Microsoft Announces Broad OEM Support for OS/2 1.21
30 Vendors to Ship by September 1990
Redmond, Wash. -- August 8, 1990 -- Microsoft Corporation today announced OEM shipment of Operating System/2 Presentation Manager (OS/2 PM) version 1.21, an upgrade to OS/2 version 1.2. Over 30 hardware vendors plan to ship the product in the next 90 days.
Microsoft(R) OS/2 1.21 provides users with significant advances in printer functionality. Printing improvements in version 1.21 allow faster and higher-quality output to all popular printing devices, easier printer driver installation procedures, and a smaller, faster print spooler. OS/2 1.21 drivers support over 90 percent of the installed printer base. A new Presentation Manager printer installer application in OS/2 1.21 makes it easier for users to add new drivers and printers to their system. In addition, for networked environments OS/2 version 1.21 is the operating system used on servers running Microsoft LAN Manager version 2.0.
The new features of the OS/2 upgrade further enhance the functions that were introduced in OS/2 1.2, including the high-performance file system (HPFS) for improved operating system response and overall system performance; enhancements to the Presentation Manager shell; direct manipulation of icons; a new system editor using the PM interface; and dual-boot capability to MS-DOS(R) or OS/2.
"The printing support in OS/2 version 1.21 is really great," said Steve Ballmer, senior vice president of systems software at Microsoft. "End users have been waiting for this improvement and will not be disappointed."
LAN Manager 2.0 Runs on OS/2 Version 1.21
OS/2 version 1.21 is the release of OS/2 used on servers running LAN Manager version 2.0. LAN Manager 2.0 requires OS/2 1.21 on the server, while it supports OS/2 1.1 and OS/2 1.2 client workstations. LAN Manager version 2.0 will ship during the month of August.
OEM Statements
AST Research
"AST was one of the first system manufacturers to offer its own
version of OS/2. AST's upgradable CUPID-32 systems are designed to support future
hardware and software investments. We believe that OS/2 version 1.21 is the next
step in providing both higher-performance desktop systems and mission-critical network
computing using LAN Manager 2.0," said Jim Ashbrook, AST's senior vice president
of marketing. For more information contact Greg Young, (714) 727-7932.
Compaq Computer Corporation
"The combination of the advanced features in OS/2
1.21 plus Compaq Systempro and Deskpro computers provides a great platform for high-
level users and corporate developers," said Mike Swavely, president, North America,
Compaq Computer Corporation. "In addition, we are shipping this update quickly for
our customers who plan to implement LAN Manager 2.0." For more information contact
John Sweney, (713) 374-1564.
Everex Systems
"Microsoft's OS/2 operating system represents a strategic platform
for Everex. We are committed to supporting and enhancing OS/2-based network environments,"
said Steve Hui, president of Everex Systems, Inc. For more information contact Julie
Giosso, (415) 683-2307.
Unisys Corporation
"Unisys is pleased to provide our customers with OS/2 version
1.21 on the PW2 line of personal computers," said Helene Mathern, program manager
of PC software for Unisys' personal workstation division. "OS/2 enables Unisys to
offer tools that enhance an already strong suite of commercial information solutions
based on industry standards for PC networking and the graphical user interface."
For more information contact Brian Daly, (215) 986-2214.
Zenith Data Systems
"As the first OEM to ship the original version of OS/2,
Zenith Data Systems will offer OS/2 version 1.21 because it appeals to an even broader
segment of our high-end PC customers," said Dan Rosensteel, vice president of marketing.
For more information contact Glen Nelson, (708) 699-4848.
International OEM Statements
Apricot Computers Limited
"We welcome the launch of OS/2 1.21 as the first
truly user-oriented version of OS/2," said Peter Pearson, Apricot systems marketing
director. "It has an improved user interface which is very similar to the Windows
environment version 3.0. Its high-performance file system removes the limitations
of the traditional DOS FAT system and promises to improve significantly the efficiency
of data storage and retrieval on our high performance PCs. At the server level,
OS/2 1.21, with its support for the full functionality of LAN Manager 2.0, provides
maximum support for the Apricot VX FT server's many advanced features, such as fault
tolerance. Apricot is pleased to announce that it will be shipping OS/2 1.21 in
September."
Nokia Data Systems
"With the release of OS/2 version 1.21 and Windows version
3.0, we can provide our customers with a family of graphical environments for different
needs," said Claes-Goran Hornqvist, product manager of systems software. "OS/2 version
1.21, with its high-performance file system and LAN Manager 2.0, will significantly
improve our networked customer solutions. This version of OS/2 is also the first
that allows a net workstation to load OS/2 from the server. To make our offerings
even more customer-friendly, Nokia will provide OS/2 and LAN Manager pre-installed
and configured directly from the factory."
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") develops, markets and supports a wide range of software for business and professional use, including operating systems, network products, languages and application programs, as well as books, hardware and CD ROM products for the microcomputer marketplace.
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Microsoft, the Microsoft logo and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
"OS/2" refers to the operating system jointly developed by IBM and Microsoft Corporation.
For pricing and availability outside the U.S., please contact your local subsidiary.