Virtual OS/2 International Consumer Education

February 1999

Features
editor@os2voice.org
[Previous Page ] [ Index] [Next Page
]
VOICE Home Page: http://www.os2voice.org


Rumors, Rumors Everywhere...

By: Wayne Swanson Psoft@Tech-Center.com

There has been much discussion concerning the state of affairs for OS/2 over the last couple of years. At the height of what seemed to be OS/2's "coming out" IBM decided to cut back on the promotion of OS/2 as a consumer operating system. From what I have been able to glean, it seems that the support burden for an individual or SOHO user was not something IBM had expected or desired. Nowadays, the talk has turned to that of IBM delivering a new client based on Aurora (the new Warp Server) and distributing it through a third party.

According to the rumor, IBM would slim the Aurora package down by removing a few of the high end parts and let someone else handle distribution and (it would seem) support of the trimmed client. If this is true, (a large "if"?) it should be something any OS/2 aficionado *should* love.

Why is that a problem? I have seen, no doubt you have too, a few people complain that they wouldn't want so-and-so (let's use "Joe's Software" as an example) to maintain distribution of a new Warp client. Does it really make a difference? Do they think that "Joe's Software" will bastardize the system by changing it, customizing it or otherwise introduce all manner of problems and distribute something not even a mother could love?

I'd hate to burst bubbles but I don't think this is what is in store if this rumor does come to pass. Contrary to the feelings of a select few, IBM is not some big dumb lummox on a grade school playground and Joe isn't the snivelling weasel. It is in IBM's best interest to see the system be as stable and unadulterated as possible even if they do not handle support. Their name is on the package and that in itself is reason for them to be careful about what they would allow to happen to it. If IBM did allow additions/modifications to the OS I would have to believe that these changes would be looked at very carefully by IBM. Perhaps with closer scrutiny than they place upon themselves.

Although I am not privy to any inside information, it is much more likely that a new distributor may be able to add what were referred to as "Bonuspack" applications in Warp v3 as well as distributing apps from other developers too. That would more than likely be completely separate from the OS and actually quite desirable. The people that like "Joe's Software" would be able to access his software (or his demos) easily and the few that have problems with Joe or anyone else could use their "Bonuspack" as a coaster or a mini frizbee for their pet squirrel.

As OS/2 user/advocates our greatest hope lies in IBM offering a personal or SOHO Warp package through a third party. Only this method will provide a distributor that has wide distribution in mind as one of his base interests. The benefit a wider distribution would provide to IBM's acceptance in the marketplace I believe are obvious while this method also removes the millstone of support from them.

Can you have your cake and eat it too? I believe IBM can if their prospective distributor can manage that same millstone that IBM has cast aside.

Whether it is "Joe's Software" or "Bill's SoftWare" should make no difference to the end user. Will they make money? I sure hope so, if they can't, there is no reason for them to distribute it either. I *do* believe IBM is serious about this. I also believe that given the current climate in the computing landscape, a move like this will certainly bring new users to OS/2. When (not "if"?) it happens, there will be an even stronger need for groups like VOICE and individuals like you that are willing to share their knowledge. This means that YOU, dear reader, will be one of the guru's.


This article is presented as opinion and a bit of conjecture from a guy that no one usually listens to. His wife doesn't, the kids don't, the dog doesn't and his lone friend in the third grade didn't. Feel free to post criticism or flames to my address and any opinions to VOICE.

Wayne Swanson
------------------------------------------------------------
email: Psoft@Tech-Center.com
PillarSoft: http://fm-net.com/pillarsoft
Developers of WarpZip, ShowTime/2 and the Enhanced E Editors
Vice President, V.O.I.C.E. (Virtual OS/2 International Consumer Education)
VOICE: http://www.os2voice.org
------------------------------------------------------------


Features
editor@os2voice.org
[Previous Page ] [ Index] [Next Page
]
VOICE Home Page: http://www.os2voice.org