+--------------------------------------+
| IBM Delivers More PC Power With | smpos2
| OS/2 for Symmetrical Multiprocessing |
+--------------------------------------+
IBM introduces OS/2 for Symmetrical Multiprocessing Version 2.11, a new
member of its award-winning 32-bit PC operating system family. OS/2 for
SMP provides performance and client/server benefits to users of Intel
486 and Pentium multiprocessor systems, while protecting their software
investments in applications.
Optimizing Multiprocessor Capabilities
--------------------------------------
OS/2 for SMP offers all the features of OS/2 2.11, and increases
performance by distributing application processes or threads among
processors to optimize the capabilities of a multiprocessor computer.
Industry Standard, Supported by OEMs
------------------------------------
Several computer vendors have announced support for OS/2 for SMP,
including Advanced Logic Research, AST Research, Compaq Computer Corp.,
Hewlett Packard Co., IBM, Intel, Tricord Systems, VTech, and Wyse
Technology. OS/2 for SMP will also be available on future IBM PC-based
multiprocessing servers.
OS/2 for SMP is consistent with the industry-standard Multiprocessor
Specification Version 1.1, which means that multiprocessor computers
built on this specification can run OS/2 for SMP without changes to the
BIOS, operating system, or hardware interfaces.
OS/2 for SMP features transparent support of systems with two or more
CPUs, increasing raw computing power with a lower memory requirement
than any other SMP operating system available today.
Reconfigure or Consolidate Servers
----------------------------------
For multiprocessing-enabled applications, customers will see substantial
performance gains with each new processor added to their systems. OS/2
for SMP can support up to 16 processors on a single system.
Cost-conscious organizations that want to expand their network resources
can reconfigure server systems to handle larger and larger networks, or
consolidate the functions of their uniprocessor servers on a single
multiprocessor system running OS/2 for SMP.
"OS/2 for SMP optimizes Intel-based hardware for enterprise-wide,
scalable, mission-critical applications," said Kevin Dugan, manager of
systems development at the network management center of Cable & Wireless
Inc., a 600 million USD long-distance telephone company based in Vienna,
Virginia.
"It is absolutely critical for businesses such as ours, because we want
to make sure that our systems and software will be able to grow with us
as our business needs grow," continued Dugan. "With OS/2 for SMP's
scalable performance, we can keep the same operating system and
applications as we migrate from desktop workstations to multiprocessor
systems. The result is a substantial savings for us."
Ideal Technology for Client/Server Environments
-----------------------------------------------
Network server and high-end desktop workstation environments will
benefit from OS/2 for SMP's scalable performance. Transaction
processing and relational database applications on servers, as well as
compute-intensive applications such as CAD/CAM, forecasting, modeling,
or simulation programs on workstations, will run faster and more
efficiently on OS/2 for SMP.
For example, when OS/2 for SMP and IBM's relational database manager,
DB2/2 Version 1.2, are installed on parallel hardware systems,
performance and scalability are significantly improved. Users may
expect some query workloads to scale as high as 1.8 to 1.9 on a
dual-processor machine. Applications such as Lotus 1-2-3 for OS/2 run
faster with the new OS/2 for SMP, which also is supported by networking
platforms such as IBM's OS/2 LAN Server 3.01.
"Only OS/2 scales the range of computing power, from small notebooks to
high-end SMP-enabled computers," said Dan Lautenbach, general manager
for IBM's Personal Software Products division. "We've created OS/2 for
SMP for the high-end server market where exceptional performance and
mission-critical reliability are important. Whether an organization adds
more microprocessors to its computers or just wants to make the most of
its current multiprocessor system, users will see a quantifiable
performance boost with OS/2 for SMP."
Measurable Performance Gains
----------------------------
OS/2 for SMP intelligently supervises computing operations and allocates
processing resources as necessary, improving processing capabilities.
Application processes or threads are automatically dispatched to run on
any of the available system processors. The result is enhanced
performance through a load-balanced system.
Users can run multiple DOS, Windows, and OS/2 2.1 applications
concurrently on a single system, and benefit from performance gains.
OS/2 for SMP is compatible with existing OS/2 and DOS/Windows
applications. Even single-tasking DOS applications benefit, because
OS/2's heavy use of threads allows overlap of systems services and
application execution. Because multiple processors are dispatched,
multiple DOS/Windows virtual machines can run faster with no
modification. Native OS/2 applications will exploit OS/2's
multithreading capabilities, providing even higher performance gains.
In addition, OS/2 for SMP supports applications designed for
uniprocessor computers.
Power and Performance Available in 3Q94
---------------------------------------
OS/2 for SMP will be available in the third quarter of 1994. It will be
supported on hardware from Advanced Logic Research, AST Research, Compaq
Computer Corp., Hewlett Packard Co., IBM, Tricord Systems, VTech, and
Wyse Technology. It is initially available in a U.S. English version
only. Customers with a supported SMP-enabled computer can order OS/2 for
SMP in July by calling 1-800-342-6672 in the USA, or through local
dealers and distributors in other countries.
Prices
------
Suggested retail prices are: 395 USD for the 1-2 processor version, 595
USD for the 1-7 processor version, and 795 USD for the 1-16 processor
version.
(See next article for announcement details.)
========================================================================
+------------------------------------------+
| IBM OS/2 for Symmetrical Multiprocessing | smpdtl
| Version 2.11 Announcement Details |
+------------------------------------------+
OS/2 for Symmetrical Multiprocessing is the OS/2 offering for selected
systems with multiple Intel 486DX or Pentium processors in a single
personal computer. It provides full OS/2, DOS, and Windows application
support. OS/2 for SMP exploits the power of your Symmetric
Multiprocessor personal computer, making it easy to use and run PC
applications simultaneously.
OS/2 for Symmetrical Multiprocessing expands the OS/2 2.1 offerings
previously announced, as follows:
o OS/2 2.1 Special Edition for Windows 3.1: Targeted for customers
with Windows Version 3.1 installed on their systems
o OS/2 2.1 Standard Edition: Targeted for new users and users without
operating systems installed on their systems
o OS/2 2.1 Upgrade Edition: Targeted for customers with DOS or a
previous version of OS/2 on their systems
o OS/2 for Symmetrical Multiprocessing: Targeted for customers with
high-end client or server needs
Highlights
----------
OS/2 for Symmetrical Multiprocessing Version 2.11:
o Provides all of the function of OS/2 2.11, tailored to support the
emerging technology of selected symmetric multiprocessing systems
containing from one to sixteen Intel-compatible processors.
o Provides scalable performance to deliver the power for your current
SMP computer needs, as well as the ability to grow to new, more
powerful applications. You can add performance as you need it.
o Protects application investments by compatibility with DOS, Windows
3.1, and OS/2 applications.
o Supports Multiprocessor Specification V1.1 (MPS 1.1).
o Substantially increases database performance in DATABASE 2 OS/2
Version 1.2 (DB2/2 V1.2), announced on 24 May 1994, which exploits
OS/2 for SMP
Product Description
-------------------
OS/2 for Symmetrical Multiprocessing expands the OS/2 family of products
by providing support for multiple Intel processors within a single
personal computer. It contains architecture support for one to sixteen
Intel processors. OS/2 for SMP provides all the benefits of OS/2 2.1 --
industry-standard device support, compliance with industry standards,
enhanced standing as a premier client, and enhanced support for OS/2,
DOS, and Windows programs. All these features are delivered on top of a
stable, mature platform that has been "fit and finished" over time.
OS/2 for SMP can provide scalable performance and compatibility with
DOS, Windows 3.1, and OS/2 applications to extend investment in
software. Using OS/2 for SMP, server systems can be scaled to handle
larger networks running CPU-intensive applications such as database and
graphics programs. Scalable performance means that you can have the
power you need in your current SMP-compatible computer, as well as the
ability to grow to new, more powerful applications.
OS/2 printer and video drivers are identical to those included in the
OS/2 2.1 product.
Growth Enablement -- Advanced Technology Enabled
------------------------------------------------
OS/2 has been enhanced to support Symmetric Multiprocessing. These
systems contain from two to sixteen Intel 486 or Pentium processors in a
single personal computer. There are some very attractive benefits of SMP
beyond the increased raw CPU power. Caching is a technique used in
hardware and software to increase performance. SMPs increase the
effectiveness of various caches dramatically.
DB2/2 Scalability Enhancements
------------------------------
DB2/2 V1.2, announced on 24 May 1994, supports OS/2 for SMP V2.11. This
support enhances the scalability of DB2/2 on SMP workstations, thereby
increasing database performance. DB2/2 V1.2 will be sensitive to the
number of processors available, and will tailor its latching algorithms
accordingly. Combined with improvements in other areas, users should see
up to a 30 percent improvement in performance, depending on the
workload, over DB2/2 V1 in high-contention situations. Read-only
workloads will scale better than update workloads. Users can expect
query workloads to scale between 1.8 and 1.9 on a dual-processor
machine.
Note: The Novell NetWare IPX/SPX protocol is not supported with DB2/2
V1.2 running on SMP hardware and OS/2 for SMP V2.11.
Specified Operating Environment
-------------------------------
Hardware Requirements: The minimum hardware configuration to run OS/2
for SMP is a system unit with two to sixteen Intel processors, up to 42
MB of free hard disk space (depending upon installation options
selected), and a minimum of 8 MB of parity or ECC memory. Although not
required, IBM highly recommends 12 MB of memory and a CD-ROM drive. One
of the following hardware platforms is required:
o Advanced Logic Research -- ProVEISA SMP (486DX2)
o AST Research -- Manhattan (486DX2, Pentium)
o Compaq -- Proliant 2000 (Pentium)
o Compaq -- Proliant 4000 (Pentium)
o Hewlett Packard -- Netserver 5/66 LM2
o Tricord Systems -- PowerFrame M30 (486DX2)
o VTech -- Platinum SMP (486DX2)
o Wyse Technology -- Series 7000i M760 (486DX2)
In addition, OS/2 for SMP supports a broad range of system
configurations, including diskette drives, displays, pointing devices,
printers, CD-ROM, and optical drives.
Program Upgrade
---------------
The program package upgrade option allows currently licensed users of
OS/2 for SMP 1-2 Processors and 1-7 Processors to upgrade to 1-7
Processors or 1-16 Processors for a program upgrade charge.
These upgrades will be available through IBM Authorized Personal
Computer Dealers and Industry Remarketers--Personal Computers certified
to market IBM Authorized Advanced Products. The remarketer will require
a Proof of License for each upgrade ordered. The original Proof of
License is the colored front cover page (inside the hard binder) or the
separate Proof of License page in the program package as identified by
IBM to the remarketer.
Customers may also order upgrades through the local IBM office using the
IBM Personal Computer/System Program IBM US Upgrade and Certification
Order Form.
To receive program package upgrades at a discount, the ICA and a volume
discount addendum with the appropriate volume discount exhibit must be
in effect.
Charges
-------
Part One-Time
Number Program Name Charge
83G7550 OS/2 for SMP 1-2 Processors 395 USD
83G8077 OS/2 for SMP 1-7 Processors 595 USD
83G8078 OS/2 for SMP 1-16 Processors 795 USD
83G8079 OS/2 for SMP Upgrade from 1-2 to 1-7 Processors 295 USD
83G8080 OS/2 for SMP Upgrade from 1-2 to 1-16 Processors 495 USD
83G8081 OS/2 for SMP Upgrade from 1-7 to 1-16 Processors 295 USD