OS/2 Shareware BBS: 16 Announce/16-Announce.zip/wsfinal.pre

Text File | 1996-04-13 | 21KB | 154 lines

{PSP PRESS REL:} IBM ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF OS/2 WARP SERVER
So Much Ability Packed Into a Single Package

SAN FRANCISCO, February 26, 1996 . . . IBM's OS/2* Warp Server Version 4
was announced as immediately available today at an Olympic-themed launch
event that compared the many strengths of an Olympic decathlete with the
broad range of features in IBM's new server operating system.  OS/2 Warp
Server is IBM's one-box server operating system solution for small-
and medium-sized businesses to large enterprises.

"Nowhere else in today's market will you find a more powerful, reliable
and feature-rich PC server operating system," said John W. Thompson,
general manager, IBM Personal Software Products.  "OS/2 Warp Server will
strengthen the OS/2 family of products across the board by expanding our
reach into markets where we have the potential for considerable growth."

OS/2 Warp Server combines a foundation for application serving with
integrated file and print  sharing, and offers an easy-to-use graphical
user interface for drag-and-drop administration.  Features such as
systems management, backup and recovery, remote access, enhanced TCP/IP
support, advanced print function and LAN Internet access are all
integrated into the product, eliminating the time and cost of having to
separately install each component.  Furthermore, because each of these
features can be installed selectively, users are able to configure OS/2
Warp Server to meet the needs of their business.

"From the drag-and-drop user interface to the automatic install to its
integrated systems management, OS/2 Warp Server has it all," said Bill
Howey, senior systems consultant at AVCO Financial Services Corp.  "No
other competitor can touch what IBM has done with this product -- it
will certainly make my job a lot easier."

"With OS/2 Warp Server, IBM has created an integrated set of seamless,
'open' network and operating system services, rather than a shopping
list of 'suite' services," said Frank Dzubeck, president of
Communications Network Architects, Inc., a computer industry
consultancy.  "IBM's focus on openness and compatibility with existing
installed hardware and software should make OS/2 Warp Server a
significant competitor in the marketplace."

Later this year, IBM will announce its Directory and Security Server
(DSS), which customers can add onto OS/2 Warp Server to gain a global
directory service, which facilitates management of complex networks, and
security services to protect vital user information such as passwords.
This combination will further separate OS/2 Warp Server from the
competition.

"OS/2 Warp Server, which quickly and easily implements enterprise
computing, will be of particular benefit to SAS Institute's customers,"
said Allen Watson, SAS Institute's marketing manager.  "As a
long-time provider of integrated, portable business analysis software,
we believe IBM offers businesses of all sizes an integrated platform
for complete business solutions."

"HP is excited about the new features and usability of IBM's OS/2 Warp
Server," said Scott J. Stallard, general manager of HP's Network Server
Division.  "HP NetServers deliver unparalleled manageability,
availability and performance and, when joined with IBM's new feature-rich
server operating system, the combination delivers a powerful
computing platform."

Broad Network Client Support

OS/2 Warp Server supports all prevalent network clients, including OS/2
Warp, OS/2 Warp Connect, DOS, Windows* 3.x, Windows NT Workstation,
Windows for Workgroups and Windows 95.  Macintosh* clients are
supported via IBM's LAN Server for Macintosh add-on product and AIX*
clients are supported via IBM's PC Connection product, both available
separately.  OS/2 Warp Server is backward-compatible with previous
IBM LAN Server clients and supports gateway functionality to Novell
Netware* and Microsoft NT and LAN Manager servers, allowing OS/2 Warp
Server clients to access non-OS/2 Warp Server resources.

A Ready-to-Sell Solution for Value-Added Resellers

OS/2 Warp Server is an excellent product for resellers and VARs.  Because
all components are integrated and tested to work together, VARs are saved
valuable time and expense and are able to sell a complete server solution
in one package.  Furthermore, OS/2 Warp Server includes all of the
network management functions VARs need to support their customers
remotely.

"From a reseller's point of view, OS/2 Warp Server is a breath of fresh
air.  IBM has packed so much into one product, it will be very easy for
us to sell," said Richard Spurlock, vice president of Starfire
Engineering and Technologies, Inc., a Lawrence, Kan. VAR and a member
of IBM's BESTeam** program.  "And with features like remote control and
on-screen alerts, we'll be able to keep our customers' networks running
smoothly without even having to leave our office."

Get Certified:  The OS/2 Warp Server Advantage Program

Gaining the skills needed to install and manage an OS/2 Warp Server
network is a true advantage for IT professionals, resellers and VARs.
The OS/2 Warp Server Advantage program consists of three exams and
ensures that candidates acquire the skills to successfully implement a
solution based on IBM's Network-Centric Computing model.

For networking professionals already skilled in network operating system
technology, the path to OS/2 Warp Server certification is simplified.
By passing a single exam, Certified Novell Engineers (CNEs) are able to
broaden their networking expertise and become certified on OS/2 Warp
Server.  IBM LAN Server Engineers (or Experts) certified on LAN Server
3.x or 4.x may upgrade to OS/2 Warp Server certification by passing
only one exam.  IBM will also offer an exam for LAN administrators.

Pricing and Packaging

OS/2 Warp Server is available in two versions:  OS/2 Warp Server Version
4, which includes all of the features already mentioned and supports
approximately 120 users for file and print sharing and 1,000 users for
application serving; and OS/2 Warp Server Advanced Version 4, which
includes the same features, plus fault tolerance (disk mirroring for
two disk drives and disk duplexing for two controllers), enhanced Pentium
optimization and user disk limits.  The Advanced version includes High
Performance File System for higher performance file and print sharing
and Lotus Notes usage, and supports up to 1,000 users on a single server.

The suggested retail price for OS/2 Warp Server Version 4 is $629, and
$1,299 for OS/2 Warp Server Advanced Version 4.  Reseller prices may
vary.  There will be special pricing available for customers upgrading
from LAN Server 3.x and 4.x and competitive products.  A package
geared for retail, the OS/2 Warp Server First Step, includes OS/2 Warp
Server plus 10 licensed client connections.  The First Step product has a
suggested retail price of $829.  IBM is also offering a new client
licensing model called Use-Based Features, in which individual client
connections may be purchased from IBM for $49 each.

 ###

2/26/96

*  OS/2 and AIX are registered trademarks of IBM Corp., Windows is a
   trademark of Microsoft Corp., Macintosh is a registered trademark
   of Apple Computer, Inc., Netware is a registered trademark of
   Novell, Inc.

** IBM's BESTeam is an award-winning reseller program combining IBM
   software products, professional certification and training, marketing
   programs and enhanced technical support.  BESTeam membership grew
   300 percent in 1995.  For more information on BESTeam, call
   1-800-IBM-1822.

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 find any information about IBM software is
to go to the IBM Software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com.

The IBM Fax Information Service allows you to receive facsimiles of prior
IBM product press releases.  Dial 1-800-IBM-4FAX  and enter "99" at
the voice menu.