OS/2 Archive

Linux is evolving as the predominant operating system of the new millennium, and legacy operating systems such as OS/2 are being gradually phased out. This series of articles helps the developers involved in the tedious process of migrating/porting the OS/2 system drivers and applications to Linux. In this second of three installments, the authors focus on managing pipes, memory, and files.

The first Release Candidate (RC1) for eComStation 1.2 is currently in closed testing. Plans call for the release of 1.2 later this month. This would include Entry, Application Pack 1.2, Subscription Services products, and the Open Beta of Serenity Virtual Station.

InnoTek has updated its OS/2 Kit for Java product to the most current 1.4.2_04 level.

InnoTek GCC for OS/2 is a commercial distribution of the GNU C/C++ compiler suite and associated utilities for the IBM OS/2 platform. InnoTek maintains an OS/2 platform port of the GNU C/C++ compiler suite and provides comprehensive support for the compiler environment to enterprise customers. Read more at eComStation's web site.

OS2 World.Com reports about Serenity Systems International (SSI)and its new virtual machine product family, Serenity Virtual Station(tm) (SVISTA). The SVISTA(tm) products will provide the broadest support for operating systems in the industry. "Our support for Microsoft Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, and IBM OS/2 as hosting platforms demonstrates that accomplishing this objective is in sight," according to Bob St.John, Director of Business Development for SSI. He continued, "We expect to conclude our Early Support Program and release the retail product in early 2Q04. We are prepared to support the product in service engagements right now."

OS/2-BBS reports that "SciTech SNAP Graphics for OS/2 version 2.2.4 has been released (11/6/2003). This is a replacement product for SciTech Display Doctor, which has some new features, like zooming and multihead. There is a changelog, as well as a list of chipsets supporting the various features. There is a user mailing list, a trouble ticket HelpDesk for registered users, and an official newsgroup." Elsewhere, SciTechSoft also released the 1.2 beta of the OpenWatcom dev suite.

Warpstock 2003 in San Francisco, taking place the weekend of October 18th, will host an important presentation previewing the newly announced support for OpenOffice.org on OS/2 and eCS. More info.

OS/2 Servers have been a stable and powerful platform more many years and are depended upon by many businesses. This is especially true in the banking industry where OS/2 Servers are trusted to run the software that supports the branch office environment. However, as the industry looks to renew its branch office operations, many banks are looking to make a transition from there OS/2 Servers to a platform with wider industry support.

During development of eCS 1.1 operating system defined standards was used. The eCS DevGroup published the eCS File and Directory Standard (eFDS) so you can test your own software product to compliance of operating system standards and release updated version if needed.

IBM is pushing Linux as the upgrade path for current users of IBM's venerable OS/2, but most customers of OS/2 computing, especially branch banking, are looking towards a Windows migration.

IBM updated the Java Development Kit (javaintk) and the Run Time (javainrt) files which are distributed through Software Choice for OS2. These files are now available on the eComStation site. Two drivers were also updated, the SciTech SNAP SE 2.1.5, to include support for ATI Radeon 9000 Pro and the NVidia GeForce4 MX440 8X, and the OS/2 Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Adapter Driver, which provides support for select Intel PRO/1000 Fiber Ethernet controllers (82542 / 82543GC / 82544EI). Additionally, Serenity Systems announced the release of the eComStation 1.1 German Beta CD1. It is accesible for those who are registered Upgrade Protection customers.

IBM released an updated USB Basic Device Support Package provides the basic OS/2 & eComStation support required for devices that meets the USB 1.0 OHCI, USB 1.1 UHCI, or USB 2.0 EHCI specs.

eComStation 1.1 is finally available for purchase one and a half years after the release of eCS 1.0. What's new in this release and is it really worth $200? Read on to find out.

The OS/2-eZine site features a mini-review of eComStation's 1.1 golden master copy. OSNews has in its hands an... even newer build, and we will be featuring a review soon too.