The Flaw - by Richard R. Klemmer

e've all been hearing for a while now that IBM is aiming OS/2 at Large Enterprises, and not concerned with SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) or Home users. I actually can understand what their strategy is, but I believe there are some flaws in it that could be detrimental not only for OS/2, but for IBM as well.

Many Information Systems Managers in large corporations these days have worked their way up from positions outside of the technology fields. There seems to be an emphasis on administrative experience. Most of their experience with computers comes from home use, if anything. As such, the only products that they have any familiarity with are those that are marketed to home users or perhaps small offices. When they do reach the enterprise level, they want to stay with something that is familiar. Sometimes they are not even aware of any alternatives there may be. Because of this, they end up removing existing OS/2 networks for less efficient networks running Windows NT.

I realize the IBM plans on making a great deal of money providing support and solutions for companies with Windows NT networks, but I see a flaw in this plan as well. This brings me to my second point; there is a perception in some parts of the industry that IBM does not really want to sell OS/2, is out of touch with its clients, can not market to save their lives, and that the separate divisions in IBM are working counterproductively.

If this perception continues and increases (especially in respect to their attitude toward OS/2), many organizations will lose whatever confidence in IBM they have left. I've actually heard an IS manager say something to the effect, "If IBM can't even sell their own products (OS/2) properly, why should I go with them for a solution involving someone else's?" This attitude could potentially hurt them in many areas, not just sales of OS/2. There is also the history of IBM dropping development of a technology or product before it is completed. This is another reason why people are losing confidence in IBM. I'm not just talking about OS/2 users here, but also about the IS community in general.

Lastly, I would like to discuss IBM's responsibility to our society. Whether this is right or wrong, there are those that feel IBM has a responsibility to create choice and diversity in the operating systems market. In light of recent events, IBM has one opportunity to lessen the monopoly that Microsoft has in the desktop OS arena. This could only help sales of their other software products as well as hardware. It again comes back to a matter of perception. There are many IS people and independent consultants who feel this way and could become frustrated with IBM for not taking this opportunity. Perhaps it is unfair to expect this from IBM, but I believe that this backlash could occur.

Of course IBM has to fight the media, who seem to miss-construe all of their actions, and declare that "OS/2 is dead!" whenever an IBM CEO opens his mouth. If Lou Gerstner were to declare it's spring cleaning time and have his employees wash the windows in their offices, the headline would be something like "Lou Gerstner forces employees to work on Windows! OS/2 is dead!" Unfair, unfortunate, but commonplace. It's something IBM must deal with.

Just to clarify that I am not pulling these ideas out of the air, I've worked with Large government organizations such as the U.S. Army, the Department of Agriculture, and commercial companies that range from small local offices to national corporations. I'm also involved with some small and large computer technology organizations. I have seen and heard these attitudes toward IBM in all of these areas.

While not trying to unduly criticize or bash IBM, I offer these comments to help them. As I see it, no matter how IBM really feels about OS/2, it is the perception that could hurt them. I appreciate what they have done with OS/2 so far, and I hope that they continue to improve the product as well as the perception of it by the world at large.

But I am not trying to paint a gloomy picture for OS/2. Actually, with events like Warpstock, organizations like V.O.I.C.E. and the incredible amount of recent shareware programs being developed, there are many things to be happy about. In fact -- and this may be stretching things -- I can see a future where IBM as a company is struggling, yet OS/2 as an operating system is still going strong with continual support by the user community at large. It's happened before, it could happen for us.

Richard R. Klemmer has been an OS/2 user since January of 1995. He is a computer programmer for the Department of Agriculture during the day, and a partner with WebTrek L.L.C., a Internet Consultant and Web provider, during the rest of his waking moments, and some of his sleeping ones.

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