MMOUG December 1995 Newsletter

December 1995
Volume 3 Number 12

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views held by
the MMOUG or it's members. Don't agree with something you've read here?     
Write and tell us about it!  If you have any contributions, please upload them to area
18 of the WoodMeister or send them to me via Internet at USDSSKZS@IBMMAIL.COM.  If
you work for the State of Missouri and have access to DISOSS, you can send them to
POOLMWV at DSSHOST.      

MMOUG November Minutes

Mid MO OS/2 Users Group
November 20, 1995
Department of Social Services
 
Meeting was called to order by Gary Pool.  Michelle Wilson said that
there was a mix up in getting Ken Willard from Pinnacle for November. Ken
will be presenting at the January meeting.  Instead of a presentation by
Pinnacle, upcoming meeting ideas were discussed.
 
David Keisker spoke briefly about a guy from KAT radio station who may be
in a position to take over the BBS and maintain it.  He was supposed to
attend the meeting, but never arrived.  David will pursue.
 
Michelle Wilson said that the next three meetings were planned:
     December -- Christmas Party -- At the Wilson's house in Columbia
     January  -- Pinnacle Technology -- Ken Willard will present in
                 Jefferson City
     February -- IBM discussing Warp Server and SystemView for OS/2.
 
Michelle also said that getting speakers and give aways was more than a
one person job, and it was decided that for the March and April meetings
David Keisker would continue to try and get Stardock to present Object
Desktop, and Randy Wright would try and get Hilgraeve to present Hyper-
Access.  It was also mentioned that if anyone has ideas about speakers,
or contacts we may use to get speakers, let Michelle know and she would
get someone to be responsible for planning the respective meetings.
 
It was also mentioned that we abandon the paper version of the MMOUG
newsletter.  Michelle Wilson said that she will be publishing an "OS/2
Events" newsletter on behalf of IBM and that any User Group info deemed
important for inclusion could be.  This newsletter would go out to ap-
proximately 500 Mid Missouri OS/2 Users and would be an excellent way to
increase attendance at our meetings.
 
Also, it was discussed that we put together some kind of generic form
letter describing our geography's OS/2 demographics that could be used
to entice ISV's to present to our group.  Michelle also mentioned that
she would volunteer to make joint calls between IBM and ISV's to OS/2
shops in the area-- again to make it more appealing for ISV's to want
to come to Jefferson City.
 
The purchase of a 28.8 modem for the JC BBS was discussed.  Discussion
was tabled until Phillip Wilson could be reached for status.  It was
also mentioned that if a third party takes over maintenance of the BBS
that it may not be necessary.
 
Michelle Wilson will come up with an invitation to the Christmas Party
for David Keisker to send out to MMOUG Members.  The invitation will
include a postage paid post card for folks to RSVP to.  It will also in-
clude questions for a brief survey about the User's Group.
 
Meeting was adjourned.  Those attending were Steve Gramblin, David Keis-
ker, Aaron Jacobson, John Tinklepaugh, Gary Pool, Michelle Wilson and
Randy Wright.

Information Officer Input/Output

Good and bad things are happening in the world of OS/2.  Let's start with
the bad news.  David Barnes, the entertaining apostle of OS/2, is leaving
IBM.  IBM has announced that it will develop software for other platforms
and that it is possible that NT products may be developed before OS/2.
It looks like IBM is withdrawing resources from Warp for the Power PC.

On the bright side, David Barnes will be going to work for another company
(for more $$$) in order to train people how to demonstrate and sell OS/2.
The next version of OS/2 (code named Merlin) should be available in the
middle of 1996.  Among some of the improvements are C-2 security
features, the implementation of OpenDoc, and an API set that will make it
easy for developers to program for Windows95 and OS/2 at the same time,
hopefully resulting in more native OS/2 applications that are at the same
level as their Windows counterparts.

You know, I like OS/2.  It helps me to get many things done at once.  (And
I have *many* things going at once).  At a recent Microsoft
presentation, the rep said that according to their studies, about 80% of the
folks using Windows only have one application running at a time.  I think
that's why many folks don't understand the benefits of OS/2.  It is a more
robust and complex operating system, but why struggle with learning
something new if the power isn't needed?

But I'm no where nearly as interested in OS/2 as a fellow who posts on
the OS2BBS.  While his wife was in the delivery room, he noticed that the
PC's that were monitoring the hearts of the infants were running on OS/2.
I don't think I would have noticed that!

OK, Phillip, when Michelle's in the delivery room in April, could you check
out the operating system at use in the hospital?  I'm sure she'd :hp2.love:ehp2.
that!

It looks like we are going to be having some good meetings coming up, so
tell your friends and neighbors to show up for the meetings.

Humor

   New York -- People for Ethical Treatment of Software (PETS)
announced today that seven more software companies have been added to
the group's "watch list" of companies that regularly practice software
testing.

   "There is no need for software to be mistreated in this way so that
companies like these can market new products," said Ken Grandola,
spokesperson for PETS.  "Alternative methods of testing these products
are available."

   According to PETS, these companies force software to undergo
lengthly and arduous tests, often without rest, for hours or days at a
time.  Employees are assigned to "break" the software by any means
necessary, and inside sources report that they often joke about
"torturing" the software.

   "It's no joke," said Grandola.  "Innocent programs, from the day
they are compiled, are cooped up in tiny rooms and "crashed" for hours
on end.  They spend their whole lives on dirty, ill-maintained
computers, and are unceremoniously deleted when they're not needed
anymore."

   Grandola said the software is kept in unsanitary conditions and is
infested with bugs.

   "We know that alternatives to this horror exist," he said, citing
industry giant Microsoft Corporation as a company that has become
successful without resorting to software testing.

The Dog House

Sorry for jumping in late here, but I've been using COMP to compare
files from rexx exec's for some time.  Here's the snippet of code that
I wrote for just that purpose..

/* Main Program */
SAY "AUTOEXEC.BAT/CONFIG.SYS RC="COMPARE("AUTOEXEC.BAT" "CONFIG.SYS")
SAY "CONFIG.SYS  /CONFIG.SYS RC="COMPARE("CONFIG.SYS" "CONFIG.SYS")
SAY "CONFIG.SYS  /CONFIG.OLD RC="COMPARE("CONFIG.SYS" "CONFIG.OLD")
SAY "CONFIG.SYS  /NOTEXIST   RC="COMPARE("CONFIG.SYS" "NOTEXIST")
SAY "NOTEXIST    /NOTEXIST   RC="COMPARE("NOTEXIST" "NOTEXIST")
EXIT

COMPARE:  /* RETURNS RC=0 IF FILES COMPARE OK */
PROCEDURE
ARG FILE1 FILE2
  SIZE1=FILESIZE(FILE1); SIZE2=FILESIZE(FILE2)
  IF SIZE1<0 | SIZE2<0 THEN RETURN 2
  IF SIZE1<>SIZE2 THEN RETURN 1
  '@ECHO N|COMP 'FILE1 FILE2' 1>NUL 2>NUL'
RETURN RC

FILESIZE: /* Returns size of file, -1 if error */
PROCEDURE
ARG FILENAME
  CALL SYSFILETREE FILENAME,"DATA","F"
  IF DATA.0<>1 THEN RETURN -1
  PARSE VALUE DATA.1 WITH . . SIZE . .
RETURN STRIP(SIZE)

-Ken

Threads....

Galactic Civilizations version 2.0

Galactic Civilizations
Version 2.0
Ships: December 11!

Galactic Civilizations v1.0 took the OS/2 world by
storm last year and became one of
OS/2's top selling OS/2 products of all time.

With great reviews from magazines such as PC Gamer,
Strategy Plus, and Computer
Gaming World to industry awards such as the 1995 Editor's
Choice Award from
OS/2 Magazine, Galactic Civilizations is the must-have
strategy game for OS/2.

It's artificial intelligence engine (AI) has been called
"The best ever done in a PC
game) by many players and pundits.  The speed at which it
simulates an intergalactic
economy even on a low end 486 has surprised many players.

Now, Stardock has invested a significant amount of time
and money into revamping
Galactic Civilizations.  It is adding many features to
t that users have asked for such as:

+ Governors.  To reduce star system micro-management, players can now assign
a governor to run their planet's resources.

+ Multi-player hooks.  Third parties will be able to add modules to
make it possible to play Galactic Civilizations over the network.

+ Star Ranges. Ships will now have ranges based on their type.
This will create a  whole new way of playing the game as you balance
how far your ships can travel versus how to isolate yourself from your enemies.

In response to requests about making GalCiv's graphics and sound sizzle,
Stardock enlisted the help of the F.J. Fisher company to develop GalCiv's new
graphcis.  New aliens, new planets, and more will make GalCiv a top notch
graphical game while retaining its famed playability.  Moreover, a digital
music sound track that contains about 100 megabytes of stereo music will be
included to create a truly multimedia atmosphere.

And for those of you who remember the "Box" GalCiv came in, Stardock designed
the box itself this time and it will be of the same quality as Object Desktop's.

Galactic Civilizations V2 will require a CD ROM drive and OS/2 2.1 or later.

If you already own Galactic Civilizations version 1, you can upgrade to the
new version for only $29.95 (as long as you order soon).  New users can
pre-order for $49.95.

Brad Wardell, Project Manager, Stardock Systems, Inc.
TEL: 313/453-0328  FAX: 313/453-1480
email: wardell@ibm.net http://oeonline.com/~stardock

IBM OS/2 Lan Server makes the grade

 Major universities and colleges graduate to LAN Server 4.0

 LAS VEGAS, November 13, 1995 ... Colleges and universities are using IBM's
 OS/2 LAN Server 4.0 to expand campus borders and extend traditional
 learning environments into publishing, broadcasting and global Internet
 access.  The University of Missouri, University of Arkansas, and Queens'
 College of the University of Cambridge are among a growing number of
 colleges using LAN Server 4.0 to enhance the educational experience.

 "As with large and small customers in finance, health care,
 telecommunications, transportation, manufacturing and other industries,
 many universities and colleges are currently upgrading to LAN Server 4.0
 because of its advanced networking capabilities and ease of
 administration," said Phil Powers, director of marketing, LAN Systems, IBM
 Personal Software Products division.  "Many are also choosing to migrate
 from Novell and Microsoft networking systems to OS/2, such as the
 University of Missouri and University of Arkansas."

 University of Missouri

 IBM's LAN Server 4.0 plays a critical role in the production of The
 Columbia Missourian, a general circulation, daily newspaper, which the
 University of Missouri's School of Journalism has published since 1908.  It
 was the first newspaper in the country to use local area networks for
 production.  Now, using LAN Server, the journalism school produces The
 Digital Missourian, an on-line newspaper complete with local news, sports,
 national news, weather maps and photos that is available globally
 on the World Wide Web.  LAN Server 4.0 makes it easy to move story
 files between The Columbia Missourian newsrooms and The Digital Missourian
 newsroom.

 The School of Journalism also broadcasts daily news programs on the local
 National Public Radio station and NBC-TV affiliate. According to Mark
 Zemelman, computer projects and network manager at the University of
 Missouri School of Journalism, in broadcast news it is inexcusable to miss
 an on-air deadline.

 "Because breaking news occurs throughout the day, we must have a server
 application that is always up and running, and reliable," said Zemelman.
 "LAN Server 4.0 fulfills this requirement."

 In 1989, the University of Missouri's School of Journalism migrated from
 Novell NetWare to LAN Server.  Currently, it is upgrading more than 20
 servers to LAN Server 4.0 from LAN Server 3.0.  The local area networks
 connect 450 multiplatform workstations including OS/2, DOS, Windows 3.x,
 Windows 95 and Macintosh throughout the School of Journalism's classrooms
 and faculty offices, as well as the Associated Press wire service, AP
 stylebook software, university mainframe computer and numerous external
 databases.  Today, Missouri's journalism program has one of the most
 advanced networking, word processing, research and photojournalism
 capabilities of any school of its kind in the world, according to Zemelman.

 "In a very complex, data-intensive network environment like the journalism
 school, IBM LAN Server's single domain makes log-on transparent to the end
 user by connecting to multiple servers behind-the-scenes," according to
 Zemelman.  "In addition, with the 32-bit OS/2 foundation we are able to run
 LAN Server and other applications together on a single computer."

 University of Arkansas, College of Agriculture

 Internet access is just one of the reasons OS/2 LAN Server 4.0 is being
 used at the University of Arkansas, College of Agriculture.  The College of
 Agriculture uses IBM LAN Server to connect to the main university network
 and allow faculty and graduate students to share files, applications and
 printers.

 In the college's teaching labs, LAN Server 4.0 is used with OS/2 Warp
 Connect and Windows for Workgroups clients.  According to Albert Crosby,
 microcomputer network support specialist at the University of Arkansas,
 both platforms "talk well with LAN Server 4.0."  LAN Server 4.0 allows
 students and professors to share datafiles and launch multiple
 applications, as well as access the World Wide Web during classes that
 range from agricultural economics to plant pathology.  The various levels
 of academicians also use LAN Server 4.0 to conduct independent research and
 complete assignments.

 "Internet access is a primary goal for many of our users," says Crosby.
 "Therefore, a major benefit of LAN Server 4.0 is that TCP/IP is integrated
 deep within the network operating system.  It allows me to set up Internet
 access at a single source but make it available to all users.  Plus,
 installation is an easy one-step process.

 "Network features, such as the drag-and-drop graphical user interface, help
 make it easy for me to manage our network of more than 200 users and four
 servers," Crosby added.  "Another great administrative tool is enforced
 disk quotas.  It allows me to set up limited file space directories on the
 server for different departments.  LAN Server 4.0 automatically checks and
 enforces those."

 The University of Arkansas, College of Agriculture migrated from Microsoft
 LAN Manager to LAN Server 3.0 in 1994.  The school recently upgraded to LAN
 Server 4.0, both Entry and Advanced versions, on two servers in one
 network. It is also phasing out two additional Microsoft LAN Manager
 Servers in favor of LAN Server 4.0 Advanced on a separate network.

 Queens' College, University of Cambridge

 Interoperability of IBM PCs and Apple Macintoshes was an important
 consideration in choosing IBM LAN Server for Queens' College, one of the
 more than 30 colleges of the University of Cambridge in England.  According
 to Dr. Robin Walker, junior bursar and information technology manager at
 Queens' College, interoperability is critical because both computer systems
 are installed in the college's computer facility.  LAN Server allows
 students to switch among desktops and still process the same files.

 Queens' College's central computer room has 700 registered students sharing
 15 PCs and Macs so uniformity is important. "While students like to
 reconfigure and play around with their systems, it is important for the PCs
 to look and behave the same way each time a new user logs-on," Walker says.
 "Using the RIPL (Remote Initial Program Load) feature of LAN Server
 Advanced to boot the networked desktops from the server, I know that a new
 log-on will always appear and act the same no matter how the previous
 student may have configured the PC."

 Students also like to load the server with data, documents and graphics
 that they download from the World Wide Web, according to Walker.  "With LAN
 Server 4.0 Advanced, I will be able to limit individual disk space so that
 the students will not be able to fill up the server."

 With a centralized computer room, security is another important feature.
 LAN Server 4.0  provides full disk security for individual users and, at
 the same time, allows Walker to provide multiple access to student groups
 or clubs that want to share files.

 IBM OS/2 LAN Server 4.0 is raising the bar for network operating systems
 with new features that provide unmatched usability, interoperability and
 scalability.  LAN Server 4.0 is available in two versions: LAN Server
 Entry, which is ideal for small and medium-sized networks, and LAN Server
 Advanced for larger customers and enterprise networks.  Both versions have
 a new graphical user interface which includes drag-and-drop administration
 and enables users to launch features with a click of the mouse.  LAN Server
 4.0 also supports most of the popular Ethernet and Token Ring adapters.

 Following on the heels of LAN Server 4.0 and OS/2 Warp is IBM's next
 generation network server operating system, OS/2 Warp Server.  Currently in
 beta testing, it is expected to ship in the first quarter of 1996.

 *Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International
 Business Machines Corp.

 IBM news releases are available on the Internet, via the IBM Home
 Page at http://www.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.

John Thompson at Comdex

From:  Steve Walker, IBM UK

John W Thompson's presentation at Comdex.

Here are the notes I made during John's speech.  Sincere apologies for the
fragmented nature of it and for the length of the post, but I hope that you
get the general drift of what he said from the following:

John specifically wanted to lay out the plans for OS/2 as a way of
demonstrating that IBM is firmly committed to OS/2, just as it always has
been.

John started with a look at the last 12 months:

The launch of OS/2 Warp - the largest OS/2 introduction ever (maybe the
largest IBM launch ever). Then OS/2 Warp Connect.  And now the Just Add Warp
campaign.

John stated that IBM will continue to invest in OS/2 on the Client - the
connected consumer (connected, that is to the Internet, to a Server, to an
Enterprise host, or a mobile worker).

John quoted two real life examples:

- Real Estate agent Barbara McMickle, who wanted to get connected to get hold
of latest house listings off the Internet and post information about her
offerings, too

- Steve LeMay, an Environmental Research scientist.  His department used a
mixture of OS/2 and Windows.  They now use Warp because of its robust
connection capability, particularly to multiple (mainly Unix) servers.

Advertising campaigns have been intended to increase awareness of OS/2 Warp.
For example, the Nuns advert is very well-known (and award-winning).  Now
there's the Rainforest TV ad which shows the connected client using Cellular
communications.

So what have been the results of this activity?

IDC quote, from their PC Operating Systems Market Review and Forecast about
building awareness:  "So far, IBM has done a tremendous job of building
consumer and end-user awareness.  It's campaign to build brand recognition for
Warp has been an unqualified success".  IDC predict thwt OS/2 Warp will gain
three points of market share in 1995.

Firstly, OS/2 Warp as Client:  4+ million copies of Warp sold.  10+ million
installed users.  Unaided awareness of OS/2 Warp improved by 27%.  More Warps
sold than total # of Unix shipments - all variants of Unix.  Outshipped NT
Client by 7-1 for large businesses, 3.5-1 for medium businesses, 6-1 for small
businesses, 11-1 for home and 9-1 overall.

Server: share increase of LAN Server 4.0 of 9 points.  Outshipped NT Server by
2 to 1, according to IDC figures for 1H95.

Software support is growing daily.  There are 63 ISVs creating 180 new apps,
the majority shipping NOW.  People are making commitments to OS/2 (like
Indelible Blue, PowerQuest) and are enjoying great success based on OS/2.

Many people are interested in our plans with Lotus:  SmartSuite will evolve to
OS/2 - a full complement of the Windows products during 96. The first parity
applications will be shipping in 1Q96, (current plans: starting with WordPro
96 for OS/2 Warp, then Freelance Graphics, and also the suite will include
32-bit OS/2 versions of Approach and Organiser)

IBM is delivering more than 100 OS/2 applications already.  OS/2 and related
business is > $1 Billion, growing 40% CGR.

Plans for 1996 include enhancing OS/2 Warp on both Client and Server:

*   continue to enhance the client:  DAPIE; Integrate more functions from
Lotus into OS/2 - connection capability as well as UI.

At this point, we got a taste of the probable look and feel of Merlin (code
name for next rel of OS/2) in the form of UI Prototypes (not actual code): -
Settings Notebooks implemented as infobox. -  Translucency of Windows to make
active window more prominent. -  Shadowed icons -  Window shade, with window
rolled up like a roller blind, just leaving
   its title visible -  Irregular-shaped dialog box.

Some of this will be in Merlin, some beyond this.

We will update Bonuspak, too.  No specifics supplied here.

On the Server side, IBM intends to sustain the Warp Server momentum. It will
ship early in 96. + 7 server components. -  Notes -  Internet -  Database -
Communications -  Directory (DCE) -  Systems Management -  Transaction
Processor/Monitor

These solutions are pretested and integrated.  A customer need buy only the
desired components.  Or can install non-IBM components (So, this means that
Warp is an Open base).

And what of the Microkernel OS/2 version?  MK base will be shipped at the end
of this year, with further enhancements during 96.  The MK is the long-term
structure for OS/2.

15 vendors have made commitments to the MK to date, including Digital and
Northern Bell.

So, those are the basic plans we have for 1996.  How will we support them?

We will continue advertising campaigns.  Enhance awareness of OS/2 further.
The theme is "Can your software do this" with examples such as a kid paying
money into the bank (which, courtesy of OS/2 can safely and reliably handle
thousands of other transactions at the same second).

October was the best ever sales month for OS/2 now that Win 95 is actually
available.

 -----------------------------------------------------

Further elucidations gleaned from a Q&A with Art Olbert:

Warp Server will have Netware migration aid - as used by International Olympic
Committee.

Olbert totally unware of any negotiations between IBM and Novell for purchase
of Novell.

OS/2 is the predominant Notes server in the marketplace.  Upgraded Notes UI
will be further integrated into Warp.

Eagle is the codename for the suite of server applications.

2 related activities at the same time.  One is Warp Server and AIX Server as
base application servers.  The other is the creation, on top of these servers,
the seven server solutions.

AIX or Warp servers look the same from e.g. WfWG.

1st release of Warp Server will be Intel only, not PowerPC.

How about the rise of NT as server?  IDC data shows that OS/2 is more
successful as server than NT.  450K OS/2 app servers vs 150K NT App servers.
740K vs 300K are the figures for all servers (i.e including File/Print).
These are installed base figures, therefore skewed towards OS/2 because it's
been out longer.  So look instead at the 1H 95 figures; OS/2 is 24% of NOS
shipments, NT is 22%.

Steve Walker, IBM UK

Next MMOUG Meeting

Next month's MMOUG meeting will be held in on Wednesday, December 20, 1995,
6 pm at:

Phillip and Michelle Wilson's
Columbia, MO
It's the Christmas party!  Bring a snack.
