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OS/2 Shareware BBS: 16 Announce
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293658.zip
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293658.ANN
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1993-11-09
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DATE 11/09/93
TITLE IBM LAN SERVER ULTIMEDIA -- MULTIMEDIA FOR OS/2, DOS AND WINDOWS
CLIENTS
ABSTRACT IBM LAN Server Ultimedia (R) Version 1.0 extends the distributed
multimedia capabilities of IBM OS/2 (R) LAN Server 3.0 -- Advanced,
by setting up a controlled environment to ensure uncompromised
playout of audio/video application components even with congestion on
the LAN. The requisite quality of service needed for uncompromised
playout of sound, voice and video is what distinguishes this product
from most other similar products.
IBM LAN Server Ultimedia (R) Version 1.0 can be added to existing
token-ring or Ethernet LANs with data applications in a
non-disruptive manner. The product design allows simultaneous use of
data and multimedia applications.
IBM LAN Server Ultimedia (R) Version 1.0 takes advantage of the
token-ring LAN Priority Architecture to reserve bandwidth in the
network, which, with resource reservations in the file system and
disks, automatically provides the required quality of service for
multimedia even when data applications are running. Ethernet users
can reap many of the benefits of the product but differences in the
architecture require the user to be more careful to ensure that
adequate capacity exists in the network resources.
With multimedia application independence, all applications can run.
As examples, applications based on Ultimotion, DVI (1), INDEO (1),
RIFF-WAV and SoundBlaster (2) Voice have been tested successfully.
By providing a very high level of multimedia playback support, users
can engage in applications such as "news-on-demand", kiosk, new
personnel training, enhanced mail and spreadsheet, computer-assisted
education, and many more. Multimedia is generally considered to be a
significant assist to personal communications, leading to enhanced
human performance in a variety of activities.
Other features of the product include:
o Runs stand-alone applications using Multimedia Presentation
Manager/2 (TM) (MMPM/2) or AVK
o Clients may be OS/2, DOS, or Windows (3)
o Up to 40 video sessions (plus data applications) from a single
server
o Tuning facilities to optimize performance.
IBM LAN Server Ultimedia Version 1.0 is a separate program, another
in IBM's range of multimedia enabling packages. Its announcement is
consistent with IBM's declared intent to provide support for all
major platforms -- in this case the IBM OS/2 LAN Server -- so that
all users can benefit from the enormous potential of multimedia
impact.
One-Time Charge: $3,195 (96F8520).
Planned Availability Date: December 6, 1993.
(R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation.
(1) Trademark of Intel Corporation.
(2) Trademark of Creative Labs, Inc.
(TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
(3) Trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
IN BRIEF . . .
o Brings the power of multimedia to the OS/2 LAN server environment
o Controls the environment rather than adapting to it
o Application-independent -- all playback applications with known
characteristics can be configured to run
o Consistent with IBM's stated intent to bring distributed
multimedia to all major platforms
o Transparent to the end user
o Install and tuning aids available to the network administrator
o Up to 40 video sessions (plus data applications) from a single
LAN server
PRODNO 96F8520
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION
UNCOMPROMISED DISTRIBUTION OF MULTIMEDIA APPLICATIONS ACROSS THE LAN
Multimedia applications require a large commitment of resources at
the file, disk access and network levels to deliver their
time-sensitive media streams to the client to produce a high quality
image to the end user. LAN Server Ultimedia provides a reservation
system to ensure the requisite quality of service is attained.
ENHANCED OPERATIONS
IBM LAN Server Ultimedia enables distributed multimedia applications
to run across a LAN in an acceptable manner, which, in turn, opens
opportunities:
o Multimedia enhances communications throughout an organization,
which results in better products, shorter cycles and lower costs.
o Multimedia enhances the quality of reports and presentations by
adding audio/video capability for additional effect.
o The ability to store multimedia examples of how to service a
product results in better service to the customer.
o Multimedia information carries more impact and leads to better
decision-making internally, and better product representation to
external customers.
Ethernet LANs are also supported and most of the
characteristics described above apply. However, because of the
differences in the LAN architectures, some reduction in the
anticipated number of audio/video sessions may be necessary, to
achieve an acceptable level in their quality.
GROWTH ENABLEMENT AND INVESTMENT PROTECTION
Multimedia applications can be added to an existing token-ring LAN
with existing data applications, by using the priority mechanism of
the token ring to ensure that the multimedia ones get priority and
run correctly at the client. This has the following advantages:
o Existing data applications run without modification
o Multimedia and data applications run concurrently
o Existing stand-alone multimedia applications can be transferred
to the server and played back to the clients, usually without
modification
o Enterprise data at the server can be upgraded to multimedia and
continue to be accessed by client users.
Ethernet LANs may also participate in these types of
activities; however, because of the difference in architecture
compared to a token ring, multimedia cannot automatically be given
priority and it is up to the user to ensure that the combined data
and multimedia activity will provide adequate capacity in the network
resources to allow acceptable multimedia performance.
CUSTINFO PUBLICATIONS
The IBM LAN SERVER ULTIMEDIA INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION
GUIDE (S96F-8756) will be available after December 6, 1993. To
order, contact your IBM representative or call 800-426-2255.
EDUCATION SUPPORT
The LAN Server curriculum will be updated, as necessary, to
reflect the enhancements in this announcement.
Descriptions of all classroom and self-study courses are
contained in the SKILL DYNAMICS (TM) CATALOG OF IBM EDUCATION
(G320-1244).
Call Skill Dynamics at 800-IBM-TEACh (426-8322) for schedules
and enrollments.
TECHINFO TECHNICAL INFORMATION
SPECIFIED OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
MACHINE REQUIREMENTS: IBM LAN Server Ultimedia Version 1.0 runs on a
server PC and also provides minor modifications to each client. The
minimum operating environment for multimedia applications to be
played back from the server to clients on the LAN, is as follows.
Note that this minimum network configuration will be restricted in
the number of simultaneous audio/video streams playable across the
LAN.
Server:
o IBM Intel 386-based PS/2 (R) (or IBM approved OEM equivalent)
o 16MB Memory
o 400MB disk drive
o IBM LANStreamer (TM) MC 32 Adapter (or equivalent), or
o Appropriate alternative LAN Adapter*.
LAN:
o Token ring (4Mb)
o Ethernet.
Client:
o IBM Intel 386-based PS/2 (or IBM approved OEM equivalent)
o Requisite display, and audio/video support for multimedia
applications
* For uncompromised playout of multimedia files at the clients,
users need a token-ring LAN, plus either a server with a
LANStreamer MC 32 adapter or a dedicated server, which can then
use alternatively an IBM Token-Ring Network Busmaster Server
Adapter/A or an IBM Token-Ring Network 16/4 Adapter/A.
NOTE: All multimedia clients must be on the same segment as the
server (although bridges may be used to non-multimedia clients) and
there cannot be more than one multimedia server on the LAN.
The minimum requirements are given above, but a more typical
server configuration would be:
o A 486 50MHz PS/2 with 32MB memory and 2 x 2GB disks each with a
dedicated controller for multimedia applications attached to 3 x
16Mb token rings each with a LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter.
Depending on the other factors involved (refer to PERFORMANCE
CONSIDERATIONS section), this configuration should be able to support
up to 25-30 video media streams.
Finally, to reach the highest number of simultaneous streams
tested to date (40 at 1.2Mb/sec) the above configuration would be
extended to four disks with individual controllers, with 4 x 16Mb
token-ring LANs each with a LANStreamer MC 32 Adapter and using OS/2
clients.
PROGRAMMING REQUIREMENTS: IBM LAN Server Ultimedia Version 1.0 is
designed to operate with the IBM LAN Server -- Advanced Version 3.0
updated with Service Pack IP07001, working with OS/2 2.0 with Service
Pack 2 or OS/2 2.1 (or higher).
Client support requires:
o OS/2 LAN Requester (feature of LAN Server Version 3.0), OS/2 2.0
(or later) plus client support from IBM LAN Server Ultimedia
Version 1.0; or
o DOS LAN Requester (feature of LAN Server Version 3.0) plus DOS
5.0 (or later) plus client support from IBM LAN Server Ultimedia
Version 1.0; or
o Windows DOS LAN Requester (feature of LAN Server Version 3.0),
plus Windows 3.1 (or later) plus one of the operating systems
above plus client support from IBM LAN Server Ultimedia Version
1.0.
LIMITATIONS: The maximum number of simultaneous AVI/DVI video
sessions (at 1.2Mb/sec) currently tested using a single server is 40.
Client workstations must be attached on the same LAN segment
as the server (that is, no bridges or routers between multimedia
clients and the server).
When multimedia and data applications are performed in a
token-ring environment, where higher priority for multimedia has been
allocated, the data applications have lower priority and, as a
consequence, their performance will be reduced.
IBM LAN Server Ultimedia Version 1.0 requires that the
NDIS-compliant NetBIOS stack be installed on DOS clients. For
example, LAN Manager and Windows for Workgroups clients are not
supported.
Macintosh (4) clients are supported by the IBM OS/2 LAN Server
via the OS/2 LAN Server for Macintosh product, and as such can access
multimedia files on the server and play them back. However, none of
the reservation and control facilities of LS Ultimedia are available
in this environment, so that Macintosh users receive no benefit from
its use.
(4) Registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS: The number of multimedia sessions
simultaneously supported will vary considerably depending on the
following factors:
o Number and type of multimedia streams simultaneously played back
across the LAN
o Size and power of the server system
o Size and number of drives of the server disk array
o Number and type of server disk controllers
o Type and speed of the LAN
o Type of server LAN Adapter
o Operating system on the client.
In addition, the performance of data applications will be affected by
the multimedia traffic.
Performance considerations are described in the publication
IBM LAN SERVER ULTIMEDIA VERSION 1.0 -- INSTALLATION AND
CONFIGURATION GUIDE (S96F-8756).
PLANNING INFORMATION
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES: The customer is responsible for setting
up the network to achieve the desired results for multimedia and data
applications. This consists of ensuring that appropriate
configurations of hardware and software are selected for server and
clients, and that the various parameters that can be adjusted are set
at appropriate levels to allow the desired results to be obtained.
Guidance is available through the publication IBM LAN SERVER
ULTIMEDIA VERSION 1.0 -- INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION GUIDE.
PACKAGING: The program package contains:
o Two double-sided high-density 3.5-inch diskettes
o IBM LAN Server Ultimedia Version 1.0 -- Installation and
Configuration Guide
o Program License Agreement
o License Information Booklet
o Proof of License.
The separate documentation package includes the IBM LAN SERVER
ULTIMEDIA VERSION 1.0 -- INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION GUIDE.
SECURITY, AUDITABILITY AND CONTROL
The IBM LAN Server Ultimedia uses the security and
auditability features of the IBM OS/2 LAN Server Version 3.0 --
Advanced.
User management is responsible for evaluation, selection and
implementation of security features, administrative procedures and
appropriate controls in application systems and communication
facilities.
ORDERING ORDERING INFORMATION
Orders for new licenses will be accepted now.
Unless a later date is specified, orders entered before
December 6, 1993, will be assigned a schedule date of
December 17, 1993. Shipment of orders will begin on
December 6, 1993. Orders entered after December 6, 1993, will be
scheduled for shipment on the Friday following the week of order
entry or as soon thereafter as supply permits.
To order the programs in this announcement for order type,
specify the order type number, feature number, part number, program
name, media and quantity.
ORDER
TYPE FEATURE PART
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER PROGRAM NAME MEDIA
5871-AAA 6715 96F8520 LAN Server
Ultimedia 3.5
5870-EAD 6716 96F8520 LAN Server
Ultimedia 3.5
ORDER
TYPE FEATURE PART
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER PROGRAM NAME
5872-AAA 6736 96F8757 LAN Server Ultimedia
Additional License
with certificate
5872-AAA 6737 96F8758 LAN Server Ultimedia
Additional License
without certificate
5870-EAD 6738 96F8757 LAN Server Ultimedia
Additional License
with certificate
5870-EAD 6739 96F8758 LAN Server Ultimedia
Additional License
without certificate
VALU ORDERING INFORMATION
VALU
ORDER
TYPE FEATURE PART
NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER PROGRAM NAME
5872-AA2 6736 96F8757 LAN Server Ultimedia
Additional License
with certificate
5872-AA2 6737 96F8758 LAN Server Ultimedia
Additional License
without certificate
The available order type is as follows:
o Program Package -- program diskette with documentation.
o Additional License Copies -- authorization for the customer who
has a program package to make a single copy of the program
diskette and documentation. There are two ways to receive
authorization to copy. Receipt of the invoice authorizes the
customer to make the Additional License Copy. The IBM Customer
Agreement (ICA) must be in effect. The customer also has the
option of ordering a Proof of Additional License certificate, in
which case, the ICA is not required.
o Documentation -- separate documentation without program
diskettes.
IBM EDUCATION FULFILLMENT CENTER: The announced program is eligible
to be ordered through the IBM Education Fulfillment Center. Please
note that availability through the IBM Education Fulfillment Center
may not coincide with the programming availability dates noted in
other sections of this document.
The IBM Education Fulfillment Center is the order processing
location for selected personal computers and related
hardware/software for eligible education end users.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
LICENSING: The program in this announcement is licensed under the
terms and conditions of the IBM Program License Agreement. A copy of
the agreement is included in the program package.
ADDITIONAL LICENSE: ICA must be in effect, or Proof of Additional
License certificate must be acquired.
LIMITED WARRANTY: Program: Yes. Media: Three months.
Additional licenses: Yes. Media: Not applicable.
PROGRAM SERVICES: Central Service, including the IBM Support Center,
will be available until December 6, 1995. The statement of service
included in the program package describes this service.
CUSTOMER FULFILLMENT OPTION: Yes.
VOLUME DISCOUNT: Volume discounting is available under the terms and
conditions of the ICA and the Exhibit for Personal Computer/System
Programs. The programs in this announcement are included in the
Eligible Program List for Personal Computer/System Programs. They
may be added to the applicable category in the space provided on the
Eligible Program List. Program packages are included in Category A
under 5871-AAA, Personal Computer/Systems Programs. Additional
licenses are included in Category A under 5872-AAA, Personal
Computer/Systems Programs.
The additional licenses are included in the Eligible Program
List for the Volume Additional License Usage Exhibit. The additional
licenses are included in Category B under 5872-AA2.
TESTING PERIOD: Two months for program packages.
ICA must be in effect.
NATIONAL EDUCATION LICENSE FEE: A National Education License Fee
(NELF) is available under the terms and conditions of the Education
Allowance Attachment. The NELF, which represents a 40% discount off
the single unit price, is not subject to any further discount or
allowance.
CHARGES
PROGRAM ONE-TIME
NUMBER ORDER TYPE CHARGE
96F8520 Program Package $3,195
96F8757 Additional License
with certificate 3,035
96F8758 Additional License
without certificate 3,035
ADDITIONAL LICENSES CHARGE: Customers who pay a one-time charge for
additional licenses may copy machine-readable program materials and
printed documentation previously acquired from IBM in a program
package. One copy may be made for each additional license ordered.