From: brian%jensen.cs.utah.edu@cs.utah.edu (Brian Sturgill)
Subject: Re: Can someone at IBM please explain why developers should develop for OS/2?
Date: 28 Jul 92 03:10:31 MDT
Organization: University of Utah CS Dept


I am not sure that in my earlier post I made my intention clear, also
at the time I was quite upset, which I'm sure did not help
the clarity of the message.

If someone would post this message on the IBM internal board too,
I'd appreciate it.

As always, the views presented here are mine, and don't necessarily
reflect the views of the University of Utah or the spin-off
company associated with the research group that employs me.

Dear IBM:

I am an applications developer that develops applications that
are marketed and supported through a small company.
As I'm sure is true with most developers, I've been closely watching
the battle between OS/2, Windows & Windows NT, Unix, and other operating
systems.  I have a problem -- I have limited resources -- the question
that immediately comes up is what platforms do I develop for?

As my application works best in a 32-bit environment, OS/2 2.0's
arrival was quite welcome, and I immediately tooks steps to
bring my application there.  Much change in IBM's attitude toward
the end-user market was occurring, and much more change was promised.
Unfortunately (as I explained in detail in an earlier message) the
promised change is not occuring in as timely fashion as I would
like.

Enter into the picture, Microsoft.  I had not paid NT much attention
as I believed it largely non-existant and thought it would be
quite some time before it was out.  But, Microsoft kept saying
that it was real and that in July they would have a developers
conference.  They sent me many letters, and posted announcements on
the Internet and CompuServe, telling me of this grand conference and
said that I would be given a copy of NT if I attended.
(IBM has never sent me any mail, and often does not announce
things on CompuServe or the Internet.)

So what do I find at the conference?  Well I find an operating system
that is about as stable as OS/2 2.0 LA.  I find Microsoft bending
over backwards to help me create or port applications to NT.
Microsoft has been somewhat "evil" in the past with respect to
their treatment of developers; but at this conference, they
even _invited_ specifically Borland, and let the Turbo Jazz Band play.
While I have no doubt that the behavior of Microsoft is "better"
than it will be if (actually more likely when) NT succeeds, it
is clear that Microsoft has learned that the secret of success is
to getting lots of applications on their platform.  And that
being nice to developers, big and small, is a very good way
to make this happen.

What does IBM give me?  Well their treatment of me as a customer, makes
me wonder how I'll get any customers for my OS/2 product -- as
customers (unless of course they have an SE) seem to
be treated rather poorly.  As a developer they charge me outrageous
prices for poor tools.  They don't answer my questions on CompuServe.
I'm not saying by any means that it is all bad, but it's seem quite
clear to me that IBM does not really care about OS/2.

I see lots of IBM employees "trying hard" with respect to OS/2,
but clearly this will not be enough to fend off NT.
I really would like for a change to see something done completely
and quickly in OS/2.
For example, the DOS environment under OS/2 is clearly excellent --
probably far better that what Microsoft will put into NT.
On the other hand it is hard for ordinary users to configure, and
the configuration facilities there are largely undocumented.
I have never seen an IBM ad tout this feature.

If OS/2 is to have a significant market share, it will have to be BETTER than
NT.  Considering the state of things like WorkPlace Shell -- a brilliant
shell but it's buggy, slow, and poorly documented -- I have grave doubts that
OS/2 will be better at anything.

What I want from IBM is simple:  I want them to send me a clear signal
that they can compete with Microsoft.  I want them to actively
recruit ISV's and to fix the bugs of OS/2 2.0.  Most importantly I want
to see open, honest communication of IBM's strategy with respect
to OS/2.  I want to see a plan, and that plan implemented in
a non-sloppy manner.  In short, I want IBM to give me a reason
to develop for OS/2 2.0.  As things stand currently, I'm afraid
I've wasted my time learning about OS/2.  I have a product for 2.0 in
beta now -- once NT comes out -- will I have any customers?

I have gotten a number of responses to my last message privately.
I hope that those people and those others that considered responding,
will do so now, publically  If you don't then IBM will think I'm one lone nut
and perhaps won't get the message.

Sincerely,

Brian Sturgill

(801) 581-5591
brian@cs.utah.edu  (Internet address, my preferred contact point)
CompuServe: 70363,1373 (personal)
CompuServe: 76300,3115 (U of U)
(Spin off company account setup still in progress)
Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.programmer