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 eComStation Screenshot |
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| Company / developer | Serenity Systems, IBM, Microsoft and other various developers |
|---|---|
| OS family | OS/2 |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Closed source |
| Latest stable release | 1.2/ August 2004 |
| Latest unstable release | 2.0 RC5/ July 2008 |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | eComStation |
eComStation is a PC operating system based on OS/2, published by Serenity Systems, USA. It includes several additions and accompanying software.
Contents |
History
Origins
When it became clear that IBM would not release any new version of the OS/2 Warp client operating system after version 4 in 1996, users began to consider other alternatives. IBM released a last version of its server edition, IBM OS/2 Warp Server for e-business or WSeB, internally called version 4.5. IBM also continued updating the client and merged parts of it with the server, so it was thought that an OEM company could create its own client, using the existing OS/2 with IBM enhancements and adding its own improvements where needed. The OS/2 software vendor Stardock made such a proposal to IBM, but it was rejected.citation needed Next Serenity, another IBM business partner who sold OS/2-based vertical applications, created on 2000-04-29 a discussion group for the purpose of discussing if the OS/2 community would be interested in a "new Managed Client for eBusiness using components of WSeB" called eComStation. Then the idea was brought up to also create a new non-remote boot client, in effect an OEM version of the OS/2 client.citation needed
The response was positive, even IBM agreed to the plan, and just a few months later the first eCS preview was shipped.citation needed
eComStation is developed by IBM, Serenity, various third party companies and individuals.
Even though OS/2 is no longer sold by IBM, eComStation will be developed and sold as long as it's good business, according to Serenity.[1]
Releases
Date of last edition taken from the installation CDs, the official release dates may be different.
- 2000-09-29 - eComStation Preview
- 2001-07-10 - eComStation 1.0
- 2003-04-18 - eComStation 1.1
- 2004-08-12 - eComStation 1.2
- 2005-11-04 - eComStation 1.2R (media refresh)
- 2008-07-04 - eComStation 2.0 RC5
- 2008-09-?? - eComStation 2.0 GA
Other Versions
There is also a Server Edition, based on IBM OS/2 Warp Server for e-business.
External links
- eComStation official site
- eComStation.biz official site
- eComStation compatible hardware
- eComStation and OS/2 Software Guide The eComStation and OS/2 Software Guide
- eComStation.org Unofficial, independent support and news for the eComStation community.
- OS2World.com Daily updated OS/2 and eComStation News
- VOICE The Virtual OS/2 and eComStation Users group and newsletter.
- eComStation 1.2 - Product Announcement (PDF)
- eComStation 1.2R - Media Refreshed (PDF)
