Next Version of IBM's OS/2 Warp to Integrate Java Technology

As First Intel-based Operating System to Include Java, Merlin Will Offer
Cutting Edge Internet and Network Functionality

AUSTIN, Texas, April 29, 1996...IBM today announced that the next version
of OS/2* Warp, code-named Merlin, will integrate Sun Microsystem's Java**
programming language when Merlin ships in the second half of this year. In
addition to incorporating a Java-enabled Web browser into Merlin, IBM will
integrate Java into the operating system, allowing it to natively run Java
applications and Internet applets independent of a Web browser.

"Java levels the playing field between operating systems," said Wally
Casey, vice president of client product management in IBM's Software
Group. "Because a Java application will run on all operating systems
without modification, developers no longer will have to write to a
proprietary API set and customers will be able to make buying decisions
based on which operating system best runs their applications. This
development also broadens the base of applications that OS/2 will natively
support."

Java Benefits Developers and End Users Alike

Java integration in OS/2 Warp will benefit both software application
developers and end users.  Merlin will come with a built-in Java
Developers Kit, as well as the run-time code necessary for a Java
application to run. Developers will not have to ship their own run-time
with each application and end users will not have to make room for
multiple run-times on their computers.

Java integration into OS/2 means that Java applications will run with the
integrity, reliability and security of the operating system.

Java integration also means that customers will be able to download Java
applets, like stock tickers, from the Internet and place them onto their
computer desktops or embed them into a program, such as a spreadsheet or
word processor. Furthermore, with Merlin's new Internet-aware user
interface and built-in speech recognition, users will be able to drag Java
applets from a Web page onto the desktop and then launch them with a
double click on the mouse or voice command. OS/2 is the only operating
system that makes working with Java applets this easy. Speech recognition
will be available in the following languages: U.S. and U.K. English,
German, French, Italian and Spanish. OS/2 Warp...The Operating System for
the Networked World

Full, integrated Java capability is further proof that OS/2 Warp will be
the best operating system for today's networked world. Java enhancements,
combined with Merlin's Internet-aware user interface and its ability to
connect to any server anywhere as a universal client operating system,
establish OS/2 Warp as the operating system that will connect users from
wherever they are to whatever information they need.

For Internet users, IBM offers complete information about the company, its
products, services and technology on the World Wide Web. The IBM home page
is at http://www.ibm.com. The fastest, easiest way to find any information
about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page at
http://www.software.ibm.com. The IBM Fax Information Service allows you to
receive facsimiles of prior IBM product press releases. Dial
1-800-IBM-4FAX and enter "99" at the voice menu.

Please Note: Questions about the content or currency of this press release
should be directed to your local IBM representative.
 
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