IBM Solution Developer Support SSSS DDDD PPPP N N EEEEE W W SSSS S D D P P NN N E W W S SSS D D PPPP N N N EEEE W W W SSS S D D P N NN E W W W S SSSS DDDD P N N EEEEE WW WW SSSS ===================================================================== 1996 Issue 8 30 July 1996 ===================================================================== This Newsletter is a compilation of information from the IBM Solution Developer Support World Wide Web Home Page and covers news and events reported since Issue 7 of the SDPnews, June 30, 1996. For more information about the Solution Developer Program, along with the latest news from our members and IBM, please visit our World Wide Web site at: http://www.developer.ibm.com/ There is something for everyone on our Home Page, but some articles are only accessible by registered members of our Solution Developer Program. Take advantage of this Program by registering on-line or contact the IBM Solution Developer Program Hotline via: Internet: ibmsdp@vnet.ibm.com Fax: 1-770-835-9444 Phone (US and Canada): 1-800-627-8363 Phone (Worldwide): 1-770-835-9902 Previous issues of this newsletter can also be found at: http://www.developer.ibm.com/sdp/library/sdpnews/ A full index of IBM Announcement Letters and Press Releases can be found on our IBMLink WWW Server at http://www.ibmlink.ibm.com. =========================================+=========================== ************************************************************ ************************************************************ **** Start Table of Contents ***************************** ************************************************************ ************************************************************ Contents The Table of Contents contains search codes for going directly to items that interest you. Search Codes ------- * Calendar of Events 0796_01 * IBM News 0796_02 # July 30, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_03 IBM Announcement Letters (US) - Document '296-273' IBM Directory and Security Server for OS/2 Warp, Version 4 and DCE/DFS Client for OS/2 Warp, Version 4 # July 30, 1996 ********************************************** 0796_04 Lotus Ships Domino # July 30, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_05 IBM Digital Library Version 1.0 Offers Managed Access and Storage of Multimedia Data # July 30, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_06 IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX Simplifies Document Management # July 29, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_07 Preview: Open Evaluation for IBM Net.Data for OS/2, AIX, and Windows NT # July 29, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_08 Fast and Easy Web Site Development for Intranet and Internet Environments # July 29, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_09 Lotus Notes Release 4.5 to Raise the Bar on Windows NT # July 26, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_10 S/390 Server-on-Board Teleconference # July 25, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_11 Lotus Posts Specification For Internet Calendaring And Scheduling On Web Site For Evaluation # July 23, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_12 VisualAge for COBOL for OS/2 Version 1.2 Increases Productivity and Saves You Development Costs # July 23, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_13 IBM Client Input Output/Sockets Version 2 Rel. 2 Introduces the Application Linker # July 23, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_14 IBM Multimedia Server for AIX, Version 1.1.1 Adds Support for Additional RISC System/6000 Server Models # July 23, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_15 IBM High Availability Cluster Multi-Processing for AIX, Version 4.2 Enhances the Management of Highly Available Sys. # July 23, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_16 IBM Internet Connection Secured Network Gateway for AIX Version 2.2 Enhanced to Further Protect Information Assets # July 23, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_17 LoadLeveler 1.3.0 Accommodates Your Job Scheduling Needs # July 23, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_18 IBM Announces Availability of No-charge Upgrades for RISC System/6000 PowerPC 601 SMP Models # July 16, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_19 Expands IBM's MQSeries Development and Marketing Program # July 16, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_20 Announces Single Sign-On Product & Supports Internet Standards # July 10, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_21 Improved Database Interoperability; New Support for Informix # July 09, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_22 AS/400 Client Access for Windows NT, Beta Code Test Program # July 08, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_23 IBM Developer Support WWW service enhancements # July 03, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_24 Lotus Announces Availability of cc:Mail to Notes Release 4 MigrationTools # July 02, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_25 Join IBM in an OLYMPIC conference call! # July 02, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_26 IBM CMVC for AIX to TeamConnection Upgrade Promotion # July 02, 1996 ********************************************* 0796_27 SofTouch FileStar/2 2.0 for OS/2 availability *********************************************************** *********************************************************** *** End Table of Contents ******************************* *********************************************************** *********************************************************** *********************************************************** *********************************************************** **** Start of Calendar of Events Section ****************** *********************************************************** *********************************************************** Calendar of Events 0796_01 ------------------ Below is a selection of upcoming events of interest to solution developers. Technical Interchange 1997 - See you in St. Louis (Louie). ---- 1996 ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- AUGUST **************************************************** * AIX In Focus '96 (AIF'96) August 5 - 9, Sydney, Australia * The IBM International Storage Symposium August 5 - 9, San Francisco, California * Object Expo/Java Expo August 5 - 9, New York, New York * COMDEX Argentina '96 August 13 - 16, Buenas Aires, Argentina * Object World West August 18 - 22, San Jose, California * 1996 Powersoft User Conference August 18 - 22, Lake Buena Vista, Florida * The 1996 PLATINUM Open Enterprise Technology Summit August 18 - 23, Lake Buena Vista, Flordia * CA-World '96 August 25 - 29, New Orleans, Louisiana * Object World Australia August 27 - 30, Sydney, Australia SEPTEMBER ************************************************* * Macromedia International User Conference September 4 - 5, San Francisco, California * AS/400 Technical Conference September 8 - 12, Anaheim, California * Tivoli Management Conference - TMC '96 (formerly SystemView '96) September 9 - 13, La Hulpe, Belgium * COMDEX Sucesu-SP Brazil '96 September 9 - 13, Sao Paulo, Brazil * Bentley MicroStation FORUM & Exhibition September 16 - 18, Detroit, Michigan * Data Centers of the '90s Technical Conference September 16 - 19, Dallas, Texas * Bentley MicroStation FORUM & Exhibition September 18 - 20, Perth, Western Australia * Object Expo Europe September 23 - 27, London, England * COMDEX Asia at Singapore Informatics '96 September 25 - 27, Singapore * Networking Systems Technical Conference (Now combined with the APPC/APPN Technical Conference) September 30 - October 4, 1996, Anaheim, California OCTOBER *************************************************** * Internet Expo, Web World and EMail World October 1 - 3, Toronto, Canada * Object World Tokyo October 2 - 4, Tokyo, Japan * COMDEX/SCIB '96 October 8 - 10, Montreal, Quebec * Object World Frankfurt October 9 - 11, Frankfurt, Germany * 1996 ColoradOS/2 Conference October 13 - 18, Keystone, Colorado * DB2 and Data Warehouse Technical Confrence October 14 - 18, Miami, Florida * Internet Expo, Web World and EMail World October 15 - 17, Boston, Massachusetts * VM/ESA and VSE/ESA Technical Conference October 16 - 18, Rome, Italy * COMMON - US October 20 - 25, Atlanta, Georgia * 1996 International DB2 Users Group (IDUG) European Conference October 21 - 24, Amsterdam, The Netherlands * MVS Expo and Performance Technical Conference October 21 - 25, Washington, D.C. * 1996 WAVV Conference October 26 - 29, Green Bay, Wisconsin * WINDOWS WORLD/Dallas '96 October 29 - 31, Dallas, Texas NOVEMBER ************************************************** * Oracle OpenWorld - Americas November 3 - 8, San Francisco, California * Transaction & Messaging Congress November 4 - 7, Berlin, Germany * Bentley MicroStation FORUM & Exhibition November 6 - 8, Orlando, Florida * C++ World November 11 - 15, Dallas, Texas * 1996 International DB2 Users Group (IDUG) AP Conference November 13 - 15, Melbourne, Australia * Oracle OpenWorld - Asia/Pacific November 17 - 20, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia * Object Expo Switzerland November 18 - 20, Zurich, Switzerland * COMDEX/Fall '96 November 18 - 22, Las Vegas, Nevada DECEMBER ************************************************* * www.sigs.com/conferences December 2 - 4, Paris, France * IMS Technical Confrence December 2 - 6, Phoenix, Arizona * COMDEX/HispanoAmerica '96 December 4 - 6, Miami Beach, Florida 1997 ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------- * Smalltalk Solutions March 13 - 13, New York, New York * Uniforum '97 March 10 - 14, San Francisco, California *********************************************************** *********************************************************** **** Calendar of Events Section *****************(END)***** *********************************************************** *********************************************************** *********************************************************** 0706_02 *********************************************************** **** Start of IBM NEWS Section **************************** *********************************************************** *********************************************************** ================================================================= 1996 Issue 8 IBM News 30 July 1996 ================================================================= July 30, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_03 ----------------------------------------------------------- IBM Announcement Letters (US) - Document '296-273' IBM Directory and Security Server for OS/2 Warp, Version 4 and DCE/DFS Client for OS/2 Warp, Version 4 Announcement Number: 296-273 At a Glance: IBM Directory & Security Server for OS/2 Warp, Ver. 4 enhances and extends OS/2 LAN Server, Version 4.0, and OS/2 Warp Server, Version 4 by providing: Industry-leading file/print/application server services combined with open, industry-standard, distributed services Simplified administration of distributed resources through an extension of the award-winning OS/2 LAN Server, Version 4.0 GUI Single signon to OS/2 LAN Server, Version 4.0 and OS/2 Warp Server, Version 4 and DCE networks Consistent view of time across the LAN/WAN Increased scalability Improved network security through DCE Access Control Lists (ACLs) Internationalization Foundation for open distributed application development Distributed Services layer of Open Blueprint(TM), IBM's commitment to open distributed computing Client services for DFS Directory and Security Server administration and application development tools DCE Client Including DFS offered as a separately orderable product for customers in heterogeneous environments For ordering, contact: Your IBM representative, an IBM Authorized Business Partner, or IBM DIRECT at 800-IBM-CALL Reference: SE010 Overview The IBM Directory and Security Server for OS/2(R) Warp, Version 4 is now added to the IBM Software Server series. These software servers enable you to rapidly implement client/server applications by using modular server technology that supports multiple server and client platforms. Directory and Security Server delivers two major functions: An enhancement to IBM OS/2 LAN Server, Version 4.0 and OS/2 Warp Server, Version 4 enterprise level facilities with the addition of File and Print Sharing Services An implementation of the Open Software Foundation (OSF) Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) Version 1.1 Directory and Security Server is based on DCE Version 1.1 from the OSF. It easily interoperates and integrates with other products, regardless of vendor or platform, that comply with OSF/DCE V1.1. Directory and Security Server with OS/2 LAN Server, Version 4.0 or OS/2 Warp Server, Version 4 allows file, print, and application sharing across an enterprise. Directory and Security Server is structured to allow OS/2 LAN Server, Version 4.0 and OS/2 Warp Server, Version 4 DCE-enabled File and Print Sharing Services in Directory and Security Server to be installed, along with the required DCE directory and security components, in one simple operation. Also, if you want, you can install only the DCE server components of Directory and Security Server on OS/2 Warp Server, Version 4 or OS/2 LAN Server, Version 4.0 on any version of OS/2 Warp. Directory and Security Server lets you consolidate all of your OS/2 LAN Server, Version 4.0 and OS/2 Warp Server, Version 4 networks into a single network. In other words, Directory and Security Server greatly reduces administrator workload by allowing administrators to manage a single "cell" instead of multiple "domains". Network administrators can now manage every user and every resource across an enterprise-wide network from a single workstation. End users will appreciate being able to easily access any resource in any domain in the Directory and Security Server cell. End users will be able to access any file or printer or application in any domain (provided they are authorized to use that resource) with a single signon. In addition to being components of Directory and Security Server, the DCE Client and the Distributed File System (DFS) Client are offered in a separately orderable product, DCE Client Including DFS for OS/2 Warp, Version 4, for customers who have AIX(R) or third-party DCE Servers and want to include DCE Clients and DFS Clients on OS/2 Warp in their distributed computing environments. Intended Customers Customers interested in the distributed computing functions of directory, security, and remote procedure calls (RPC) including: Enterprise file and print customers UNIX(1) networking customers Cross platform customers Key Prerequisites Hardware -- An Intel-based processor model 80486, or higher, with a minimum Processor speed of 33MHz for all components except the Directory and Security Server Client (Full/Admin), which requires a 66MHz Processor speed. Software -- OS/2 Warp Server, Version 4 with latest FixPack or OS/2 LAN Server 4.0 with OS/2 Warp with latest FixPack July 30, 1996 ************************************************ 0796_04 -------------------------------------------------------------- Lotus Ships Domino Delivers Next Generation Interactive Web Application Server CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 29, 1996 -- Lotus Development Corp. today announced that its Web server technology, code-named &Domino 8, is available free on the World Wide Web for download at http://domino.lotus.com. Domino transforms the Notes Release 4 server into an interactive Web application server. Combining the open networking environment of Internet standards and protocols with the powerful application development facilities of Notes, Domino provides businesses and organizations the ability to rapidly develop a broad range of business solutions for the Internet and intranets. "As customers are taking current Web technologies to their functional limits, they are demanding that their sites provide robust interactivity and collaboration that delivers real business value, said Eileen Rudden, Lotus' senior vice president, communications products development. With Domino, Lotus has quickly responded with a powerful implementation of Web standards that leverages the strengths of Lotus Notes such as workflow, application development and enterprise connectivity. "We have been working with Domino since beta and have been extremely impressed by the ability that it provides to create rich, interactive, Web-based business applications, " said Jim Chaney, Atrium product manager, Innovative Business and Training Solutions, Inc. "With Domino shipping, we have been able to implement a robust Internet solution that extends the services of human resources and payroll through a powerful, dynamic self-service Web Resource Center. Only through Domino, could we provide this level of end-to-end process support that leverages rapid application development, workflow, secure access and information connectivity." Domino enables Web developers to rapidly develop applications that deliver personalized content based on the user's identity and preferences. It can also provide forums for collaboration, extend the reach of legacy and RDBMS systems and streamline and automate daily business activities with workflow processes. Domino is set apart from other Web server technologies by its ability to offer a unique, logical framework for Web application design, development and deployment including: -- Integrated Application Development - Domino provides Web developers with a robust, Web development environment that enables point and click creation of agents, formulas and forms; workflow automation; advanced scripting capabilities; drag and drop page management; imagemap creation; and hotlinking. -- Extensive Enterprise Integration - Domino provides numerous facilities for accessing and integrating relational database and legacy systems with the Web using standards such as ODBC. -- Flexible Security Management - Domino leverages the Notes Access Control model to provide unparalleled security management for Web sites. Web site designers can implement fine-tuned access control down to the field level. Web clients can be authenticated with a name and password managed in the Notes Directory Services. Additionally, Domino supports industry-standard SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), allowing server authentication and encryption of data at the session level. -- Replication - Domino uses Notes robust replication facilities to synchronize mirror sites and distributed intranets. Lotus will also ship a series of application templates to help customers rapidly develop and deploy their Domino-based applications. Application templates include user registration management, threaded discussion and Web-based mail access. Additionally, Lotus' announced line of Net.Apps, ready frameworks of customizable applications for the Internet and intranets, will be built on Domino. Pricing and Availability Domino is available immediately free for download at http://domino.lotus.com. Domino is currently available for Windows NT. Beta versions for Sun Solaris, IBM AIX and HP-UX will be available on the Lotus Web site within 45 days. OS/2 and additional platforms will be forthcoming. Domino requires a Notes Release 4.x Server. Support for Domino is available through the Lotus Services Group, which offers consulting, education and training and a variety of innovative on-line and phone-based support offerings. For information on Domino support, call 1-800-553-4270. Lotus Notes provides an ideal communications infrastructure by combining enterprise-ready, client/server messaging and the global access of the World Wide Web, together with a platform for rapidly developing and deploying strategic groupware applications. Notes enables individuals and organizations to communicate with colleagues, collaborate in teams, and coordinate business processes within and beyond their organizational boundaries to achieve improved business results. Lotus Development Corp., a subsidiary of IBM Corp., offers high quality software products and support services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications that allows information to be accessed and communicated in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. The company also provides numerous support services, both from its consulting division and its award-winning 24-hour support center. Lotus and Lotus Notes are registered trademarks and Notes is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation. All other company names and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. EDITOR'S NOTE: All Lotus news releases are available on the Internet, via the Lotus Development Corp. Home Page at http://www.Lotus.com. This release can also be found at http://domino.lotus.com. The Lotus Home Page is an easy way to find information about Lotus and its business partners' products and services. A copy of this release and other company information is also available via fax by dialing 1-800-57-LOTUS within the U.S. and Canada or 201-946-2336 outside the U.S. and Canada. Questions concerning the service should be directed to Lotus' corporate communications department at 617-693-5625. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. July 30, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_05 ----------------------------------------------------------- IBM Digital Library Version 1.0 Offers Managed Access and Storage of Multimedia Data July 30, 1996 Announcement Number: 296-271 At a Glance The IBM Digital Library is designed to: Enable businesses to exploit their multimedia data throughout their enterprise via Intranet and Internet access as well as through client applications. Provide extensive solution scaling from a single proof-of-concept system to enterprise-wide capability. Provide a single solution to manage a full range of digital content including text, images, audio, and video. Enable any user to quickly search and access all forms of multimedia data which satisfies business needs. Allow businesses to use existing authoring tools and data distribution networks to create and/or reuse applications to access their multimedia data. Overview IBM Digital Library enables solutions which help businesses, institutions, and their clients maximize the value of their information assets while protecting digital intellectual property. IBM Digital Library technology has helped customers around the world provide greater access to their digital assets, and provide for future growth. Each digital library is unique, and this package will allow customers to easily choose from various client and server platforms, and make choices of hardware and software which best suit their application. At the core of the IBM Digital Library storage and management infrastructure are the library and search servers. These servers manage catalog information and provide secured access to the objects held in the collection. Object servers contain the actual digitized content files of a digital library and can distribute that content across an enterprise network for convenient user access. The client (or end user) receives a direct path to the information requested from the collection regardless of where the information is stored. The data contained in the digital library is protected from unauthorized user access. The key to effectively storing and managing information is the enrichment of the digitized objects so that they can be efficiently organized for search. IBM's Digital Library information management features include powerful dynamic search capabilities to locate what you want quickly, accurately, and intuitively. Two other key features of the IBM Digital Library are openness and scalability. IBM Digital Library can be implemented across a full range of server platforms, including OS/2(R), AIX(R), and MVS(R). IBM Digital Library also provides a powerful and scalable technology base that will grow easily as needs grow -- to see projects through from initial production to full-scale implementation. IBM Digital Library offers servers for OS/2, AIX, and MVS/ESA(TM), as well as: A published set of application program interfaces for the following client platforms: Windows+ 95 Windows NT OS/2 AIX IRIX Powerful text search functions, including free text, Boolean, and attribute searches Internet World Wide Web access to your multimedia content Support for the use of video servers for delivery of stream data Interfaces with popular authoring tools and data distribution methods already in use in many customer organizations Image watermarking capabilities for multimedia content owners to enhance the protection of intellectual property rights A starter kit set of functions including sample content and a turnkey Client application to allow for the capture, retrieval, and display of digital assets Intended Customers Customers who want to leverage their digital multimedia assets for a competitive advantage. Key Prerequisites AIX, OS/2, or MVS Operating Environments for Servers, with Windows 95, Windows NT, AIX, IRIX, or OS/2 Clients. July 30, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_06 ----------------------------------------------------------- IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX Simplifies Document Management July 30, 1996 Announcement Number: 296-270 At a Glance IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX: Extends document-management services to a client/server environment for small workgroups as well as large enterprises Manages multiple object types, including spread sheets, graphics, word processing, audio, and video with rapid access to this information Provides a work-management capability to streamline business processes Enables integration of line-of-business applications and complementary offerings, providing functional extensions through an open system design Provides an industrial-strength solution through robust system services Integrates with VisualInfo Version 2.1 and VisualInfo Version 2.1 for MVS/ESA Overview The ImagePlus(R) VisualInfo(TM) Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX(R) is now available as part of the VisualInfo client/server solution. In conjunction with the rest of the VisualInfo solution, the VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX provides a client/server document-management offering that: Simplifies your enterprise's paper-intensive processes Expands your availability of data Increases your responsiveness to your customers' needs With its open design and rich function, ImagePlus VisualInfo is well-suited for a wide spectrum of document-management applications including: Claims Processing Underwriting Records Management Credit Card Application Processing Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable The VisualInfo solution is complemented by the following IBM products: FlowMark(TM) FaxRouter/2 Version 2 ImagePlus Capture Facility/2 ImagePlus Intelligent Forms Facility/2 IBM Services and Business Partner offerings can provide a wide variety of industry-specific or cross-industry business solutions. The VisualInfo Library Server manages a range of documents such as images, graphics, audio, video, spread sheets, and word-processing text. In addition to data, the library stores workflow definitions that may be used by a folder and workflow application to help you organize your work and streamline your business processes. The information is categorized in a library server running on the AIX/6000(R) operating system and stored in the object servers available on OS/2(R) or MVS/ESA(TM), and is accessible through clients for OS/2 and Windows+. Intended Customers Customers who deal with large volumes of paper, high-storage costs, extensive retrieval activity, and whose documents need to be accessed by multiple users at the same time. Key Prerequisites VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX runs with VisualInfo Version 2.1 Object Server and Client functions. VisualInfo Version 2.1 (workstation or MVS(R)) is a prerequisite of VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 for AIX. Planned Availability Date August 2, 1996 Program Number 5765-258 July 29, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_07 ----------------------------------------------------------- Preview: Open Evaluation for IBM Net.Data for OS/2, AIX, and Windows NT July 29, 1996 Announcement Number: 296-272 At a Glance IBM Net.Data Web-enables existing data and provides an integrated environment for developing new Web applications and repurposing client/server business applications to the Web. Performance Management and reuse of active, configurable database connections Closer integration with Web server APIs: IBM Internet Connection Servers, Netscape Servers, Microsoft Internet Information Server Extensibility ODBC access to heterogeneous data sources Optimized features for DB2 Access to stored procedures Access to object-relational data types Java toolset Library of Java applets for client-side function Java-driven visual application builder Class libraries supporting the JDBC API for access to relational and non-relational data Web authoring Template editor for Net.Data applications Evaluation bundle includes early code for NetObjects Fusion, for state-of-the-art Web-sites Lotus Approach 97 with the DB2 Web Sizing Assistant Previews provide insight into IBM plans and direction. General availability, prices, ordering information, and terms and conditions will be provided when the product is announced. Overview IBM Net.Data, an IBM solution for Internet access to relational data and business applications, is ready for your test drive beginning August 1, 1996. Net.Data is part of IBM's end-to-end solution for repurposing client/server applications for the Web. Intended for intranet and Internet application developers, the IBM Net.Data open evaluation will make available a range of powerful Web-enabling and data management products, including IBM's Net.Data, NetObjects Fusion, and Lotus Approach 97, as well as proven performers such as DB2(R), DB2 Extenders, and IBM Internet Connection Servers. Following on the successful introduction of DB2 World Wide Web Connection, IBM Net.Data delivers a new framework for Web applications -- robust support for Web-enablement of traditional and extensible data types, leading-edge Java(1) tools and class libraries, visual builders for dynamic Web applications, closer integration with Web server platforms for high performance, and live connectivity from the Web to your business data sources. IBM intends to introduce Net.Data on multiple platforms, beginning with OS/2(R), AIX(R), and Windows+ NT, and expanding to include OS/390(TM), AS/400(R), Sun Solaris, HP-UX, and other open platforms. More information on delivery will be available at a later date. IBM Net.Data builds on the data access enabled with DB2 WWW Connection. Net.Data delivers ODBC connectivity to heterogeneous data, both IBM and non-IBM sources, and intends to publish an API for customized applications written in any programming language. Additions include the ability to reach data in stored procedures and in new extended data types. Applications written in other programming languages, such as C++, Java, Perl, and REXX, can be enabled to the Web using Net.Data. It also supports a rich macro language that allows Web application customization, and extends the capability of HTML variable substitution for easier application building. On August 1, 1996, IBM Net.Data will begin an open evaluation on the AIX, OS/2, and Windows NT platforms. More evaluation platforms will be added at a later date, and more function will be included with refreshes of the evaluation code. IBM Net.Data for OS/2, AIX, and Windows NT will begin an open evaluation period on August 1, 1996, for Internet client/server application developers, vendors, and resellers who want an early opportunity to work with leading-edge Internet and data management tools from IBM and IBM partners. Evaluation-level code will be made available for the following: IBM Net.Data for OS/2, AIX, and Windows NT; Lotus Approach 97 for Windows, which includes a Net.Data Web application generator; and NetObjects Fusion, a new Web site building tool. For the month of August, while supplies last, participants in the United States will also receive a limited-use copy of the IBM Cross-Platform Developers Kit for DB2, which includes the IBM Database Server for DB2 and DB2 Extenders for OS/2, AIX, and Windows NT. Participants also can download IBM's base Internet Connection Servers at no charge and try-buy copies of the Internet Connection Secure Servers from the IBM Web site. Participants will be able to download the evaluation code for IBM Net.Data and for NetObjects Fusion from the World Wide Web. The evaluation code for NetObjects Fusion will time-out thirty days after installation. Registration for the IBM Net.Data download will trigger delivery of the additional complementary products on CD-ROM. To proceed with registration and download, look for the IBM Software homepage at this Internet address: http://www.software.ibm.com On the Software page, look for a link to Net.Data from either the Data Management products area or the Download Software area. July 29, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_08 ----------------------------------------------------------- July 29, 1996 Fast and Easy Web Site Development for Intranet and Internet Environments ARMONK, NY, and REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA, July 29, 1996 . . . IBM and NetObjects today announced an agreement that will enable IBM to resell NetObjects Fusion**, a new software application that brings a dynamic visual, site-oriented approach to building Web sites. Under the terms of the agreement, IBM and its business partners will be able to sell NetObjects Fusion as a stand-alone product as well as bundle it with IBM's data management and Internet-enabling software. This agreement combines the strengths of NetObject's Web site building tool with IBM's rich set of data management and Internet-enabling software to help developers easily and quickly build compelling Web sites. When used together, these offerings provide an ideal way for companies to take existing client/server applications and extend them to the Web. The two companies are also exploring potential joint development opportunities. "With this agreement, IBM and NetObjects are increasing the value that the Internet and intranets can have for our customers and development partners," said Patricia Sueltz, vice president, Internet software, IBM Internet Division. "Our two companies have great tools for building exciting Web sites and enabling customers to easily leverage their existing investments in applications, data and programming skills. These are crucial capabilities that get right to the heart of what makes the Internet so compelling for business." The first result of the agreement is a beta version of a new bundled solution for Web application developers. It includes: * NetObjects Fusion Web site building software; * DB2 for Windows NT** -- IBM's object relational database server for the NT platform; * DB2 Software Developers Kit; and * IBM Net.Data (the follow-on to DB2 WWW Connection) -- enables secure access to DB2 and other business data and applications from the Web. "This bundle of IBM technology with NetObjects Fushion is all about easy Web site building and repurposing client/server applications on intranets and Internets," said Tim Negris, vice president, sales and marketing for IBM Software. "Programmers skilled in Visual Basic and SQL can now actively participate in the dynamic world of Web-based applications. Our joint offerings will also have wide appeal to the new breed of cyber-VARs, who are finding enormous opportunity in providing thin-client applications." "In IBM, we have found a partner that is seriously committed to integrating the Internet into business by providing complete solutions to enterprises worldwide," said Samir Arora, CEO of NetObjects. "The winning combination of our site-oriented software and IBM's legendary understanding of business customer needs will enable developers and Webmasters to truly unleash the potential of the Internet." NetObjects Fusion is the first smart Web site building software application that integrates automated site building, professional-quality design and data publishing. Early users have found that NetObjects Fusion's visual, site-oriented approach makes building sophisticated Web sites much easier and faster. IBM plans to resell the NetObjects Fusion software through both its direct and indirect sales forces, including IBM BESTeam Value Added Reseller (VAR) members and IBM Business Partners. IBM plans to distribute the NetObjects Fusion software electronically as well as through channel sales. Beta Bundle Availability During the month of August, Web site developers can join an IBM open beta program to obtain evaluation copies of the NetObjects Fusion, DB2 for Windows NT, DB2 Software Developer Kit and Net.Data components of the bundle for the Windows NT platform. To register, developers should go to the following Web site: http://www.software.ibm.com. IBM Software IBM, the world's largest software provider, creates, develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services and technologies through the World Wide Web. The IBM home page is at http://www.ibm.com. The fastest and easiest way to get information about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com. NetObjects NetObjects, a privately-held company headquartered in Woodside, California, is developing a family of products that will enable Web site builders to dramatically improve the design, authoring, publishing and updating of Web sites. NetObjects Fusion is the industry's first smart Web site building application that integrates automated site building, data management and professional-quality design. Founded in 1995, NetObjects is funded by Norwest Venture Capital, Venrock Associates and private investors, and was just named one of Fortune magazine's 25 Cool Companies of 1996. For more information, access to NetObjects' Web site is as www.netobjects.com * Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines. ** Indicates trademark or registered trademark of NetObjects, Inc. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. July 29, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_09 ----------------------------------------------------------- Lotus Notes Release 4.5 to Raise the Bar on Windows NT July 29, 1996 CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 29, 1996 -- Lotus Development Corp. today announced several major enhancements for Lotus Notes Release 4.5, surpassing competitors, including Microsoft Exchange, in integration with the Microsoft Windows NT operating system. The enhancements include: single password login, utilizing the same user information between both systems; directory synchronization with NT, providing bi-directional user management; NT event logging, allowing Notes events to be logged, and in turn, managed through the NT event log; and support for Microsoft,s Systems Management Server (SMS), providing software distribution and update capabilities from an NT server. This enhanced integration, combined with Notes enhancements including SMP support and SNMP management agents, provides administrators with the ability to better manage an organization's messaging infrastructure including users, applications, events and software distribution. This makes Notes the most robust enterprise messaging and Internet application platform for Windows NT. Lotus' announcement coincides with the expected shipment this week of Microsoft Windows NT 4.0. "Notes already bests Exchange in Internet integration, application development, scalability, security, SNMP-based management, cross-platform support, replication and mobile use, as well as sophisticated mail features," said Eileen Rudden, senior vice president, communications products development, Lotus Development Corp. "Now with these latest NT integration features, we've moved from a model NT application to a killer application for anyone standardizing on an NT infrastructure." Notes 4.5 Enhanced Features Notes Release 4.5 adds four new areas of integration with Windows NT that make it easier for administrators to manage Notes users on NT. In previous releases, Notes administrators were required to create a separate user ID and password for every Notes user in addition to the user account and password that was created for the NT network. The integrated login in Notes 4.5 will enable the NT service to take the NT password and, when Notes is launched, feed that password securely to Notes, thereby unlocking the Notes ID file. This allows users to login to both the NT network and Notes with one action. In contrast, Exchange offers single login support to only those NT users who choose not to use advanced messaging features like digital signatures and message encryption. In addition, Notes administrators will be able to perform secure, bi-directional user management between Notes and NT, a capability unavailable to Exchange administrators. By linking entries in the Notes Name and Address Book with entries in the NT directory, the deletion or addition of a Notes user also will make the same change in the NT directory and vice versa. Exchange management of user creation or deletion can only be performed from the NT User Manager not the Exchange Administrator. Due to the integrated login, management of Notes users is done with all the Notes user attributes intact such as digital signature/message encryption functionality. Microsoft Exchange relies on third party security for digital signature and message encryption support which requires an additional, non-synchronized password to the NT password. The third area of Notes integration enhancement lies in event management/tracking. With the new capability, Notes logs events such as replication occurrences or failures in either the Notes or NT logging facilities so that events can be tracked and managed from one central access point. Exchange events are only logged in the NT logging facility. Finally, support for Microsoft's Systems Management Server (SMS) installation is being developed for Notes. When implemented with the core product, SMS will enable Notes administrators to distribute and update software to the client without any action on the part of the end user. Previous NT Support The new enhancements to Notes NT integration continue the efforts to integrate Notes as tightly as possible with the platforms that it supports. NT enhancements since the launch of Release 4 include: --Performance Monitor support provides the ability for Notes, as an NT Service to be managed by NT. --Full Symmetric Multiprocessing support with the ability to support in excess of 1700 concurrent users on one server with no degradation of performance. Notes also has the ability to scale up to six processors, as opposed to Exchange which reportedly leverages only two processors. --Management of the Notes network on any platform through SNMP Agents which are now included with the Notes server. The Notes SNMP agents allow Notes servers to be managed using any SNMP-based management tool. Microsoft does not offer SNMP support in Exchange. --Support for NT on hardware platforms running Intel as well as Digital',s Alpha. --Integrated Remote Access Server (RAS) support which provides Notes the ability to access network resources remotely. Lotus Notes provides an ideal communications infrastructure by combining enterprise-ready, client/server messaging and the global access and distribution of the World Wide Web, together with a platform for rapidly developing and deploying strategic groupware applications. Notes enables individuals and organizations to communicate with colleagues, collaborate in teams, and coordinate business processes within and beyond their organizational boundaries to achieve improved business results. Lotus Notes supports all major operating systems: IBM OS/2 Warp, Apple Mac OS, UNIX platforms including IBM AIX, Sun Solaris, and HP-UX, and Microsoft Windows and Windows NT. Notes is also available as a NetWare loadable module for the Novell environment. Lotus Development Corporation, founded in 1982, is a subsidiary of IBM Corporation. Lotus offers high quality software products and services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications that allow users to access and communicate information in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. Lotus now markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide and provides numerous professional consulting, support and education services through the Lotus Services Group. Lotus and Lotus Notes are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. EDITOR'S NOTE: All Lotus news releases are available on the Internet, via the Lotus Development Corp. Home Page at http://www.Lotus.com The Lotus Home Page is an easy way to find information about Lotus and its business partners' products and services A copy of this release and other company information is also available via fax by dialing 1-800-57-LOTUS within the U.S. and Canada or 201-946-2336 outside the U.S. and Canada. Questions concerning the service should be directed to Lotus' corporate communications department at 617-693-5625. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. July 26, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_10 ----------------------------------------------------------- S/390 Server-on-Board Teleconference IBM RISC System/6000 with S/390 Server-on-Board Teleconference With the announcement in Canada and the United States of the IBM RISC System/6000 with S/390 Server-on-Board, we are providing you an opportunity to listen to some in-depth details on this fantastic offering. S/390 Partners in Development is also offering a great Quick-To-Market program that can save you thousands of dollars! We invite you to a teleconference which you can listen to directly from the convenience of your own office. Kevin Leahy, IBM System/390 Product Manager responsible for the RISC System/6000 and S/390 server-on-board, will be your guest speaker. All you need to do is dial the telephone number indicated, mention the name of the tele-conference, and give the password. We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about this development server. The agenda will cover: Introduction to IBM's S/390 platform S/390 Partners in Development offering RISC System/6000 product overview Commercial pricing CD-ROM pre-built software Questions & answers Date: Wednesday, August 7, 1996 Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT (New York time) Telephone 1-800-857-9500 (Canada & United States) Numbers: 1-847-294-1040 (International) Password: R390 July 25, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_11 ----------------------------------------------------------- Lotus Posts Specification For Internet Calendaring And Scheduling On Web Site For Evaluation July 25, 1996 Working With Other Industry Vendors to Create an Open Standard to Enable Calendaring and Scheduling Across Intranets and the Internet Through Multi-Product Interoperability CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 24, 1996 -- Lotus Development Corp. today announced the availability of the Internet Calendar Access Protocol (ICAP) specification for Internet calendaring and scheduling on Lotus' Web site for evaluation by customers and Internet users. Lotus designed ICAP for consideration by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the protocol engineering and development arm of the Internet. ICAP would allow clients and servers to exchange calendaring and scheduling (C&S) information over TCP/IP networks, enabling users to browse calendars where access is permitted, schedule meetings, and view free times for other users. This would create seamless C&S interoperability across corporate intranets and the Internet using a wide variety of C&S products. ICAP, co-authored by Clear Blue Network Systems Inc., will be a key technology focus of the Internet Calendaring Summit, held today in Mountain View, Calif., where Lotus will work together with other Internet vendors to define and submit standards for calendaring and scheduling on the Internet. Once specifications have been agreed upon by the vendors, they will submit proposals to the IETF. "Lotus is committed to support any and all open standards that are agreed upon and accepted by the IETF. Lotus is a leader in calendaring and scheduling technology serving 17 million users and we are offering our expertise through ICAP," said Eileen Rudden, senior vice president Communications Products Division. "With Notes Domino technology and initiatives such as ICAP, Lotus is working to deliver customers greater interoperability on the Internet and will continue to show strong commitment through active participation in this process. We are looking to customers and Internet users for their feedback on ICAP as we work to refine our specification." "Broad agreement on a proposed Internet standard will benefit users and ensure interoperability of Internet calendaring and scheduling products from many companies," said Anik Ganguly, president of FTP OnTime and organizer of the proposed IETF Working Group. The ICAP specification is designed to complement existing Internet standards and to support a wide variety of C&S products from group schedulers to personal information managers. Adherence to the specification would allow users to browse and look for free times in other users' calendars providing proper access is granted; to schedule meetings with other users; to conduct on-line searches of calendar information; and to selectively retrieve calendar information based on date ranges minimizing the amount of network traffic between the client and the server. The ICAP specification is available for evaluation on Lotus' Web site at http://www.lotus.com/calendar/. In addition to Lotus' work on the ICAP specification and its participation in the Internet Calendaring Summit, the company will deliver support for the Versit vCard and vCalendar specifications in upcoming releases of Lotus Organizer, the company's leading personal information manager. vCard support will allow users to exchange information in the Organizer Address section with other applications that support the vCard standard. vCalendar support in Organizer will allow for easy calendar data exchange between any other application that also supports vCalendar and Organizer. Versit is a consortium, founded in 1994 by Apple, AT&T, IBM, and Siemens to promote interoperability across platforms within the computer and telephony industries. Working with a number of other companies, Versit has defined an electronic business card format (vCard) and is also currently working on an electronic calendar and scheduling format (vCalendar) for the exchange of meeting events and to-dos. Lotus Development Corporation, founded in 1982, is a subsidiary of IBM Corporation. Lotus offers high quality software products and services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications that allow users to access and communicate information in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. Lotus now markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide and provides numerous professional consulting, support and education services through the Lotus Services Group. Lotus and Lotus Notes are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. EDITOR'S NOTE: All Lotus news releases are available on the Internet, via the Lotus Development Corp. Home Page at http://www.Lotus.com The Lotus Home Page is an easy way to find information about Lotus and its business partners' products and services A copy of this release and other company information is also available via fax by dialing 1-800-57-LOTUS within the U.S. and Canada or 201-946-2336 outside the U.S. and Canada. Questions concerning the service should be directed to Lotus' corporate communications department at 617-693-5625. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. July 23, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_12 ----------------------------------------------------------- VisualAge for COBOL for OS/2 Version 1.2 Increases Productivity and Saves You Development Costs July 23, 1996 Announcement Number: 296-260 At a Glance VisualAge for COBOL for OS/2 Version 1.2: Extends COBOL to the desktop and client/server environments Offers object-oriented language technology Provides a variety of development tools which can increase productivity Takes advantage of the existing code and skill base in your organization to more quickly implement new technology Offers Redeveloper tools for the Year 2000 challenge Offers Test tools to help you improve the code quality and productivity in test activities Overview IBM VisualAge(TM) for COBOL for OS/2(R) delivers the popular COBOL language with object-oriented extensions and a comprehensive set of visual programming tools to help you build powerful host, workstation, or advanced client/server applications. VisualAge for COBOL for OS/2 Version 1.2 is packaged as three separately orderable offerings: VisualAge for COBOL, Standard for OS/2 includes the compiler, run time, visual builder, debugger, LPEX editor, performance analyzer, and assistant tools. Version 1.2 includes enhancements for program optimization, DB2(R) SQL co-processor support, and native support for Oracle and Sybase databases. VisualAge for COBOL, Professional for OS/2 includes all of the features of the Standard edition and adds a new set of Redeveloper tools. VisualAge for COBOL, Test for OS/2 includes powerful tools that make application test activities more productive. These test tools can help you improve software quality and shorten the development cycle. The new Redeveloper tools help you better understand, maintain, and reuse your new and existing inventory of COBOL applications. The Redeveloper tools help you: Understand the resources, structure, and flow of your COBOL applications Understand your COBOL program logic, control flow, and data flow Upgrade existing applications by converting and structuring programs to newer levels of COBOL The new Test tools help you improve the quality of your COBOL applications and save time and cost for test activities. The new Test tools help you: Prepare test drivers and data for your COBOL program, execute unit tests and check the results and path coverage Automate keystrokes and mouse operations to test application programs through its user interface Manage and share information related to test activities, such as test case descriptions, scripts, results, and schedules. You can use VisualAge for COBOL to help identify, locate, and change code affected by the Year 2000 problem. VisualAge for COBOL provides help with both new and existing code. When you write new programs, intrinsic functions help you define four-digit years. For existing code, use VisualAge for COBOL, Professional to help identify, locate, and understand each specific Year 2000 problem and use the editor, compiler, and debug tool to correct the problem. Use VisualAge for COBOL, Test to verify your new and redeveloped applications. With VisualAge for COBOL for OS/2, you can use your existing COBOL code and skill base to upgrade your applications and enhance them for use on other platforms and with new technologies. As a direct result, you can save development costs and increase productivity because of the minimal need to retrain your employees, and more quickly implement new technologies that give your business a competitive advantage in your marketplace heading into the Year 2000 and beyond. Note: IBM's VisualAge products and services are not associated with or sponsored by Visual Edge Software, Ltd. Planned Availability Date: July 31, 1996 Intended Customers COBOL developers. Key Prerequisites VisualAge for COBOL for OS/2 Version 1.2 can be used with OS/2 Warp Version 3 or later. July 23, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_13 ----------------------------------------------------------- IBM Client Input Output/Sockets Version 2 Release 2 Introduces the Application Linker July 23, 1996 Announcement Number: 296-256 (Corrected on August 8, 1996) ESL one-time charge added for Optional Tape Server feature. At a Glance The major benefits of IBM Client Input Output/Sockets include: Communication at high speeds between MVS/ESA and AIX/6000(R) systems, and between AIX/6000 systems File and data serving using distributed processing Reduced CPU use, compared to TCP/IP data transfers Access to remote tape drives on MVS or RISC System/6000(R) Interfaces that are available in C and FORTRAN Reduced DASD use for intermediate data files through the Cross System Pipe Link Standards-based/transparent interfaces New for IBM Client Input Output/Sockets Version 2 Release 2: The IBM Client Input Output/Sockets Application Linker (CLALINK) which facilitates establishing pipe connections and using these pipes with applications to achieve data and database loads, using an intuitive, easy-to-use front-end to manipulate and display applications initiated by CLALINK. For ordering, contact: Your IBM representative, an IBM Authorized Business Partner, or IBM DIRECT at 800-IBM-CALL Reference: YE010 Overview IBM Client Input Output/Sockets is a data transfer protocol consisting of a set of programs and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that provide high-speed file and data transfer, and also provides access to tape devices on a network of RS/6000(TM) and IBM Scalable POWERparallel(R) Systems platforms and MVS/ESA(TM) systems. IBM Client Input Output/Sockets makes it easier to distribute work and data across such a network. The highlight of IBM Client Input Output/Sockets Version 2 Release 2 is a new, easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI), the IBM Client Input Output/Sockets Application Linker. This linker lets users build cross-system pipe applications to rapidly transfer data between AIX(R) systems or between AIX and MVS(R) systems, facilitating tasks such as database splitting, data transmission from one system to another, then subsequent reloading, complex multi-step procedures, in addition to current file transfer capabilities. The Application Linker makes defining applications and their pipe connections easier because all components, applications, pipes, and pipe links are graphically displayed and manipulated through the graphical user interface. The Application Linker GUI also enables centralized control of all cross-system pipe applications because you can build, run, and monitor multiple pipe applications from the same workstation. In addition to the Application Linker GUI, IBM Client Input Output/Sockets Version 2 Release 2 also provides a command line interface for a subset of Application Linker functions that can be used with pipes and applications previously configured with the GUI. Both the Application Linker GUI and command line interface are available for the AIX 4.1 environment only. Other enhancements to IBM Client Input Output/Sockets for this release include: The ftp (CLFTP) and pipe link (CLPLINK) functions now allow you to: Concatenate a list of input tapes or files. Begin processing at a specific offset within a tape or file. Specify a stride jump and stride count for each read operation. Specify that a user-written translation or I/O program be used. Create symbolic names for data transfer paths, rather than having to explicitly specify each node. CLPLINK also now allows you to: Recover from pipe link failures. Pause and resume a pipe link. Intended Customers Customers who have IBM RS/6000, IBM Scalable POWERparallel Systems(R), and MVS/ESA systems who have the need to transfer large amounts of data and/or share tape resources between the platforms. It is especially appropriate for use in data mining applications. Key Prerequisites IBM Client Input Output/Sockets uses a Block Multiplexer Channel Adapter or an ESCON(R) interface to achieve the high-speed data transfers. Therefore the appropriate channels, cables, and device drivers are required. The new Application Linker function requires AIX Version 4 Release 1 (5765-393). Planned Availability Date: October, 18, 1996 Program Number: 5648-129 July 23, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_14 ----------------------------------------------------------- IBM Multimedia Server for AIX, Version 1.1.1 Adds Support for Additional RISC System/6000 Server Models July 23, 1996 Announcement Number: 296-253 At a Glance The Multimedia Server for AIX, Version 1.1.1 provides multimedia server software support to the RISC System/6000 family of workstations. The Multimedia Server for AIX, Version 1.1.1 also: Offers desktop clients the use of many of the latest multimedia players, which require no special multimedia server code Supports the following industry-standard LANs: Ethernet Token-Ring FDDI ATM 155 Mbps adapter (59H and G30/G40) Offers product choices in different performance categories Adapts to the following existing and newly announced hardware/software offerings, providing high capability and scalability: Model 7024-E20 Model 7024-E30 Model 7025-F30 Model 7013-59H Model 7012-G30 Model 7012-G40 AIX Operating System 4.1.4, and later Offers desktop clients the advantage of real-time, online access to the digitized information in the multimedia server's file system For ordering, contact: Your IBM representative, an IBM Authorized Business Partner, or IBM DIRECT at 800-IBM-CALL Reference: RE010 Overview IBM Multimedia Server for AIX(R) delivers multiple audio and video data streams from specific RISC System/6000(R) hardware servers to PC and workstation clients over LANs. Multimedia Server for AIX, Version 1.1.1 adds support for the following RISC System/6000 server models: 7024-E30 7025-F30 7012-G40 ATM 155 Mbps adapter (the 59H and G30/G40 only), with support to ATM clients SSA DASD (59H and G30/G40 only) Multimedia Server for AIX, Version 1.1.1 offers customers a user-friendly product that delivers uninterrupted multimedia data to PCs and workstation clients running an AIX, OS/2(R), Macintosh, or Windows+ operating system. Desktop clients access the multimedia data using industry-standard Network File System (NFS) support. Existing desktop applications can play and control audio and video files from a remote server. Depending on the platform selected, the Multimedia Server for AIX, Version 1.1.1 configurations have the capability to support up to 62 simultaneous streams of 1.2Mbits of multimedia data. Intended Customers This new server solution, which was designed for the distribution of compressed audio and video data, is ideal for multimedia classroom instruction, incorporating text, images, audio, and video content for use in digital libraries, and much more. Key Prerequisites Hardware One of the following RISC System/6000 Server platforms: Models 7024-E20, 7024-E30, 7025-F30, 7013-59H, 7012-G30, or 7012-G40 Minimum of 128MB random access memory One or more supported Ethernet, token-ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), or ATM adapters Two or more supported SCSI-2 hard disks dedicated to media storage Software AIX Version 4.1.4, or later, Base Operating System Server Code IBM Multimedia Server for AIX (#5697-213) July 23, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_15 ----------------------------------------------------------- IBM High Availability Cluster Multi-Processing for AIX, Version 4.2 Enhances the Management of Highly Available Systems July 23, 1996 Announcement Number: 296-252 (Corrected on August 8, 1996) In the Key Prerequisites section, additional information is added. In the Overview and Description sections, RISC System 6000/7024 Model F30 is corrected to RISC System/6000 7024 Model E30. In the Description section, Support for New Hardware, and Technical Information section, HACMP 4.2 Device Support, additional information is added to 2989 Turboways 155 ATM Adapter. In the Technical Information section, Limitations section, Environmental Conditions, additional information is added. At a Glance HACMP 4.2 offers the Dynamic Reconfiguration and CSPOC facilities to help eliminate the most common causes of planned outages in HACMP clusters and approach non-stop cluster operation. Standard features include: Capability to add or delete nodes, disks, or networks to a cluster without stopping and then restarting the cluster Capability to perform significant system management tasks for a two-node cluster from a single console as easily as if the two nodes were a single AIX system Support for new Peripheral Computer Interface (PCI) and Micro Channel (MCA) server systems F30, G40, J40, R40, and R4U Support for new adapters, disk devices, and storage subsystems For ordering, contact: Your IBM representative, an IBM Authorized Business Partner, or IBM DIRECT at 800-IBM-CALL Reference: RE010 Overview IBM High Availability Cluster Multi-Processing for AIX(R), Version 4.2 (HACMP 4.2) significantly advances the ease of configuration and systems management of high availability systems for RISC System/6000(R) customers. With the addition of the new Dynamic Reconfiguration facility, customers will no longer have to stop their cluster to add or remove processors, adapters, or networks. Using administrative interfaces, these activities can now be performed on an active HACMP cluster. Dynamic Reconfiguration can also be used to change the failover behavior of the cluster without disrupting current operations. The new Cluster Single Point of Control (CSPOC) facility allows customers to perform common cluster administration tasks from either node in a two-node cluster, regardless of the current ownership of cluster resources. CSPOC provides for easier management of users and groups, of HACMP starts and stops, and of shared volume groups and the logical volumes and file systems that they contain. The Dynamic Reconfiguration and CSPOC facilities help eliminate the most common causes of planned outages in HACMP clusters. These enhancements to HACMP allow cluster configurations to be modified without cluster stops and restarts, helping the customer approach non-stop cluster operation. The following hardware is now supported for use with HACMP 4.2: IBM RISC System/6000 7024 Model E30 IBM RISC System/6000 7012 Model G40 IBM RISC System/6000 7013 Model J40 IBM RISC System/6000 7015 Model R40 IBM RISC System/6000 7015 Model Upgrade R4U Network Terminal Accelerator Adapter (#2402) Network Terminal Accelerator Adapter (#2403) Ethernet/FDX 10 Mbps TP/AUI MC Adapter (#2992) Ethernet BNC MC Adapter (#2993) IBM 7319 Model 110 Fibre Channel Switch 16/1063 Fibre Channel Adapter/1063 (#1904) IBM SCSI-2 Fast/Wide Adapter/A (#2415) IBM 7027 Model HSC High Capacity Storage Drawer IBM 7027 Model HSD High Capacity Storage Drawer Enhanced IBM 7137 Disk Array Subsystem TURBOWAYS(TM) 155 ATM Adapter (#2989) IBM Scalable POWERparallel(R) Switch Adapter (#4020) Intended Customers Customers who require higher levels of application availability than can be achieved through a stand-alone server Customers who must scale in performance greater than a single stand-alone server Key Prerequisites AIX Version 4.1.4 or AIX Version 4.2 RS/6000 Servers with at least four slots: six are recommended Multi-tailed Disk Support through IBM Multi-tailed Disks (SCSI, RAID, SSA) Network support (Ethernet, Token-Ring, FDDI, ATM, Fibre Channel) Minimum of two LAN connections Planned Availability Dates September 13, 1996, AIX Version 4.1.4 October 25, 1996, AIX Version 4.2 July 23, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_16 ----------------------------------------------------------- IBM Internet Connection Secured Network Gateway for AIX Version 2.2 Enhanced to Further Protect Information Assets July 23, 1996 Announcement Number: 296-258 At a Glance Internet Connection Secured Network Gateway: Keeps users in your own network from freely exchanging information with users outside your network. Keeps users outside your network from coming in to compromise or attack your network. Enhancements in Version 2.2 include: FTP to Telnet access from either the secure or non-secure network. Inclusion of an API which customers can use to support their favorite authentication scheme. Support for RealAudio transport proxy. Encoding of messages updated to conform to IETF RFCs 1825-1829. Support for Sendmail 8.7.2. Network Address Translation (NAT). For ordering, contact: Your IBM representative, an IBM Authorized Business Partner, or IBM DIRECT at 800-IBM-CALL Reference: RE010 Overview IBM has expanded its family of Internet Connection products to include the enhanced Secured Network Gateway for AIX(R). The Internet Connection Secured Network Gateway is a firewall that gives you a secure internal network that can have limited exchanges with users outside, in the Internet, but is very selective in who it will let in. It isolates your internal network from other networks in the Internet and provides typical TCP/IP applications (such as FTP and Telnet) that access hosts outside the secure network by protecting the secure network. The IBM firewall acts as a barrier between your network and the rest of the Internet. Additionally, IBM's firewall product is a component of IBM's SecureWay(TM) family of offerings. This firewall also includes software developed by the University of California, Berkeley and its contributors. There are several ways a firewall can protect your network. A firewall can provide screening services that deny or grant access based on such things as user name, host name, and TCP/IP protocol. A firewall can also provide a variety of services that let authorized users through while keeping unauthorized users out. All communications between your network and the Internet appear to end at the firewall. The outside world will not be able to see the structure of your network. Access to enterprise data is secured. In order to control access between your network and the Internet and to facilitate authorized transactions, the Internet Connection Secured Network Gateway program provides these services and barriers: Proxy or application gateways for FTP and Telnet Virtual Private Networks Filtering of IP packets forwarded between adapters Log Monitor Domain Name Service Mail Handler Secure Remote Administration Secure Card Support (SDI, Digital Pathways) User Supplied Authentication Network Address Translation (NAT) For information regarding IBM Internet Connection Servers Version 4.1, and IBM Internet Connection Secure Servers Version 4.1 for AIX, OS/2(R) Warp, Windows+ 95, Solaris, and HP-UX, refer to Software Announcement 296-239, dated June 25, 1996 (Internet Secure Servers Version 4.1). Intended Customers Banking, government, financial, health care, research, and other industries that deal in sensitive or proprietary information. Key Prerequisites The Internet Connection Secured Network Gateway requires the following hardware configuration: System Unit A RISC System/6000(R) including IBM Power Series(TM) Family with AIX Version 4.1.4 or 4.2 of AIX operating systems. Communication Hardware Any communication hardware adapter supported by the TCP/IP protocol stack to make network connections. In order to be effective as a firewall program, Internet Connection Secured Network Gateway must have two network adapters: One network adapter connects the secure, internal network that the firewall protects. The other network adapter connects the non-secure, outside network or Internet. To install and use Internet Connection Secured Network Gateway, you must have the following programs installed: IBM AIX/6000(R) Version 4.1.4 or 4.2. Planned Availability Date: July 26, 1996 Program Number 84H1241 July 23, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_17 ----------------------------------------------------------- LoadLeveler 1.3.0 Accommodates Your Job Scheduling Needs July 23, 1996 Announcement Number: 296-254 At a Glance LoadLeveler 1.3.0: Introduces a new application programming interface (API) that allows you to disable the native LoadLeveler scheduling algorithm and enable an alternate scheduling algorithm. Provides improved stability, reliability, and scalability using a common daemon framework with multi-threaded processes and object-oriented technologies. It means LoadLeveler is better able to handle network and system outages without losing information. Includes new parameters for the scheduling algorithm. The SYSPRIO (system priority) expression, which determines the overall priority of jobs and how they are scheduled in the system, can utilize additional information. Utilizes new features that provide better control and easier administration. New keywords include: maxidle, maxjobs for a class and wall_clock_limit. A drain by class function has been added. A new job state (NotQueued) has been introduced. More information on why a selected list of jobs remain in the Idle, Deferred, Hold or NotQueued state is provided. Enhances the graphical user interface (GUI) to allow primary and secondary sorting on and customization of the Jobs and Machines windows; use of wildcards in selection fields; and sorting and selecting actions against a group. Enhances Interactive Session Support (ISS) to improve reliability, scalability and performance, providing support for secondary nameservers, monitoring the servers for availability and allowing limits to be set for maximum machine workload. For ordering, contact: Your IBM representative, an IBM Authorized Business Partner, or IBM DIRECT at 800-IBM-CALL Reference: RE010 Overview LoadLeveler(R) 1.3.0 is focused on parallel job management, interactive workload management, ease of use, reliability and availability. LoadLeveler 1.3.0 is a versatile workload management system for serial, and parallel batch jobs and interactive sessions on the RS/6000(TM) Scalable POWERparallel(R) Systems (SP(TM)), IBM RISC System/6000(R) family and clusters of workstations using the UNIX(1) operating system. LoadLeveler 1.3.0 allows the end user to: View individual systems as a single computational resource Dispatch jobs and balance the workload across various systems in the network Run more jobs in less time by matching processing needs to available resources LoadLeveler 1.3.0 provides an easy to use Graphical User Interface (GUI) for building, submitting and processing jobs, allowing end-users and administrators to view the status of jobs and machines on line. Interactive sessions can be balanced according to your policies. Multiple pools of servers can be configured to handle different types of interactive workload by configuring each pool to use customized metrics to distribute the workload evenly across all the servers in a pool, often directing interactive users to the most lightly loaded nodes. The primary benefits of LoadLeveler 1.3.0 include: Maximizing Hardware Investment -- studies consistently show that desktop cycles are often unused during off-peak hours. Using LoadLeveler 1.3.0 can significantly increase the return on investment by utilizing spare cycles of existing hardware. Single Point of Control for Job Management -- represents a critical piece of the entire Systems Management strategy. End-users and administrators use the same tool to build, submit and manage jobs. A single scheduler manages the entire compute resource. Scalability -- as the number of nodes grow, LoadLeveler 1.3.0 design handles the transition appropriately, capable of scheduling thousands of jobs on hundreds of nodes. High Availability -- the central manager can automatically recover on another designated machine, enabling jobs to be processed even if individual machines fail. Multi-platform Support -- has releases that support UNIX platforms; Sun SPARCstation, Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI) and Hewlett-Packard (HP) Systems. Intended Customers The primary consideration in selecting a LoadLeveler solution should be the type of workload. For example: End-users routinely submitting batch econometric models Campus research chemist with batch protein molecules models Financial institutions balancing database queries among processors. A customer balancing interactive workload (that is, database queries, e-mail-serving or World Wide Web-serving applications) Key Prerequisites The programming environment for the LoadLeveler 1.3.0 is IBM AIX(R) for RISC System/6000 family Version 4.1 or later compatible releases. LoadLeveler 1.3.0 runs on the RS/6000 SP and IBM RISC System/6000 family. Price: Unaffected by this announcement. Planned Availability Date: August 30, 1996 Program Number: 5765-145 July 23, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_18 ----------------------------------------------------------- IBM Announces Availability of No-charge Upgrades for RISC System/6000 PowerPC 601 SMP Models July 23, 1996 On July 23, 1996, IBM announced the availability of no-charge upgrades for the PowerPC 601 SMP Models G30, J30, R30 and R3U of the RISC System/6000 to the PowerPC 604 processor. If your company purchased one of these RISC System/6000 PowerPC 601 SMP models from our SDP (Solution Developer Program) Discount or Lease Program, you are entitled to receive a no-charge upgrade from your currently installed PowerPC 601 SMP system to the PowerPC 604 processor from IBM. Each currently installed PowerPC 601 dual processor card may be replaced with a PowerPC 604 dual processor card. PowerPC 604 112 MHz dual processor cards come standard with 0.5MB L2 cache per processor on the Model G30, and with 1MB L2 cache per processor on Models J30,R30, and R3U. The removed 601 processor cards become the property of IBM and must be returned to the plant immediately after installation of the 604 processor cards. The no-charge upgrades are generally available after August 30, 1996, but you can place your order for them as early as July 26, 1996. To receive priority on early shipment when the no-charge upgrades are generally available, your order must be received by IBM no later than August 06, 1996. Orders received after August 06, 1996 will be scheduled sequentially. Even if your system does not require an immediate 604 processor upgrade, to receive the no-charge upgrade offering from IBM, YOUR ORDER MUST BE PLACED NO LATER THAN October 25, 1996. Before you order any upgrades, please keep in mind that your SMP system must be installed with IBM's AIX version 4.2 or 4.1.4. In the case of AIX 4.1.4, your system needs APAR (Authorized Problem Analysis Report) IX57164 in addition to AIX 4.1.4. APAR IX57164 is available by calling IBM at 1-800-237-5511 and selecting option 3 for AIX support, then option 1. You can also order it via FixDist on the WWW: http://aix.boulder.ibm.com/aix.us/fixes If you are ready to ORDER the 604 no-charge upgrade, or would like to ask a question regarding upgrade availability, please contact us at 1-800-627-8363, extension 604. Thank you for your business with IBM. July 16, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_19 ----------------------------------------------------------- July 16, 1996 Expands IBM's MQSeries Development and Marketing Program SOMERS, NY, and EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, July 16, 1996 ... Apertus Technologies and IBM announced today that Apertus has joined IBM's Business Enterprise Solutions Team (BESTeam)*, and has received Premier Partner status from IBM for its success in supporting IBM's award-winning MQSeries* messaging middleware. IBM's BESTeam is a worldwide program for system and network integrators, value-added resellers, and consultants. Apertus will participate in IBM's BESTeam program as a Premier Software Member and will focus on providing centralized systems management solutions for MQSeries networks. As a premier partner, Apertus will receive extensive IBM software information, professional development and training programs, industry-recognized certification, creative marketing tools, enhanced 24-hour technical assistance, lead referrals, and local sales team contact. "Apertus is committed to supporting IBM software and we are excited about the opportunity to strengthen our expertise and broaden our customer base in the middleware marketplace," said Robert Gordon, president and chief executive officer of Apertus. "We will continue to work closely with IBM to meet the needs of customers requiring a superior enterprise messaging solution." Apertus and IBM have worked closely over the last five years in the development and support of MQSeries solutions. MQSeries provides a robust communications layer that makes it simple for applications to interoperate across a network. The product delivers significant business benefits to organizations as diverse as entertainment parks and major stock exchanges. MQSeries is available on 20 platforms, including Windows NT*** and is widely recognized as being the industry standard in messaging. "We are extremely pleased to announce the addition of Apertus as a BESTeam member," said Ian Bonner, vice president, worldwide software channel marketing, IBM. "Apertus has demonstrated its value as a business partner and we believe that their status as a Premier Software Member will lead to increased business opportunities." Through the BESTeam program, Apertus will enhance its opportunities to sell and support IBM's MQSeries software and increase its service offerings to IBM customers. Apertus' strategic focus is to be the "best of breed" systems management solution provider for MQSeries environments. Apertus, already a supporter of the development and marketing of IBM's MQSeries, offers its own product developed for the MQSeries environment, MQView**. The product provides centralized systems management software for IBM MQSeries networks, satisfying a critical customer need to configure, monitor, and control MQSeries from IBM's SNMP-based management framework, TME 10 NetView*. For Internet users, IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services, technology, and channel programs on the World Wide Web. The fastest, easiest way to get information about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com. For more information about IBM s channel partners, look for the "Spotlight on Business Partners" link on the software page. For more information about Apertus and MQView, go to the Apertus Web Site at http://www.apertus.com. IBM, the world's largest software provider, creates, develops, and manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices, and microelectronics. Apertus Technologies Incorporated develops and markets enterprise-strength solutions that enable the access, integration, and management of data stored in systems distributed throughout a corporate enterprise. Headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Apertus has sales and service offices throughout North America and Europe. * Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. ** MQView is a trademark of Apertus Technologies Incorporated. *** Indicates a trademark of Microsoft Corp. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. July 16, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_20 ----------------------------------------------------------- July 16, 1996 Announces Single Sign-On Product and Supports Internet Standards Colorado Springs, Colo., July 15, 1996...Advancing its vision of networked computing, IBM today announced its direction for providing users with a single point of entry to all their computing resources, while making it easier for administrators to set up and maintain networks. In a company-wide project, IBM and its related companies, including Lotus Development Corporation and Transarc Corporation, have announced they will support the LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) Internet standard to enable a consistent way to manage user access to network resources, such as information, applications and systems. IBM also announced today its new Single Sign-On product that automatically grants users access to all systems they are authorized to use with just one password, as well as the availability of its Internet standard-based firewall which can connect separate networks over the Internet to create "virtual private networks." These announcements were made at the Burton Group Conference held this week in Colorado Springs, Colorado. "IBM's goal remains to make life easier for users, administrators and developers," said Phyllis Byrne, vice president of Distributed Systems Services in IBM's Networking Software Division. "IBM can help end-users achieve seamless access to resources, wherever they're located, through integration with the Internet. We will simplify administration through a single point of management. And we'll provide developers with a standard that will ease their job of writing applications." Byrne continued, "Customers must be able to locate information, applications, machines and people across many different computer systems. They need a 'meta-directory' system where they can (1) easily and securely share information between directories and (2) manage, store and synchronize the information across a variety of directories. Solving the global directory issue requires us to integrate with the major directories in use today." IBM is using LDAP, combined with complementary technologies such as Lotus Notes** and Soft-Switch offerings, to accomplish integration with the major directories in use today, such as DCE, X.500 and Lotus Notes. By exploiting the unique strengths of each development partner in IBM to implement this meta-directory, IBM is solving three key business challenges typically associated with distributed computing: the high cost of ownership, improved ease of use, and customer choice in IT solutions. Together, these companies are providing the directory interoperability, single point of management and administration, directory synchronization and storage, and the ease of use enhancements to solve these concerns. IBM New Product Offerings As the next major step in its directory efforts, IBM will provide interoperability via LDAP across its operating systems which include OS/2*, AIX* and MVS, setting the stage for users to enter just one request to find whatever information they need wherever it may reside. IBM will implement: o LDAP support in the DCE Global Directory Agent o LDAP server support for DCE directory and security servers o LDAP client support for operating systems o X.500-based directory store Rollout of these products will begin in six months. This LDAP implementation builds upon IBM's work to date with directories which has provided DCE across OS/2, AIX, MVS, OS/400* and Microsoft Windows**, as well as in its Directory and Security Server (DSS). DSS is one of the seven IBM Software Servers, an integrated series of IBM and Lotus software solutions for Internet access, data management, collaborative computing, and more. DSS contains DCE Cell Directory Services which provide enterprise directory services for these and virtually every other major computing platform in the industry today. DSS for OS/2, which shipped earlier this month, provides businesses with a global directory and security solution to allow more users to easily and securely access distributed network resources on an OS/2 Warp Server Version 4 network, and eases the network management burden for system administrators. DSS is also available on AIX and will be available on Windows NT in 1997. IBM's LDAP support will make DCE directory information instantly available to Internet browsers and applications and allow DSS to use LDAP to communicate across cells worldwide. Secure Single Sign-On Responding to the need of enterprise end-users to coordinate multiple user IDs and passwords securely within heterogeneous environments, IBM has announced its new Secure Single Sign-On product, the latest addition to the IBM SecureWay* family of security products and services. "IBM's SecureWay Single Sign-On will ease the frustrations of end-users and system administrators alike by alleviating the need for multiple passwords," said Kathy Kincaid, director of IT Programs for IBM. "The unrealistic number of passwords many users need to complete their jobs on a daily basis has weakened security on many systems by forcing users to maintain a written list of their passwords. That will no longer be the case -- users will have one password for all the systems they need to access reducing frustration and increasing security." The Secure Single Sign-On software solution enables users to access files, applications, printers and database servers anywhere in the enterprise regardless of platform with just one password log-on. This product utilizes IBM's Directory and Security Server (DSS) to authenticate users and to facilitate network changes, such as relocation of applications or hosts/servers, for administrators. The Single Sign-On product will be available in the first half of 1997; pricing has not yet been determined. It will support popular client desktops, including OS/2, AIX, Windows 95 and Windows NT. It will provide log-in to mainframes, LanServer, WarpServer, Novell NetWare**, NT Server, databases, local operating systems, DCE applications, and more. IBM Firewall IBM is also announcing today the availability of its enhanced firewall product, Internet Connection Secured Network Gateway V2.2, another member of IBM's SecureWay family of security products and services. Among other enhancements, the new firewall provides full implementation of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) IP SEC standards for interoperability, allowing users to exchange data securely with anyone using a firewall also supporting the same IETF standards. Interoperable firewalls enable Virtual Private Networks, where two separate private networks are connected over the Internet via two firewalls. With the implementation of LDAP and interoperable firewalls, the stage is set for the directories in each private network to communicate over the Internet. IBM's Internet Connection Secured Network Gateway V2.2 will ship by the end of July at a price of $9,999 for unlimited users. The software operates on an IBM RS/6000* workstation supported by AIX version 4.1.4 or 4.2 operating system. Additional information about the IBM Internet Connection Secured Network Gateway V2.2, or firewall, is available at http://www.raleigh.ibm.com/sng/sngprod.html. Support from IBM Units In support of IBM's announcement, Lotus Development has committed to supporting LDAP across its communications products, further extending the reach of standards-based directory access and providing a central access point for administration and for locating resources. Lotus cc:Mail and Lotus Notes will each support LDAP in the next major releases of the products. In addition, Lotus Soft-Switch will be developing a new X.500 and Internet-based directory server that will support directory synchronization to messaging- and non-messaging-based directories. This new directory server will support the characteristics of a meta-directory as defined by the Burton Group. Information regarding Lotus or Lotus products is available through the Lotus Web site at http://www.lotus.com or by contacting Lotus directly at (617) 577-8500. For overall systems management, Tivoli Systems Inc. will collaborate with Soft-Switch to integrate their meta-directory technology with the existing Tivoli Management Environment** (TME**) framework and user/administration tools. This will provide users with a single point of administration for security and access policies. Tivloi Systems, an IBM company, provides an open, end-to-end management solution from mainframes to the desktop, spanning network and systems management. For more information about Tivoli Systems and the TME 10** product roadmap, visit Tivoli's worldwide Web site at http://www.tivoli.com. Transarc Corporation develops, markets and supports a wide range of multi-platform DCE products. Transarc will work jointly with IBM on the integration of LDAP into IBM's DCE products and Transarc's own implementations of DCE. Transarc products include the DCE-based Encina Transaction Processing monitor and the DCE Distributed File System (DFS). For Internet users, Transarc's DCE Encina Lightweight Client (DE-Light) provides PCs with standard Web browsers access to DCE and Encina applications through Java applets, extending the benefits of DCE and Encina to millions of users of Web browsers. Information about Transarc and its products is available through Transarc's home page at http://www.transarc.com or by contacting Transarc directly at (412) 338-4400. About IBM IBM, the world's largest computer company, creates, develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies, including networking systems, software, computing systems, storage devices and microelectronics. For Internet users, IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services and technology on the World Wide Web. The IBM home page is at http://www.ibm.com. The fastest, easiest way to get information about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com. Additional information on the IBM SecureWay offerings can be found through the IBM IT Security home page at http://www.ibm.com/security. * Indicates a trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. ** Indicates a trademark or registered trademark of the respective company. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. July 10, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_21 ----------------------------------------------------------- July 10, 1996 Improved Database Interoperability; New Support for Informix CHICAGO, IL, July 10, 1996 . . . IBM today extended its family of advanced information integration tools with new offerings that enable more users to access, connect, replicate and distribute data from diverse data sources and operating systems. At the 1996 Informix Worldwide Users Conference, IBM announced that DataJoiner*, a leading multi-database server, can now access data in real time from Informix, IMS* and VSAM* data sources, as well as support the HP-UX** operating system. To enhance the interoperability of enterprise applications, DataJoiner will provide a Distributed Relational Data Architecture Application Server (DRDA AS)*, allowing for expanded application access to heterogeneous data across an enterprise, through a single industry-standard interface. IBM also extended its core data replication product, DataPropagator Relational (DPROPR)*, to the Windows NT** platform and announced enhanced replication capabilities for DATABASE 2 (DB2)* for HP-UX and Sun Solaris** environments. Working together, DPROPR and DataJoiner will deliver heterogeneous replication between Informix and databases from IBM, Oracle, Sybase and Microsoft. "Customers are demanding fast and cost-effective solutions for connecting and integrating legacy data," said Tim Negris, vice president, data management marketing, IBM Software. "IBM's new offerings meet these challenges head on by organizing and presenting a single view of disparate data." Janet Perna, director, database technology, IBM Software, added: "Customers now have enhanced capabilities for accessing and replicating their existing data assets -- anywhere, anytime. DataJoiner and DataPropagator make it possible." Commenting on the announcement, Chris Horak, director of product marketing, Informix, said, "IBM's announcement complements Informix's database connectivity strategy, which is to provide our customers with access to data located anywhere in the enterprise. DataJoiner opens existing mainframe applications to Informix databases, allowing customers the ability to maintain their investment in existing mainframe applications, while leveraging data management capabilities of Informix." Real Time Data Access and Replication Incorporating IBM's unique global optimization technology, DataJoiner delivers high-speed performance and advanced functionality, including maximizing the use of back-end database capabilities, rewriting queries and reducing network traffic. In addition to new support for IMS, VSAM and Informix data sources, DataJoiner can directly access data from DB2 and databases from Oracle, Sybase and Microsoft. To date, DataJoiner can access more than 60 data sources on over 35 operating-system platforms from both IBM and independent software vendors. DataJoiner for HP-UX and AIX* operating systems supports applications and query tools running on client platforms, including OS/2*, AIX, DOS**, Windows**, HP-UX, Sun Solaris, and Macintosh** operating environments. Internet and Intranet connections are possible through DB2 World Wide Web Connection*, providing seamless access to heterogeneous enterprise data. "From Microsoft Access or PowerBuilder applications, DataJoiner gives users a single, consistent method for accessing our data on a variety of databases," said George Lemmers, midrange computing services for Electrobel, a Belgium-based utility company. "We expect to expand both the number of clients and the databases accessed, allowing anyone in the company to access data from any key data source. We are also using DataJoiner to simplify copy functions between centralized and decentralized databases." "Currently, we use DataJoiner and DPROPR in production for heterogeneous replication," said Don Fukushima, director of data management and middleware services, Levi Strauss & Company. "DataJoiner is also the foundation for our open data access strategy to achieve seamless, transparent access to our mainframe and client/server data sources from enterprise and Intranet based applications." New DataJoiner Classic Connect drivers can access IMS and VSAM operational data and standard queries can be used for CICS* and IMS applications, saving time, money and effort. The DRDA Application Server will provide access to enterprise data for CICS, IMS and Time Sharing Option (TSO)* applications connecting to DB2. It will serve as a multi-database server for any DRDA Application Requester, including those from Attachmate, Informix, HiT Software, StarQuest, Sybase/MicroDecisionware, Wall Data, XDB Systems and the DB2 family. DPROPR, the core of IBM's data replication family of products, provides automated replication support across the DB2 product line. Its unique SQL**-based architecture gives users the power of the relational engine to enhance or transform data as it is replicated, and to provide more flexible data distribution options. In addition to support for Windows NT, DPROPR offers enhanced replication capabilities for DB2 for HP-UX and Sun Solaris platforms. Availability and Pricing DataJoiner Version 1.1 for HP-UX and AIX is currently available for a list price of $5,000, which includes one concurrent user. DataJoiner Version 1.2 for AIX support for Informix, the DRDA Application Server, and the Classic Connect drivers for IMS and VSAM, currently in beta, will be generally available in October 1996. The Classic Connect drivers for IMS and VSAM will be priced at $35,000. DPROPR for Windows NT, available through the DB2 Data Replication Starter Kit for OS/2 and Windows NT, is priced at $975. DPROPR for UNIX environments is available through the DB2 Data Replication Starter Kit for UNIX Operating Systems and sells for $6,000. Both DataJoiner and DPROPR are available from leading distributors and remarketers. Additional Information IBM, the world's largest software provider, creates, develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services and technologies through the World Wide Web. The IBM home page is at http://www.ibm.com. The fastest, easiest way to get information about IBM Software is to go to the IBM Software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com. * Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. ** Indicates trademark or registered trademark of respective companies. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. July 09, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_22 ----------------------------------------------------------- AS/400 Client Access for Windows NT, Beta Code Test Program We have added an FTP site in Europe for obtaining the Beta Code. If you have not been successful in downloading the beta code from our web pages, send a note to ca95nt@vnet.ibm.com for information on accessing our FTP sites in Europe and the United States. This information was last updated on: 7/11/96 This beta program is for a future release of the 5763-XD1 product which will run on either Microsoft Windows 95 or Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 workstations. This is not the Windows 95 Client beta program. That beta program has ended. Support for the Windows 95 Client beta is no longer available. This beta is intended for users of the Microsoft Windows NT operating system. This beta is not supported for Windows 95 users. This beta contains the same function as the Windows 95 Client, there is no new function that is not already available in the released Client Access for Windows 95 product. Running the released product gives you access to the IBM Support Line for assistance, and also to service packs as they become available. If you choose to run this beta instead of the released product on the Windows 95 platform, you will be on your own. Ordering the Windows 95 Client product: For information on obtaining the IBM AS/400 Client Access for Windows 95 product (5763-XD1, V3R1M0) which is now generally available, please refer to announce letter 296-185. For ordering information, contact your IBM representative, an IBM Authorized Business Partner, or IBM Direct at 800-IBM-CALL (U.S.). Reference announce letter 296-194 for additional ordering information. Some things you want to do with this Beta home page are: Add this page to your hotlist so you can check back here for the latest updates and fixes. Send us your comments and questions about the Windows 95/NT client by our comment form. Please do not send comments or questions asking for assistance on the Windows 95 Client beta program. That beta program has ended. Support is no longer available for the Windows 95 Client beta code. Also, please do not send comments or questions to this id asking for help with the released Windows 95 Client. You should contact the IBM Support Line for assistance with that product. When sending feedback, you must include your E-mail address in order for us to reply to you. FAQ for answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Windows 95/NT Client beta program. Contents: #supptdos" Supported Operating Systems #knownprb" Known Problems #snapshot" Snapshot of Features #download" Downloading the Beta #service" Obtaining Service and Support #links" Useful Web Links When released, the IBM AS/400 Client Access for Windows 95/NT product will run on either the Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 platforms. Since NT 4.0 is currently under development, we will support the Windows NT 3.51 platform during the beta program as long as we can. We may need to pull support for NT 3.51 at some point in during the beta as there are many functions which depend upon the shell provided by Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0. Microsoft Windows NT 3.51 Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Beta 1 Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Beta 2 This beta will also run on Windows 95, however support is not provided for Windows 95. Known Problems Some of the currently known problems with this beta are: Twinax does not currently work with Windows NT. It does work with Windows 95. The install screens and help reference Client Access for Windows 95, not Client Access for Windows 95/NT. On the NT platforms, attempting to install the IBM Personal Communications product after installing Client Access for Windows 95/NT will hang. The work-around is to use selective install to un-install the 5250 emulation piece of Client Access, then to install Personal Communications. SDLC is not currently available on the NT platform. 16-bit EHNAPPC calls will fail on the NT platform. The AFP Viewer does not work on the NT platform. Viewing printer output using System Object Access does not work on the NT platform due to the AFP viewer not working. Network drives are not available on the NT platform. Network print functions are not available on the NT platform. Some administration functions are not available on the NT platform. System object access does not work from the Connections GUI interface when running on NT 3.51. It does work when accessed via the icons in the Client Access program group. Snapshot of Beta Features The following table provides a snapshot of the functions provided by the Windows 95/NT client beta program. Shown below is a table. If it doesn't look like a table, but looks like a list then your browser may not be able to view tables. ! If your browser can't view tables, the same information is provided a href="wntlist.htm" in a list for easy viewing. Function Sub-Function Status Windows 95 Windows NT Security All Available GUI Interfaces Graphical Access/400 Available System Object Access Available AFP Viewer Available Not available Database Functions ODBC V2L2 Available PC File Serving Functions Network Drives (Formerly known as shared folders) Available Not available Integrated File System Available Not available Network Print Serving Printing to AS/400 printers Available Not available AFP Printer Driver Available Not available SCS Print Driver Available Not available Client Management: Installable on PC server Available Installable from PC server Available Select managing system Available Connections GUI Available Config. & Pgm Options Available Online Doc/Help Available Migration Utility Available Appl. Command Level APIs Data Queues Available Remote Command Available Distributed PGM Call Available OLE Automation Available Controls Available 5250 Emulation Graphical Access/400 Available PC5250 display emulation Available Printer emulation (SNA Only) Available Not available TCP/IP Microsoft Windows 32-bit TCP/IP stack Available Local Area Networks Ethernet Available Token-Ring Available GUI Data Transfer (file transfer) All Available NetSoft SNA Router Asynchronous Available SDLC Available Not available Twinax Available Not available LAN (Ethernet or Token-Ring) Available AnyNet Not available GUI Data Transfer (file transfer) All Available Downloading the Beta Please review the "wntreqs" system requirements before registering for and downloading the beta program. Some users reported problems downloading the Windows 95 Client beta code. We have taken steps to eliminate the bottlenecks on our end of the downloading. You are, of course, still gated by your line speed. On the low end of the scale, the beta can be downloaded in about three hours at 14.4k, or 1.5 hours at 28.8k. Faster connections will yield even faster download times. To download the beta you must first http://service.software.ibm.com/dl/as4/cawin95nt-l" agree to a license and supply some registration information. If you are unable to download the code from our web pages, send e-mail to ca95nt@vnet.ibm.com and we will supply you with the necessary information to obtain the code from one of our FTP sites. We have a site in the United States and a site in Europe. Service and Support This beta program is for a future release of the 5763-XD1 product which will run on either Microsoft Windows 95 or Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 workstations. This is not the Windows 95 Client beta program. That beta program has ended. Support for the Windows 95 Client beta is no longer available. This beta is intended for users of the Windows NT operating system. This beta is not supported for Windows 95 users. This beta contains the same function as the Windows 95 Client, there is no new function that is not already available in the released product. Running the released product gives you access to the IBM Support Line for assistance, and also to service packs as they become available. If you choose to run this beta instead of the released product on the Windows 95 platform, you will be on your own. Ordering the Windows 95 Client product: For information on obtaining the IBM AS/400 Client Access for Windows 95 product (5763-XD1, V3R1M0) which is now generally available, please refer to announce letter 296-185. For ordering information, contact your IBM representative, an IBM Authorized Business Partner, or IBM Direct at 800-IBM-CALL (U.S.). Reference announce letter 296-194 for additional ordering information. The IBM AS/400 Client Access for Windows 95 client (5763-XD1, V3R1M0) is now generally available with the IBM AS/400 Client Access family of products. See Software Programming Announcement 296-185 for details on availability and ordering. This beta program is intended for a future release of the 5763-XD1 product which will run on either Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 workstations. If you are running Windows 95 and require support you should run the IBM AS/400 Client Access for Windows 95 client (5763-XD1, V3R1M0) and not this beta. IBM will not provide service and support for this Windows 95/NT Client beta program. Do not call IBM Support Line for assistance. Send us your comments and questions about the Windows 95/NT client beta by completing our comment form. We really want your feedback on the Windows 95/NT Client. Please do not send us comments or questions using this mechanism regarding the Windows 95 Client beta program. That beta program has ended. Support is no longer available for the Windows 95 Client beta code. Also, please do not send questions to this id asking for help with the released Windows 95 Client. You should contact the IBM Support Line for assistance with that product. When sending us feedback, it's very important that you include your E-mail address so we can respond. You will receive a confirmation note when we receive your mail, so if you haven't received confirmation within 2 business days of sending your mail, please resend it, making sure that your E-mail address is included. We will try to answer questions as soon as they come in but that is not always possible (based on the question and who we may have to talk to in order to get you an answer when we don't know it). Please be patient. July 08, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_23 ----------------------------------------------------------- IBM Developer Support WWW service enhancements July 8, 1996 As you've probably noticed, we've made some changes to our service here on the Internet. Our aim is to make it possible for you, our commercial solution developers, to find the technical and program information you're looking for as quickly as possible. One obvious change is our new home page which now provides direct access to most of our services and links to information about the programs available to you. Over the coming months we'll be adding new services that will be available exclusively to our "welcome" Solution Developer Program members. These new services will bring to you a new level of support and further enhance the partnership with you we've enjoyed in the past. If you've not already done so, we encourage you to become a member of our Solution Developer Program by "register" registering yourself and/or your organization with us. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. In return you'll receive a member number and password for you to use to access our services. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our new design. In the next few weeks we plan to start limiting access to some areas of the service to Solution Developer Program members only. You will need to Logon using your member ID and password to continue to access these "members only" areas of our service. We're delighted to bring you these improvements in our service and look forward to our continued partnership in the future. July 03, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_24 ----------------------------------------------------------- Lotus Announces Availability of cc:Mail to Notes Release 4 MigrationTools July 3, 1996 Allows Organizations to Migrate Seamlessly from Fileshare to Client/Server Messaging Cambridge, Mass., July 3, 1996 -- Lotus Development Corp. today announced the immediate availability of Lotus cc:Mail to Lotus Notes Release 4 migration tools on Lotus' Web site. The tools provide systems administrators with a convenient, automated way to migrate users from cc:Mail fileshare e-mail to the groupware features of Notes, including client/server messaging, integrated Internet access and rapid application development and deployment. The tools are immediately available for downloading on Lotus' Web site free of charge. "cc:Mail's world class messaging is ideal for the needs of mid-tier companies," said Eileen Rudden, senior vice president, Communications Development, Lotus Development Corp. "However, as companies begin using intranets for transacting business inside and outside of their enterprises, they need the added functionality of client/server messaging and collaborative groupware applications. We are providing tools to make it easy for those companies whose changing business needs require them to move from cc:Mail to the next logical step - which is Notes." "We have been enthusiastically waiting for these tools. Our organization has more than 1,300 cc:Mail users who now need the added capabilities of Notes," said Craig Shumard, director of business analysis/systems, Sedgwick James, a large international insurance broker and benefits consultant. "These migration tools are a tremendous value and will convert mission-critical information more rapidly and cost effectively than we could on our own." cc:Mail to Notes Release 4 migration tools allow systems administrators to migrate directories, messages with attachments, mailing lists and folders to the Notes Release 4 environment without loss of fidelity. The tools will automatically convert cc:Mail bulletin boards to Notes discussion databases. In addition, systems administrators have the choice and flexibility to migrate multiple cc:Mail post offices to a single Notes server or a single post office can be split and migrated to different Notes servers. In addition, Notes Release 4 utilizes the award-winning cc:Mail user interface, making Notes Mail easy and familiar to the cc:Mail end user. The cc:Mail to Notes Release 4 migration tools are available now for downloading at http://www.Lotus.com. For more information on Lotus Notes or cc:Mail to Notes migration tools, in North America, call Lotus at 1-800-346-1305. Outside the U.S. call 617- 577-8500. With more than 10 million licenses sold worldwide, award-winning features and availability on all popular platforms, cc:Mail is the world leader in LAN-based e-mail. Lotus Notes provides an ideal communications infrastructure by combining enterprise-ready, client/server messaging and the global access and distribution of the World Wide Web, together with a platform for rapidly developing and deploying strategic groupware applications. Notes enables individuals and organizations to communicate with colleagues, collaborate in teams, and coordinate business processes within and beyond their organizational boundaries to achieve improved business results. Lotus Notes supports all major operating systems: IBM OS/2 Warp, Apple Mac OS, UNIX platforms including IBM AIX, Sun Solaris, and HP-UX, and Microsoft Windows and Windows NT. Notes is also available as a NetWare loadable module for the Novell environment. Lotus Development Corporation, founded in 1982, is a subsidiary of IBM Corporation. Lotus offers high quality software products and services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications which allow users to access and communicate information in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. Lotus now markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide and provides numerous professional consulting, support and education services through the Lotus Services Group. Lotus and Lotus Notes are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. cc:Mail is a registered trademark of cc:Mail Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Lotus Development Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. EDITOR'S NOTE: All Lotus news releases are available on the Internet, via the Lotus Development Corp. Home Page at http://www.Lotus.com The Lotus Home Page is an easy way to find information about Lotus and its business partners' products and services. A copy of this release and other company information is also available via fax by dialing 1-800-57-LOTUS within the U.S. and Canada or 201-946-2336 outside the U.S. and Canada. Questions concerning the service should be directed to Lotus' corporate communications department at 617-693-5625. Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release should be directed to your local IBM representative. July 02, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_25 ----------------------------------------------------------- Join IBM in an OLYMPIC conference call! July 2, 1996 Going to Atlanta for the Olympic Games???? Whether you attend or not, you can still learn about the most technologically advanced event ever put on!!!! CALL 1-800-289-0583 (1-913-661-0825 if you're outside the US or Canada) TODAY and enroll in the "IBM's Role in the Olympic Games" Customer Conference Call and receive a COMPLIMENTARY Olympic Viewer's Guide. IBM's "Role in the Olympic Games" customer conference call will provide you with a behind-the-scenes view of the most advanced information technology infrastructures ever built in support of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. You will hear Mr. Ron Palmich, Director of IBM's Olympic Games Project Office, and Mr. Tom Smith, IBM Southern Area General Manager, discuss how IBM and the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) joined forces to put on the most technologically advanced sporting event in history. Mr. Bill McCahan, Chief Marketing Officer, Atlanta Centennial Olympic Properties, will discuss the partnership with IBM from a customer's perspective. We will also be joined by Mr. Peter Vidmar, who will discuss what it takes to be an Olympic Gold medalist in gymnastics and score a PERFECT "10." Enroll by Monday, July 8 and receive the commemorative centennial edition of The Official NBC Viewer's Guide for The 1996 Olympic Games-Atlanta. The Viewer's Guide is COMPLIMENTARY and will be in your conference call packet. This conference call packet and presentation materials will be sent to you by priority mail a few days prior to the event. Here's what you will need to know to enroll!!! EVENT: "IBM's Role in the 1996 Olympic Games" Customer Conference Call DATE: Thursday, July 11, 1996 TIMES: SESSION NUMBER 8:30AM - 9:30AM (US Eastern Time) 239198 10:30AM - 11:30AM 236207 2:30PM - 3:30PM 236222 6:30PM - 7:30PM 236281 CALL: 1-800-289-0583 to enroll. Outside the U.S. and Canada, call 1-913-661-0825. July 02, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_26 ----------------------------------------------------------- IBM CMVC for AIX to TeamConnection Upgrade Promotion July 2, 1996 Announcement Number: 396-098 Abstract Contact your IBM representative for details on this announcement. http://www1.ibmlink.ibm.com/PS/ALET/396098.PS Retrieve corresponding PostScript File July 02, 1996 ******************************************** 0796_27 ----------------------------------------------------------- SofTouch FileStar/2 2.0 for OS/2 availability Latest update to graphical File Manager is available Oklahoma City, OK -- http://www.softouch.com" SofTouch Systems announces the latest update of its popular PM file manager, FileStar/2 version 2.0, is now available for immediate delivery. FileStar/2 is an easy to use graphical file manager, yet functionally robust to meet the demands of even the most sophisticated OS/2 user. New OS/2 users migrating from Windows and its file manager appreciate FileStar/2's elegant appearance, built in space saving ZIP archiving software, and its ability to support long file names and HPFS drives. FileStar/2 2.0 builds on the successful base 1.0 version released May 1995, with the addition of new features and several significant enhancements. A major new feature is the ability to compare the contents of two directories and identify changed files and perform file operations based on those results. This additional capability adds value to the FileStar/2 solution by incorporating functionality normally found in other products. Another major new feature is the inclusion of a user configurable function button bar. The button bar gives the user the flexibility to include the most useful FileStar/2 functions as well as providing the capability to launch applications directly from FileStar/2. "The application launch facility is a direct response to our customers requirement to save desktop space by consolidating the capabilities of the IBM Launchpad directly into FileStar/2", said Rick Jones, president and CEO of SofTouch Systems, Inc. Other new features include file undelete, WPS object creation, and global directory support. Key enhancements include additional file sort options, multiple directory file windows, built-in extensions to UniMaint, another SofTouch Systems product for INI file maintenance, repair and recovery, and auto-scroll of directory trees when a directory is expanded. FileStar/2 2.0 performance has also been significantly enhanced, with speed improvements of up to 60% being reported in large LAN environments. "New features in FileStar/2 are a direct result of listening to our customers and responding to their needs" said Jones, "and FileStar/2 delivers the performance required by those customers with the most demanding environment - the corporate LAN - where an administrator is responsible for managing hundreds of thousands of user files spanning several gigabytes of data," he added. "OS/2 users want a file management product which is both robust AND easy to use, and we are delivering it," Jones said. "FileStar/2 is the premiere file manager for OS/2 because it supports both command line and mouse inputs equally well, so we've been fortunate to earn the file management business from both groups of users." FileStar/2 is now one of the best selling shrinkwrap file managers sold, according to OS/2 industry sources and independent software resellers. FileStar/2 is $59 for a single user license and $449 for a ten user license. Installed users may upgrade for $29.95, plus shipping and handling. Anyone buying FileStar/2 1.0 after March 1st, 1996, is eligible for a free upgrade with valid proof of purchase. OS/2 and Microsoft Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation and International Business Machines Corporation, respectively. SofTouch UniMaint 5.0 for OS/2 Application Mover added to Uninstaller and INI file repair product Oklahoma City, OK, July 1, 1996 -- http://www.softouch.com" SofTouch Systems is pleased to announce UniMaint 5.0 for OS/2 is now available for immediate delivery. UniMaint is a native, 32 bit application which allows users to repair damaged desktop files, uninstall OS/2, DOS, and WINOS2 applications, back up and transport desktops across versions of OS/2 or onto other machines, view and edit Extended Attributes files, and view, edit, and repair INI files. UniMaint Release 5.0 now includes new features to dynamically move OS/2, DOS, and WINOS2 applications across disk partitions or onto other machines, automatically back up desktops at user defined intervals, and guide new users through the complex process of managing their system INI files with sophisticated function wizards. A new cross reference file of EXE files and DLLs permits users to identify unused programs and DLLs for removal. An exciting new feature is the ability to dynamically move applications across disk partitions or even onto other machines or new versions of OS/2. According to Rick Jones, President of SofTouch Systems, Inc, "UniMaint's ability to move applications is a natural extension to its application uninstall capabilities, and increases the flexibility UniMaint offers its users to customize their systems according to their unique needs." UniMaint moves application directories and files to other drives and directories, updates the system INI file entries and OS/2's CONFIG.SYS, and deregisters classes. "UniMaint now offers its users a viable alternative to the time consuming process of moving applications by deleting, reinstalling, and recustomizing them, just for the purpose of moving them around," Jones added. The automatic backup facility enables users to specify when to back up their desktop, based on the number of modifications that have been made. This permits users to back up their desktops only when modifications have been made, instead of performing backups based on a specified time interval. UniMaint 5.0 features a new way to guide users through desktop management with the introduction of specialized "function wizards". "UniMaint function wizards make desktop repair, application removal, and the creation of portable backups as easy as answering a few questions," said Jones. UniMaint 5.0 includes a considerable number of enhancements in the areas of ease of use and performance, and the product manual has been rewritten to improve readability and useability. UniMaint 5.0 is $99 for a single user license; however, as a part of this announcement, OS/2 users can repair their desktops and move their applications for just $79.95. Registered UniMaint users may upgrade to UniMaint 5.0 for only $39.95, plus shipping and handling. Anyone purchasing UniMaint 4.0 after April 17, 1996 is eligible for a free upgrade. UniMaint 5.0 can be purchased in the United States directly from SofTouch Systems or its American resellers, and Canadian OS/2 users may acquire UniMaint from House of Technology in Toronto. European OS/2 users can buy UniMaint from Softworld GmbH and Richard Clement EDV Beratung in Germany, Minzloff Data in Switzerland, OneStop Software in the United Kingdom, and Swanholm Distribution in Scandinavia. UniMaint 5.0 is also available to OS/2 users in Australia and New Zealand from Multitask Consulting Pty. OS/2 is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. *********************************************************** *********************************************************** **** End of IBM NEWS Section ****************************** *********************************************************** ***********************************************************