everos2
This site has been chosen as the official OS/2 e-Zine! Site of the Week for the week of February 18, 1996.

Last updated 9-4-97

See the most recent changes made to the page.

9-4-97 After a long period of time without giving any attention to this page, I have decided to revive it. There is a lot of cleanup that needs to be done, and I will start with that cleanup tomorrow (Friday) night.

The app that I would most like to see ported to OS/2 is RealAudio , and a comment by Dan Libby of Netscape Communicator/2 development prompted me to revive the page. If you havn't signed the RealAudio petition, please do so. If you have, you don't need to sign again. If you don't remember, sign it anyway. I'll remove duplicates. Thanks for your interest in the page, and just remember, if we ask loudly enough we just might get what we ask for!

1-15-96 Okay, here's the deal. I'm probably going to be graduating in June, but to do that, I'm going to have a pretty full schedule until then. Therefore page updates will be few and far between. I have a *lot* of apps to add to the petition. I hope to get around to it sometime soon. Maybe over a holiday weekend.

E-mail Campaign Page

Use this quick-list to jump to a specific category of applications.

The Petition Page is ready! It contains a form that you can fill out to have your name added to a petition asking for native OS/2 versions of several applications. I still encourage you to send mail to the developers individually.

See the current petition results here.

The purpose of this page is to make it easy for OS/2 users to let their voices be heard! Every once in a while, we see a message posted to the newsgroups asking for mass email to a certain company, begging them to develop for OS/2. I usually try to send an email, but it is such an inconvenience. This page will contain all of those companies and their email addresses in one place, requiring only a single click to send a short request for OS/2 development. Easy, right?

If you choose to email any of these developers, I ask that you be polite. A ranting and raving OS/2 fanatic will not help. Also, you may want to mention Open32, which IBM recently released to make the porting of windows applications very easy. Or perhaps mention that IBM has sold over 6 million copies of OS/2 Warp since its release, bringing the total number of OS/2 users to over 12 million.

This list is not so short anymore, but I still urge you to send me the names of more products that you would like to see developed for OS/2. If you have already sent me a product, but you don't see it here yet, and you havn't received an email from me, don't worry. I am saving all suggestions I get. I just havn't found the time to add your suggestion yet. Also, when you send me the names of products, be sure to include some sort of contact information (email address, web page, or both). I don't have time to track these down for all of the submissions I am receiving. Thanks.

Internet Related Apps

RealAudio

This is a software package for live audio over the internet. There are currently versions available for Windows 95, Windows 3.11, the Macintosh, Linux, and several other Unix versions. RealAudio is the standard for audio over the web, and if we don't get a version for Warp, we'll be left behind the times. RealAudio is developed by Progressive Networks. When you email them, you may receive a canned response. If you can answer some of the questions they have, do so.

It looks like Progressive Networks may be considering an OS/2 version of their software. There seems to be enough demand for the RealAudio player, but they can't justify the development cost if there is no demand for the RealAudio Server, which is where they make their money. I have added the RealAudio Server to the petition. Sign this one only if you run a web site on the OS/2 platform, and would consider purchasing the RealAudio Server.

Thanks to Bill Poitras for sending me a copy of the reply he received from Progressive Networks concerning the RealAudio Server.

For more information about RealAudio, visit the Progressive Networks web page.

Internet Phone

Internet Phone by VocalTec is probably the most popular internet phone available. I would love to see a native OS/2 version of Internet Phone that would work with all of the Windows versions out there. If you would like to see a native OS/2 version, sign the petition and send a polite email message to VocalTec, Inc. telling them you want a native OS/2 version. You can find more info about Internet Phone at the VocalTec Homepage.

For those of you who need a native OS/2 internet phone now, check out Intercom from Revolutionary Software. This is an amazing program with its only drawback being its lack of users. Very high quality.

PointCast Network

The PointCast Network is a free internet news service. You can receive the latest news, sports info, stock quotes, and more. Currently, it runs only on Windows, but there is a Mac version coming up. Maybe we can persuade them to do an OS/2 version as well. Fill out this suggestion form and let them know we want a native OS/2 version.

You can find out more about the PointCast Network at this page.

SoftQuad Products

The following SoftQuad products have been added to the petition: HoTMetaL is an HTML editor. It has won many prestigious awards, and is a standard for HTML editing. Panorama is an SGML browser. SoftQuad Inc. has asked me to place their products on this page to guage the demand for OS/2 versions of their software. If you would like to see native versions of HoTMetaL or Panorama, sign the petition.

For more information about SoftQuad Products, visit SoftQuad's Homepage.

VDOLive

VDOLive is a technology based on VDOWave compression that enables real-time video applications on the Internet. VDOLive enables web sites to incorporate video that can be viewed from any browser, and eliminates lengthy download times and additional hardware requirements. The VDOLive's scalable technology enables the VDOLive Video Server to play audio and video to users at qualities ranging from dial-up to T1 connections. The VDOLive Video Server optimizes the quality of the video depending on the network speed available throughout the connection. The VDOLive Video Player can be used with any browser as a helper application. If you want to see a native verion of VDOLive, email VDOnet Corp.

For more information about VDOLive, visit VDOnet Corporation's Homepage.

Agent/Free Agent News Reader

This is an excellent news reader, and currently OS/2 doesn't have a news reader as functional as Agent. Agent/Free Agent can be configured for use as either an online or an offline news reader. The interface is quite nice, and it can post and retrieve binary attachments automatically. Please email Forte Inc. if you would like to see a native OS/2 version for Agent/Free Agent.

Here is a response I received from Forte on February 20. It looks like they may be open to an OS/2 version of Agent! Keep sending the requests!

For more information about Agent, visit Forte's Agent Homepage.

Mathematical/Scientific Apps

SPSS

SPSS is a statistical software package that is widely used. There was an OS/2 version in the past, but there is not an up-to-date version available now. If you would purchase a native version of this package, send a note to SPSS, Inc. and tell them! Then sign the petition .

You can find out more about SPSS at the SPSS Homepage.

MathCad

Most of you probably know what MathCad is as well. For those of you who may not, MathCad is a wonderful mathematical application. It has many uses in the educational and engineering communities. If you'd like to see a native OS/2 version, send Mathsoft, Inc. a short email.

For more information about MathCad, visit Mathsoft's Homepage.

MatLab

I've had a few requests to add MatLab to the page. MatLab is a powerful mathematical application, well suited for any type of applied linear algebra. If you'd like to see a native OS/2 version, send MathWorks, Inc. a short message.

For more information about MatLab, visit MathWork's Homepage.

Mathematica Front-end

I've finally gotten around to adding this (sorry Stefan). Those of you who use Mathematica probably know that there is a version for OS/2. The only problem is that they expect you to run a windows interface for it.

If you want a native front-end for Mathematica, send an email to Wolfram Research and sign the petition.

For more information about Mathematica, visit Wolfram Research's Page.

PSI Plot

PSI Plot, published by Polysoft, Inc., is a very nice publication quality graphics package, that is extremely capable for scientific stuff and slides, and has a very attractive price. So far they have DOS, Windows (16 / 32 bit) versions, as well as NT and '95 versions.

Stefan Deutscher, who sent me the information about this product has been in contact with the programmers at Polysoft, Inc., and they seem very open to doing an OS/2 verion. If you would purchase a product such as this, email Polysoft, Inc. and tell them you want a version of PSI Plot for OS/2.

SigmaPlot

This is another scientific graphics package. It looks pretty slick. If you could use an OS/2 version, send email to Jandel Marketing and request a native version. Also, don't forget to sign the petition .

For more information on SigmaPlot and many other Jandel Products, visit the Jandel Web Page.

Desktop Publishing/Word Processing Apps

Adobe FrameMaker

As many of you know, FrameMaker for OS/2 was nearly complete when Adobe cancelled it for no apparent reason. This doesn't make sense to very many people, including members of the development team.

I have found an email address for FrameMaker. Send requests for a native version of FrameMaker to that address. This address goes to Martin Doettling, Marketing Director for Frame Procucts, Adobe Systems, Inc.

Also, be sure to sign the petition

For more information about Adobe products, visit Adobe's Web Page

Adobe PageMaker

I don't feel a need to introduce PageMaker. This is one of the premier desktop publishers on the market, and I'm sure you already know a lot about it.

An application such as this is severely lacking in the OS/2 market. In fact, having some of the more common apps available natively would cause many users to ditch Windows for OS/2. I do not yet have an email address for PageMaker, so just sign the petition for now.

For more information about Adobe products, visit Adobe's Web Page

MGI Calamus

There is probably a pretty good shot of getting this one. MGI has already ported their product PhotoSuite for Merlin.

Calamus is a powerful desktop publishing package. If you are looking for a good desktop publishing package, email MGI Inc. and ask them to port it to Warp. And don't forget to sign the petition !

There is all kinds of information about Calamus and other MGI products at the MGI Homepage.

Page Plus Desktop Publisher

If you need a DTP package, but don't want (or need) to pay for one of the "big-guns" Page Plus is for you. Has all the features you could want and comes with a drawing program, a pile of fonts, clipart, etc. It can be used for newsletters, flyers, and many other things. Send email to Serif to request an OS/2 version.

Visit the Serif Homepage for more information about this product.

Corel WordPerfect

We used to have a version of WordPerfect for OS/2. It is once again time to get a current version. Who out there would not want a current version of WordPerfect again? No one! So email Corel Corp. with your request for an OS/2 version of WordPerfect.

For information on WordPerfect and other Corel Products, visit Corel's Homepage.

Graphical Applications

Autodesk 3D-Studio

3D-Studio is a high-end 3D graphics package. It has many uses, and is considered one of the best 3D packages on the market. I have come across an email address for Autodesk, so send them an email and sign the petition.

To visit the Autodesk Homepage, go to http://www.autodesk.com

Adobe PhotoShop

A very nice product for photo retouching and other graphics work. This product can do some pretty amazing things, and it would be nice to see a version for OS/2. No email address yet, so sign the petition .

Take a look at ColorWorks and you may decide you do not need PhotoShop at all. This is one cool native OS/2 program!

CorelDraw

I've had several requests to add CorelDraw to the list. CorelDraw is a professional graphics editing package that is an industry standard. Corel has previously supported the OS/2 market, but has discontinued development on the OS/2 version of CorelDraw. If you would like to see an up-to-date native OS/2 version of CorelDraw, email Corel Corp. with your request for an OS/2 version.

For information on CorelDraw and other Corel Products, visit Corel's Homepage.

Financial/Tax Applications

Quicken

A lot of people have requested that I add Quicken to the list. Well, here it is! I'm sure all of you know that Quicken is the most popular personal finance software currently on the market. Tell Intuit that we want an OS/2 version! I couldn't find an email address for them, but here is a link to their suggestion box.

It has recently been brought to my attention that the Suggestion box is not working. Until Intuit fixes it, or until I find an email address, just sign the petition.

For information on Quicken and other Intuit Products, visit Intuit's Homepage.

Turbo Tax

Several people have requested that I add Intuit's Turbo Tax to the list. I finally got around to doing it. Turbo Tax is a very popular personal tax package. Tell Intuit that we want an OS/2 version! I couldn't find an email address for them, but here is a link to their suggestion box.

It has recently been brought to my attention that the Suggestion box is not working. Until Intuit fixes it, or until I find an email address, just sign the petition.

For information on Turbo Tax and other Intuit Products, visit Intuit's Homepage.

CanTax

CanTax is a Canadian Tax software package. I don't know how much of the OS/2 population lives in Canada, but for those of you who do, and would use a native tax program, email CanTax and tell them you want a version for OS/2.

For more information about CanTax software, visit the CanTax Homepage.

Development Tools

Borland Delphi

I've had a lot of requests to add Delphi to the petition. Currently, it's not something I would use, but I understand that a lot of people need the package. Go ahead and sign the petition if you want to see a native version of Delphi. Don't forget to send them an email as well.

For more information about Borland Products, visit Borland's Homepage.

Oracle PowerObjects

This is a visual development enviroment that is supposed to compete with Visual Basic. From what I've heard, it is very good, and would have brought many new applications to OS/2.

Like so many other products, Oracle PowerObjects was already under development, but was then cancelled. Let's try to get Oracle to continue development of this product. Send email to Jerry Baker at Oracle, and sign the petition.

For more information about PowerObjects, visit this page.

Powersoft PowerBuilder

This is another visual development enviroment. It allows the rapid development of high-performance, distributed client/server applications. It is marketed as a cross-platform solution, and supports many platforms, but is noticibly lacking OS/2 support. To request an OS/2 version, email Powersoft and sign the petition.

For more information about PowerBuilder, visit PowerSoft's Web Page.

Drivers

Logitech PageScan Drivers

I understand that the Logitech PageScan color scanner is quite popular, but there are currently no drivers for OS/2. Logitech says they will write drivers if there is enough demand. If you own a PageScan scanner, or would buy one if there were OS/2 drivers, sign the petition stating that you want drivers. Also, send them a quick email requesting the drivers.

Sound Blaster Full Duplex Drivers

With Warp 4.0 and VoiceType dictation, full duplex drivers have finally become a necessity. Without full duplex drivers our sound cards can either record or play, but not both at the same time. With full duplex drivers they will be able to do both at the same time, so we will not lose all desktop sounds when using VoiceType. Full duplex drivers are also nice for internet phone programs, such as InterCom. Sign the petition now to let Creative Labs know we want full duplex drivers for our SB16, SB32, and SBAWE32 sound cards. You can also send them a polite email requesting the full duplex drivers.

You can find more information about Creative Labs and their sound cards at the Creative Zone.

Other Apps

Autodesk AutoCad

You've asked for it, so here it is. I have added AutoCad to the petition. Sign it if you would buy this product. Also, send a personal email to Autodesk to let them know you want a native version of AutoCad.

Some high powered apps like those developed by Autodesk would greatly increase the acceptance of OS/2 as a desktop platform.

To visit the Autodesk Homepage, go to http://www.autodesk.com

Executor

In case you're not familiar with it, Executor is a full-featured Macintosh emulator, currently supporting most of System 6 and a few features of System 7. It's currently available for DOS, Linux, and NeXTStep. It runs OK under a DOS Box in Warp, but it could be much better under OS/2.

Just think: if we get an OS/2 version of Executor, there will be virtually nothing we can't run. We will be able to run DOS stuff, Windows stuff, native OS/2 stuff, X-Windows stuff (with XFree86), and Macintosh stuff!

Clifford T. Matthews, the chief developer of Executor, has hinted that an OS/2 port is a possibility. Let's show him that there is a lot of demand for this emulator by emailing ARDI, and by signing the petition .

More information about Executor can be found at the ARDI homepage.

Recognita OCR Software

Recognita is currently the only native Optical Character Recognition software for OS/2. The current OS/2 version is 2.0 while 3.0 is already out for Windows 3.1 and Win95. If you use Recognita or would like to, and would like a current version, please email Recognita Corporation and let them know. Also, be sure to sign the petition .

For more info, visit Recognita's Web page.

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e-mail: Send comments, suggestions, etc. to Greg Boyko