IBM announces availability of OS/2 Warp Server; So much ability packed into a single package.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 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. -0-

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.

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