Microsoft announces OS/2 2.0 Software Development Kit

Business Wire

December 29, 1989

REDMOND, Wash. -- Microsoft Corp. Friday announced shipment of the IBM and Microsoft OS/2 Software Development Kit (SDK) for OS/2 system version 2.0 with Presentation Manager.

The OS/2 Software Development Kit program provides early software and tools to allow corporate and third-party developers to begin writing 32-bit applications for OS/2 version 2.0. The SDK is a joint product from IBM and Microsoft; this prerelease version will be available from Microsoft. The OS/2 system version 2.0 is scheduled for general release in 1990.

``This SDK gives software developers a head start in the creation of full 32-bit OS/2 applications,'' said Paul Maritz, vice president of advanced operating systems, Microsoft. ``Many developers have been eagerly awaiting the advanced features of OS/2 2.0 to create higher-performance and more powerful applications for the desktop.''

``Many of our customers are purchasing advanced technology systems based on 386SX, 386 and 486 processors,'' said Tom Steele, director of the IBM Boca Programming Center. ``This development kit program gives software developers the tools to begin developing 32-bit applications prior to the general availability of OS/2 version 2.0.''

OS/2 2.0 Supports 32-Bit Applications

Applications developed with the OS/2 SDK version 2.0 can take full advantage of the Intel 386 and i486 32-bit architecture. OS/2 2.0 supports large, flat memory address space and demand paging. It has a full suite of 32-bit application programming interfaces (APIs) for development of larger programs and the ability to easily manipulate large data structures. The principal benefits to developers include the ability to write higher-performing applications and to port applications from other 32-bit platforms such as UNIX.

Improved DOS Application Support in OS/2 2.0

OS/2 2.0 is designed to run OS/2 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 applications without modification. An important feature in OS/2 2.0 is its ability to run multiple MS-DOS and PC-DOS operating systeos applications at once. This feature greatly improves OS/2 support for DOS applications.

Components of OS/2 2.0 SDK

The SDK contains all components required for OS/2 application development: prerelease version of OS/2 Standard Edition version 2.0 with Presentation Manager, a 32-bit compiler based on Microsoft C optimizing compiler version 5.1, a 32-bit version of the Microsoft Macro Assembler version 5.1, Presentation Manager tools, sample code and MSR OnLine support. Microsoft will periodically update the 2.0 SDK code and documentation through the final release of the product. Complete List of SDK Components:

-- OS/2 2.0

-- Documentation

Online Programming Reference and Guide

Application Design Guide

SAA/CUA Advanced Interface Design Guide

Programming the OS/2 Presentation Manager (Petzold)/a

Advanced OS/2 Programming (Duncan)/a

-- Sample applications code/a

-- Presentation Manager Tools

Icon Editor

Dialog Box Editor

Font Editor

Debugging Support (CodeViewR, Kernel Debugger)

-- Languages

32-bit C optimizing compiler and tools

32-bit Microsoft Macro Assembler (MASM)

-- MS OnLine support until 90 days after general availability of the final SD 2.0 release

(a) These components will not be in the first SDK prerelease but will be incorporated in SDK updates.

Hardware Requirements

For the first prerelease version of the SDK, the developer will need an Intel 80386/486-based PC with 6 MB of RAM, EGA or VGA, and a 60MB hard disk.

Upgrades, Pricing and Availability

The prerelease version is only available through Microsoft but can be used to develop for Microsoft's OS/2 version 2.0 or IBM's OS/2 version 2.0, both of which will be available in 1990. Microsoft will implement the service and support required for the OS/2 SDK prerelease program.

The OS/2 SDK 2.0 can be ordered directly from Microsoft by calling 800/227-4679. The SDK will be priced at $2,600 with a group discount offer of four SDKs for $8,500. There is no upgrade pricing available for purchasers of previous versions of the OS/2 SDK.

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) develops, markets and supports a wide range of software for business and professional use, including operating systems, languages and application programs, as well as books, hardware and CD-ROM products for the microcomputer marketplace.

NOTE:

-- IBM is a registered trademark and PC-DOS is a trademark of International Business Machines Corp.

-- Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, CodeView and the Microsoft logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

-- UNIX is a registered trademark of American Telephone and Telegraph Co.

-- Intel is a registered trademark and 386 and i486 are trademarks of Intel Corp.

CONTACT: Microsoft Corp., Redmond Marty Taucher, 206/882-8080 or IBM Rob Wilson, 914/642-5095 or The Waggener Group, Portland Claire Lematta or Pam Edstrom, 503/245-0905