Ride the Information Superhighway With Warp New OS/2 to Offer Internet Access SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 7, 1994. . .IBM today announced that the next version of OS/2, code named Warp, will include comprehensive Internet access capabilities as part of it "Information Superhighway" offerings in the set of BonusPak applications. When Warp ships, it will be the first PC operating system to deliver complete access to the Internet. Warp offer everything users need to quickly and easily access the vast worldwide network that links more than 20 million users. The next version of OS/2 will include TCP/IP communications software, Internet access utilities such as Gopher, FTP an Telnet, as well as advanced electronic mail capabilities. Warp provides easy one-button access to the IBM Global Network, which is managed by Advantis, a partnership formed by IBM and Sears Roebuck and Company. IBM also announced plans for an advanced graphical web browser, called WebExplorer, which will be made available to Warp users later this year. "We've received more than 20,000 questions -- from approximately 13,000 business executives -- during the first quarter of this year, and the number one 'hot' topic is the Internet," said Andrew Garvin, president and co-founder of Find/SVP, a New York-based consulting and research firm. "Th most often-asked questions are what the Internet is and how to access it." Total IBM Internet Solution "Complex software configurations and the difficult search for appropriate connection services have kept the Internet out of reach for many users," said Wally Casey, director o marketing, IBM Personal Software Products division. "Now, with Warp, we've simplified the process and made it inexpensive so that virtually anyone with a computer can get on the 'Information Superhighway' using our on-ramp. We've also create intuitive menu-driven tools, such as our OS/2 NewsReader and IBM's 'Fun Page,' which references the 'best of the Net', to help our users get the best value from the Internet experience." "Warp is a great result of the new synergy we are achieving at IBM through coordinated development efforts which integrate the robust technologies of our various divisions and companies, noted Fernand Sarrat, general manager, Networked Application Services division. "By offering customers powerful tools like the WebExplorer, we are bringing IBM's diverse technology portfolio together to enable users to keep pace with the growing trend toward network-centric computing and to easily join an increasingly interconnected world." IBM Internet Connection To surf the Internet, users simply click on the Internet folder, which will initiate the one-time registration process and connect them with the IBM Global Network via Serial Link Internet Protocol (SLIP). As an incentive to start "surfing, Warp users will get 10 free hours of connect time as a introductory offer. Worldwide Web Once users log on, they will be greeted with a menu page with icons representing the "best of the Net," including the popular Worldwide Web (WWW), a vast electronic library of information. Users can visit the Travel Center for vacation ideas or go to the Sports Center for the latest news on the baseball strike. In addition, users can access IBM information through IBM's worldwide web servers. Users can turn to the IBM Corporate Home Page, where they will be greeted with a message from Chairman and CEO Lou Gerstner and given the key to a wealth of IBM-specific information. Information on OS/2 and other IBM desktop software products will be located under the Personal Software Products Home Page in the "Products and Services" category. Navigating with the WebExplorer Navigating the Internet is made easier with IBM's WebExplorer, a graphical web browser. The WebExplorer beta will be made available to Warp users via electronic download in the next several weeks. Instead of using network addresses and commands, users can now move through the Internet using a common graphical interface, which integrates the functionality of services such as Gopher, Telnet, and FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Power users who do not want to use the WebExplorer can have direct access to these Internet access functions via individual icons. The Gopher will allow them to access different servers and view graphics and text files, no matter where in the world they originate. By opening the Telnet icon, users can log in from their own computers to any remote location and gain access to remote data libraries, including the Library of Congress. With FTP, which is designed with the Presentation Manager graphical interface, users can exchange files with remote Internet servers and their own computers. Human Centered Communications Warp also features powerful electronic mail capabilities using IBM's UltiMail product. "It's the perfect tool to communicate with anyone around the world," said Casey. "With UltiMail, you are not limited by text. You can send bit-mapped pictures and animated graphics. You can send to and receive mail from anyone through the Internet, including anyone on the major electronic mail services such as CompuServe, MCI Mail, IBM Mail Exchange, Prodigy and America On-Line." OS/2 NewsReader Highlights News of Interest Finally, the answer to life's simple and perplexing questions may be found through the OS/2 NewsReader. By clicking on the NewsReader icon, users can get an organized, alphabetical list of Internet news groups. "Much like when individuals grab for the newspaper sections that interest them most, the OS/2 NewsReader allows users to select only the news they want to read and create their own personal newspaper that's delivered to their desktop -- electronically -- every day," said Jame Neiser, director of IBM networking products marketing. Warp Beta Program Continues The next version of OS/2 will allow OS/2, Windows** 3.1 Windows 3.11, Windows for Workgroups** 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.11 and DOS applications to run on the same desktop. Warp's worldwide Internet access capabilities are subject to telecommunications regulations in each country and are being tested in a limited beta program. The product is scheduled to be announced in October. # # # * Indicates a trademark or registered trademark of the International Business Machines Corp ** Indicates a trademark or registered trademark of the identified company: Windows (Microsoft Corp.), Windows for Workgroups (Microsoft Corp.)