA/MUL XGA Device Driver
  • Secured DOS - DES
  • Toolkit

All services provided outside of normal business hours are subject to a 35 percent premium. A 10 percent discount will be provided for each product in which the customer has obtained certification training.

After purchasing a Standard annual offering, the following products may be purchased separately for the annual prices listed below to create a customized service offering.

Program Name Charge
Address Book Synchronization/2 495 USD
AFP Workbench 495
ANYNET/2 995
ANYNET/2 Sockets Over SNA Gateway 495
APL2/2 495
BookManager Build/2 495
BookManager Read DOS 495
BookManager Read/2 495
Bridges
Frame Relay Token-Ring Bridge
LANStreamer Bridge
LAN Bridge Manager/2
Token Ring Bridge Local
Token Ring Bridge Remote
Token Ring Network Bridge Program
995
C Set ++ 995
CallPath
CallPath/2
CallPath Coordinator/2
CallPath Coordinator/2 Archive
CallPath Coordinator/2 Server
CallPath Toolkit
CallPath/DOS
CallPath Switchserver/2
CallPath/2 Single-Agent
CallPath/2 Multi-Agent
CallPath Coordinator For Windows
DirecTalk/2
DirecTalk/2 Host Communications
DirecTalk/2 Voice Messaging
DirecTalk/2 Voice Recognition
2,495
CICS/OS2
CICS/OS2 Multi-User
CICS/OS2 Single-User
CICS/OS2 Clients
2,495
COMMANDTREE/2 495
Communications Manager/2 2,495
CURRENT
CURRENT/400
CURRENT/VM
CURRENT/MVS
495
DataGlance
DataGlance NET Analyzer ETH/TR
DataGlance NET Analyzer Ethernet
DataGlance NET Analyzer Token Ring
995
DataHub Support/2 495
DataHub/2 2,495
DB2/2 (Client/Server)
CAE/2
CAE/DOS
SDK/2
SDK/DOS
2,495
DCAF 2,495
DCE Toolkit
DCE Cell Directory Server
DCE Client
DCE Client-Encrypted
DCE SDK-Encrypted
DCE Security Server
2,495
DCE Windows Client-Encrypted
DCE Windows Client
495
DDCS/2 2,495
FlowMark 2,495
FormTalk 495
GDDM
GDDM PC Link
GDDM OS/2 Link
495
GRAPHICSVIEW/2 495
Image and Records Management (IRM)
IRM Server/2
IRM Client Services/2
2,495
ImagePlus Capture Facility/2 995
ImagePlus Intelligent Forms Facility 495
ImagePlus Object Distribution Manager/2 2,495
ImagePlus Workstation Communication Interface 495
ImagePlus/2 495
IWPM/2 495
IWPM/DOS 495
IWPM/Windows 495
LAN Distance
LAN Distance Connection Server
LAN Distance Connection Server 8-PORT
LAN Distance Remote
2,495
LAN NetView
LAN NetView System Package
LAN NetView Manager
LAN NetView Agents Extended
LAN NetView Agents for DOS
LAN NetView Enabler
LAN NetView Fix
LAN NetView Monitor
LAN NetView Tie
LAN NetView Start
995
LAN NetView Management Utility for OS/2 495
LAN Network Manager
LAN Network Manager
LAN Network Manager Entry
LAN Station Manager
495
LAN Server
LAN Requester
LAN Server Entry/Advanced
LAN Server Ultimedia
LAN Server Enabler
2,495
LAN Support Program 495
LANDP
LANDP/DOS
LANDP/2
2,495
NETDA/2 495
NETSP 995
NetView DM/2 2,495
NetWork Door/2 495
NetView FTP
NetView FTP Client/2
NetView FTP Server/2
995
NetView Network Planner/2 995
NetView/PC 495
NetWare Blue from IBM
NetWare Async Communications Services from IBM
NetWare Client Kit-DOS/Windows from IBM
NetWare Client Kit-OS/2 from IBM
NetWare Communications Services Manager from IBM
NetWare Flex/IP from IBM
NetWare for SAA SRBCS Manager from IBM
NetWare for SAA 1.3 from IBM
NetWare for SAA 1.3B from IBM
NetWare from IBM 2.2
NetWare from IBM 3.11
NetWare FTAM from IBM
NetWare HostPrint from IBM
NetWare Lite from IBM
NetWare Management Agent from IBM
NetWare Name Service from IBM
NetWare NFS from IBM
NetWare NFS Gateway 1.1 from IBM
NetWare NFS Starter Kit from IBM
NetWare Services Manager - OS/2 from IBM
NetWare Services Manager - Windows from IBM
NetWare SFT III from IBM
NetWare SNA Links from IBM
NetWare Services Manager - LAN NetView from IBM
NetWare Workstation Kit - OS/2 from IBM
NetWare Workstation Kit - DOS/Windows from IBM
NetWare Workstation Kit - OS/2 from IBM
NetWare 3.12 from IBM
NetWare 4.0 from IBM
NetWare 4.01 for OS/2 from IBM
NetWare 4.01 from IBM
NetWare/IP 1.1 from IBM
NetWare for Macintosh Client from IBM
NetWare for Macintosh from IBM
2,495
Network Signon Coordinator/2 495
NSDOS 495
NTS/2 995
OSI
OSICS/2
OSIFS/2
995
PC/3270
PC/3270 DOS
PC/3270 Entry
PC/3270 Entry CCA
PC/3270 Entry Emulation
PC/3270 Windows
PC TSO File Transfer
PC VM File Transfer
995
PC LAN Program 995
PC Node Manager 495
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person/2
Person-to-Person/Windows
495
Personal AS Windows 995
Personal AS/2 995
PL/I Package/2 495
Problem Management Bridge (PMB) 995
PSF/2 2,495
Routers
LAN to LAN WAN
Entry LAN to LAN WAN
RouteXpander/2
X25 Expander
RXR LNM Support/2
RXR Multiport Support/2
RXR X.25 Support/2
995
SAA Prolog/2 995
SDPM 995
SearchManager/2
SearchManager LAN Server/2 and Client/2
SearchManager Client/DOS for Windows
495
SYS Performance Monitor/2 495
TCP/IP for DOS and Kits and NetBIOS 2,495
TCP/IP for OS/2 and Kits 2,495
Thesaurus/2 495
Time and Place Connectivity/2 995
Time and Place/2 495
Ultimedia VideoCharger 495
User Profile Management for Extended 495
User Profile Management for LAN Server 495
Visual Document Library 995
VisualAge 2,495
VisualInfo Client for OS/2 495
VisualInfo Library Server for OS/2 995
VisualInfo Object Server for OS/2 995
WITT 495
WorkFrame/2 495

The following Novell products are available for support via a purchased Support Line contract, but IBM does not provide warranty support or a "getting-started" support period for them. Product price for Red NetWare is 2,495 USD, covering the following:

LANalyzer for Windows
NetWare Asynchronous Communications Services
NetWare Client Kit - DOS/Windows
NetWare Client Kit - OS/2
NetWare Communications Service Manager
NetWare Flex/IP
NetWare for Macintosh
NetWare for Macintosh Client
NetWare for Macintosh
NetWare for SAA Services Manager
NetWare for SAA
NetWare FTAM
NetWare HostPrint
NetWare Lite
NetWare Management Agent
NetWare Name Service
NetWare NFS
NetWare NFS Gateway
NetWare Services Manager - OS/2
NetWare Services Manager - Windows
NetWare SFT III
NetWare SNA Links
NetWare Services Manager-LAN NetView
NetWare Workstation Kit for OS/2
NetWare Workstation Kit DOS/Windows
NetWare Versions 2.2-4.01
NetWare 4.01 for OS/2
NetWare/IP

For Desktop Applications:

Hardware

  • IBM Personal Computer XT
  • IBM Personal Computer AT
  • IBM Personal System/2
  • IBM-compatible Personal Computers
  • Apple Personal Computers
  • Macintosh Personal Computers
  • Commercially available options and peripherals attached to an eligible machine, subject to certain exceptions.

NOTE: Compatible PCs are those that run the same Operating Systems and Applications that run on IBM PCs and PS/2s.

Software - Operating Systems:

  • MS-DOS (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 3.3, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 6.2
  • Macintosh System Software (Apple)
    • Versions 6.8, 7.0, 7.1

Software - Local Area Network Operating Systems:

  • AppleShare File Server (Apple)
    • Versions 1.0, 2.0
  • Banyan Vines 4.1 (Banyan Systems, Inc.)
  • Banyan Vines 5.5 (Banyan Systems, Inc.)

NOTE: LAN Operating System software and applications installed in a LAN environment are supported from an end user view only. Resource allocation, security, and other administrative functions will be referred to a contact designated by the customer.

Software - Applications:

  • AfterDark 2.0 (Berkeley Systems)
  • Allways (Funk Software)
    • Versions 1.0, 1.2, 2.2
  • Alpha Four Version 2.0 (Alpha Software)
  • Ami Professional (Lotus Development Corporation)
    • Versions 1.1, 1.2
  • Ami Professional for Windows (Lotus Development Corporation)
    • Versions 2.0, 3.0, 3.01
  • AppleShare Version 7.0 (Apple)
  • Calendar Creator Version 3.0 (Power Up Software)
  • Carbon Copy Plus Version 6.0 (Microcom)
  • Carbon Copy for Windows Version 2.0 (Microcom)
  • cc:Mail for DOS (Lotus Development Corporation)
    • Versions 3.2, 4.0
  • cc:Mail for Windows (Lotus Development Corporation)
    • Versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0
  • Central Point Anti-Virus Version 1.0 (Central Point Software)
  • Central Point Backup Version 1.0 (Central Point Software)
  • Charisma (Micrografx)
    • Versions 2.0, 2.1
  • CoreFast Backup Version 2.00 (Core International)
  • Corel DRAW! (Corel Systems)
    • Versions 2.0, 2.01, 3.0, 4.0
  • DataEase (DataEase International)
    • Versions 4.2, 4.5
  • dBASE III Plus Version 1.1 (Borland International)
  • dBASE IV (Borland International)
    • Versions 1.1, 1.5, 2.0
  • Designer (Micrografx)
    • Versions 3.0, 3.01, 3.1
  • Direct Access 5.0 (Fifth Generation Systems)
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 2.0, 2.1, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
  • Microsoft Excel for Macintosh (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 2.2, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
  • Extra! Extended Version 2.22 (Attachmate)
  • Extra! for Windows (Attachmate)
    • Versions 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
  • Fastback II for Macintosh Version 2.0 (Fifth Generation Systems)
  • Fastback Plus (Fifth Generation Systems)
    • Versions 2.0, 3.0, 6.0
  • FileMaker II for Macintosh (Claris Corporation)
  • FileMaker Pro for Macintosh (Claris Corporation)
    • Versions 1.0, 1.2, 2.0, 2.1
  • FoxPro Version 2.0 (Microsoft Corporation)
  • FreeHand for Macintosh Version 3.0 (Aldus Corporation)
  • Freelance for OS/2 (Lotus Development Corporation)
    • Versions 1.1, 2.0
  • Freelance for Windows (Lotus Development Corporation)
    • Versions 1.0, 2.0
  • Freelance Plus (Lotus Development Corporation)
    • Versions 3.0, 4.0
  • Harvard Graphics (Software Publishing Corporation)
    • Versions 2.3, 3.0
  • Harvard Graphics For Windows Version 1.0 (Software Publishing Corporation)
  • Illustrator for Macintosh Version 3.2 (Adobe Systems, Inc.)
  • Impress 2L (PC Publishing)
  • IRMA Workstation for Windows Version 1.0 (Digital Communications Associates)
  • LapLink III Version 3.3 (Traveling Software)
  • LapLink IV Version 4.0 (Traveling Software)
  • LapLink V Version 5.0 (Traveling Software)
  • LapLink III for Macintosh Version 3.0 (Traveling Software)
  • Lotus 1-2-3 for DOS (Lotus Development Corporation)
    • Versions 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.0, 3.1, 3.1+, 3.4
  • Lotus 1-2-3 for Macintosh Version 1.0 (Lotus Development Corporation)
  • Lotus 1-2-3/G Version 1.0 (Lotus Development Corporation)
  • Lotus 1-2-3 for OS/2 (Lotus Development Corporation)
    • Versions 1.1, 2.0
  • Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows (Lotus Development Corporation)
    • Versions 1.0, 1.1, 4.0
  • Lotus Notes (Lotus Development Corporation)
    • Versions 2.0, 2.1, 3.0
  • Lotus Organizer (Lotus Development Corporation)
    • Versions 1.0, 1.1
  • MacDraw II Version 1.1 (Claris Corporation)
  • MacDraw Professional Version 1.1 (Claris Corporation)
  • MacTools (Central Point Software)
    • Versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0
  • MacPaint Version 2.0 (Claris Corporation)
  • MacWrite II Version 1.1 (Claris Corporation)
  • Microsoft Access for Windows (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 1.0, 1.1
  • Microsoft Mail for IBM (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 2.0, 3.1, 3.2
  • Microsoft Mail for Macintosh (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 2.0, 3.0, 3.2
  • Microsoft Project for Windows (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 1.0, 3.0
  • Microsoft Schedule+ for Windows Version 1.0 (Microsoft Corporation)
  • Microsoft Works for DOS (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 1.0, 2.0
  • Microsoft Works for Windows Version 2.0 (Microsoft Corporation)
  • Multimate (Borland International)
    • Versions 3.0, 4.0
  • MultiMate Advantage II Version 1.0 (Borland International)
  • Norton Antivirus (Symantec Corporation)
    • Versions 1.5, 2.0
  • Norton Backup (Symantec Corporation)
    • Versions 1.2, 2.0
  • Norton Commander (Symantec Corporation)
    • Versions 2.0, 3.0
  • Norton Commander for OS/2 Version 2.0 (Symantec Corporation)
  • Norton Desktop for Windows (Symantec Corporation)
    • Versions 1.0, 2.0, 2.2
  • Norton Editor (Symantec Corporation)
    • Versions 1.3, 2.0
  • Norton Utilities for Macintosh (Symantec Corporation)
    • Versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0
  • Norton Utilities Standard Edition Version 4.5 (Symantec Corporation)
  • Norton Utilities (Symantec Corporation)
    • Versions 5.0, 6.0, 7.0
  • Packrat Version 4.0 (Polaris Software)
  • PageMaker for Windows Version 4.0 (Aldus Corporation)
  • PageMaker for Macintosh (Aldus Corporation)
    • Versions 4.0, 4.2, 5.0
  • Paradox (Borland International)
    • Versions 3.0, 3.5, 4.0
  • Paradox for Windows Version 1.0 (Borland International)
  • PC Print for OS/2 (IBM Corporation)
  • PC Tools Deluxe (Central Point Software)
    • Versions 6.0, 7.0
  • pcAnywhere Version 4.0 (Dynamic Microprocessor)
  • pcAnywhere for Windows Version 1.0 (Dynamic Microprocessor)
  • Persuasion for Macintosh Version 2.0 (Aldus Corporation)
  • Persuasion for Windows Version 2.0 (Aldus Corporation)
  • PKZIP, PKUNZIP, PKSFX (PKWare)
    • Versions 1.13, 2.04G
  • Microsoft PowerPoint for Macintosh (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 2.01, 3.0
  • Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 2.0E, 3.0
  • Procomm Plus (Datastorm Technologies)
    • Versions 1.1, 2.0
  • Procomm Plus for Windows Version 1.0 (Datastorm Technologies)
  • Professional Write (Software Publishing Corporation)
    • Versions 2.0, 2.1, 2.2
  • Professional Write for Windows Version 1.00 (Software Publishing Corporation)
  • Q & A (Symantec Corporation)
    • Versions 3.0, 4.0
  • QEMM 386 (Quarterdeck Office Systems)
    • Versions 5.1, 6.0, 7.0
  • QEMM 50/60 Version 5.0 (Quarterdeck Office Systems)
  • QuarkXPress for Macintosh Version 3.1 (Quark)
  • Quattro Pro for DOS (Borland International)
    • Versions 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
  • Quattro Pro for Windows (Borland International)
    • Versions 1.0, 1.1, 5.0
  • R&R Relational Report Writer for DOS (Concentric Data)
    • Versions 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
  • SideKick Version 2.0 (Borland)
  • Sideways (Funk Software)
    • Versions 3.21, 3.3
  • Stacker for DOS/Windows (Stac Electronics)
    • Versions 2.0, 3.0
  • Stacker for OS/2 (Stac Electronics)
    • Versions 1.0, 1.1
  • SuperCalc (Computer Associates)
    • Versions 4.0, 5.0, 5.1A
  • SuperPaint for Macintosh Version 3.0 (Aldus Corporation)
  • Symphony (Lotus Development)
    • Versions 2.0, 2.2, 3.0
  • SYTOS+ for DOS Version 1.4 (Sytron)
  • SYTOS+ for OS/2 Version 1.32 (Sytron)
  • SYTOS Rebound for OS/2 (Sytron)
  • Timeline (Symantec Corporation)
    • Versions 4.0, 5.0
  • Ventura Publisher Version 2.0 (Ventura Software, Inc.)
  • Ventura Publisher for OS/2 Version 3.0 (Ventura Software, Inc.)
  • Ventura Publisher for Windows Version 3.0 (Ventura Software, Inc.)
  • Virex Anti-Virus for Macintosh Version 3.5 (Microcom)
  • ViruScan (McAfee Associates)
    • Versions 7.1, 8.1
  • WinFax Pro Version 3.0 (Delrina)
  • Microsoft Windows (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 3.0, 3.1
  • Microsoft Word for DOS (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 5.0, 5.5, 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for Macintosh (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 4.0, 5.0, 5.1
  • Microsoft Word for OS/2 Version 1.1 (Microsoft Corporation)
  • Microsoft Word for Windows (Microsoft Corporation)
    • Versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 6.0
  • WordPerfect for DOS (WordPerfect Corporation)
    • Versions 5.0, 5.1, 6.0
  • WordPerfect for Macintosh (WordPerfect Corporation)
    • Versions 2.03, 2.1, 2.1.2
  • WordPerfect for OS/2 Version 5.0 (WordPerfect Corporation)
  • WordPerfect for Windows (WordPerfect Corporation)
    • Versions 5.1, 5.2, 6.0
  • WordPerfect Office Version 3.0 (WordPerfect Corporation)
  • WordPerfect Presentations Version 1.0 (WordPerfect Corporation)
  • WordPerfect Works Version 1.0 (WordPerfect Corporation)
  • WordStar for DOS (WordStar International)
    • Versions 5.5, 6.0
  • WordStar for Windows (WordStar International)

Technical Support Announcement Questions and Answers

Q1. What is IBM announcing?

First ... IBM is announcing a new, comprehensive structure for delivering technical support. Elements of this support structure are:

  • Base and enhanced services and support,
  • "One Time Charge" (OTC) and "Monthly License Charge" (MLC) software support models,
  • IBM Support Family, and
  • Availability Centers.

Second .... IBM Support Family is expanding with the addition of Personal Systems Support Family.

Q2. What motivated IBM to restructure the way in which it provides provides technical support to its customers?

You expect to receive quality support from IBM, and we expect to deliver. Customers have been asking for consistency, skilled personnel, and convenient accessibility. We have re-engineered our support structure with these requirements in mind. We redesigned our systems to deliver our support remotely versus on-site, and to give you quicker access to more highly trained support personnel. The objective was simple - provide high-quality support, quickly, at an affordable price.

Q3. What is the basic philosophy underlying IBM's new technical support structure?

IBM's new technical support structure focuses on customer requirements. A full range of support is provided via:

  • Local specialists who reside in Availability Centers and Service Centers, and
  • National experts who provide Program Services to address code-related problems and who provide IBM Support Family's telephone-based services.

IBM's objective is to provide comprehensive support and a consistent structure for all platforms and operating systems.

Q4. Is IBM going to eliminate local, on-site support?

At this time, there is no plan to eliminate local, on-site support. In fact, House Call is an IBM Support Family core service that provides this support.

Q5. When do the technical support changes described in this announcement take effect for currently installed products?

The effective dates of the technical support changes described in this announcement are:

  • MLC products - unchanged
  • OS/400 and related AS/400 software products - 1 January 1995
  • OS/2 and related Personal Systems software products - 11 July 1994
  • AIX/6000 and related RISC System/6000 software products - 1 September 1994
  • Local base and enhanced guidelines - 11 July 1994
Q6. When do the changes in OTC technical support described in this announcement take effect for newly installed or announced products?

The effective dates are:

  • For OS/400 and related version 3 AS/400 software products, changes are effective with general availability (GA) of version 3.05. Newly installed version 2 software products will continue with their current support terms and conditions until 1 January 1995.
  • For OS/2 and related Personal Systems software products, changes are effective 10 May 1994.
  • For AIX/6000 and related RISC System/6000 software products, the effective date is to be announced.
Q7. Why is there a difference in the implementation dates for Personal Systems and AS/400?

Due to the varying complexity of the AS/400 customer environments and availability needs, we felt that AS/400 customers required a longer transition period. In addition, the longer transition period allows AS/400 customers to have voice access to IBM support until they are able to install OS/400 Version 3.

Q8. Is hardware technical support affected by this announcement?

No, hardware technical support (maintenance services and warranty support) is unaffected by this announcement. For this type of support, you may continue to call 1-800-IBM-SERV.

Base and Enhanced Technical Support

Q9. Why has IBM decided to distinguish between base and enhanced technical support?

Customers have asked us to clarify:

  • What services are provided at no additional charge when they license or purchase a product, and
  • What services are available for an additional fee.
Q10. Which activities are considered base?

Base technical support includes those services that you are entitled to receive at no additional charge when purchasing a product new from IBM. Generally, these activities provide high-level guidance and planning, and they fall into three categories: marketing support, systems assurance reviews, and support entitled by customer and license agreements.

Examples of marketing support activities that are provided at no charge are hardware, software and services information, proposal development, product demonstrations, announcement materials, marketing seminars, and identification and selection of solutions.

Because IBM considers successful implementation of its customer solutions to be so important, systems assurance reviews for designated products purchased new from IBM or through an authorized IBM agent are considered base support. Key elements of these reviews include hardware and software configuration, physical site plan review, installation plan review, etc.

Base technical support activities delivered with the product are Program Services (as per product license agreements), physical planning assistance and installation for non-customer setup equipment, warranty support of IBM hardware, and repair of IBM hardware engineering and manufacturing defects.

Q11. Which activities are considered enhanced?

Enhanced technical support activities are those activities that are delivered by IBM for a fee. They typically are purchased separately from hardware and software and are focused on customer requirements. We have the flexibility to package enhanced technical support with IBM products into an overall solution to satisfy your requirements.

Q12. What are some examples of enhanced technical support?

Activities considered enhanced typically involve implementation and ongoing support, including usage and operational support, education and training, project management, conversion and migration assistance, hardware maintenance beyond warranty, customization, hardware and software implementation, performance tuning, non-IBM defect support, handling of non-IBM critical situations, non-IBM problem determination and management, capacity planning (with deliverables), and backup and recovery assistance.

Q13. What are the billing implications if I use local IBM resource for problem determination (PD) and problem source identification (PSI)?

The billing implications are:

  • For MLC software products:
    • If local resource is dispatched by the lab for PD/PSI:
  • and the problem turns out to be a defect - Not Billable
  • and the problem turns out to be non-defect or non-IBM software or IBM hardware or non-IBM hardware - Not Billable
  • If you call the Availability Center directly, after being unsuccessful at resolving your question or problem through the remote support structure, for PD/PSI or escalation assistance:
    • and the problem turns out to be a defect - Not Billable
    • and the problem turns out to be non-defect or non-IBM software or IBM hardware or non-IBM hardware - Not Billable
  • For OTC software products:
    • If local resource is dispatched by the lab for PD/PSI:
  • and the problem turns out to be a defect - Not Billable
  • and the problem turns out to be non-defect or non-IBM software or IBM hardware or non-IBM hardware - Billable
    • If you call the Availability Center directly, after being unsuccessful at resolving your question or problem through the remote support structure, for PD/PSI or escalation assistance:
  • and the problem turns out to be a defect - Not Billable
  • and the problem turns out to be non-defect or non-IBM software or IBM hardware or non-IBM hardware - Billable

OTC and MLC Models

Q14. Which software products are eligible for support under IBM's OTC model?

Only those products that are available only on an OTC basis are eligible for OTC support. In other words, if a software product is available to customers on either an OTC or an MLC basis, then support is provided under the MLC model.

Q15. Is OTC support provided only to software products on the Personal Systems platform?

The OTC model applies to all software products that are available only on an OTC basis, including those on all IBM platforms.

Q16. What is the technical support model for software products licensed new from IBM on an OTC basis, and available only on an OTC basis?

Program Services are provided at no additional charge. The following features apply:

  • Ability to report code-related problems via electronic, fax or mail submission (i.e., no voice access)
  • Acknowledgment/disposition from IBM in the same medium as the submission

A "Getting-Started" period of services is provided at no additional charge, and consists of:

  • Support Line service at "Standard" level
  • Technical support for task-oriented, "how to" questions on installation and usage, and for problems, including assistance with problem source identification (PSI)
  • Voice or electronic access

The length of the complimentary "Getting-Started" period may vary by platform but is never less than 60 days.

IBM Support Family services are available for a fee. Support Line service is available on the following bases:

  • Per call: all products plus extended hours
  • Standard: operating system and optional additional products
  • Premium: all Standard options plus extended hours

All OTC support, including fee services as well as those provided at no additional charge, is available during product currency.

Q17. Isn't IBM changing the contract under which I licensed my OTC software products?

IBM is not changing the terms and conditions in either the Program License Agreement or the IBM Customer Agreement. What is changing is IBM's implementation of support.

Q18. When I report a problem in OTC software, IBM will respond with disposition of the problem. What are the possible responses?

IBM will respond in the following manner:

  • If it is a known problem, you will be:
    • Advised where to find a "fix" if one is available, or
    • Told that a future "fix" is planned, or
    • Provided with a bypass.
  • If it is not a known problem, you will be told:
    • To check appropriate forums, if you are a subscriber, and
    • That IBM will, if requested, work on the problem for a fee, which will be waived if the problem proves to be code-related.
  • If the software is working as designed, you will be advised that this is a restriction.
Q19. Even the best-tested software is likely to have some defects. Is IBM now saying that not all defects will be fixed, or that I may have to pay for defect service?

IBM is dedicated to delivering quality products and services that meet or exceed customer requirements and expectations. Our Program Services, available without additional charge for all software products throughout their currency, addresses code-related problems by providing "fixes" and circumventions for product functions, as described in the Program License Agreement or IBM Customer Agreement.

Q20. Why doesn't IBM offer telephone support for reporting code-related problems in OTC software throughout product currency?

Voice support is provided during the "Getting-Started" period to assist in getting the product installed and operational. Following this period, voice support for problem reporting is available through the Support Line offering.

Q21. What is the length of the "Getting-Started" period for OTC software products?

The length of the "Getting-Started" period varies by platform as follows:

  • 60 days for OS/2 and related Personal Systems software products
  • 60 days for AIX/6000 and related RISC System/6000 software products
  • 90 days for OS/400 and related AS/400 software products

The length of the "Getting Started" support period is based on the typical amount of support needed for each environment. All products for an operating system environment have the identical "Getting-Started" support period. For example, all products supported with OS/400 have a 90-day "Getting-Started" period.

Q22. Why is the "Getting-Started" period 90 days for OS/400 and related AS/400 software products, and 60 days for OS/2 and related Personal Systems software products?

Although the standard complimentary period is 60 days, customer and field information indicates that 90 days is a more appropriate period for the AS/400 customer. Customers upgrading to or installing a new version of the AS/400 system software may take up to 90 days to become familiar with the full function of the software.

Q23. Will I receive a "Getting Started" period when purchasing version 3.05, and then again when upgrading to version 3.1 of the AS/400 operating system and program products?

Yes, you will. The full function of version 3 of the AS/400 system software will be available in version 3.1. However, customers who purchase the new AS/400 systems and use version 3.05 still require support. By offering a "Getting-Started" period for both versions, we will better meet the needs of these particular customers.

Q24. What options are available to me if I am still having problems getting my OTC software up and running at the end of the "Getting-Started" period?

If you require additional voice support at the end of the "Getting-Started" period, you may purchase the Support Line offering. You may submit code-related problem reports via mail, via fax, or electronically, beyond the "Getting Started" period for the duration of the product's currency.

Q25. Does the "Getting-Started" period for OTC software start over again each time I purchase a functional upgrade?

Yes, a new "Getting Started" period is invoked each time a new functional upgrade is purchased.

Q26. If a problem reported during the "Getting-Started" period is not resolved before this period ends, and I do not purchase a fee offering, will IBM continue to work on the problem?

Yes, in this situation IBM will continue to work on the problem.

Q27. Which software products are eligible for support under IBM's MLC model?

All software products that are not eligible for OTC support are eligible for MLC support. This includes all products available on a Primary License Charge (PLC) or Annual License Charge (ALC) basis.

Q28. What is the technical support model for software products eligible for MLC support?

Program Services are provided at no additional charge. The following features apply:

  • Ability to report code-related problems via voice, electronic, fax, or mail submission
  • Voice access 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
  • Remote problem determination (PD) and problem source identification (PSI) assistance
  • Acknowledgment/disposition from IBM in the same medium as the submission

IBM Support Family services are available for a fee. Support Line service provides usage support for all products on a platform, i.e., only Standard Support Line is available.

All MLC support, including fee services as well as those provided at no additional charge, are available during product currency.

Products that were previously announced will keep their current support terms and conditions.

Q29. Why doesn't MLC software have a complimentary "Getting-Started" period?

Base Program Services are provided for the duration of the product's currency for MLC products. This support includes 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week voice coverage for code-related problems.

Q30. If I am paying for support for office applications under existing Primary License Charge (PLC) or Annual License Charge (ALC) provisions, do I need to purchase IBM Support Family services for these applications?

No, the terms and conditions and service level under the PLC/ALC contract are parallel to those for MLC software as covered under IBM Support Family.

Q31. What is "product currency", and how long is it?

Product currency is the time during which Program Services are provided. On some platforms, e.g., Personal Systems, the period of Program Services is specified in the announcement of the product. Otherwise, an announcement is made stating the date of withdrawal of Program Services, i.e., the end of product currency.

Critical Situation Process

Q32. When I have a Severity 1 problem, I want IBM's best and quickest support, even if I haven't signed up for each and every service and option. Will IBM help me?

IBM's commitment to customer service will continue under the new technical support structure. Severity 1 problems will receive the highest priority for resolution, consistent with previous service commitments. However, if you feel that exceptional support is required, options such as House Call, which provides on-site support, are available for those situations.

IBM Support Family

Q33. How is Personal Systems Support Family related to System/390, Networking, AS/400 and AIX/6000 Support Families?

AS/400 Support Family, introduced in September 1992, was joined by AIX/6000 Support Family in March 1993. System/390 and Networking Support Families were added in April 1994. Today's announcement of Personal Systems Support Family extends IBM Support Family to cover all IBM platforms and operating systems.

Each of the Support Families offers a portfolio of standardized core services for both hardware and software, providing support that is consistent across platforms and operating systems. In addition to the core services, there are other services available that are unique to each platform. All IBM Support Family services are offered under one contract, with consistent terms and conditions, that allows easy selection of those services that best meet your needs.

Q34. What are the IBM Support Family core services?

The core services are Support Line, Consult Line, House Call, Alert, and Forum.

Q35. What does each core service provide?

Support Line provides both telephone and electronic access to technical specialists (e.g., networking, operating systems, data base, etc.) and focuses on operational and usage questions.

Consult Line provides telephone access to technical experts who provide in-depth analysis and assistance.

House Call, as the name implies, provides on-site assistance and/or specialized support. Specialty areas include storage management, migration, software installation, and much more.

Alert provides automatic notification of critical fixes in electronic and/or paper form and is customized by software release level. (Note: Alert is not currently available on the AIX/6000 and Personal Systems platforms.)

Forum is an electronic bulletin board providing access to a wide range of topics and productivity tools.

Q36. If I purchase an IBM system from a third-party organization, and that organization provides free support for a period of time, should I still purchase one of the IBM Support Family offerings?

If you are satisfied with the support provided by the third-party organization, you should continue to use that support. You may also choose to purchase one or more of the IBM Support Family offerings to take advantage of the full range of support available.

Q37. How can I arrange to get the same support I have now?

Please contact an IBM representative or the IBM Support Family Information Center to configure a set of services that matches precisely your needs.

Q38. How can I get additional information about IBM Support Family?

Please contact an IBM representative, or call the IBM Support Family Information Center at 1-800-742-9235.

Q39. I do not have an assigned IBM representative. Where can I go for assistance in purchasing IBM Support Family services?

Please call the IBM Support Family Information Center at 1-800-742-9235 to register for IBM Support Family offerings.

Q40. What is the role of the IBM Support Family Information Center?

The IBM Support Family Information Center, also called the IBM Support Family Project Office, is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern time (GMT-5), Monday through Friday, except national holidays.

The IBM Support Family Information Center may be reached by telephone at 1-800-742-9235 (within the USA) or 1-914-432-8080, or by fax at 1-800-742-9235 (within the USA) or 1-914-432-8069, or by mail at:

 IBM Support Family Information Center
 IBM Corporation
 Mail Station P123
 522 South Road
 Poughkeepsie NY 12601

In addition, information centers (also called project offices) have been created for each platform, as follows:

  • System/390
   Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (GMT-5)
   Phone: 1-800-742-9235 or 1-914-432-8080
   Fax:   1-914-432-8069
  • AS/400
   Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central time (GMT-6)
   Phone: 1-800-274-0015 or 1-507-286-6776
   Fax:   1-507-286-4303
  • AIX/6000
   Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central time (GMT-6)
   Phone: 1-800-225-5249 or 1-817-962-6902
   Fax:   1-817-962-6723
  • Networking
   Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time (GMT-5)
   Phone: 1-800-426-5148 or 1-919-301-1312
   Fax:   1-800-426-0023 or 1-919-301-1311
   Internet: NSFOSIO@RALVM29.VNET.IBM.COM
   EMAIL:    NSFOSIO@VNET.IBM.COM
  • Personal Systems
   Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (GMT-5)
   Phone: 1-800-799-7765 or 1-914-433-2929
   Fax:   1-800-426-6495 or 1-914-433-3353
Q41. What will happen when I call the IBM CSC (Customer Support Center) at 1-800-237-5511?

There is a plan to have a voice response unit (VRU) at 1-800-237-5511 in the second quarter of 1994 to assist in the routing of IBM Support Family customers.

You will have the opportunity to bypass the VRU and work with a technical representative immediately. Customers who use the VRU will select the appropriate platform, and then have the opportunity to select Support Line or Consult Line services and be routed to the provider of the selected service. Customers who do not select Support Line or Consult Line will be routed "business as usual."

You will continue to have the option to contact the platform point of entry for individual Support Line organizations. For example, you may choose to use the established 800 number for AS/400 Support Line.

Support Line

Q42. My business hours are different than 8
00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Do I have the option to alter the Support Line starting or ending time to match my business hours?

You may either:

  • purchase the extended hours option of Support Line, to provide coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, or
  • contact a local IBM representative or the IBM Support Family Information Center for additional help with this issue.
Q43. If I have not purchased the extended hours option of Support Line, may I still receive support after 5
00 p.m.?

Yes, to receive support after 5:00 p.m. and before 8:00 a.m., you may purchase Support Line services on a per call basis.

Q44. I have offices in New York and Los Angeles. Can I receive Support Line service based on the local time in these locations?

Yes, support is provided based on your local time zone. If your support is provided through identified customer focal point contacts, support will be provided based on the time zones of the customer focal point contacts.

Q45. What activities are charged for when using AS/400, AIX/6000, System/390, or Networking Support Line on an hourly basis?

The charge for this support consists of the time for the call itself, the time IBM spends analyzing information provided during the call, and the time IBM spends preparing recommendations to resolve the problem.

Q46. Is there a maximum amount that will be charged when using AS/400, AIX/6000, System/390 or Networking Support Line on an hourly basis?

No, there is not. You may end the Support Line session at any time to stop the charges for that specific call at that time.

IBM Support Family Administration and Billing

Q47. Can I receive a single bill for a multi-platform contract?

Yes, a single bill is generated, unless you request otherwise.

Q48. Does the bill show the detail of what was purchased, with the associated amounts?

Yes, these details appear on the bill, unless you request otherwise.

Q49. How will I be billed for House Call?

There are two payment options for House Call:

  • Pre-Pay, and
  • Hourly ("Pay As You Go").

For the pre-pay option, you will be billed once at contract initiation, and any time additional blocks of hours are purchased. For the hourly option, you will be billed for hours when they are used.

Q50. If I have an IBM Support Family contract for one or more platforms, and I want to add another platform, can the new platform be added to the existing contract?

Yes, the new IBM Support Family contract provides the flexibility to add platforms. A new Signature Page for Attachments must be signed.

Q51. If I begin a question/problem with Support Line under an hourly contract, and the Support Line representative is unable to assist me or suggests and sells me a Consult Line session or a House Call, will I be billed for the hourly Support Line time spent leading up to the Consult Line session or House Call?

No, you will not be billed for the Support Line time in this situation.

Q52. Who is responsible for resolving IBM Support Family billing issues?

The IBM Support Family Information Center will resolve all questions related to billing for IBM Support Family services.

Q53. What contract turn-around time is guaranteed by the IBM Support Family Information Center?

The IBM Support Family Information Center guarantees contracts will be completed within 24 hours.

Q54. What if I want "immediate" service?

If emergency support is required, the IBM Support Family Information Center may authorize immediate service.

Q55. Is there a penalty for early termination of an IBM Support Family contract?

In most cases, no. There are some individual services that have a "minimum commitment" requirement. For those services, there is a fee for early termination.

Q56. Can an IBM MA (Maintenance Agreement) be integrated with an IBM Support Family contract?

This type of request can be addressed.

Pricing

Q57. How are IBM Support Family services priced? Do any discounts apply?

IBM Support Family core services are available for a monthly or per call (hourly or Per Incident, depending on the platform) price, depending on the specific service.

Support Line services are available for either a monthly or per call (hourly or Per Incident, depending on the platform) charge. Consult Line services are available at an hourly rate. Alert and Forum services are offered for a monthly charge. House Call is available for an hourly charge, with discounts offered for pre-purchased blocks of hours.

All the services you choose will be included in a single contract, with consistent terms and conditions.

Q58. Are House Call rates fixed?

Yes, House Call is billed at fixed rates. The rate for the pre-pay option is based on the number of hours purchased, with a minimum of 20 hours required. The rates for the pre-pay option are 155 USD per hour for blocks of 20 to 99 hours, and 140 USD per hour for blocks of 100 or more hours. The rate for the hourly option is 170 USD per hour, with two hours pre-paid.

Q59. If I purchase IBM Support Family for a particular platform, am I obliged to pay for all IBM Support Family services available for that platform?

No, each platform Support Family provides the flexibility to allow you to select the mix of services that best meets your needs and to pay only for those services.

Q60. If I purchase IBM Support Family for a particular platform, am I obliged to purchase IBM Support Family services for the other supported platforms?

No, services available within each platform Support Family may be purchased independent of the other platform Support Families.

Q61. If I am dissatisfied with IBM Support Family services, am I eligible for a refund?

Yes, IBM provides a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with an IBM Support Family service, please contact us in writing within one month of when you became dissatisfied, and we will make every effort to resolve the problem. If you are not completely satisfied, you will receive a refund based on the service and option involved, as follows:

a. for services with an hourly or block of hours charge, equal to the charge for the period of time you were dissatisfied;
b. for services with a monthly charge, equal to the monthly charge;
c. for services with an annual or quarterly charge, equal to the prorated charge for the period of time you were dissatisfied;
d. for services charged under a Statement of Work, the amount you paid for that element of the Services Completion Criteria that dissatisfied you, for the period of time during which you were dissatisfied.

Immediately Available VisualAge Wins Customer Approval

IBM announces the immediate availability of VisualAge, a client/server object-oriented (OO) power tool designed to maximize programmer productivity. VisualAge, a premier rapid application development tool for professional programmers, combines OO technology with the simplicity of visually connecting pre-fabricated software components.

Object Connection Program

As part of this business solution, IBM also announced a new program, called Object Connection, designed to encourage third-party vendors to build and sell their own compatible parts or components for use with VisualAge. This gives customers the flexibility to build components or buy components from a wide range of vendors.

"With VisualAge's open design and published interface, we expect standard componentry to become instrumental in leading the software development industry to higher levels of engineering discipline through reuse," said Steve Mills, general manager of IBM Software Solutions Division. "For software developers, VisualAge's Object Connection program offers a technical support venue and a resource for consultation on market, channel, and other business issues."

Customers Cite Benefits


Customers and industry analysts cite the benefits of VisualAge's ability to ease the transition into OO technology, and praise it as a fully integrated solution. Features such as its comprehensive Smalltalk base and team programming environment also have appealed to customers.

"VisualAge incorporates a visual programming technology onto a robust object-oriented engine, making it ideal for organizations that are new to OO technology," said C.F. Wong, database administrator, Bank of Montreal. "Through its visual construction, novice users can assemble applications based on pre-fabricated software components, with minimal coding."

"We selected VisualAge as our development environment because it is a fully integrated solution offering a comprehensive Smalltalk base, team programming support, and relational database interfaces, and it supports a high degree of reusability," said Joseph Acero, vice president of Technical Services, Advanced Business Technologies, Inc., a systems integration and consulting firm.

"Our Fortune 1000 customers are finding that Smalltalk environments, such as IBM's VisualAge, are the best choice for migrating to object-oriented development," said Gavin Sheppard, senior partner of QSYS Systems consultants. "We have been developing OO systems for more than six years and have just completed beta testing of VisualAge. In our opinion, VisualAge will become the leading OO development tool for industrial strength corporate-wide systems."

Structured for Multiple Platforms

Because of the product's architecture and its inclusion of a complete IBM Smalltalk based on industry standards, users benefit from the productivity of visual composition and the flexibility of native OO development. While the initial release is on OS/2, VisualAge is structured to port its applications across several platforms. Also, support for IBM's CORBA-compliant Distributed Systems Object Model (DSOM), providing object reusability and interoperability across languages, will be available free of charge. VisualAge will soon be available on Windows, then AIX and other platforms, based on customer demand.

Technical Detail

VisualAge employs a state-of-the-art technique called visual programming, which permits programmers to construct complete applications by visually connecting reusable icons or components, generally referred to as parts. A rich parts library comes standard with the product. Customers can purchase others from IBM or from independent software developers. Users also can create new parts or customize existing parts.

As the premier application builder for the DB2 family, access to these databases is built into VisualAge. Access to other databases, such as Oracle and Sybase, and to IBM's CICS, is available as optional features. VisualAge options include rich, open networking and communications; multimedia components; and access to and use of existing application programs.

Included with VisualAge is the "Construction from Parts Architecture" manual, which publishes interface specifications and development guidance, to be continuously enhanced and supported by IBM.

Product Family

The product family consists of VisualAge for stand-alone developers and VisualAge Team for multiple developers. The team product adds library support, version control, and configuration management capabilities.

For more information about VisualAge's Object Connection Program, please call 1-800-IBM-CARY.

VisualAge General Information

Description

VisualAge is a tool that falls into the category of power tools - tools for professional developers to quickly write advanced applications in client/server environments. It focuses on line-of-business applications (including OLTP) as well as decision support applications.

VisualAge enables professional developers to quickly build the client portions of applications, complete with a graphical user interface, application logic, local and remote application and resource access. It implements the construction from parts paradigm, and provides a set of interactive development tools including visual programming facilities, and an extensive library of already-constructed parts. Components and support provided by VisualAge include:

  • Smalltalk environment: A complete Smalltalk environment embedded within VisualAge.
  • Application Builder: visual programming tool for creating applications non-procedurally, using the new technology called construction from parts.
  • Graphical user interface support with reusable components for CUA 91 and extensions for smart entry fields, tables, and forms.
  • Client/Server and communication support over multiple protocols: APPC, ECI, TCP/IP, NetBIOS, and EHLLAPI.
  • Relational database support, DB2/2 and remote DBs via DRDA, Oracle, and Sybase. (Extra charge for Oracle and Sybase access.) Included in the base product for DB2/2! VisualAge is the application development power tool for the DB2 family of products.
  • Enhanced DLL support for local C and COBOL DLLs with a facility that automatically builds parts from the DLL and the copy files. The DLL support includes multi-threading.
  • Mapping between records (I/O record structures of local and remote C and COBOL programs, DB tables) and objects.
  • Team programming, with a LAN central library of classes, parts, and subsystems, which programmers can access concurrently. Support for prerequisites, version and release control, change control and management, ownership, performance profiler, and application packager.
  • Library of reusable parts for GUI, and generic parts for queries, external functions, and remote transactions. These generic parts can be easily customized.

In addition to the parts distributed with VisualAge and the facility to construct reusable parts by visually customizing existing parts, new primitive parts can be "fabricated." To enable this, VisualAge has a formally defined architecture that allows vendors to plug in additional parts to use within the construction-from-parts paradigm.

VisualAge is written in Smalltalk and VisualAge itself. It can be adopted without OO skills, and eases the transition to OO.

Two Versions of VisualAge

VisualAge comes in two versions:

  • VisualAge, for the standalone programmer
  • VisualAge Team, which includes library support, version control, and configuration management.
Key Reasons to Use VisualAge
  • Application development productivity improves by orders of magnitude! Novice users in IBM's lab have built applications in two weeks that normally take six months using C or COBOL. Simple applications can be written in two hours that would normally take two weeks.
  • VisualAge is extensible. Since VisualAge uses Smalltalk as its scripting language, and since VisualAge generates Smalltalk, end users get the productivity of a 4GL and the flexibility of a 3GL. With this extensibility designed into VisualAge, end users will not hit the walls that they encounter with other rapid application development tools.
  • VisualAge scales up! It is not just a GUI builder, and not just a prototyping tool. VisualAge allows you to build industrial-strength, line-of-business applications. In addition, it provides integrated team programming support: version control, library support, and configuration management. Many customers have been reluctant to move large application development projects to new tools because they have been for single workstations only. VisualAge provides both a single-programmer version and a team version. In addition, VisualAge can be extended by adding new parts, which can become part of the embedded Smalltalk environment.
  • VisualAge eases the transition to Object-Oriented Technology. Many businesses have been reluctant to move to OO programming because
    (1) there have not been tools that scale up for large teams (until VisualAge)
    (2) there is a long learning curve to become proficient in OO.

VisualAge solves both of these problems. VisualAge does not require you to know OO, or even Smalltalk, in order to build full-strength applications. Many applications require no code to be written at all. You simply select parts from the palette and make connections between them. When new parts need to be written, they can be written in C or COBOL, and VisualAge will package the the parts to behave like objects. Over the long term, you may want to train some parts builders in Smalltalk so that they can get all of the benefits of OO (reuse, inheritance, etc.)

Database Support

Current database support in VisualAge is for all the IBM databases either directly on the workstation (DB2/2 1.0, ES 1.0) or indirectly through DDCS (which uses DRDA). VisualAge also supports Sybase and Oracle in its first release. In future releases, IBM intends to support CLI(s) that emerge as customers' preferences.

VisualAge Team Support

VisualAge Team supports the development, release, and maintenance of large-scale applications written using VisualAge. Its team programming and configuration management capabilities include:

  • support for a functional view of the classes that make up a system, i.e., applications. Applications provide a level of granularity and reuse essential to controlling development and maintenance costs.
  • class and application ownership for maintaining quality and reusable code.
  • integrated source and object code tracking for immediate code sharing among the development team without the need for builds.
  • source and object code version control for applications, classes, and methods to protect the code from accidental or unwanted changes, and to allow for multiple version support.
  • configuration management tools for tracking platform dependencies, product releases, etc.
  • a runtime performance analysis tool to identify and correct performance bottlenecks.
  • application support for writing objects to disk.
VisualAge Positioning Vis-a-Vis Highpoint

VisualAge

  • VisualAge is a new tool, targeted at customers looking for a technology that delivers a high level of code reuse and sophisticated GUI capability
  • Introduces the construction from reusable parts paradigm
  • Addresses client development of line-of-business applications as well as departmental and single-user applications
  • Scales up to support large teams
  • Includes a full Smalltalk environment
  • Eases the migration to OO technology - offers ready-built parts for productivity without OO skills, but offers extensibility of product for those who are building OO skills

Highpoint

  • Highpoint is a new procedural 4GL tool that targets audiences and customers moving from host-based application development to workgroups
  • Highpoint combines the strength of CSP/2AD (workstation development and test), and adds workstation COBOL generation and the GUI building capabilities of VisualAge.
  • Protects customers' current CSP investments
  • Targets customers with these objective(s):
    • build on existing skills
    • prefer a single product for developing both the client and server portion of applications
    • use their current 370 host platform as a powerful server
    • are interested in downsizing/rightsizing without need of application rewrite as they migrate from 370 processors to LAN-based topologies.
VisualAge Positioning Vis-a-Vis AD/Cycle

VisualAge is positioned in the 4GL domain of AD/C. It can be used as a GUI builder for CSP, or it can be used to create full applications. VisualAge is planned to ship prior to the availability of the application development platform. The platform has been architected using object extensions to the information model, which will enable VisualAge to fully integrate.

IBM Object Connection for VisualAge

A VisualAge part (as defined in the VisualAge User's Guide and Reference) is a self-contained software object with a standardized public interface, consisting of a set of external features that allow the part to interact with other parts. The parts on the VisualAge palette can be used as templates to create instances of objects.

The purpose of the Object Connection for VisualAge program is to encourage enterprises to go into the business of building VisualAge parts for the open market. These parts must conform to the interface specifications provided in the IBM manual "Construction from Parts Architecture: Building Parts for Fun and Profit."

All you need to apply for the benefits of this program is a sincere interest in entering the business of VisualAge-enabled object development and market deployment.

Membership Benefits

As a member, you'll be eligible for:

  • Favorable VisualAge product license and support terms
  • Technical support
  • Channel referral

+ Marketing assistance

Membership Process

To start on the path toward building VisualAge parts for fun and profit, call 1-800-426-2279 within the USA, and request the Object Connection Program Information Package. After you get the package, fill out the Program Membership Application Form, and return it to IBM via mail or fax. An IBM Object Connection Program Manager will then call you to interview you via telephone. IBM will then consider all information and arrive at a decision about your membership. You will then be notified of IBM's decision.

If you're serious about exploiting the vast and growing world of VisualAge object parts, give us a call, and let us help you get started!

IBM Opens LAN Systems Integration Test Lab to Customers

IBM announces its LAN Systems Integrated Test Offering, which allows LAN Systems developers, resellers, and customers to use IBM resources to test the compatibility of planned upgrades or new products for their LANs.

"We think this kind of offering helps customers use the latest and greatest technologies -- which they must do to remain competitive -- and test these technologies in their new or existing environments," said Art Olbert, director of LAN Systems for IBM's Personal Software Products division.

Compatibility Testing in a Replicated Environment

The Integrated Test Offering includes technical support and onsite testing for compatibility by replicating the customer environment at IBM's LAN Systems Integration Test Lab in Austin, Texas. Using the offering, developers, resellers, and customers can test the compatibility of upgrades and new products with their LANs without setting up their own testing labs and taking equipment out of production or dedicating resources to testing.

"Testing is very expensive in terms of equipment, space and human resources," said Phil Powers, director of marketing, LAN Systems for PSP. "This solution cuts costs and also shortens the cycle time for integrating new applications into existing environments."

Test IBM or Third-Party Software

Customers can test software from IBM or third-party vendors. For example, such popular applications as Lotus 1-2-3, WordPerfect for Windows, Borland dBase, Paradox, and Quattro Pro can be tested for compatibility with the customer's products or installed environment. IBM recommends that applications be certified through the Integration Test Lab's "Tested and Approved for IBM LAN Systems" program.

The Integrated Test Offering is aimed at developers, resellers, and large and medium customers with heterogeneous environments. Besides giving resellers an alternative to using their customers' resources for testing, the offering also helps the right-sizing efforts of large customers by testing the compatibility of various downsizing solutions.

More Information

The IBM LAN Systems Test Offering is available now. Fees are based on time and resources required for the testing. For more information, call 1-800-992-4777 within the USA.

Open Blueprint: A Guide to Distributed Computing

Underscoring a strong commitment to industry standards, IBM has formalized its Open Blueprint: A Guide to Distributed Computing. The Open Blueprint is a comprehensive structure of components that makes it easier than ever before to design, implement, and manage industry-standard client/server applications.

"The Open Blueprint offers a set of guidelines that will make it easier for software developers to produce products that are truly interoperable, whether they are at IBM, independent software vendors or other system vendors," said Martin C. Clague, general manager, Worldwide Client/Server Computing.

"Businesses want to know that their investments in information technology will endure as they transform their systems to more productive client/server models. The real beauty of the Open Blueprint is that it gives them the confidence to proceed knowing that we understand what they want and their investments are secure."

Products that embrace the Open Blueprint make it easier for customers to develop, operate, and manage multiple systems in a multi-vendor environment. The Open Blueprint also includes emerging new technologies such as object-oriented programming and multimedia.

IBM has worked closely with international standards organizations, industry consortia, customers, internal product divisions, and industry leaders to determine the most widely accepted standards available today that allow IBM products to interact with other vendors' products, as well as with each other.

And, just as importantly, because IBM product divisions support the Open Blueprint, customers will be able to develop new client/server applications while preserving their existing applications.


Open Blueprint Questions and Answers
Category 1
General

(1) What is the Open Blueprint?

The Open Blueprint is IBM's response to customer requirements for open, client/server, and distributed computing across system platforms.

The Open Blueprint is a structure that defines facilities for developing, implementing, and managing applications across a broad range of systems and, through an approach incorporating industry standards, provides interoperability across multiple vendors' systems, including IBM. The Open Blueprint enables a unified open system solution, and accommodates new technologies as they emerge in today's dynamic open computing environment.

(2) Why is the Open Blueprint necessary?

A structure is a necessary foundation for the development and use of multiple technologies in a distributed heterogeneous world.

The Open Blueprint serves four major roles:

  • It helps customers think about, discuss, and organize products and applications in an open, distributed environment.
  • It guides software developers (IBM and others) as they supply products and solutions that interoperate and integrate with other installed products.
  • It provides a framework for the incorporation of new technologies into a distributed heterogeneous environment.
  • It describes IBM's directions for products and solutions.

(3) Why is IBM introducing the Open Blueprint, and why now?

Within IBM, the Open Blueprint is not new. In March 1992, IBM introduced the Networking Blueprint, which is consistent with the Open Blueprint. In fact, the Open Blueprint was developed, over the past few years, with the help of all of IBM's development divisions, and with periodic reviews by customers, consultants, and software vendors. The Open Blueprint has provided IBM developers with a roadmap to help them develop products which integrate with each other and products from industry software providers. Feedback from customers, consultants and software vendors has encouraged us to to publicize the Open Blueprint, because it:

  • shows that we understand the open, distributed, multivendor environment,
  • provides a basis for discussions on our directions,
  • provides information to other software providers that wish to integrate with our products, and
  • assists customers in developing and refining their own computing infrastructures.

(4) What does IBM expect to achieve with the introduction of the Open Blueprint?

IBM expects to deliver products and services based upon a comprehensive infrastructure that addresses customers' requirements for open, client/server, and distributed computing solutions.

(5) When can we expect to see delivery of the Open Blueprint?

There will be no rollout of the Open Blueprint. The Open Blueprint is not a product or set of products that will be delivered. It is a structure. What you can expect is a rollout of integrated products that will provide and/or use the interfaces and protocols defined in the Open Blueprint.

(6) Will the Open Blueprint change over time? If so, how?

Yes. The Open Blueprint is expected to evolve as the industry and technology evolve. Changes could add new resource managers or change existing ones with new interfaces, formats and protocols. For example, as object technology becomes broadly deployed, the Open Blueprint resource managers may add object interfaces to the procedural ones currently specified in the Open Blueprint. The Open Blueprint will change as our customers wants and needs change, but it will maintain a stable base of interfaces to protect the application solution investments of our customers.

(7) What makes the Open Blueprint an open infrastructure?

The Open Blueprint elements specify well-documented, readily available interfaces and protocols to exchange control information and data. These interfaces and protocols make it possible to employ any of several alternate component solutions from different vendors in the industry as a part of the user's distributed systems environment, providing more choice of solutions to fit the requirements.

(8) What is the status of IBM's open distributed strategy?

The introduction of the Open Blueprint represents the technical description of the resource managers, including the standard interfaces, formats, and protocols, that are part of IBM's open, distributed computing strategy. The broad product support available today provides many of the interfaces, formats, and protocols described in the Open Blueprint. IBM is well positioned to help our customers deliver open, distributed computing solutions. IBM's open, distributed strategy continues to evolve, as will the Open Blueprint to support the business and technology requirements of our customers.

Category 2
Business Value

(1) Why do businesses need an architecture for open, distributed computing?

Building, deploying, and managing open, distributed computing solutions can be extremely complex. To come to grips with this complexity, each business needs to develop a roadmap for the implementation of its open, distributed computing infrastructure. The Open Blueprint identifies the building blocks that each business should consider as it evolves its own open, distributed computing architecture.

(2) What is the value of the Open Blueprint for customers?

For the customer, the Open Blueprint identifies the key building blocks that are available to build an open, distributed infrastructure. The standards identified and supported by these building blocks provide customers with a suite of interfaces, formats, and protocols from which to satisfy their business and technical needs, and protect their investments in applications and technology.

(3) What is the value of the Open Blueprint for software vendors?

For software vendors, in addition to the benefits cited above for customers, the Open Blueprint offers a context into which product offerings may be positioned. Products that deliver the interfaces, formats, and protocols identified for an Open Blueprint component should be interoperable. In addition, these products should have maximum code portability across various system platforms that utilize these same interfaces, formats, and protocols.

Software vendors can also capitalize on the basic communication and distribution services provided by the Open Blueprint to simplify development of their solutions.

(4) What is the value of the Open Blueprint for IBM?

The Open Blueprint clearly identifies the building blocks of the open, distributed environment, allowing developers to create solutions that exploit underlying system components, avoid redundant development, and add new technology.

For IBM marketing and support, the Open Blueprint provides the material from which to create, in partnership with our customers, open, distributed architectures; these will serve as the base for deployment of open, distributed application solutions that meet the business needs of the '90s.

(5) How does the Open Blueprint affect the end user? the systems administrator? the application developer?

For the end user, the Open Blueprint-based products offer transparent access to the resources of all systems participating in the networked computing environment. For systems administrators, when the Open Blueprint-based products exploit the common distribution and communication services, administration will be both simplified and made more consistent.

For application developers, the transparent access to resources supported by the Open Blueprint-based products will simplify application development and deployment. The emergence of distributed object services allows application developers to exploit this powerful technology in the new applications being built for the open, distributed environment.

(6) Which customers should be interested in the Open Blueprint?

The Open Blueprint should be of interest to any customer that is planning or implementing distributed or client/server applications. Others that will have interest in the Open Blueprint are software vendors, consultants, systems integrators, and service providers.

(7) How can current systems take advantage of the Open Blueprint?

The Open Blueprint is meant to provide a context within which individual technologies can evolve. Many of these technologies are already well established in the market, and their implementations allow for natural coexistence and migration; the transition from Sub-area SNA to APPN is a good example of that. Another example is the augmenting of SNA-based solutions with the DCE-based directory and security services.

(8) The Open Blueprint appears to be very comprehensive. Are all the components described in the Open Blueprint required on every system?

No. The structure categorizes functions that might appear on any system in a network. Not all functions would appear on every system. However, an application has access to functions whether they are local (on the same system) or remote (on another system in the network); that access is accomplished through the defined distributed systems services.

Category 3
IBM Commitment

(1) What is IBM's commitment to the Open Blueprint?

The Open Blueprint is supported across all IBM divisions as the basis for IBM's strategy for open, distributed computing.

(2) How is IBM demonstrating its commitment to the Open Blueprint?

IBM is delivering Open Blueprint-based products today, and will continue to do so. Some products provide services described in the Open Blueprint (e.g., CICS and PSF); others will use the services provided by the Open Blueprint (e.g., VisualAge and DAE).

Category 4
Standards

(1) What is IBM's commitment to standards?

IBM embraces both "de jure" and "de facto" open system standards wherever possible in its product line, consistent with customer requirements. Furthermore, IBM will continue to:

  • participate in standards bodies across the world to promote the adoption of existing standards and the development of new standards where no standards exist,
  • ensure that our key technologies are brought into the world of industry standards, formally through standards bodies, through consortia, or via licensing,
  • encourage new and innovative ways to accelerate the development of standards.

(2) Where do I find what standards are included in the Open Blueprint?

A current listing of the key standards embodied in the Open Blueprint can be found in the "Open Blueprint Introduction" document, which is available from the Publications Distribution Center.

(3) Will IBM add standards to the Open Blueprint in the future?

Yes. As new standards emerge, they will be evaluated for their ability to accommodate advanced function in the distributed computing environment, and will be candidates for inclusion in the Open Blueprint, if consistent with customer requirements.

(4) What are the criteria for including standard interfaces and protocols in the Open Blueprint?

The principal criterion is that the standard is useful for providing interoperability and portability of people, programs, or data within the distributed computing environment. Toward this end:

  • Standards are included from industry consortia (e.g., X/Open, Object Management Group (OMG), and Open Software Foundation (OSF)), as well as from formal standards bodies (e.g., ANSI, IEEE, and ISO), taking into account functional profiles (e.g., Government OSI Profile (GOSIP) and European Procurement Handbook for Open Systems (EPHOS)).
  • "De facto" and emerging standards are included as a result of widespread acceptance within the industry.

(5) How will the Open Blueprint affect IBM's participation in industry organizations which develop open systems standards?

IBM will continue to work closely and persistently with other vendors and industry consortia to expedite the development of meaningful open systems standards. As an example, we have recently agreed to sponsor a new organization built on the core structure of the Open Systems Foundation aimed at expansion and unification of industry efforts to develop portable, scalable, interoperable software technologies. Existing industry consortia, such as X/Open and OMG, will be the recipient of these efforts, which should result in accelerated development of open systems standards in these areas.

New, emerging standards which facilitate portability and interoperability for IBM customers in the heterogeneous distributed computing environment will be candidates for incorporation in the Open Blueprint.

(6) The Open Blueprint includes IBM's DRDA protocol for distributed relational data. How does this relate to the industry-standard RDA?

DRDA has been endorsed by many key database and connectivity vendors, several of whom have DRDA implementations available today across industry platforms.

Remote Database Access (RDA) has recently progressed to international standard status through ISO. A slightly different version is under development in X/Open. Both are based on the full OSI communications stack. IBM continues to be heavily involved in these design activities, and is monitoring the customer demand for RDA-based interoperation. Functionally, DRDA is a superset of RDA, with increased design focus on scalability, performance, data integrity, and systems management.

(7) Will there be an IBM Open Blueprint brand?

IBM does not intend to brand products with an Open Blueprint label. Instead, IBM looks to external sources, such as X/Open, to provide branding of industry-standard implementations.

Category 5
Related IBM Strategies

(1) What the relationship of the Open Blueprint to IBM's client/server strategy?

The Open Blueprint forms the basis for IBM's client/server solutions and tools. All client/server solutions exploit some of the components identified in the Open Blueprint. Not every component is required in every solution or on every platform. Development of client/server solutions is greatly simplified with the delivery of the Open Blueprint services in products.

(2) What the relationship of the Open Blueprint and the Networking Blueprint?

The Networking Blueprint and the Open Blueprint can be viewed as evolving pictures of the same distributed systems structure. The Open Blueprint incorporates the lower layers and Systems Management backplane of the Networking Blueprint, and it provides more detail and structure to the software components in the Application Enabling Services.

The name "the Open Blueprint" was chosen to emphasize the broader set of industry standards and open architectures that the Open Blueprint represents. The Networking Blueprint will continue to be used in situations where the focus of interest is on networking.

(3) What is the relationship between the Open Blueprint and SystemView?

The Open Blueprint relies upon the SystemView framework to provide for the manageability of resources across heterogeneous, open distributed systems. SystemView defines the management applications, common management services, and structure to manage heterogeneous, open distributed systems.

The system components, described by the Open Blueprint, will take advantage of a common set of management services. These services include those described by the SystemView disciplines: problem, change, performance, business (for example, asset, license, security), configuration, and operations management. In the structure, systems management is shown as a backplane to emphasize its importance across all resource managers and to indicate that additional system management facilities are needed.

(4) What is the relationship between the Open Blueprint and the Information Warehouse framework?

To enable better business decisions, the Information Warehouse framework facilitates access to all information across a business. The Information Warehouse framework consists of an architecture, products, and services. The architecture currently identifies ten key interfaces specific to data access in a heterogeneous environment, such as copy management, information catalogs, and other application programming interfaces.

Some of the interfaces and protocols identified by the Information Warehouse framework architecture are also identified in the Open Blueprint; they include Structured Query Language (SQL) and Distributed Relational Database Architecture (DRDA).

Many Information Warehouse framework products will also utilize the resource managers identified by the Open Blueprint. For example, IMS and DB2 will utilize the Open Blueprint-defined Distribution Services to implement security. Another example is DB2's and DDCS/2's use of Multiprotocol Transport Networking (MPTN) Services to allow operation over TCP/IP networks.

(5) What is the relationship between the Open Blueprint and IBM's application development efforts?

Our application development tools efforts strongly support the Open Blueprint direction by defining tools that will support easy access to many of its services. Application development tools and services exploit the Open Blueprint services and promote the development of client/server applications that in turn use the Open Blueprint services. This capability will allow customers to create applications for heterogeneous environments which support open standards.

(6) What is the relationship of SAA to the Open Blueprint?

The objectives of SAA were consistency and interoperability across IBM's set of heterogeneous systems. As customers' UNIX requirements grew, it became clear that IBM's AIX and SAA products needed to work together.

The Open Blueprint takes interoperability even further. It describes industry-standard interfaces and protocols that will enable interoperability and integration across diverse platforms, from IBM and industry suppliers.

Customer investments in SAA solutions are protected because many interfaces, formats, and protocols inside SAA have become "de facto" standards (such as CPI-C, SNA, DRDA and many more), and are part of the Open Blueprint as well.

(7) What is the relationship between the Open Blueprint and IBM Personal Software Product's (PSP's) Workplace strategy?

In the area of distributed technology, PSP's Workplace strategy adheres to the Open Blueprint today, and sets the direction for the Open Blueprint in the area of distributed object technology. PSP's Workplace strategy focuses on the desktop in areas such as:

  • Consistent and natural user interfaces,
  • Common object-oriented programming interfaces,
  • Portability of software to multiple hardware platforms.
Category 6
IBM Products/Platforms Relationships

(1) How do IBM products relate to the Open Blueprint?

IBM products will either provide the interfaces and protocols defined in the Open Blueprint, or they will use the Open Blueprint interfaces and protocols. Products will specify in their literature if they provide or use the Open Blueprint interfaces and protocols.

(2) How do products participate in the Open Blueprint?

Products participate by providing the interfaces, formats, and protocols specified in the Open Blueprint. Where industry branding opportunities exist, such as X/Open XPG, products will seek these brands as open certification that the appropriate interfaces, formats and protocols are delivered.

(3) Will future product announcements declare whether or not the product participates in the Open Blueprint?

Yes. As stated above, each product will identify its delivery of the Open Blueprint-specified interfaces, formats and protocols.

(4) Which IBM operating system platforms will participate in the Open Blueprint?

All IBM operating system platforms today utilize some Open Blueprint elements. Customer requirements will determine which Open Blueprint services are available on which platforms.

(5) Many of my products are IMS- or CICS- based. Do CICS and IMS participate in the Open Blueprint?

Yes. IMS and CICS provide the Transaction Monitor facilities identified in the Open Blueprint. In addition, on the System/390 platforms, IMS and CICS provide the Transaction Manager capability specified in the Open Blueprint.

(6) How does OpenEdition MVS relate to the Open Blueprint?

OpenEdition MVS integrates OSF's core services of Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) as well as many other Local Operating System Services, such as POSIX APIs and utilities. These DCE services form the base of the Distributed Services of the Open Blueprint as well as provide remote procedure call (RPC) capability. In addition, OpenEdition MVS documentation will also call out other standards that are generally accepted and implemented, but are outside the scope that Open Blueprint is addressing, such as SUN ONC+.

(7) What is the relationship between the Open Blueprint and Kaleida?

The Open Blueprint includes distributed multimedia support. Kaleida Labs, Inc. is the Apple and IBM joint venture formed to develop advanced multimedia technology. Our intention is to integrate Kaleida technology with the Open Blueprint multimedia capabilities.

(8) What is the relationship between the Open Blueprint and Taligent?

IBM operating system products derived from Taligent will implement appropriate aspects of the Open Blueprint. Taligent is developing a set of object-oriented frameworks that IBM expects to utilize in future products. Some of these frameworks will be the basis for object-oriented interfaces to existing Open Blueprint resource managers. Others will be the basis for new resource managers to be incorporated into the Open Blueprint. In addition, Taligent is developing a complete object-oriented operating system. IBM operating system products derived from this technology would serve as implementing platforms of the Open Blueprint.

(9) Does the Open Blueprint support parallel systems?

The Open Blueprint does not address parallel systems directly. Each resource manager in the Open Blueprint may choose to exploit opportunities for increased service and throughput by exploiting parallel capabilities, but the interfaces, formats, and protocols exposed to users and other resource managers should remain stable. For example, DB2/6000 has announced its exploitation of parallel processing capability. As parallel processing evolves, there may be additions to the suite of resource managers identified by the Open Blueprint.

Category 7
Software Vendor Relationships

(1) How do industry software vendor products relate to the Open Blueprint?

We encourage application software vendors to utilize the services described in the Open Blueprint. The more software vendors that do so, the more interoperability and integration that can be achieved in customer multivendor environments.

(2) Will industry software vendors provide components of the Open Blueprint?

A software vendor can provide a component of the Open Blueprint if their product utilizes the same interfaces, formats, and protocols described in the Open Blueprint. As an example, for IBM's AIX platform, the Transaction Manager has been implemented by our Business Partner, Transarc, through its Encina products.

(3) How many software vendors have "signed up" to write applications for the Open Blueprint?

Because the Open Blueprint consists of many interfaces and protocols that have been produced by open standards bodies, "signup" with IBM is not necessary to write applications with the structure. One indication that widespread use of the Open Blueprint is expected can be found in the fact that there are over 80 companies signed up as X/Open members, and many of the standards within the Open Blueprint are endorsed by X/Open.

Category 8
Other Industry Infrastructures

(1) X/Open has announced the X/Open Distributed Computing Services (XDCS) framework. Does IBM support XDCS?

As a Corporate Member and principal shareholder of X/Open, IBM participated with X/Open members in the development of the XDCS framework. Consequently, there is a highly complementary relationship between the Open Blueprint and XDCS. While the majority of the standards involved in the Open Blueprint and XDCS are identical, the Open Blueprint includes some "de facto" and emerging standards of importance to IBM customers which are not currently included in XDCS. Examples are CICS and DRDA.

IBM will continue to offer, for adoption by X/Open and other open standards bodies, standards that are important to customers, in order to facilitate portability and interoperability of IBM customer computing facilities on an industry-wide basis.

(2) Are there similar infrastructures offered by others in the industry today?

The need for some kind of infrastructure or architecture to do distributed computing has been recognized within the industry, and there have been attempts by many vendors, customers, and industry consortia to provide such a structure. Some you may have heard of are:

  • AppWare from Novell
  • Distributed Computing Model (DCM) from Bull
  • Virtually Integrated Technical Architecture Lifecycle (VITAL) from Apple
  • Windows Open Services Architecture (WOSA) from Microsoft
  • X/Open Distributed Computing Services framework from X/Open

Each structure represents the approach a particular organization is taking in response to requirements for distributed computing.

(3) How do other infrastructures compare with the Open Blueprint?

The Open Blueprint includes many of the functions, standards, interfaces, and protocols listed in X/Open's XDCS framework. When evaluated on the basis of these recognized industry standards for distributed computing, the Open Blueprint compares very favorably with any other structure in the industry. In fact, the Open Blueprint includes many of the emerging technologies such as Objects, Multimedia, and Workflow, which will be needed to support distributed applications in the future. In addition, if another vendor's technology is accepted by the market, and it is truly "open" for others to implement, the Open Blueprint allows for its inclusion.

Category 9
Support

(1) Where do I find more information about the Open Blueprint?

The Open Blueprint Technical Overview will be made available in 1994. This document provides a more detailed technical introduction and overview of the Open Blueprint. It will be orderable from the Publications Distribution Center.

(2) What services are provided by IBM to help customers implement open, distributed or client/server solutions?

IBM Consultants are available to assist customers in transforming business processes and aligning information technology strategies with business objectives.

As these strategies unfold, the IBM services portfolio provides the skills and offerings needed to support the development of robust, distributed multivendor implementations that address business objectives. The challenges of implementation will be focused around connectivity, presentation services, business logic distribution, data access, application development, and systems management. A worldwide network of IBM Services Centers are available to deliver these services.

IBM Announces Record Attendance at Developer Conference

In a testament to the expanding popularity of OS/2, IBM's award-winning PC software, a record 2300-plus software developers, LAN experts, MIS managers, and device driver developers attended the Personal Software Products Technical Interchange and Device Driver Conference in San Francisco last week. The event represents the largest gathering of developers for an IBM PSP conference, and is the latest example of the growing industry momentum behind the 32-bit development environment for OS/2.

IBM Personal Software Products president Lee Reiswig delivered the keynote, discussing the future of the 32-bit OS/2 operating environment, and how IBM is uniquely qualified to provide software developers with the tools required to address the challenges of application development.

Reiswig explained that, by humanizing computing, IBM is simplifying the development of reusable software and accelerating the delivery of applications, thereby providing developers with a competitive advantage. Steve Mills, General Manager, Software Solutions Division, and Don Haile, General Manager, Networking Software Division, joined Reiswig in delivering IBM's software strategy charter.

"Reusable software will enable developers to build distributed applications that provide a much richer set of functionality across a broad range of platforms in a fraction of the time at a fraction of the cost," said Reiswig. "IBM's value proposition for developers is simple. We're committed to providing the best set of tools for creating open and distributed component-based software that works not only in IBM environments, but across all platforms."

Steve Mills reinforced the need to deliver the tools for producing distributed component software quickly and easily. "Objects are the key to getting us there," he said. "IBM is delivering object-oriented capability through SOM, Taligent and a range of application development tools such as VisualAge and C Set ++. These products in combination provide customers with industry-leading tools for building robust, distributed object-oriented applications."

According to Haile, information is the most valuable asset in today's business world. "Networks are at the core of letting people access and communicate information anytime, anywhere," he emphasized. "IBM is committed to delivering technology and systems management tools to build distributed, high-speed networks based on emerging asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology."

Innovative Products Featured

The keynote address highlighted advanced applications that will be available this year. The featured products included:

  • The IBM Personal Dictation System: A powerful human interface designed to simplify day-to-day business tasks with its 20,000 word vocabulary and operating speed of 70 to 100 words per minute with 97 percent-plus accuracy.
  • Fax/PM by Microformatic: The industry's first object-oriented fax application for a distributed client/server computing environment.
  • Mesa 2 by Athena Design: A full-featured, native 32-bit OS/2 spreadsheet specifically designed to take advantage of the System Object Model (SOM), multithreading, and the object-oriented Workplace Shell graphical user interface.
  • IBM's Person-to-Person/2: An advanced visual tool that makes interactive collaborative decision making a reality by delivering chalkboard capability for "real-time" sharing of data and applications with other people.

The PSP Technical Interchange is designed to share technology, strategy and tools with all conference attendees. More than 200 interactive sessions were available to provide the latest in programming techniques, covering sessions on OS/2, LAN Systems, object technology, human centric interfaces, and much more. Sessions of particular interest were focused on how developers can take advantage of SOM, OpenDoc, Taligent Application Frameworks, and distributed client/server computing.

Demonstrations of new OS/2 development and porting tools, workshops on designing OS/2 applications, LAN Systems, and multimedia were all part of the information exchange. Independent software vendors also exhibited at the conference and announced new product developments, upgrades and applications.

Conference Attendees Praise the Interchange

The Technical Interchange's technical information and software development strategy roadmap received high grades. An informal poll of conference attendees generated the following remarks:

"We think OS/2 is fantastic." -- H. Chris Jones, President, Objects ++ Software, Cartersville GA

"Where IBM is going looks really great. Their new tools and their developer kits make development under OS/2 easy." -- Brad Pattee, Senior Development Engineer, Edicon Systems Division, Eastman Kodak, Rochester NY

"IBM's heading in the right direction. We're currently using OS/2 and and plan to keep using the platform and building upon it." -- Stephen Schomaker, Systems Support Specialist, Armstrong, Teasdale, Schafly & Davis, St. Louis MO

"IBM's got a good roadmap for where we need to go in the future. I like the openness and connectivity and their commitment to providing solutions to developers." -- Scott Vouri, President, Binar Graphics, San Francisco CA

"OpenDoc looks like it provides a better platform than OLE by being able to share information across multiple platforms." -- Gary Shappell, Fireman's Fund Insurance, San Rafael CA

IBM PSP 1994 Trade Show Schedule

IBM Personal Software Products (PSP) is producing or participating in several U.S. trade shows during 1994. As of 29 April, the list through July (subject to change) is:

  Show Name                            Dates         Location
  ---------                            -----         --------
  Computers & Offices                  17-18 May     Charlotte NC
  Government Technical Conference      18-20 May     Sacramento CA
  COMDEX/Spring '94                    23-26 May     Atlanta GA
  Computers & Offices                  24-25 May     St. Louis MO
  Computers & Offices                   1- 2 June    Nashville TN
  NOAC (financial)                      5- 8 June    San Francisco CA
  IASA (insurance)                      5- 8 June    Atlanta GA
  Object Expo                           7- 9 June    New York NY
  SIA Information Mgmt (financial)     21-24 June    New York NY
  Personal Communications & Computers  23-25 June    Chicago IL
  PC Expo                              28-30 June    New York NY
  Black Expo                            8-10 July    Chicago IL
  Montage '94                          14-16 July    Rochester NY
  Mactivity                            19-21 July    San Jose CA
  Object World                         27-29 July    San Francisco CA

Calling Team OS/2 for COMDEX/Spring '94, 22-26 May, Atlanta

Are you an OS/2 lover?

If so, and your travel plans will bring you to Atlanta between 22 May and 26 May 1994, we need your help!

What We Do

Team OS/2 needs volunteers to staff the OS/2 Technical Support Team at COMDEX/Spring '94. This elite team offers technical support to vendors at COMDEX. We install OS/2, we hand out OS/2 goodies, we suggest ways to set up OS/2-related demos, and we do anything else needed to help the vendors make COMDEX a success. Now's your chance to become part of this world-famous team!

What You'll Get

As a volunteer, you'll need to be in Atlanta by Sunday 22 May. We'll provide you with a COMDEX exhibitor's badge, which gets you onto the show floor. We'll also provide the equipment needed to support the team activities. You'll also receive the ultimate collector's item -- an OFFICIAL Team OS/2 shirt!

What You'll Do

On Sunday 22 May and Monday 23 May, you'll work alongside other OS/2 gurus, making sure every booth that wants to show off OS/2 can do so. Then, on Tuesday 24 May through Thursday 26 May, you can roam the COMDEX show floor as part of a mobile OS/2 swat team. If you're going to COMDEX to see the exhibits, YOU WILL SEE THEM ALL (even those booths in the "Windows World" side of the hall) as part of the team. Don't worry about missing the action -- tired feet should be your biggest worry!

How to Volunteer

To volunteer, send a note with the following information:

Your name, daytime phone number, e-mail address(es) (as many as you have), mailing address, and most important, which days you will be available for Team OS/2 volunteer work. To specify your availability, mark a "Y" for "Yes, I'll be available" or "N" for "No, I'll be sleeping!" in each box on the lines below and send it with your other information. (AM means 8am-noon, PM means noon-4pm, EVE means 4pm-8pm)

Sun 22 May: AM __ PM __ EVE __      Wed 25 May: AM __ PM __
Mon 23 May: AM __ PM __ EVE __      Thu 26 May: AM __ PM __
Tue 24 May: AM __ PM __

Send your information to:

 Doug Azzarito
 Team OS/2 Tech Leader
      CIS: 72360,3555
     FIDO: 1:369/85
 Internet: azzarito@cse.fau.edu
 IBM VNET: AZZARITO at BCRVM1
      FAX: 1-407-443-0279 (9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Eastern time only)
Team OS/2 Suite at COMDEX

If you cannot reach Doug prior to COMDEX, and still wish to volunteer at least 1/2 day to help out, or if you would like to join Team OS/2, meet other teamers, or simply say hello -- come to the Team OS/2 headquarters suite at the Omni Hotel, adjacent to the Georgia World Congress Center. Ask at the front desk or look at the announcement board in the lobby of the Omni Hotel for the location of the Team OS/2 suite. If you have any problems finding the Team OS/2 suite, ask the front desk to connect you with Janet Gobeille (also at the Omni), and we'll make sure you find us.

 Janet Gobeille
 Team OS/2 Support, IBM PSP
 Internet: janetg@vnet.ibm.com
 IBM VNET: GOBEILLE at AUSVM1

IBM Participation in COMDEX/Spring '94, 23-26 May, Atlanta

COMDEX/Spring '94 will be held 23-26 May in Atlanta, Georgia at the Georgia World Congress Center. Projected attendance is 80,000+, consisting primarily of corporate decision makers and resellers.

Spring COMDEX will feature Network Computing, Multimedia, OEM Sources, LAN Lab, and Office Systems technology showcases. Each showcase is supported by a specialized conference program highlighting technology advances and marketplace trends.

IBM Community Exhibit


Georgia World Congress Center, Booth 814

All exhibits are open:

 Monday,    23 May, 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
 Tuesday,   24 May, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
 Wednesday, 25 May, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
 Thursday,  26 May  10:00 am - 4:00 pm

The IBM Community booth will feature over 14,000 square feet of solutions to meet your customers' business needs. IBM participants will include Personal Software Products (PSP), Micro Electronics, Software Solutions, Large Systems Computing, Skill Dynamics, AS/400, PC Company, and OEM.

A wide variety of PSP products will be demonstrated, including Person-to-Person/2, LAN Distance, Lotus SmartSuite for OS/2, and IBM PC DOS. A tech-chat area will be staffed with experts to answer technical questions.

Representatives will be available to discuss the IBM BESTeam program and Professional Certification with VARs, Network Integrators, Systems Integrators, and Consultants.

Attendees will have the opportunity to join an "OS/2 101" class. The ever-popular "Ozzie" character and the class will interact with the instructor in a structured, 20-minute, hands-on presentation about the Workplace Shell. A special 20-minute structured walkthrough of Lotus SmartSuite for OS/2 will alternate with OS/2 101, and will highlight features and functions of the SmartSuite product.

Customers will be able to purchase IBM PSP products onsite at the Software Store. The Software Store will be offering special at-show discounts.

IBM Speakers and Panels

IBM speakers will be participating in a variety of sessions on some of today's hottest topics.

Date/Time          Topic                                Speaker
---------          -----                                -------

Monday, 23 May

10:30 am-12:00 n   OS/2.1 Architecture/Under the Hood   Paul Giangarra
10:30 am-12:00 n   New Sales Models for the New         John Osborne
                     Industry
 3:00 pm- 4:30 pm  Technical Support Strategies         Kathy Howell

Tuesday, 24 May

 3:00 pm- 4:30 pm  Multimedia Production Strategies     Ed Jenny

Wednesday, 25 May

 9:00 am-10:00 am  COMDEX Plenary                       Anthony Santelli
11:00 am-12:30 pm  The Future of DOS and Windows        Karl Lawall
11:00 am-12:30 pm  OEM Sourcing                         Paul Ledak
11:00 am-12:30 pm  Infrastructure Issues                Daniel Abensour

Be sure to check at COMDEX for any last-minute schedule changes.

1994 Client/Server Database Conference, 13-17 June, New Orleans

Last year saw the premiere of an exciting conference focusing on the often challenging world of Client/Server Database. This year, from 13 through 17 June 1994, you are invited to be part of a second event, the 1994 Client/Server Database Conference, which will teach you to make the dream of system symmetry and harmony among all your I/S systems a reality.

Five Days, New Topics

We have expanded the conference to five days so that topics requested by attendees could be added: LAN and Network Management, Data Management and Automation Tools, database servers, and client enablers. Executives from Oracle, Sybase, IBM, other major database providers, as well as industry experts and independent consultants, will be among the seven keynote speakers in the management and technical tracks.

Over 75 Mini-Classes

You will also be able to choose from over 75 mini-classes covering three important theme areas: From Desktop to Data Access, The Network as a System, and Integrating Data and Process. And, you can discover how to bring diverse client/server parts to a unified whole with the popular "How-to" sessions.

The 1994 Client/Server Database Conference, with the overall theme "Creating Harmony and Avoiding Chaos in Shifting C/S Environments", has been designed with your needs in mind. Please read the preliminary agenda outlined in the brochure pages to get a flavor of the outstanding sessions you'll be able to savor in New Orleans this June.

Conference Highlights and Benefits
  • Connect with the latest data, including late-breaking, direct-from-the-lab updates on the DB2 family, including DB2 V3, DB2/2, DB2/6000, DB2/VSE and VM (SQL/DS), and OS/400.
  • Maximize your client/server environment to enhance efficiency, productivity, and profitability
  • Hear about client/server capabilities from Sybase, Oracle, IBM, and other major database providers
  • Participate in an extensive, on-site product exposition
  • Learn about object technologies and how they apply to database management
  • Explore distributed database implementation, security, and application issues
  • Enjoy a networking reception in our exposition area
Much More for '94
  • Greater breadth, with five days of over 75 mini-classes
  • Seven keynote addresses, the most ever
  • Expanded focus to include LAN and network management/automation and data management/automation tools and techniques
  • Case-study sessions that provide practical client/server scenarios
  • Assured objectivity, with perspectives from independent consultants
Three Vital Conference Theme Areas

At this conference, create the elusive "whole" with whole new ways of thinking in these critically important theme areas:

  • From Desktop to Data Access
Focuses on your needs and your ability to access data from a single application or the workstation's own multi-component "desktop". Deals with increased flexibility, enhanced capabilities, open access, plus open-minded acceptance of greater user involvement in the development process. Topics include: remote data access, gateways, access enabling architectures such as RDA and DRDA, plus application enabling architectures like ODBC, CLI, and IDAPI.
  • The Network as a System
Centers on the need to treat a diverse collection of networked systems as a single entity. THe same issues and concerns that are involved in managing your local system must now apply to management of the entire network. Achieve collaborative synergy through the exploration of vital topics that include: database interoperability, remote systems, network and database administration, general networking and transaction management, application deployment, and change management.
  • Integrating Data and Process
Explores exciting, new, emerging techologies where processing becomes integrated with the data itself. "Smart Data" topics include: object technologies, extended relational database (triggers, stored procedures, user-defined data and function), data and copy management, as well as 4GL and 3-tiered technologies.
Two Targeted Conference Tracks

In addition to the three meeting themes, the Conference will address your specific database issues and concerns through Management and Technical tracks. Each of these tracks offers sessions on all three themes. Focus on the Management or Technical Track, or attend sessions in both tracks for a well-rounded perspective.

The Management Track will focus on strategic issues including: long-term planning, training, cross-disciplining of information, redeployment of personnel, and considerations inherent in the short- and long-term implementation process.

The Technical Track will tackle tactics -- from the "how-to" of implementation, to the latest about the DB2 family and OS/400, Sybase, Oracle, and other major database providers.

Exposition of Software Providers

Discuss your needs with IBM and other software providers in an exciting exposition featuring product displays and demonstrations. You'll also hear a variety of presentations about their latest offerings. Join us Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and also 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to gain new perspectives.

Seven Keynote Speakers

Hear seven noted speakers, experts in their fields, deliver their assessment of client/server databases today, and their prognostications about the future.

The main keynote session, titled The Second Generation of Client/Server Computing, features Herbert Edelstein, an internationally recognized expert in database management systems and electronic image management.

The other six keynotes are divided equally between the Management and Technical tracks, with two keynotes in each of the three theme areas.

Theme 1: From Desktop to Data Access

Management track:                  Technical track:

Chris Arnold, Vice President and   Mark Page, Vice President of Sybase
General Manager of the IBM Santa   Connectivity Products Group, covers
Teresa Laboratory, talks about     Interoperability: More than Desktops
Data Management in the             to Mainframes
Client/Server Environment.

Theme 2: The Network as a System

Management track:                  Technical track:

Art Olbert, Directory of LAN       Jnan Dash, Vice President, Product
Systems, IBM Personal Software     Strategy and Technology for Oracle
Products Division, discusses       Corporation, talks about
Downsizing, Rightsizing,           Mission-Critical Applications Using
Upsizing, and Capsizing            New Technologies

Theme 3: Integrating Data and Process

Management track:                  Technical track:

Donald Haderle, IBM Software       Cliff Reeves, Director of Object
Solutions Division Director of     Technology Products for IBM's
Data Management Architecture and   Personal Software Products Division,
New Technology, covers Delivery    discusses Object Technology Today and
Automation Today.                  Tomorrow.
Find Harmony in New Orleans

Seize this opportunity to participate with the industry experts and executives, technical wizards, product developers, and leading consultants who can bring, light, energy, innovation, inspiration, and solutions to your specific challenges.

Put away the discordant client/server blues, and find harmony for your systems in New Orleans. Enroll today!

Registration

Customers in the USA should call 1-800-IBM-TEACh (1-800-426-8322), x 170, and specify course code E5421. Non-USA customers should contact their local IBM offices.

U.S. IBMers: Enroll via MSE under Course Code CE54210C. Non-U.S. IBMers: Enroll via your education coordinator:

- AP, LA               Helen Symonds at RHQVM15(SYMONDS)
- EMEA                 Carol Dixon at WSTCPOK(EDCAROL)
- Canada & Caribbean   Debbie Garneau at TORVM3(GETSMART)
Fees

Registration fee is 1,495 USD. This fee includes all sessions and handouts, lunch and light breakfast each day, entry to the product exposition, and a reception to meet other attendees, speakers, and vendors. (Attendees are responsible for their own hotel and travel expenses.)

Accommodations

IBM has negotiated a special room rate at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel of 90 USD plus tax per night, single or double occupancy. Please contact the hotel directly at 1-800-253-6156 within the USA, or 1-504-525-2500 from elsewhere. Be sure to reference the Client/Server Database Conference sponsored by IBM/Skill Dynamics when making your reservation.

Save on Air Travel

After calling 1-800-426-8322, extension 170 to enroll in the conference, you can be transferred directly to IVI Travel to arrange for special Conference airfares using the following program numbers: 260810 for customers, and 295926 for IBM employees. You can also reach IVI directly at 1-800-688-6700.

More Information

The 1994 Client/Server Database Conference brochure is available from the following sources:

  • IBM Fax: Call 1-800-IBM-4FAX (1-800-426-4329) and request document #2920
  • Skill Dynamics: Call 1-800-IBM-TEACh (1-800-426-8322), and ask for extension 170, course code E5421

We look forward to your participation in five days of quality education! It promises to be a sequel beyond equal...

                        13 - 17 June 1994
                    Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
                      New Orleans, Louisiana

1994 APPC/APPN Technical Conference, Boston in July, Amsterdam in September

The 1994 APPC/APPN Technical Conference is the conference for you if you are:

  • Building or planning to build APPC tools or applications
  • Managing or administering an SNA network

The 1994 APPC/APPN Technical Conference, in less than a week, gives you the knowledge and skills needed to use APPC and APPN successfully. Tailored for today's computer professionals, this is the ONLY conference that addresses the real issues you face when designing and implementing client/server applications and networks.

Dates and Cities
Boston, MA  USA    and   Amsterdam, Holland
12-15 July 1994          26-29 September 1994
Audience
  • System Analysts and Program Designers
  • Client/Server Application Developers
  • Product Planners
  • Program/Project Managers
  • Network Managers
  • Network Administrators
Highlights
  • Hear keynote speakers discuss networking strategy:
Ellen Hancock (Boston), IBM Senior Vice President and Group Executive for the Networking Hardware Division, the Networking Software Division, and the Software Solutions Division
Don Haile (Amsterdam), IBM General Manager for the Networking Software Division
  • Meet the industry's top APPC and APPN consultants and product experts
  • Take home (free!) the latest "Best of APPC, APPN, and CPI-C" CD-ROM, filled with sample code, documentation, technical papers, and trial copies of APPC/APPN for DOS, Windows, OS/2, and AIX.
  • Visit the "Hands-on" APPC Computer Workshop throughout the entire conference
Topics
  • Specialized 3-track sessions:
    • Fast-Start APPC: Get up-to-speed with the knowledge and skills you need to build APPC client/server applications.
    • Advanced APPC: Improved from last year! Expand your skills and learn new techniques for developing sophisticated APPC applications.
    • New! Networking: Learn how APPC and APPN can help you simplify network design and management.
  • General topics include:
    • High Performance Routing
    • Running 3270 in an APPN Network
    • Multiprotocol Transport Networking (MPTN)
    • Improving APPC Configuration
    • Using the New APPC Utilities
    • Using Routers in an SNA Network
    • APPN and TCP/IP Comparison
Cost
Boston                               Amsterdam
Before 10 June  -   995 USD          Before 15 August - L795
After  10 June  - 1,095 USD          After 15 August  - L895

Includes materials, breakfast, and lunch during the conference.

Venues
Boston                               Amsterdam

Sheraton Boston Hotel and Towers     Amsterdam Hilton
39 Dalton Street                     Appollolaan 140
Boston MA 02199                      1077 BG Amsterdam
USA                                  Netherlands
1-617-236-2000                       +31 (0)20 6 780 780
Registration
Boston                               Amsterdam

Technology Transfer Institute        Technology Transfer Institute
741 10th Street                      Britannia House
Santa Monica CA 90402-2899           1-11 Glenthorne Road
USA                                  Hammersmith
                                     London W6 01F United Kingdom

Phone: 1-310-394-8305                Phone: +44 (0)81 741 1922
Fax:   1-310-451-2104                Fax:   +44 (0)81 563 0253

For Boston only:

Internet:   tti@cerf.net
CompuServe: 70132,2360
MCIMail:    407-9022

OS/2 World Conference & Exhibition, 19-22 July 1994, Santa Clara, California

(Adapted from information furnished by the producers)

Is your company struggling to integrate OS/2 into its enterprise computing strategy? Do you want to take OS/2 to a higher level? Do you want more support in your day-to-day use of OS/2?

Let OS/2 World point you in the right direction!

The OS/2 World Conference & Exhibition is the only event that focuses exclusively on putting OS/2 to work in a corporate environment today, rather than what's happening years down the road.

The independent technical program, featuring over 100 lectures, workshops, and tutorials, will present you with the objective truth about OS/2, IBM, and third-party providers. You can trust the information because our top-notch faculty has been carefully selected by the editors of OS/2 Magazine, OS/2 Developer, DATABASE Programming & Design, DBMS Magazine, LAN Magazine, and STACKS: The Network Journal.

More importantly, the technical program is focused on you -- power users and IS managers overseeing your company's OS/2 installations. You won't have to wade through sales pitches or corporate doublespeak. Everything is geared toward you, the corporate OS/2 user, not the industry.

Eight Technical Tracks

Over 100 lectures, workshops, and tutorials will allow you to find specific answers to the toughest questions you face as a user or manager charged with deploying and maintaining OS/2 systems in a corporate environment.

To help you quickly find the classes you need, the technical program is divided into eight dynamic tracks:

  • Enterprise Networking
  • Client/Server and Information Management
  • Local Area Networking
  • Power Computing
  • Systems Administration
  • Corporate Software Development
  • Personal Programming
  • Multimedia
Objective, Balanced Faculty

Classes will be taught almost exclusively by independent expert users, consultants, and trainers who offer objective and balanced classes to users and managers charged with deploying and maintaining OS/2 systems in corporate environments. Instructors will be experts -- people like Brian Proffit, David Moskowitz, and Mark Minasi -- who work with OS/2 in the field, and have implemented OS/2 solutions for their companies or clients.

Spend the Year Using What You've Learned

As an attendee, you'll receive the complete 800+ page bound Conference Proceedings, including overviews and case studies from all the conference sessions. The OS/2 World Conference Proceedings volume is a powerful educational tool in itself. You'll find yourself referring to it through the year, seeking answers to your specific problems.

Proven Sponsorship

Produced by Miller Freeman, Inc., the OS/2 World Conference & Exhibition is presented in cooperation with the IBM Corporation, and is sponsored by OS/2 Magazine, OS/2 Developer, DATABASE Programming & Design, DBMS Magazine, LAN Magazine, and STACKS: The Network Journal.

OS/2 World Products Exhibition

The OS/2 World Products Exhibition is the only place you can get a hands-on look at all the hardware and software that can make your OS/2 systems scream. This world-class exhibition will feature leading industry suppliers showcasing applications software, communications hardware and software, databases, network solutions, utilities, multimedia tools,a nd more. They will let you test out the newest products as you meet face-to-face with the major OS/2 solutions providers.

Here are some of the hot new products being introduced at OS/2 World:

  • Computer Associates announces CA-UNICENTER for OS/2. This new product provides PC/LAN clients with the systems management features businesses depend upon for mission-critical processing, including: security, scheduling, file backup, archive and restore, help desk, and console automation. Other new products being announced by Computer Associates include CA-REALIA Workbench for OS/2 and CA-REALIZER.
  • One UP Corporation, provider of migration services for IBM's OS/2 platform, will release additional tools and enhancement functionality to its Source Migration Analysis Reporting Tool (SMART). Hailed by IBM as a premier applicaton source-code conversion tool, SMART contains a suite of programs designed to size any conversion effort, including a count of the lines of code requiring migration; provide a road map for the migration; and automate code conversion.
  • RightFax is an OS/2-based multiplatform fax server software that allows OS/2, Windows, and DOS users to benefit from fax capabilities. It supports binary file transfer, optical character recognition, advanced auto routing capabilities, and e-mail integration.
  • Van Nostrand Reinhold reaffirms their ongoing commitment as the premier publisher of books on the OS/2 operating system with the release of six new titles at the OS/2 World Conference:
    • An Insider's Guide to WIN-OS/2
    • OS/2 Quick Reference Library, volume 2
    • OS/2 Quick Reference Library, volume 3
    • Developing Multimedia Applications Under OS/2
    • OS/2 DDE: A Reference Manual
    • OS/2 2.1 Handbook: Applications, Integration, and Optimization
Tutorial Sessions

If you need to come up to speed, take advantage of the optional one-day tutorial sessions on Tuesday 19 July from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The six tutorial sessions include:

  • Creating an Information Factory
  • Life After DOS
  • Designing Applications for OS/2
  • Migrating Client/Server to LAN
  • REXX: The Language for the Next Generation
  • Client/Server Survival Guide with OS/2
Keynote Address

The keynote address, "An Assessment of OS/2's Future", will be delivered on Tuesday 19 July from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. by Stewart Alsop, editor-in-chief of InfoWorld, a weekly newspaper for people who buy and manage networked personal computers in corporate America.

Mr. Alsop has been involved with the personal computer industry since 1981. In 1983, he moved to California to become the editor of InfoWorld, his first stint at the newspaper. He left a little more than a year later to start P.C. Letter, "The Insider's Guide to the Personal Computer Industry", a newsletter for personal computer industry and information executives. In 1990, Mr. Alsop became a columnist for InfoWorld, which led to his return as the chief editor of that newspaper in 1991.

Opening Night Reception

Start the conference off right -- unwind and network as you get the inside scoop on the latest hardware and software tools. Pose your toughest product questions to the vendors on the show floor while nibbling on fabulous food and sipping on suds. Don't miss this opportunity! The Opening Night Reception will take place Tuesday 19 July from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Conference Agenda

Tuesday 19 July

  7:30 a.m. -  8:00 p.m.   Registration
  8:30 a.m. -  5:00 p.m.   Optional tutorial sessions
  6:00 p.m. -  7:00 p.m.   Keynote address
  7:00 p.m. -  8:30 p.m.   Opening night reception

Wednesday 20 July through Friday 22 July inclusive

  7:30 a.m. -  5:30 p.m.   Registration (closes at 4:30 p.m. Friday)
  8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.   Two-hour breakout sessions (6 to 8 sessions)
 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon   One-hour breakout sessions
  1:30 p.m. -  2:30 p.m.   One-hour breakout sessions
  3:00 p.m. -  5:00 p.m.   Two-hour breakout sessions
Registration Fees

The full registration fee is 795 USD. Early and group registrations earn additional savings:

  • Register by 19 May and deduct 100 USD
  • Register by 19 June and deduct 50 USD
  • Register a group of four people from your company simultaneously, and the fourth person is free!

Your fee covers admission to the keynote address, your selection of lectures and workshops, the product exhibition, hosted receptions, refreshment breaks, course handouts, and a bound copy of the published proceedings.

The optional one-day tutorials are offered at an additional fee of 295 USD.

If you are unable to attend the full conference, you can pre-register for the exhibition only, at no charge, or register on-site for 25 USD.

Early Registration

To qualify for a registration discount, payment (or government purchase order) must be postmarked by the cut-off date. Space at the conference cannot be confirmed until payment is received. We will be happy to take your registration without payment and invoice you for the balance due.

Cancellations

Cancellations with full registration refunds will be accepted if they are received in writing by 8 July 1994. Registrants who do not attend and do not cancel in writing are fully liable for conference costs and will be billed. Substitutions are welcome at any time.

Where to Check In

All conference materials, including your badge, program, and proceedings, should be picked up on-site at the Santa Clara Convention Center in the OS/2 registration area.

Travel Information

Save up to 40 percent off regular room rates at the Westin and Day Inn. Special show prices are available only through the OS/2 Travel Desk. Show rates are guaranteed for reservations made by 27 June 1994.

Westin Hotel Santa Clara          Days Inn
5101 Great America Parkway        4200 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara CA 95054              Santa Clara CA 95054
(adjacent to convention center)   (four blocks from convention center)
Rates: 99 USD single,             Rate: 64 USD for 1 through 4 people
      109 USD double                      in a room

Discount air fares are available on American Airlines through the Travel Desk or your travel agent. Save 5 percent off the lowest available fare or 10 percent of full fare on American Airlines. Refer to Stafile number S0874P8.

Discounts are also available on Southwest Airlines. Refer to identifier code T49.

Hertz is offering a special rate for car rentals. Refer to convention meeting number 3297. Call the Travel Desk to get the special price.

The OS/2 Travel Desk can be reached as follows:

  • Voice: 1-800-944-9090 within the USA and Canada
  • Fax: 1-800-944-0010 within the USA and Canada, or 1-214-702-1042 from elsewhere
Three Easy Ways to Register
  • By phone: Call 1-415-905-4994 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific time (GMT-8)
  • By fax: Call 1-415-905-2220, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • By mail:
    OS/2 World Conference & Exhibition
    P. O. Box 7709
    San Francisco CA 94120
More Information

For more information about the conference or exhibition, call 1-415-905-2354.

Coming This Fall /2 Atlanta: IBM OS/2 Technical Update '94, 11-14 September, Georgia World Congress Center

Don't miss the IBM OS/2 Technical Update '94 Atlanta this Fall! You'll hear and mingle with IBM developers, leading industry consultants, and educators who will present the latest in-depth information and share their personal experiences with IBM software.

Choose from more than 200 product-specific sessions that have the greatest impact on you and your business.

After the sessions, put it all together by attending the "Ask-the-Experts" panels for answers to your important questions about making IBM personal software products work for you and your company. Or, if you prefer, host or attend a "Birds-of-a-Feather" session to share your ideas and impressions with other conference attendees. And, take home a load of new software to try.

Your conference registration is also your free ticket to NetWorld+Interop 94 Exhibition adjoining the IBM Technical Conference, with over 600 vendor exhibits and the InteropNet -- a multi-protocol, multimedia show network that links every booth to the world via Internet.

Get the best of two conferences: the IBM OS/2 Technical Update '94 Atlanta offers you a bonus! For a nominal fee of just 200 USD, IBM conference attendees can choose from a variety of technical sessions at NetWorld+Interop 94 conference at the same location. It's a great way to double your value!

Registration and Information

For more information and to register for the IBM OS/2 Technical Update '94 Atlanta, call 1-800-636-6634 within the USA.

Third Annual ColoradOS/2 Developers Conference, 30 October - 4 November, Colorado Springs

(Information furnished by the producer)

The third international ColoradOS/2 developers conference will be held during the week of 30 October through 4 November 1994 at the Cheyenne Mountain Conference Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA.

This conference, which has already earned a reputation for offering the highest quality of in-depth programming information for OS/2, is unique in being the only conference that is exclusively for software developers who are working with and committed to OS/2.

The detailed agenda for this November's ColoradOS/2 will be provided in a brochure that is being prepared at the time of publication of this issue of DSNEWS, but Wayne Kovsky, the producer of ColoradOS/2, has furnished this preview of some of the presentations that are planned.

Five Leading Speakers

ColoradOS/2 will feature five leading speakers who will address all attendees on successive days:

  • John Soyring is Director of Strategic Relations in IBM's Personal Software Products Division, and a well-known evangelist for OS/2. John will provide the keynote presentation to open the ColoradOS/2 conference.
  • Jed Harris is Executive Director of Component Integration Laboratory, and has worked with object technology since the early days of Smalltalk when he was at Xerox PARC. Jed will speak about "The Industry Transition to Component Software".
  • Cliff Reeves is Director of Object Technology Products at IBM, where his job includes responsibility for the IBM-Taligent partnership. Cliff will describe IBM's plans for object technology against a background of changing technical, business, and competitive pressures.
  • Mike Cowlishaw is an IBM Fellow who is best known as the creator of the REXX programming language. He will speak about the underlying design principles and philosophies that he followed in developing the language, showing how these have led to its use today as the standard scripting and macro language for OS/2.
  • Grady Booch is Chief Scientist at Rational, and he is arguably the best-known and most influential individual in the field of object-oriented analysis and design methods. His "Object-Oriented Design with Applications" book is sure to be found on the bookshelf of anyone interested in objects. He will speak about "Well-Structured Object-Oriented Architectures".
40+ Presenters, 80 Topics

In addition to these featured speakers, ColoradOS/2 will have more than 40 presenters, who will cover approximately 80 topics of special interest to OS/2 software developers. Heavy on practical examples, and including sample source code to illustrate concepts covered in each 90-minute tutorial, these sessions will be presented by a near 50/50 mix of the software engineers who have created OS/2, and software developers who have substantial experience building complex applications for OS/2. Among the better-known corporations represented in the latter group are Computer Associates, HockWare (VisPro/REXX), KASEWORKS, MicroBurst, Oberon Software (TE/2), ParcPlace, and WATCOM.

Topics for Everyone

Topics to be covered in depth include:

  • Several topics related to OpenDoc
  • Internationalization, and DBCS languages
  • SOM/DSOM
  • Workplace OS
  • C Set ++ and the User Interface Class Library
  • Writing an IFS, and coverage of the previously-undocumented internals of HPFS
  • SOM's Persistence Object Service, and storing persistent objects in DB2/2
  • Client/server applications (with Dan Harkey and Bob Orfali)
  • Device drivers for OS/2 and for Workplace OS (with Steve Mastrianni)
  • Smalltalk and OS/2
  • Programming the COM port
  • Introductory and advanced topics on GPI programming
  • WPS programming, including creating SOM/WPS applications with the UICL
  • Creating help systems with IPFC
  • Object REXX, and integrating REXX with OS/2 applications
  • Printing from OS/2
  • Integrating ICSS with your OS/2 applications
  • Notebooks, containers, drag-and-drop, threading, IPC mechanisms, and other general OS/2 topics

and much more!

Stellar Presenters

Many of the presenters' names will be instantly recognizable to software developers who have been working with OS/2 for any length of time. In alphabetical order, they include: Lisa Abbott, Doug Azzarito, Ian Ameline, David Barnes, Mark Benge, Grady Booch, Mike Brown, Guylaine Cantin, Mike Cowlishaw, Paul Duncanson, Doug Elkins, Rick Fishman, Peter Fitzsimmons, Brady Flowers, Mark Frederiksen, Eric Giguere, Peter Haggar, Dan Harkey, Jed Harris, Dave Hock, Nick Hodapp, Ian Holland, Aidon Jennery, Michael Kaply, Dan Kehn, Daniel Lanovaz, Bill Law, Kelvin Lawrence, Jeff Mackay, Steve Mastrianni, Rick McGuire, David Moskowitz, Brad Noe, Bob Orfali, Michael Perks, Cliff Reeves, James Schoech, Roger Sessions, John Soyring, James Taylor, Robert Tycast, Bryan Walker, and John Webb - and a few more!

The topics and speakers listed are firmly committed for ColoradOS/2 at this point, but are nevertheless subject to change.

Brochure Due in July

Look for the ColoradOS/2 brochure, with more detail, in July.

If you are a subscriber to OS/2 Developer magazine, you will automatically receive a brochure in the mail (look for the ColoradOS/2 advertisement in the current and future issues of that magazine). If you do not subscribe to OS/2 Developer, but would like to be put onto the mailing list to receive a brochure, you can fax your name and address to 1-719-481-8069. A phone call is a little more difficult for getting names and addresses exactly correct, but if you prefer this method, call 1-800-481-3389 within the USA or Canada, or 1-719-481-3389 from elsewhere.

Brochure Text Also on CompuServe

As soon as the brochure text is ready, at least two weeks before the hardcopy brochure is finished, the text will be posted on CompuServe. It will be in the file COLOS2.ZIP in the OS2DF1 forum, library 15 (Open Forum). COLOS2.ZIP will contain two formats: ASCII and PostScript.

Registration

Registration for ColoradOS/2 has already begun, as people who have been at the earlier conferences are anxious to get their reservations in early. The cost for the conference is 995 USD for early registration, or 1295 USD on or after 29 August.

You may call the Cheyenne Mountain Conference Resort now to register for the conference and to make your room and travel arrangements. Within the USA and Canada, call 1-800-648-5717; from elsewhere, call 1-719-576-5003. The fax number is 1-719-576-2105.

Where Will You Be?

Text from the current ad in OS/2 Developer summarizes ColoradOS/2 best:

"On October 30, 1994, OS/2 developers from throughout the nation and around the world will gather at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and change the world. Where will you be?"

IBM Product Information Now Available on Internet

Customers can now electronically access information about IBM's products and services through the Internet. IBM United States Announcement Summaries and Announcement Detail Letters, as well as press releases, are now available on the IBMLink Gopher server in both ASCII and PostScript formats.

The IBMLink Gopher server on the Internet is located at gopher.ibmlink.ibm.com and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Accessing Gopher

Users can access the Internet in two ways:

(1) Advantis customers can access the gopher through the Advantis-supplied TCPGATE product. It is available to all IBMLink customers for nominal connect charges.
(2) A commercial Internet service provider can also be used to connect to the gopher server.

The content of the IBMLink server will be expanded over time. Additional delivery vehicles will also be reviewed to ensure the best possible access to information about IBM offerings.

Latest List of OS/2 2.1 Books

Here is the latest list of published and planned books about OS/2 2.1.

Released
Advanced OS/2 Presentation Manager Programming
Thomas Burge and Joseph Celi
ISBN 0-471-59198-X, John Wiley & Sons
Application Development Using OS/2 REXX
? Rudd
ISBN 0-471-60691-X, Wiley/QED
The Art of OS/2 C Programming
Kathleen Panov, Arthur Panov, and Larry Salomon
ISBN 0-471-58802-4, Wiley/QED
Client/Server Programming with OS/2 2.1, Third Edition
Robert Orfali and Dan Harkey
ISBN 0-442-01833-9, Van Nostrand Reinhold
A Client/Server Survival Guide with OS/2
Robert Orfali and Dan Harkey
ISBN 0-442-01798-7, Van Nostrand Reinhold
Das grosse Buch zu OS/2 2.1 (German)
Robert Albrecht and Michael Plura
ISBN 3-8158-1064-7, Data Becker Verlag
Designing OS/2 Applications
David Reich
ISBN 0-471-58889-X, John Wiley & Sons
Developing C/C++ Software in the OS/2 Environment
Mitra Gopaul
ISBN 0-442-01240-3, Van Nostrand Reinhold
Dvorak's Guide to OS/2 2.1
John Dvorak, David Whittle, and Martin McElroy
ISBN 0-679-74648-X, Random House
Easy OS/2
Shelly O'Hara
ISBN 1-56529-145-X, Sams
Effective Multithreading in OS/2
Len Dorfman
ISBN 0-07-017841-0, McGraw-Hill
Inside OS/2 2.1, Third Edition
Mark Minasi, John Little, Marlene Semple, Bill Camarda, Bill Schindler, and Esther Schindler
ISBN 1-56205-206-3, New Riders
Instant OS/2: Porting C Applications to OS/2
Len Dorfman
ISBN 0-8306-4522-5, McGraw-Hill
Learn OS/2 in a Day
Brian Dooley
ISBN 1-55622-361-7, Wordware
The Little OS/2 Book
Kay Y. Nelson
ISBN 1-56609-047-4, Peachpit Press
Mastering OS/2 REXX
Gabriel Gargiulo
ISBN 0-471-51901-4, Wiley/QED
Now That I Have OS/2 2.1 On My Computer, What Do I Do Next?
Steve Levenson and Eli Hertz
ISBN 0-442-01832-0, Van Nostrand Reinhold
OS/2 V2 C++ Class Library: Power GUI Programming with C Set ++
William Law, Kevin Leong, Robert Love, and Hiroshi Tsuji
ISBN 0-442-01795-2, Van Nostrand Reinhold
The OS/2 2.1 Advanced Programmer's Guide
Jody Kelly, Craig Swearingen, et al
ISBN 0-442-01736-7, Van Nostrand Reinhold
OS/2 Applications Directory
ISBN 74770-78003-8, Miller Freeman/IBM
The OS/2 2.1 Bible
Robert Albrecht and Michael Plura
ISBN 1-55755-174-X, Abacus
OS/2 2.1 Complete
Peter Franken
ISBN 1-55755-184-7, Abacus
The OS/2 2.1 Corporate Programmer's Handbook
Nora Scholin, Martin Sullivan, and Robin Scragg
ISBN 0-442-01598-4, Van Nostrand Reinhold
OS/2 2.1 Programming
Herbert Schildt and Robert Goosey
ISBN 0-07-881910-5, Osborne McGraw-Hill
The OS/2 2.1 REXX Handbook
Hallette German
ISBN 0-442-01734-0, Van Nostrand Reinhold
OS/2 2.1 Unleashed, Special Edition
David Moskowitz and David Kerr
ISBN 0-672-30445-7, Sams
OS/2 2.1 Workplace Shell Programming
author ? Maruzzi
ISBN 0-679-79162-0, Random House
OS/2 2.x Notebook: Best of OS/2 Developer
Dick Conklin, editor
ISBN 0-442-01522-4, Van Nostrand Reinhold
OS/2 Batch Files to Go
Dr. Ronnie Richardson
ISBN 0-07-052370-3, McGraw-Hill
OS/2 Extra
Len Dorfman and ? Neuberger
ISBN 0-8306-4567-5, TAB/Windcrest
OS/2 for Dummies
Andy Rathbone
ISBN 1-878058-76-2, IDG
OS/2 for Non-Nerds
Bruce Hallberg
ISBN 1-56205-153-9, New Riders
OS/2 for Windows Users
Sharon Crawford and Charlie Russell
ISBN 0-7821-1528-4, Sybex
OS/2 Inside & Out
Kathy Ivens and Brian Proffit
ISBN 0-07-881871-0, Osborne
OS/2 Instant Reference
Peter Dyson
ISBN 0-7821-1179-3, Sybex
OS/2 Presentation Manager Programming for COBOL Programmers, Revised Edition for OS/2 2.1
Robert Chapman
ISBN 0-471-56140-1, Wiley/QED
OS/2 Secrets and Solutions
Peter Dyson
ISBN 0-7821-1281-1, Sybex
PC Learning Labs Teaches OS/2 2.1
by Logical Operations
ISBN 1-56276-148-X, Ziff-Davis
Quick Reference Guide for OS/2 2.1
George T. Lynch
ISBN 1-56243-119-6, DDC
Quick Reference Library for OS/2 Functions, Volume 1: Win Functions
Nora Scholin
ISBN 0-442-01897-5, Van Nostrand Reinhold
Real-World Programming for OS/2 2.1
Derrel R. Blain, Kurt R. Delimon, and Jeff English
ISBN 0-672-30300-0, Sams
REXX Reference Summary Handbook
Dick Goran
ISBN 0-96398-541-8, CFS Nevada
The Shell Collection: OS/2 2.1 Utilities
Steven Levenson
ISBN 0-442-01585-2, Van Nostrand Reinhold
Stepping Up to OS/2 2.1
Robert Albrecht and Michael Plura
ISBN 1-55755-185-5, Abacus
Teach Yourself OS/2 2.1
Judi Fernandez
ISBN 1-55828-282-3, MIS Press
Teach Yourself OS/2 2.1 in a Week
Carol Thomas
ISBN 0-672-30360-4, Sams
10-Minute Guide to OS/2 2.1
Herb Tyson
ISBN 1-56761-185-0, Alpha
Thinking Person's Guide to OS/2 2.1
Maria Tyne
ISBN 0-471-60306-6, Wiley/QED
Using OS/2 2.1, Special Edition
Barry Nance and Caroline Halliday
ISBN 1-56529-118-2, Que
Using Workplace OS/2: Power User's Guide
Lori Brown and Jeff Howard
ISBN 0-442-01590-9, Van Nostrand Reinhold
Van Wolverton's Guide to OS/2
Van Wolverton and Jim Meade
ISBN 0-679-74877-6, Random House
Voodoo OS/2
Allen G. Taylor
ISBN 1-566-04066-3, Ventana
Windows Vs. OS/2: The GUI-OOUI War
Theo Mandel
ISBN 0-442-01750-2, Van Nostrand Reinhold
Writing OS/2 Device Drivers in C, Second Edition
Steve Mastrianni
ISBN 0-442-01729-4, Van Nostrand Reinhold
Your OS/2 2.1 Consultant
Herb Tyson
ISBN 0-672-30317-5, Sams
March 1994
Downsizing to OS/2 2.1
author ?
ISBN 1-56205-244-6, New Riders
OS/2 2.1 Red Book for Developers
IBM authors
ISBN 1-56529-287-1, Que
OS/2 2.1 Red Book for Power Users
IBM authors
ISBN 1-56529-286-3, Que
Stacker for OS/2 and DOS
author ?
ISBN ?, McGraw-Hill
Using OS/2 2.1, Third Edition
Barry Nance, Caroline Halliday, and Greg Chicares
ISBN 1-56529-635-4, Que
April
Cross-Platform Programming in OS/2
Len Dorfman
ISBN 0-07-017862-3, McGraw-Hill
The Ultimate OS/2 Programmer's Manual
John Mueller
ISBN 0-07-043972-9, McGraw-Hill
May
OS/2 Secrets
? Patton
ISBN 1-56884-084-5, IDG
June
OS/2 Presentation Manager Programming
Charles Petzold
ISBN 1-56276-123-4, Ziff-Davis Press
Quick Reference Library for OS/2 Functions, Volume 2: Message Functions
Nora Scholin
ISBN 0-442-01898-3, Van Nostrand Reinhold
July
Object-Oriented Programming Using SOM and DSOM
? Lau
ISBN ?, Van Nostrand Reinhold
Objects for OS/2 2.1
Bruce Tate, Scott Danforth, and Paul Koenen
ISBN 0-442-01738-3, Van Nostrand Reinhold
The OS/2 2.x Handbook
William Zack
ISBN ?, Van Nostrand Reinhold
Teach Yourself REXX in 21 Days
Bill and Esther Schindler
ISBN 0-672-305291, Sams
August
The OS/2 Survival Kit
Brian Proffit
ISBN ?, Addison-Wesley
Windows and OS/2: Insider's Guide to WIN-OS/2
author ?
ISBN ?, Van Nostrand Reinhold
September
The Design of OS/2 2.1, 2nd Edition
Mike Kogan and ? Deitel
ISBN 0-201-52886-X, Addison-Wesley
Quick Reference Library for OS/2 Functions, Volume 3: Workplace Shell
Nora Scholin
ISBN 0-442-01899-1, Van Nostrand Reinhold
The Ultimate OS/2 File Management Kit
Dorfman and Stegner
ISBN 007-911882-8, McGraw-Hill
October
OS/2 Remote Communications: Asynchronous to Synchronous T&T
Ken Stonecipher
ISBN 0-442-01814-2, Van Nostrand Reinhold
November
OS/2 for Everyone
Doug Azzarito and David Green
ISBN ?, Wiley/QED
OS/2 2.x Control Program API Reference
Marc Stock
0-471-03887-3, Wiley/QED
Quick Reference Library for OS/2 Functions, Volume 4: GPI Functions
Nora Scholin
ISBN 0-442-01900-9, Van Nostrand Reinhold
December
The Art of OS/2 2.x C Programming
Kathleen Panov, Arthur Panov, and Larry Salomon
ISBN 0-471-08633-9, Wiley/QED
OS/2 Workplace Shell API Reference
Mindy Pollack
0-471-03872-5, Wiley/QED
January 1995
OS/2 for the Impatient
author ?
ISBN ?, Addison-Wesley
OS/2 2.x Presentation Manager for Power Programmers
Stern and Morrow
ISBN 0-471-05839-4, Wiley/QED
Quick Reference Library for OS/2 Functions, Volume 5: DOS Functions
Nora Scholin
ISBN 0-442-01901-7, Van Nostrand Reinhold
March 1995
Quick Reference Library for OS/2 Functions, Volume 6: Miscellaneous Functions
Nora Scholin
ISBN 0-442-01902-5, Van Nostrand R7inhold
Date to be Determined
Independent Platform Coding
author ?
ISBN ?, IBM/McGraw-Hill
OS/2 Connectivity
author ?
ISBN ?, Wiley/QED
OS/2 in the Fast Lane (2.1 edition)
Bill Camarda
ISBN 1-56205-126-1, New Riders
OS/2 and NetWare Programming: Using the NetWare Client API for C
Lori Gauthier
ISBN 0-442-01815-0, Van Nostrand Reinhold
OS/2 and Networking
author ?
ISBN ?, Wiley/QED
OS/2 Presentation Manager API Reference
Joel Barnum
ISBN ?, Wiley/QED
Not OS/2-related, but newsworthy
Enterprise Network Performance Optimization
? Nemzow
ISBN ?, Mc-Graw Hill
due July 1994
Inside the PowerPC Revolution
Dunteman and Pronk
ISBN 1-883577-04-7, Coriolis Group
due May 1994
PC DOS 6.1: Everything You Need to Know
Jonathan Kamin
ISBN 1-55958-450-5, Prima Publishing

Subscription Information for The Developer Connection for OS/2 and the IBM Device Driver Source Kit (DDK) for OS/2

The following list of phone and fax numbers was published in Volume 3 of The Developer Connection News.

The list applies to two products:

  • The Developer Connection for OS/2
  • IBM Device Driver Source Kit (DDK) for OS/2

The phone numbers shown are for ordering both products unless otherwise specified.

To order within the USA:

Call 1-800-633-8266, or fax to 1-303-330-7655.
NOTE: Commercial and Premier Services DAP members in the USA are eligible for a discounted price for The Developer Connection for OS/2. When ordering, be sure to specify that you are a Commercial and Premier Services DAP member, and give your membership number.
Additional numbers for ordering the IBM Device Driver Source Kit for OS/2: Call 1-407-982-4239, or use the DUDE BBS, 1-407-982-3217.

To order within Canada:

For The Developer Connection for OS/2, call 1-800-561-5293.
For the IBM Device Driver Source Kit for OS/2, call 1-800-465-7999.

To order within Brazil:

For The Developer Connection for OS/2, call 0800-111205, or fax to (011) 886-3222.
For the IBM Device Driver Source Kit for OS/2, call 02-1-800-6120, or fax to 02-1-800-6936. (02 is the country code for Brazil.)

To order within Mexico:

For the Developer Connection for OS/2, call 627-2444 within Mexico City, or 91-800-00639 elsewhere in Mexico.

To order within Asia/Pacific Countries:

Be sure to dial your country's international access code before dialing the listed phone number. 61 is the country code for Australia.
Call 61-2-354-7684, or fax to 61-2-354-7766.

To order within Europe:

If you live outside the USA, Canada, Asia/Pacific countries, Brazil, or Mexico, you can order directly from the IBM Software Manufacturing Center in Copenhagen, Denmark. Be sure to dial your country's international access code before dialing the appropriate phone number or fax number listed below. 45 is the country code for Denmark.
Operators speaking the following languages are available.
   Language   Phone Number
   --------   ------------
   Dutch      45-4-810-1400
   English    45-4-810-1500
   French     45-4-810-1200
   German     45-4-810-1000
   Italian    45-4-810-1600
   Spanish    45-4-810-1100
   Fax        45-4-814-2207

800 Phone Numbers

The 800 phone numbers below come from two sources:

(1) This issue and preceding issues of PSP Developer Support News
(2) Information posted on IBM internal forums.
Common Desktop Environment Developers Conference 1-800-225-4698
OS/2 Multimedia Tools 1-800-228-8584
IBM PSP Developer Support Marketing Center * 1-800-285-2936
OS/2 Sales 1-800-342-6672
(in Canada, 1-800-465-7999)
IBM National Telesales Marketing (IBMCALL) 1-800-426-2255
IBM Software Installer 1.2 for OS/2 1-800-426-2279
Boca Raton Technical Services Software System Test 1-800-426-2622
IBM Direct 1-800-426-2968
(in Canada, 1-800-465-7999)
DCE Client for Windows Beta Program and LAN NetView Extended Beta Test 1-800-426-3040
(in Canada, 1-800-561-5293)
IBM Business Partner Locator (PS/2 Dealers) 1-800-426-3377
IBM FAX Information Service 1-800-426-4329
(in Canada, HELPFAX, 1-800-465-3299)
OEM Sales 1-800-426-4579
PS/2, PS/1, PC publications 1-800-426-7282
Skill Dynamics (Education) 1-800-426-8322
(in Canada, 1-800-661-2131)
Ultimedia Developer Assistance Program 1-800-426-9402
The Corner Store 1-800-428-9672
Programmer's Paradise 1-800-445-7899
Integrated Systems Solutions Corporation 1-800-472-4772
CompuServe Membership 1-800-524-3388
OS/2 Application Assistance Center + TALKLink (OS2BBS) 1-800-547-1283
(in Canada: IBMLink, 1-800-268-3100;
Customer Assistance group, 1-800-465-1234)
Personal Systems Technical Solutions magazine 1-800-551-2832
Software Vendor Systems Center 1-800-553-1623
several Developer Assistance Programs * 1-800-627-8363
Berlitz Translation Services 1-800-628-4808
(in Canada, 1-800-387-5500)
IBM Developer Connection for OS/2 1-800-633-8266
(in Canada, 1-800-561-5293)
IBM Direct Response Marketing 1-800-633-8266
GEnie 1-800-638-8369
IBM Redemption Center (OS/2 2.0 Upgrade) 1-800-677-2581
IBM Porting and Technical Consulting Workshops 1-800-678-31UP
Delphi 1-800-695-4005
Personal Systems HelpCenter 1-800-772-2227
PRODIGY 1-800-776-0845 and 1-800-776-3449
Indelible Blue, Inc. 1-800-776-8284
America Online 1-800-827-6364
Business Depot, Inc. 1-800-844-8448
CompuServe 1-800-848-8199
IBM PSP Technical Interchange Registration * 1-800-872-7109
IBM Publications 1-800-879-2755
IBM Ultimedia Tools Series 1-800-887-7771
PenDOS Software Developer Kit 1-800-888-8242
IBM Software Manufacturing Company 1-800-926-0364
OS/2 Developer magazine 1-800-926-8672
OS/2 Free Seminar Enrollment 1-800-937-3737
DB2 Technical Conference 1-800-955-1238
Drake Training and Technologies (for Professional Certification Program from IBM) * 1-800-959-3926
IBM Customer Support Center 1-800-967-7882
Personal Software Products Support Center (Defect report) 1-800-992-4777
* indicates the number works in Canada also

Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, Service Marks

® AIX, AIX SystemView NetView/6000, Application System/400, AS/400, AT, Audio Visual Connection, BookManager, Communications Manager/2, C Set/2, DB2, DisplayWrite, HelpCenter, HelpWare, IBM, ImagePlus, LAN NetView, LAN NetView Fix, LAN NetView Manage, LAN NetView Monitor, LAN NetView Scan, LAN NetView Monitor, LAN Server, Micro Channel, NetView, NetView/6000, Operating System/2, Operating System/400, OS/2, OS/400, Pen for OS/2, Personal System/2, Presentation Manager, PS/1, PS/2, RISC System/6000, RISC/6000, Systems Application Architecture, TALKLink, ThinkPad, Ultimedia, and XGA are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corp.
® ATI is a registered trademark of ATI Technologies, Inc.
® BIX is a registered trademark of General Videotex Corp.
® Cirrus Logic is a registered trademark of Cirrus Technology, Inc.
® COMDEX is a registered trademark of The Interface Group, Inc.
® CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe, Inc.
® Computer Associates is a registered trademark of Computer Associates International, Inc.
® dBASE is a registered trademark of Borland International.
® Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corp.
® Headland is a registered trademark of Headland, Inc.
® Hitachi is a registered trademark of Hitachi Corp.
® HP, LaserJet, DeskJet, OpenView, and PaintJet are registered trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Co.
® IEEE is a registered trademark of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
® Intel and Indeo are registered trademarks of Intel Corp.
® Internet is a registered trademark of Internet, Inc.
® ISO is a registered trademark of the International Organization for Standardization.
® Lotus, Lotus Notes, and 1-2-3 are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corp.
® MicroGate is a registered trademark of Gateway Microsystems, Inc.
® Microsoft and Microsoft C are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
® NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corp.
® NetWare, NetWare Server, and Novell are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc.
® OMG is a registered trademark of Object Management Group.
® OPEN LOOK and UNIX are registered trademarks of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc.
® PenDOS is a registered trademark of Communication Intelligence Corp.
® Prodigy is a registered trademark of Prodigy Services Co.
® Sony is a registered trademark of Sony Corp.
® ToolTalk and SunSoft are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
® Toshiba is a registered trademark of Toshiba Corp.
® True Type is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
® UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc.
® Walt Disney World is a registered trademark of Walt Disney Productions.
® Western Digital is a registered trademark of Western Digital Corp.
® WordPerfect is a registered trademark of WordPerfect Corp.
™ AIX/6000, APPN, CICS, CICS/ESA, CICS OS/2, Common User Access, C Set ++, CUA, Current, DATABASE 2, DataHub, DB2, DB2/2, DB2/6000, DDCS/2, The Developer Connection for OS/2, DISTRIBUTED DATABASE CONNECTION SERVICES/2, DRDA, Extended Services for OS/2, IBMLink, IMS Client Server/2, Information Warehouse, LANStreamer, Library Reader, LinkWay, Matinee, Midware, Multimedia Presentation Manager/2, Natural Computing, NAVIGATOR, PCjr, PenAssist, PowerPC, PowerOpen, SAA, Skill Dynamics, Skill Dynamics Canada, SOMobjects, SQL/DS, Storyboard, Ultimotion, VSE/ESA, WIN-OS/2, Workplace Shell, and XT are trademarks of International Business Machines Corp.
™ AST is a trademark of AST Research, Inc.
™ Borland is a trademark of Borland International.
™ CasePoint is a trademark of Inference Corp.
™ ColoradOS/2 is a trademark of Kovsky Conference Productions, Inc.
™ Drake Training and Technologies is a trademark of Drake Training and Technologies.
™ DVI, Indeo, and ActionMedia are trademarks of Intel Corp.
™ Ethernet is a trademark of Xerox Corp.
™ Excel is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.
™ LAN Workplace is a trademark of Novell Inc.
™ Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer Corp.
™ Micro Focus is a trademark of Micro Focus Ltd.
™ Open Software Foundation, OSF, and Motif are trademarks of the Open Software Foundation, Inc.
™ ORACLE, ORACLE Server and ORACLE7 are trademarks of Oracle Corp.
™ PCMCIA is a trademark of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.
™ PC/TCP is a trademark of FTP Software Inc.
™ Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corp.
™ PostScript and Adobe Type Manager are trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc.
™ PSN and Private Satellite Network are trademarks of Private Satellite Network, Inc.
™ SCO is a trademark of The Santa Cruz Operation, Inc.
™ SmallTalk and Smalltalk V/PM are trademarks of Digitalk Corp.
™ Solaris is a trademark of SunSoft Corp.
™ SoundBlaster is a trademark of Creative Labs, Inc.
™ Support on Site is a trademark of Ziff-Davis.
™ Taligent is a trademark of Taligent, Inc.
™ TCP with Demand Protocol Architecture is a trademark of 3COM Corp.
™ TelePad is a trademark of TelePad Corp.
™ Tusk is a trademark of Tusk, Inc.
™ Univel is a trademark of Univel.
™ VX*REXX and WATCOM are trademarks of WATCOM International Corp.
™ X/Open is a trademark of the X/Open Co., Ltd.
™ Windows, Win32, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
(SM) America Online is a service mark of America Online, Inc.

This concludes 1994 Issue 6 of IBM PSP Developer Support News. Please let us know how we can improve it; see the beginning of the newsletter for ways to contact us. Thank you!