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From: Owner-OS2News@teamos2.org

Subject: OS2News: OS/2 Warp Server Released

IBM Announces Availability of OS/2 Warp Server
February 26, 1996

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.

* 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.

Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press
release should be directed to your local IBM representative.