From time to time IBM sponsors residency programs through the ITSO (International Technical Support Organization). A residency literally lets you live next to IBM's development labs (at IBM's expense) and get a sneak preview of emerging technologies.
Sound interesting? It is, because one of the best ways to learn about new technologies is to spend time working with them. By spending time using and writing about these technologies you can develop new skills which will put you in high job demand. Plus you get to see your name in print!
For exceptionally well qualified candidates, IBM offers a short term (usually 6 to 8 weeks) residency. All travel and living expenses for your residency are paid by IBM. And you get to "rub elbows" with fellow expert residents and IBM developers.
Candidates are now being considered for three new OS/2 Warp-related residencies:
NP-2000-R: Migrating to "Aurora"
NP-2099-R: New Features in "Aurora"
NP-2001-R: Migrating to "Aurora" Workshop
"Aurora" is the code name for the most powerful Intel-based e-business server ever produced: the next release of Warp Server. Two of these residencies involve producing redbooks; the third aims to create a training workshop for new "Aurora" customers and support people.
If you feel you are exceptionally qualified and wish to join any of these three teams, please e-mail me at tsipple@us.ibm.com to request a nomination form. IBM will consider a limited number of candidates for these important residencies in Austin, Texas, and you will have a rare opportunity to influence the final stages of product development. Please indicate the residency (by number) you are most interested in.
I must receive your inquiry no later than September 30, 1998, for these three residencies. I cannot guarantee a reply to your inquiry even before this date since residency positions can be filled at any time.
For more information on IBM redbooks and the ITSO please visit http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/.
IBM released FixPak-8 for OS/2 Warp 4 on September 3rd. It can be downloaded from:
ftp://service.boulder.ibm.com/ps/products/os2/fixes/v4warp/english-us/xr_m008/
There is a total of 16 disk images: xr_m008.1dk - xr_m008.gdk
Tim Martin of Warp City has made available his "3 Easy Steps" procedure for installing FixPaks without the use of floppies. Just log on to the following publicly accessible web page:
http://www.warpcity.com/report12.html
Just follow the easy steps. Its all there.
If you're always searching for better ways to use TCP/IP with OS/2 Warp, IBM has two new publications which can help.
1. "Beyond DHCP: Work Your TCP/IP Internetwork with Dynamic IP" (IBM publication no. SG24-5280) is scheduled to be published in September, 1998. This new book includes extensive sections on the new IBM TCP/IP 4.1. This book also documents, for the first time, how to create a set of OS/2 Warp boot diskettes which can connect to the network using TCP/IP and DHCP; how to customize Netscape for firewall access using information provided by a DHCP server; how to integrate LAN domain information into a TCP/IP network; and much more. (Full disclosure: I'm one of the co-authors of this new book.)
Many different platforms are discussed in this new book, but Warp Server, OS/2 Warp 4, and WorkSpace On-Demand get extensive treatment. This book should be on every TCP/IP network manager's shelf, regardless of platform.
2. "A Comprehensive Guide to Virtual Private Networks, Vol.1" (IBM publication no. SG24-5201) includes extensive information on OS/2 Warp's new Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities. Section 9.4.7 describes how to use TCP/IP 4.1 to set up a "mini firewall."
For these (and other) IBM publications, please visit http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/.
On August 18th, IBM released another Java 1.1.6 update: build level "JDK 1.1.6 IBM build o116-19980807 (JIT: javax)"
runtime.exe - 5,237,821 bytes
samples.exe - 2,145,640 bytes
toolkit.exe - 3,141,433 bytes
This update is intended only for systems where Java 1.1.6 has already been installed. Do not attempt to install it on earlier Java versions.
These update files can be downloaded via ftp from either of two sites:
ftp://ncc/hursley.ibm.com/pub/java/fixes/os2/11/116/
ftp://service.boulder.ibm.com/software/java/fixes/os2/ii/116/
You can now learn more about the next release of Warp Server, codename: "Aurora," on the Internet.
You can also sign up to participate in the beta program. (IBM will choose a select number of customers to help test this new version.)
For more information please visit http://www.software.ibm.com/os/warp/aurora.
There's been quite a bit of Year 2000 information released for the OS/2 Warp family of products. I'd like to draw your attention to the major web sites detailing this information so you can plan ahead and get ready for this important changeover.
OS/2 Warp Family Year 2000 Information
http://www.software.ibm.com/os/warp/solutions/and/y2000/year2000.html
OS/2 Warp Family Service and Support
http://ps.software.ibm.com
Provides links to FixPaks, the OS/2 Device Driver Pack Online (updated CLOCK
drivers), etc.
OS/2 Warp Family Year 2000 Whitepapers
http://www.software.ibm.com/os/warp/library
IBM General Year 2000 Information
http://www.ibm.com/year2000
...and also don't forget the following information for DOS and Windows 3.x systems...
IBM PC DOS 2000 http://www.software.ibm.com/os/dos