CONVENIENCE PACKAGES
Scheduled for release on November 30th, IBM's new "Convenience Packages" (or "Paks" if you prefer) will become the principal means by which OS/2 updates will officially be released by the vendor. And with its coming, free FixPaks will become a thing of the past. IBM needs to generate revenue to support its OS/2 development efforts and it has opted to do so by offering these Convenience Paks on a two-year renewable subscription basis. According to IBM's Software Announcement 200-082 from April 11th, the Convenience Pak will include:
Perhaps the best way to think of this release is as Warp 4.2 (4.1 would have been with all of the changes as per FixPak 6). Although it is hoped that the implementation process will be streamlined, this author will believe it when he sees it. As you probably know, I have not been impressed by IBM's recent track record regarding FixPaks.
Although there is a nice description of the offerings included in IBM's Software Choice Catalog, ordering it from IBM can best be described as cryptic. Instead, I would recommend purchasing it from Indelible Blue or, in Europe, from Mensys (Netherlands). Here is how the pricing breaks down:
| Description | IBM List Price | Indelible Blue | Mensys |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM Software Choice for OS/2 Warp Client | $249.00 | $215.27 | $196.49 (UK/US) $199.44 (NL) $196.49 (FR) |
| Software Choice for Warp v4.0 Add'l License | $149.00 | $131.50 | $116.34 |
eComStation
The most intriguing news regarding OS/2 is the new eComStation from Serenity Systems in Texas. Serenity evidently has been able to do what Stardock couldn't do last year: namely, wrestle a contract from IBM to market OS/2 to SOHO customers. The only proviso here, though, seems to be that the name "OS/2" be dropped in favor of a new name, "eComStation" (eCS). Although I can't say I'm a fan of the new name, the strategy is right in terms of giving the operating system a chance to come back to life in another form ("Phoenix" or "Trojan Horse" would have been nice choices).
The most confusing part of eCS is its definition. Serenity's description of the product on their web page is somewhat cloudy. As I understand it, eCS will include OS/2 Warp 4 as per the first Convenience Pak mentioned above, coupled with Serenity's WiseClient, Lotus SmartSuite for OS/2 and IBM's Desktop on-Call. I've also heard something about the Java version of StarOffice from Sun Microsystems being included as well as the last vestiges of the old BonusPak (but I can't verify this yet).
The principal difference between IBM's Convenience Pak and Serenity's eCS as I interpret it, is that the latter is primarily aimed at client-server computing and, as such, small to medium sized businesses. Although IBM's offering can certainly accommodate such businesses, it is more of a "catch-all" product that can also suit standalone users. Further, eCS is bundling in a lot of goodies making it enticing to a lot of people. I don't know if it is true, but I'm also hearing they are considering including elements of Project Odin for support of Win32 applications. This would be a real coup if they did and would wrap up the OS/2 market.
Whereas eComStation represents the client side of the house for Serenity, their "eComServer" product represents the server side and includes the reincarnation of OS/2 Warp Server with several similar embellishments.
A preview edition of eComStation is currently being marketed by Indelible Blue in the USA, Mensys in Europe, Jacaranda Business Systems in Canada, Mati in Mexico and Latin America, and Orion Solutions in Australia,
Users from the Dutch HCC OS/2 user group recently analyzed the preview edition and despite some hiccups found it worthwhile. A formal response to the analysis was also posted as a follow-up.
Marketing eCS is going to be a major task and it will be interesting to see if Serenity is up to the challenge. So far, I'm not impressed. Trying to get hold of someone at Serenity is next to impossible, whether it be by telephone or e-mail. Further, their web page leaves a lot to be desired; leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions, such as:
For more information on eComStation and eComServer, please contact:
WARPSTOCK WRAP-UP
As I indicated, I missed this year's Warpstock held in Philadelphia. However, I heard from a few of the principals of the event, David Ameiss and John Drabik, who gave it high marks for participation (there were about 400 people in attendance), content, enthusiasm, and smoothness of operation. The conference's organizers should be commended, particularly the Philadelphia Area Computer Society (PACS), OS/2 SIG which acted as host for the event. Not surprisingly, the center of attention swirled around this issue of eComStation and the Convenience Packages.
Bid proposals for the 2001 Warpstock are now being accepted and forms can be obtained from the Warpstock web site. I'm hearing rumblings about Austin and Toronto which would be excellent locations for the event.
Let's hope Warpstock Europe was a roaring success too.
Keep the Faith!
Copyright © M&JB 2000
