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May 30, 1997 Announcements

Acrobat Reader 3.0 for OS/2 now available.

San Jose, Calif., (May 28, 1997) (Nasdaq: ADBE)

Adobe has shipped the Acrobat Reader 3.0 for OS/2. This product is currently available in seven language versions: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, and Swedish.

You can find the OS/2 reader (and other platform versions) by pointing your Web Browser to http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html

The Acrobat Reader 3.0 for OS/2 includes key Acrobat features such as internet browser integration, including ability to dowload Acrobat documents a page at a time from the Web and view them in the Netscape Navigator browser. It also includes Acrobat forms, which enables users to easily read and fill out high quality Acrobat forms on the Web.

The OS/2 version of Acrobat Reader also includes Workplace Shell integration features such as drag and drop printing, dragging files to the Reader to open, as well as customizable menu fonts. The OS/2 reader supports multiple independent reader windows, and can be launched locally or from the network via command-line.

NOTE: this product requires Warp and later versions of OS/2. For printing, Fixpak 26 or later is recommended for Warp 3.0.
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BOLT Computer Releases New K6 Systems.

BOLT Computer Systems of Elkhart, Indiana is pleased to announce that their new line of AMD K6 processor equipped computers are the first to have successfully completed IBM compatibility testing for OS/2 Warp version 4.

These BOLT Computers represent exceptional performance and value for OS/2 users. Most models include a range of unique features such as filtered tri-fan cooling systems, temperature and fan-fail alarms, etc. From bread-and-butter business workstations to high-end graphics and high-performance multimedia stations, BOLT systems are available with a full range of options. For additional information contact Jeff Nelson at BOLT Computer Systems by phone or on the internet.

Phone: 219-522-6595 or 800-GET-BOLT Fax: 219-522-1378
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Filez Unveils New Features.

San Diego, CA - (May 28th, 1997) - Filez helps users sift through millions of files on the web to locate software anywhere on the net. New features give users the ability to search the massive 75 million file database using file descriptions in addition to searching by filenames.

The new description searching feature means that users no longer have to know the name of the file, but just a descriptive word or two. In the past, visitors to Filez had to have an idea of the name of the file to locate it. Now file descriptions are indexed for many files allowing users to locate files even if they only have a few descriptive words. The ability to read a description also makes it easier to identify relevant files and avoids the hassles of downloading files without knowing what they are. Similarly, if users locate a file using a filename search, the server will display a description if one exists.

The new description searching combines the largest file database of any commercial file search service with the fastest description search engine to offer users unparalleled performance and accuracy.

The Filez search engine collects data on millions of files from thousands of file (ftp) servers around the world each week. The majority of software, games, graphics, sounds, and movies are stored on FTP servers making them a valuable public resource. None of the major web search sites collects data on FTP sites. This makes Filez an unique and essential site to computer users interested in software, games and multimedia files like graphics, movies, and sounds.

Also introduced is a partnership with Reference.com giving Filez users instant access to the most comprehensive Internet discussion search engine. Reference.com provides browsing, searching and participation in more than 120,000 forums including newsgroups, mailing lists, and web forums.

Since announcing Filez in January 1997, Filez is registering strong growth and is fulfilling over 7 million search requests per month.
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New version of PKZIP(R) for OS/2!

PKWARE ships new version of PKZIP(R) for OS/2 Compatible with OS/2 Warp 4

Brown Deer, WI - PKWARE, Inc., today announces a new OS/2 version of its world famous archiving and compression utility, PKZIP(R). The robust and flexible command-line 2.50 version starts shipping today.

PKZIP runs as an Intel x86 32-bit native application under OS/2 2.0 or later. The ability to run as an efficient OS/2 native application is a big advantage over running in compatiblity mode on other operating systems.

Important features of PKZIP 2.50 for OS/2 include the ability to:

* Compress or extract .ZIP files by using the popular 2.04g compression method.

* Retain and restore extended attribute information.

* Retain and restore OS/2 HPFS Long File Names.

* Create self-extracting OS/2, Windows and DOS archives using the registered version of PKZIP. Easy to use self-extracting files do not require PKZIP to extract files from an archive.

* Create spanned .ZIP archives. A spanned .ZIP archive exists over more than one diskette or other removable media.

* Allow self-extracting Windows and OS/2 archives to span multiple diskettes.

* Utilize a new command set which will make it easier for new users to understand, and for experienced users to customize, through the use of more configurable parameters.

* Recognize .ZIP archives imbedded with Authenticity Verification by PKZIP for DOS v2.04g.

* Easily configure PKZIP's command-line interface to meet individual needs.

* Compress, extract, fix corrupt .ZIP files, and create self-extracting files all using the same executable. A separate executable is not needed for each different operation.

* View files from within an archive without extracting individual files.

A Distribution Licensed version of PKZIP 2.50 for OS/2 is also available.

The licensed version is for those who wish to facilitate the distribution of software or data to outside parties. This version includes access to an external data file containing additional self-extractor types for other operating systems and hardware platforms.

Those who register PKZIP 2.50 for OS/2 will receive the fast, file finding utility PKZFIND as an added bonus. This program is a file finding utility with an important plus. PKZFIND not only searches all directories on diskettes, local or network hard drives, or other media, but also will search through .ZIP files created by PKZIP. PKZFIND's flexible command-line interface will automatically switch to the sub-directory where the desired file is located. PKZFIND allows you to find any file, ZIPPED or not, simply and easily.

PKZIP has separate versions available for DOS, OpenVMS Alpha and VAX, and Windows 3.1x, Windows 95 and Windows NT. Native 32-bit versions of PKZIP are also available for Alpha or PowerPC systems running Windows NT.

Pricing and Availability

PKZIP 2.50 for OS/2 is available immediately for $47.

You may order directly from PKWARE by calling (414)354-8699.

Additional information is available on the Internet at http://www.pkware.com, by sending email to info@pkware.com, or by dialing our BBS at (414)354-8670.
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InnoVal to Release Java Version of HACKSAW.

Harrison, New York. InnoVal Systems Solutions announced today that it will release a Java version of HACKSAW, an innovative tool for Internet users. It will be released both as a tool and as a Java developers' toolkit. HACKSAW is currently available for Windows 95, Windows NT, and OS/2.

"Customer reaction and early orders for Hacksaw have been extraordinary," said Dan Porter, the president of InnoVal. "We knew that we had a good product, but we never imagined that the response would be so enthusiastic. This quote from a customer's letter to us, perhaps says it best."

"A resounding, 'Why hasn't anyone thought of this before?' must be echoing through cyberspace. It isn't often that a new program immediately becomes a compelling, must-have tool. This is definitely one of those programs. HACKSAW is a brilliant idea, beautifully executed. . . . What a convenience to be able to send and receive email, and download and upload Internet files via the [command line] or, better still, from within the editor one uses to create those files."
"It is because of this type of positive reaction that we have decided to release a Java version," said Porter.

The Java version of HACKSAW will be a 100% pure Java application built with the Java Development Kit, (JDK 1.1) from Sun Microsytems Inc. and as such will be instantly portable to every current and future Java-enabled operating system platform.

A beta version of the Java implementation of HACKSAW will be released during June. Customers who use the Windows 95/NT version or the OS/2 version of HACKSAW will be invited to participate in beta testing the program. All customers who have purchased the Windows 95/NT or OS/2 version prior to the conclusion of the beta program will be able to obtain the Java version at no additional charge. The developers' toolkit version will also be available to existing HACKSAW customers at no additional charge.

Additional information about HACKSAW, including full documentation, and other InnoVal products is available at InnoVal's web page.

For more information, contact Marianne Roderus at info@innoval.com.
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BETA OS/2 Warp 4 & Win95 Peer networking FAQ.

A preliminary FAQ for OS/2 Warp 4 and Windows 95 peer networking has been released on the net:

http://ddi.digital.net/~brihall/os2peer.txt

Comments are invited.
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Ultimate OS/2 Gaming Page URL.

Webmasters, please note that the Ultimate OS/2 Gaming Page is at:

http://www.ionet.net/~colin/games.html

and has been for about 9 months. If you have a link to Ben's old page, please change it to this one. The Ultimate OS/2 Gaming page contains the latest information on commercial games native to the OS/2 platform, as well as some information on shareware and freeware games and playing DOS games under OS/2.

The DOS Games Settings List, is now at:

http://www.ifx.net/~crcomer/os2games/

If you have any links to the old page at eyelab.msu.edu is no longer valid, but Chris is doing a great job at the new site. Please change any links you may have to the old site.
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IBM Networks Logon Client for NT Available.

The latest enhancement to OS/2 Warp Server, the IBM Networks Primary Logon Client for Windows NT, is now freely downloadable via the web at:

http://www.software.ibm.com/os/warp-server/clients/clifnt.htm

and shortly it will be accessible through Software Choice at:

http://www.software.ibm.com/os/warp/swchoice

While the software itself is freely downloadable, its use requires licensing of a UBF (Use Based Feature) for each user that accesses Warp Server with it. Please contact an IBM representative or business partner with any questions concerning licensing, upgrade protection, or Software Choice.

Description

The IBM Networks Primary Logon Client for Windows NT is an add-on to the Microsoft Windows NT Network function and enables users to logon and go through the authentication process directly on locations that include IBM OS/2 Warp Server domains, DCE Cells, and Windows NT systems. It also provides to the Windows NT system all of the OS/2 Warp Server client functions, such as:

* Connecting to home directories
* Setting up and connecting to logon assignments
* Running shared applications
* Connecting to aliases
* Checking disk limits

Using the IBM Networks Client, a user's home directory and logon assignments are automatically connected after the user successfully logs on and goes through the authentication process on an OS/2 Warp Server domain.

For Windows NT system users accessing DCE Cells, the IBM Networks Primary Logon Client for Windows NT can support a user's home directory being automatically connected after the user successfully logs on and goes through the authentication process.

Prerequisites

You must have the following prerequisite components installed on your Windows NT system before you can install the IBM Networks Client:
* Microsoft Windows NT Version 4.0
* The Microsoft Workstation service
* An appropriate network adapter device driver
* A supported protocol (either NetBEUI or TCP/IP)

See the README.2ND file in the download package for more details.
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IBM Delivers Tools to Build Web-Based Server Apps.

(ALL tools described in this announcement are fully supported on OS/2 Warp. See below for complete list of supported platforms...)

SOMERS, N.Y., May 5, 1997 . . . IBM announced today an integrated line-up of new and upgraded VisualAge tools that will help businesses combine Internet technologies with enterprise systems. The tools are designed to build today's server "killer apps" -- scalable web-enabled business applications, that require the ability to update, not just access, enterprise data.

IBM's award winning VisualAge application development technology has been enhanced with additional language interoperability, modeling and management capabilities to extend existing and new, server-based applications and data to the Internet.

Announcements today include:

* VisualAge for Smalltalk Version 4; VisualAge for Smalltalk Server for MVS/ESA V4; VisualAge for Smalltalk Web Connection V4

* VisualAge Generator V2.2; VisualAge Generator Templates Version 2.2

* VisualAge for COBOL V2

* VisualAge Tivoli-ready Toolkits

* VisualAge DataAtlas Multiplatform V2

Building and Designing the Killer App

Soon to incorporate Java Beans as the common component model across the entire family, IBM VisualAge has the ability to seamlessly integrate existing legacy systems into web-based applications. The tools in the VisualAge family, including VisualAge for Java and the solutions announced today, make server-based killer applications possible.

VisualAge for Smalltalk

Available this week is VisualAge for Smalltalk V4, now on MVS and other IBM and non-IBM platforms (see complete list of supported platforms at end of release). VisualAge for Smalltalk V4 has enhanced support for building multi-tier business applications that take advantage of emerging technologies such as the World Wide Web, ActiveX, OLE, and OLE controls (OCX). The new VisualAge for Smalltalk is the first version certified by Microsoft as "Designed for Windows."

Using VisualAge for Smalltalk, Columbia Gas Distribution Companies in Ohio was able to develop a new core billing system called the Gas Transportation System (GTS) in six months. "To say onlookers were skeptical about us succeeding with this project is an understatement," said Keith Hardin, director of I/S, Columbia Gas Distribution Companies. "However, we met our target and developed a system that guarantees fast delivery of accurate customer bills. We anticipate that the GTS will save the company an estimated $2.5 million in its first full year of operation. In my book, that's a success story to be proud of."

VisualAge Generator

Also announced are VisualAge Generator Version 2.2 and VisualAge Generator Templates V2.2. VisualAge Generator now features the JavaBean component model and Java client, allowing any Java client to access VisualAge Generator server applications. Programmers can use the tool's Intelligent Dynamic Application Partitioning to redistribute applications for improved performance of complex multi-tier client/server solutions. VisualAge Generator allows developers to scale and deploy applications across mixed hardware/software environments. Using VisualAge Generator Templates, developers can generate applications from database definitions without writing any code, dramatically reducing development time.

The State of California Department of Health Services used VisualAge Generator to develop ISIS (Integrated State Information System), which supports approximately 1,800 users who assist 1.2 million low-income families. The ISIS system realizes approximately $2.0 million in benefits each month ($48 million each year) of full operations. "We needed an environment that would allow us to make substantial changes to applications quickly, and VisualAge Generator environment met our needs," said Mike Virga, ISIS application design project leader.

VisualAge for COBOL

To help companies leverage their existing COBOL systems, IBM will deliver VisualAge for COBOL V2 later this month. The tool will be available on Windows NT, in addition to OS/2, and will incorporate the unique visual programming paradigm of the VisualAge family. The product's powerful remote edit/compile/debug feature allows developers to update and debug their MVS applications from a workstation, without the need to duplicate and manage the host environment on the desktop. The professional edition of VisualAge for COBOL has also been enhanced to help customers with the Year 2000 transition.

Managing the Killer App

Deploying e-business applications often boosts the number of customers accessing business services, increasing the need for managing performance and reliability. VisualAge provides customers with the ability to manage both the development environment, through VisualAge TeamConnection, and the resulting application, through VisualAge Tivoli Toolkits.

VisualAge Tivoli Toolkits

VisualAge Tivoli Toolkits provide a bridge between VisualAge and systems management products from IBM's Tivoli Systems subsidiary, making managing applications easy and affordable. VisualAge Tivoli toolkits are available today on the web for Smalltalk and C++ and will be available soon for Java and other VisualAge products. Developers can use the toolkit to create applications that can be managed by Tivoli's network computing management solution, TME 10 (Tivoli Management Environment) throughout its entire lifecycle.

VisualAge DataAtlas Multiplatform V2

Even as companies move to the Net, the enterprise data remains their most important asset. VisualAge DataAtlas Multiplatform V2, available May 30, allows developers to optimize current critical databases, all while adding Java front-ends or designing new databases for Web server applications and data warehouses.

VisualAge DataAtlas, a comprehensive data modeling, database design and data dictionary tool, is now available on Windows NT, HP-UX and AIX (see complete list of supported platforms at end of release). The tool supports DB2, Oracle, IMS and the recently announced IBM Universal Database. It is well integrated with VisualAge TeamConnection, and is a key component of VisualAge Financial Foundation, IBM's application development environment for the financial services industry.

IBM's Network Computing Framework

VisualAge family of tools is an integral part of IBM's Network Computing Framework (NCF), a roadmap for customers and developers to use when moving their business to the Internet. The scalable nature of VisualAge tools and their ability to integrate collaborative aspects of applications make VisualAge ideal for making this roadmap a reality.

By providing Lotus Notes components in VisualAge for Smalltalk and Java products, IBM enables application developers to mix commerce and collaboration in one application. VisualAge Generator applications can utilize the services of Lotus Domino servers using MQ Series, which enables enterprise applications with legacy data and communications support to be tied into workflow solutions. The VisualAge family also provides easy access to enterprise data through native access to DB2, Sybase and Oracle, and other databases via ODBC.

Platform Support and Availability

* VisualAge for Smalltalk V4 now supports HP-UX V10.10, SUN Solaris V2.5, Windows NT 4.0, MVS and OS/2 Warp V4.0, in addition to the previously available Windows 3.11, Windows 95, Windows NT 3.51, OS/2 Warp V3.0 and AIX V4.1.4/4.2. It is available May 5.

* VisualAge Generator V2.2 is available today. The Java client enhancement will be available to customers in June. VisualAge Generator Templates V2.2 will be available May 30.

* VisualAge for COBOL V2 will be available by May 30, and will support Windows NT and OS/2. The Professional version will include Redeveloper tools for OS/2. Workstation COBOL compilers are also available for Windows 95 and AIX.

* VisualAge Tivoli Toolkits and VisualAge TeamConnection are available now.

* VisualAge DataAtlas Multiplatform V2 will be available May 30. The tools supports Windows NT and OS/2 clients, and the following server platforms: Windows NT, HP-UX, OS/2 and AIX.

For additional information on the content of this release, please visit www.software.ibm.com/ad/.
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MD+F Web Animation Kit Released.

May 22, 1997 - Modular Dreams Incorporated today announces the release of MD+F Web Animation Kit (MD+F WebAK), their first SX based graphics application as well as the most capable World Wide Web graphics program for IBM OS/2 Warp.

MD+F WebAK is the one OS/2 tool which no website administrator can be without. Features of WebAK are:

GIF Animations
WebAK provides the ability to load and take apart GIF animations, construct them by simple drag-and-drop, test animations by playing them (even supporting the Restore Previous method yet supported by Netscape), or save them using a highly optimized algorithm for the smallest file size possible. And unlike most other applications, WebAK is designed to also create and work with GIF Animations containing hundreds of frames.

Pattern Generation
WebAK's Pattern Generator lets you create seamless patterns for use as backgrounds or for inclusion in your animations. With additional tools such as an Image Holder to store your patterns, a variety of filters for touching-up, and an Image Tile tester, creating backgrounds for web pages has never been any easier.

Image maps
WebAK's Image map Writer lets you highlight areas on an image, specify links, and creates Server-side or Client-side image maps for you, with or without HTML test code. Once you use this tool, you will never want to hand-code Image maps again.

Scripting
WebAK's easy to use scripting language simplifies the tasks needed for more complex animations, even for the most casual computer users. For more advanced users, the scripting language (actually a C++ style interpreter) provides more features such as the ability to create or destroy objects, variables, test conditions, and looping constructs. Either way, you can find dozens of interesting example scripts on Modular Dreams' website to get you started.

Image formats and Alpha channel
WebAK support a variety of image formats including GIF, Jpeg, and lossless Jpeg for loading images and some of the more common formats should you wish to save single images. It also supports Alpha channels for specifying transparency.

Collapse and Resurrect
By using WebAK's unique Collapse and Resurrect feature, you can store not only the end result of your work, such as a GIF animation, but also the steps that went into it, for example the GIF Animator window and its settings, the various effect dialogs which you have open and even any links you created by drag-and-dropping between objects. If you create something neat, don't just tell others how to do it, give them your whole environment. Everything, even images being displayed, will be neatly stored in one file! Once you use the Collapse and Resurrect feature provided by WebAK, you will wish all your other programs did this.

You can get current information about the MD+F WebAK from Modular Dreams at their website located at http://www.modulardreams.com. The website also contains usage information and screen shots of the product. To purchase MD+F WebAK, contact your favorite OS/2 dealer. The MSRP for MD+F WebAK is $69.99.
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Team OS/2 at Comdex.

RE-ENERGIZE TEAM OS/2! It's the tenth anniversary of the first release of OS/2 Warp and we're ready to party!!! During the week of Spring Comdex, at the Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA, IBM is sponsoring a special Team OS/2 gathering in celebration of the continued development and success of OS/2 Warp. We would like to encourage any Team OS/2 member who may be in the area to joinus for this special event! Here are the details: Where: Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, GA When: Wednesday, June 4, 1997 Time: 6-8pm Speaker: TBA Topic: Resurrect Team OS/2! So come have refreshments on us and share your thoughts on OS/2, its beginnings and where it should go in the next ten years, as the grassroots followers continue their crusade to have OS/2 recognized as the superior product that it is! See you there!!!

For more info see: http://www.software.ibm.com/os/warp/pcug/.
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