[112] in comp.os.os2.announce archive
SOLICITATION: Beta testers for IBM's DCE for OS/2 Warp
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (tsipple@vnet.IBM.COM)
Sat Aug 26 12:27:47 1995
To: os2ann.DISCUSS@bloom-picayune.MIT.EDU
Date: Sat, 26 Aug 1995 08:21:07 GMT
From: tsipple@vnet.IBM.COM
Reply-To: tsipple@vnet.IBM.COM
Submitted by: Timothy F. Sipples (tsipple@vnet.ibm.com)
Source: Timothy F. Sipples (tsipple@vnet.ibm.com)
Date received: 1995 August 25
Date posted: 1995 August 26
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IBM ANNOUNCES IBM DCE FOR OS/2 WARP BETA PROGRAM
BOSTON, MA, August 21, 1995...IBM today announced that it is accepting
candidates for participation in an OS/2* Warp Distributed Computing
Environment (DCE) 2.1 beta program. By entering the beta program,
users can begin application prototyping, development, testing and
provide feedback to IBM.
The announcement was made at the Open Software Foundation Conference held
here this week. The IBM DCE 2.1 for OS/2 Warp beta program is based on
the function of the Open Software Foundation's** (OSF**) most recent
DCE, Version 1.1, and is enriched by IBM's enhancements.
"With this beta, IBM is the first company to offer open, heterogeneous
client/server computing to PC LAN users with a product based on the
latest version of OSF/DCE," said Art Olbert, vice president, LAN
Systems, IBM Personal Software Products division. "It underscores
IBM's commitment to OS/2 in the application server and client
environment."
The beta program provides a solid foundation for developing distributed
client/server applications based on open standards and enables software
developers, independent software vendors, channel partners and users to
gain experience with distributed computing technologies for the desktop
and server environment. OSF/DCE is an integrated set of industry-leading
distributed computing technologies. These technologies allow
multi-vendor computing networks to function as a single, logical
environment for distributed applications and workstation users.
New Functions
DCE is an enabling technology. This beta expands developers' abilities
to write solutions that provide true open distributed client/server
computing. In addition to the core DCE functions of remote procedure
call, cell directory services, security services, time services and DCE
threads, this beta program also provides the new OSF/DCE 1.1 functions,
including: Extended Registry Attributes (ERA); General Security Service
API (GSS-API); Delegation; DCE Daemon (DCED); DCE Control Program
(DCECP); Serviceability; Extended Log-in; Backing Storage Library; and
Access Control List (ACL) Checking Library.
IBM Enhancements
The beta program for IBM DCE 2.1 for OS/2 Warp will help developers
get a head start on developing applications that are truly plug-and-
play and will fully exploit distributed services. To make working
with DCE simpler, IBM provided enhancements and ease of use features
including: Administration Graphical User Interface (GUI); Simplified
Install; Managed Object Class Library; OS/2 Distributed File System
(DFS) Client; Commercial Data Masking Facility (CDMF) Support, i.e.,
"Middleweight Encryption"; Sample Code; and Native NetBIOS support.
Administration GUI & Simplified Install
The GUI simplifies DCE administration by making tasks more logical using
intuitive, easy-to-follow graphics. The GUI also allows administration
of DFS and handles administration of users, groups, CDS and security.
The IBM DCE 2.1 for OS/2 Warp beta program is based on IBM's common
install tool and allows for installation of clients, servers and DCE
application development environment.
DCE Managed Object Class Library
To accelerate the acceptance and deployment of distributed computing
environments, IBM and Hewlett-Packard (HP) are working through the
OSF to define a common set of managed objects for the DCE core
infrastructure. This will provide consistent administrative/management
interface definitions across heterogeneous distributed computing
platforms.
The DCE Admin Class Library provides an implementation of all of the
DCE core services including Remote Procedure Call (RPC), cell directory,
security, time, and cell/host/servers/services definitions in the form
of an object-oriented class library.
DFS Client, Sample Code & Native NetBIOS Support
The OS/2 Warp DFS Client is a DCE client application that provides
OS/2 Warp users and applications with access to the global DFS file
space. DFS provides leadership support of data distribution over high
and slow speed connections.
To help developers get started and write applications, IBM has provided
sample code which has been tested by IBM. The beta also provides
support so that customers running a NetBIOS network can use DCE services.
This allows NetBIOS customers to use NetBIOS names in addition to TCP/IP
names when running DCE over NetBIOS.
Availability & Ordering
For the IBM DCE 2.1 for OS/2 Warp beta program, candidates will be
considered on a first-come, first-served basis upon completion of the
enrollment process. Worldwide shipments of the beta package will
begin in September. The IBM DCE 2.1 for OS/2 Warp beta program is only
available to customers via a CD-ROM hardcopy package. Customers placing
orders in excess of available quantities will be notified.
To participate in the IBM DCE 2.1 for OS/2 Warp beta program, users can
request an order form via fax at 512-838-4003, or e-mail at
dcereq@vnet.ibm.com.
# # #
* OS/2 is a registered trademark of the IBM Corporation.
** Open Software Foundation and OSF are trademarks of the Open Software
Foundation, Incorporated.
IBM news releases are available on the Internet, via the IBM Home
Page at http://www.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.
