GOOD NEWS FOR JAVA USERS
When Corel pulled the plug on the Java version of their popular WordPerfect product, many people (including yours truly) began to wonder if the Java strategy was ever going to come to fruition. Fortunately, a major software vendor has stepped up to the plate with what appears to be the first substantial Java application: Lotus eSuite, a comprehensive suite of programs conducive for network computing.
There are two parts to eSuite (formerly known as Kona): eSuite WorkPlace and eSuite DevPack. The WorkPlace contains all of the basic tools needed by the average Joe or Jane in the field to perform their work, a Calendar, Address Book, Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Graphics presentation aid, a Web Browser, and E-Mail. Although not as robust as the full Lotus SmartSuite, eSuite represents a practical means for employees to perform their work in the field while remaining in touch with the home office. Even better, the WorkPlace is a clever way to roll out company specific applications (written in Java of course), such as sales forecasting, customer support, order processing, etc.
Although it is conceivable to run eSuite on a single PC, it is primarily intended for true client/server computing where host files are maintained on the server and quickly retrieved as required over a network (Internet or Intranet). This type of application is particularly well suited for network computing and provides the rationale for why IBM created the WorkSpace On-Demand, the "thin-client" version of OS/2. Hmm, "WorkPlace" running on "WorkSpace" -- sounds like someone in IBM was actually doing some planning here.
The apps running under eSuite WorkPlace work with a common and intuitive interface called the "InfoCenter" which simplifies learning and using the product. Even better, the product makes use of a technique called the "InfoBus" to exchange data between Java applets running at the same time. This is reminiscent of Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) in OS/2. Although users didn't capitalize on DDE in the early days of OS/2 (most likely due to its sophistication), the InfoBus looks to be a timely application of the same technique.
The other part of eSuite is the DevPack which offers a small set of Java components to assemble a Web page. In no way should the DevPack be confused with a full Java programming environment such as IBM VisualAge for Java. However, as additional Java applets are developed using such tools, they can be conveniently assembled with other Java components using the DevPack.
On the server, eSuite provides an "Administrator" function to establish and control user access privileges to files, either individually or in groups.
The beauty of eSuite is that it is written totally in Java and, as such, can run on any computer with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), such as OS/2, Sun, Macintosh, WinNT and Win95 (although Win95 requires the use of the Internet Explorer). eSuite is just the type of application that Gates and company have been worrying about in the Java wars.
According to Lotus, the final portion of eSuite is scheduled for release at the end of the first quarter of 1998 (which means any day now). When this happens I foresee a major marketing push by both Lotus and IBM to promote not just eSuite, but also Notes, Domino, DB2/2, WorkSpace On-Demand, Network Computers, and the IBM Global Network who will be touting its network services and additional bandwidth.
For more information on eSuite, please see Lotus' web page at: http://www.esuite.lotus.com/. So, if you buy into the argument of network computing, Lotus eSuite is definitely worth a look.
LOTUS SMARTSUITE FOR OS/2
Not interested in network computing and still need a full suite of business apps? Then Lotus SmartSuite for OS/2 is probably right for you. The native OS/2 version of SmartSuite has long been anticipated and undergone rigorous beta-testing earlier this year. Lotus is now gearing up to release the product in April. Resellers are stocking up and are already accepting pre-orders of the product (see our "Other OS/2 News & Press Releases" section of the newsletter). If the beta version is any indication of what the product has to offer, the final version of SmartSuite will be hard to refuse by OS/2 users. For more information, see the Lotus SmartSuite for OS/2 web page at: http://www.lotus.com/smartsuiteos2.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Internally, IBM has reorganized the division responsible for OS/2 three times over the last two years. Last year, the Personal Software Products (PSP) division was absorbed into the newly created Network Computing Software Division. Although OS/2's marketing woes continue, help may be on the way in the form of Richard Seibt who replaces Donn B. Atkins as General Manager of OS/2 in February. Seibt, who was the business leader for OS/2 in Germany where the operating system is still a major player, may provide the leadership necessary to re-energize OS/2.
Everything I've heard about Mr. Seibt from my colleagues has been very positive and upbeat and I would like to publicly extend an invitation to him for an interview here in OS/2 CONNECT . Stay tuned.
OUR 3RD ANNIVERSARY
This issue represents the third anniversary of OS/2 CONNECT . Like the operating system we support, the e-zine has undergone considerable change since it was first introduced as a simple INF file. In recent months we have given the cover and various sections a face-lift. More changes are in the offing to simplify it and maintain it as a reliable source of OS/2 information. Thanks for your letters and support.
Copyright © MBA 1998
