OS/2 2.0 SHIPS!!!

[ML...@isucard.card.iastate.edu]

I pulled this off of IBM Link today. Please forgive me if this has already bee
n posted.
Thanks
Mike Long
Iowa State University



IBM BEGINS SHIPPING OS/2 VERSION 2.0 OPERATING SYSTEM

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., March 31, 1992 . . . IBM today delivered OS/2*
Version 2.0, its powerful, yet easy-to-use operating system that opens
new doors in personal computing and lets users manage information in
ways more productive and pleasing.

OS/2 Version 2.0, which began shipping to customers today, delivers
three operating environments -- DOS, Windows and OS/2 -- in a single
package, offering unique value and flexibility. Special introductory
prices, including a $49 offer for Windows** users and a $99 upgrade
price for any DOS user, are part of IBM's plan to firmly establish
OS/2 2.0 as the PC operating system of the 90's.

OS/2 2.0 also introduces the Workplace Shell*, a graphical user inter-
face (GUI) that brings to the IBM-compatible PC a superior look and
feel. Its elegant design delivers advanced function with enticing
drag-and-drop simplicity. In addition to native OS/2 programs, OS/2
allows users to run familiar PC applications for DOS and Windows in a
far more stable environment.

"The release of OS/2 2.0 is the PC industry's most significant advance
since the introduction of the IBM PC 10 years ago," says James A.
Cannavino, IBM vice president and general manager of the Personal
Systems line of business. "Just as they did a decade ago, today's
users can experience powerful productivity gains immediately."

RUNS MULTIPLE PROGRAMS CONCURRENTLY

Capable of exploiting today's advanced hardware, 32-bit OS/2 2.0
offers true multitasking, allowing concurrent execution of multiple
software programs. OS/2 2.0 ships with over 25 utility, entertainment
and personal productivity mini-applications ("Applets") such as a
Calendar, NotePad, Calculator and To-Do List. Adobe Type Manager**
for both Windows and OS/2 environments is also included.

"As a result of our new open development paradigm, we are delivering a
terrific and compelling product that was shaped by customers at 30,000
sites through one of the most extensive beta test programs in the
industry," says Lee Reiswig, assistant general manager of programming,
IBM Personal Systems. "We are shipping today what others are still
promising and are committed to continually enhance this leading edge
product through the 90s."

OS/2 2.0 is an ideal platform for a client and server networking envi-
ronment, providing superior function, performance and reliability.
OS/2 networking offerings include LAN Server, NetWare** from IBM and
Extended Services. OS/2 LAN Server 2.0 and Extended Services will be
available on April 10, 1992. Extended Services consists of Database
Manager and Communications Manager.

ABUNDANT APPLICATIONS

Currently, there are more than 17,000 DOS, 4,900 Windows and 2,500
16-bit OS/2 applications available. With tens of thousands of appli-
cations to choose from, OS/2 2.0 users have access to a tremendously
broad range of software programs.

In addition, more than 1,000 software vendors are developing 32-bit
applications for delivery in 1992, including Lotus, Borland,
WordPerfect and Novell. There are also more than 250 development tool
products available for OS/2.

To ensure that OS/2 2.0 will run on IBM-compatible PC platforms, IBM
has established a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) test
laboratory in Boca Raton, Fla., in addition to its OEM test lab in
Basingstoke, England. At this moment, over 100 OEM models have passed
OS/2 2.0 compatibility tests, including models from Compaq, Dell,
CompuAdd, AST and Tandy.

As part of IBM's intention to support OEM 386- and 486-based plat-
forms, the company will work with all users who may experience compat-
ibility issues in the first 90 days of use and, if a resolution is not
possible, the customer will be reimbursed.

COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE AND SUPPORT

OS/2 2.0 will be distributed as a single shrink-wrapped package which
will include IBM service and support for IBM and OEM equipment. All
users of OS/2 2.0 will receive:

o Free 60-day support via a toll-free number; and
o Technical information and message exchange through
commercial bulletin board services, including

Compuserve and IBMLINK electronic support.

This service can be extended for a nominal fee. In addition, OS/2 2.0
will be supported by IBM's HelpWare*, 1-800-PS2-2227, the most compre-
hensive customer satisfaction offering in the PC industry. Users can
order OS/2 2.0 via a toll-free number, 1-800-3-IBM-OS2.

IBM today also announced several introductory promotions. Through the
OS/2 direct order toll-free number, the following promotional prices
will be available until July 31, 1992: Current Windows users can
purchase OS/2 2.0 for $49, any DOS user can upgrade to OS/2 2.0 for
$99 and new users can purchase OS/2 2.0 for $139. These promotional
prices do not include shipping and handling.

As part of a previous promotion, any IBM OS/2 user can receive a free
upgrade to 2.0 until July 31, 1992. A manufacturer's rebate will be
available to Windows users who purchase OS/2 2.0 through IBM author-
ized remarketers.

WORLDWIDE PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS

IBM will introduce OS/2 2.0 to the public through over 120 customer
meetings worldwide, followed by the "OS/2 To You" demonstration tour,
a travelling roadshow which will take place at customer facilities in
a "Big Tent" style. The tour begins today and will continue
throughout the year.

IBM will make OS/2 2.0 as widely available as DOS through an extensive
distribution network that provides convenient sales locations and
quality support. IBM's direct marketing force will be augmented by
its established base of Business Partners, including authorized PC and
software dealers, industry remarketers and associate remarketers,
retailers and superstores.
A key component of IBM's broad-based distribution strategy will be
active support by IBM's aggregators, distributors and national dealer
chains, such as Computerland, Corporate Software, Egghead, Ingram
Micro D, Merisel, Intelligent Electronics, Microage Computer Stores
and Sears.

# # #

* Trademark or registered trademark of the International
Business Machines Corporation.

** The following is a trademark of the indicated company:
Windows (Microsoft Corporation), Adobe Type Manager
(Adobe), Netware (Novell).




...Press TOP PF key to return to Screen 1...

[Robert Salesas]

So when can I go into Eggheads and pick up a copy?

Rob

PS: Seriously.

--
\--------------------------------------------------------------------/
\ Robert Salesas + Usenet: Robert_...@MINDLINK.bc.ca /
\ Eschalon Development Inc. + CIS: 76625,1320 BYTE: newdawn /
\--------------------------------------------------------------------/

[Timothy F. Sipples]

In article <11...@mindlink.bc.ca> Robert_...@mindlink.bc.ca (Robert Salesas) writes:
>So when can I go into Eggheads and pick up a copy?

>PS: Seriously.

Word has it that the major distributors get shrinkwrapped copies on
4/4/92. However fast they can get it to dealers is how fast you'll
get it on your desk.
--
Timothy F. Sipples Keeper of the OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions
si...@ellis.uchicago.edu List, available via anonymous ftp from
Dept. of Economics 128.123.35.151, directory pub/os2/faq, or via
Univ. of Chicago 60637 netmail from LIST...@BLEKUL11.BITNET.

[Robert Mee]

In article <JEFF.92A...@fang.clearpoint.com>, je...@fang.clearpoint.com (Jeffrey J. Griglack) writes:
|> On 1 Apr 92 05:30:30 GMT, si...@ellis.uchicago.edu (Timothy F. Sipples) said:

|>
|> Tim> In article <11...@mindlink.bc.ca> Robert_...@mindlink.bc.ca (Robert Salesas) writes:
|> >So when can I go into Eggheads and pick up a copy?
|> >PS: Seriously.
|>

|> Tim> Word has it that the major distributors get shrinkwrapped copies on
|> Tim> 4/4/92. However fast they can get it to dealers is how fast you'll
|> Tim> get it on your desk.
|>
|> Does that mean that I can bring in a proof of ownership from OS/2 1.x
|> and get an update?
|> --
|>
|> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|> |Jeff Griglack | "The best kind of friend is like iron sharpening|
|> |je...@fang.clearpoint.com | iron" -- "The Reptiles and I" by Shriek Back |
|> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I talked to Egghead last week and they said that they'd be
carrying OS/2 2.0 "In a couple of weeks" he went on to say
that they'd be handling upgrades for those coming from DOS/Windows
but not the free upgrades from IBM.

FYI
Rob
--

Robert Mee Boston University Information Technology (r...@bu-it.bu.edu)

[Scott Sanbeg]

In article <1992Apr1.1...@midway.uchicago.edu> si...@midway.uchicago.edu writes:

>In article <JEFF.92A...@fang.clearpoint.com> je...@fang.clearpoint.com writes:
>>Does that mean that I can bring in a proof of ownership from OS/2 1.x
>>and get an update?
>

>The OS/2 1.x free upgrades (in the U.S.) are apparently being handled
>by IBM itself. To get the free upgrade, fill out the upgrade form
>(available via anonymous ftp from hobbes.nmsu.edu, directory
>pub/os2/info, filename upgrade.usa), follow its instructions, and mail
>it to the address provided.

As a point of interest, we were able to take the proof of license downtown
to a local, authorized IBM dealer. They photographed the license, called
IBM during the next few minutes, and reported that we will have 2.0 within
ten days... (Now, 6 and counting. :) Can you believe it? A dealer who
knew what's going on. (!)
Scott

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scott Sanbeg Spokane, Washington Voice: 509/535-2561
ssa...@visual.spk.wa.us (or) visual!ssa...@tau-ceti.isc-br.com