eComStation delivers a rich set of features and important benefits, positioned to provide users with a powerful, stable desktop capable of participating in a network centric environment. Although the network connection is not required, eComStation users would like be "connected users", working through the Internet, intranets, and virtual private networks.

Table of Contents

Managed Client Support and Remote Management
Support for Java
Network Connectivity
Network Intergration
Application Support
Independent Application Space-STABILITY
Multitasking Applications
Powerful Object Oriented GUI


Managed Client Support and Remote Management

eComStation provides users with the ability to participate in Managed Client network centric computing utilizing WiseManager(r) and WiseServer(tm). However, unique for any Managed Client in the industry, eComStation does not require a network connection. Once connected to eComServer or another network connection, the WiseMachine component of eComStation can execute instructions including a network build of the workstation, creation of the desktop, participate in remote software deployment, user "roaming" and many of the other benefits associated with network centric computing.

Unlike any other Managed Client in the industry, eComStation is capable of supporting local program installation and booting from local resource, in addition to executing these same functions from local or remote servers. This is an extemely powerful computing model which provides users with a responsive, stable system, while offering significant opportunities to reduce the costs associated with the computing environment, especially operational expenses such as user support and software deployment.

eComStation users can extract all the benefits of PC users running the most advanced computing environment in the industry, and can also be implemented as a traditional thin client, with support for multiple types of implementations "in-between", enabling users to easily set up migrations, support multiple operating environments, and industry leading support for legacy applications while providing leading edge support for the new web enabled, browser based applications deployed over the network from local or remote servers. In fact, all applications can reside on local PC drives, local or remote servers anywhere on the network, including the Internet, or any combination application access which best supports the user's business objectives.

In addition to WiseMachine, eComStation includes IBM's Desktop on-Call remote control software. Desktop on-Call is unique in the area of remote control software because it only requires the target workstation to be running the application. Other programs require programs on both the guest and host, or target system. However, the controlling workstation can be any system running an ordinary web browser capable of supporting a Java applet.

Consistent with the eComStation design objective and value proposition, Desktop on-Call significantly enhances the ability of an organization to deliver remote support, by controlling the user's workstation. With the server Managed Client, support would be able to execute problem determination and resolution activities from local or remote sites, including over the Internet .. which means, from anywhere in the world.

This means that home users can control their office PC .. or, while you are at work, you can control you home PC. Desktop on-Call can run on eComStation and also supports Windows workstations. Since the controlling workstation need only support a Java applet in the broswer, controlling workstations can be Mac, Unix, or any system capable providing that Java enabled browser support. This feature can also be used to allow users to create cross platform application sharing between operating systems.

WiseMachine and Desktop on-Call allow eComStation to provide world class remote control options with outstanding security, including support for cryptographic passwords, limitation accessible IP address, restrictions on editing of properties, and outstanding ease of use, which includes the ability to launch map support for easy access.



Support for Java

An important requirement in many computing environments is the smooth transition from traditional "operating system specific applications" to "Internet ready, platform-neutral applications". This is a significant transition, an important step in the goal of providing Internet enabled business computing.

eComStation has been designed to support this transition by integrating Sun Microsystem's Java programming language, including providing a Java Developers TookKit and the powerful and responsive Java Virtual Machine, developed by IBM, so users can run Java applications and Internet applets independent of a web browser.

Java integration into eComStation means that Java applications will run with the integrity, reliability and security of the operating system. Java integration also means that customers can download Java applets (like stock tickers) from the Internet and place them onto their computer desktops for future use. They can be embedded into a program, such as a spreadsheet or word processor.

Furthermore, with eComStation's Internet-aware user interface, 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. The full, integrated Java capability is further proof that eComStation meets and exceeds industry requirements for today's networked world. Java enhancements, combined with eComStation's ability to connect to any server anywhere as a universal client operating system, establish eComStation as the eCommerce platform that will connect users from wherever they are to whatever information they need.



Network Connectivity

eComStation includes a true 32-bit operating system, an advanced user interface, and everything you need to connect to any network, anywhere. It is truly a universal client. Just one click on the "Connections" icon gives you the power to easily access, control and manage all your supported drives, printers, networks, servers and websites.

eComStation combines superior multitasking, multithreading and memory protection features. These strengths make eComstation a premiere networking client and a stable environment for any business requirement.

eComStation provides everything you need to access the world's most popular PC server platforms, including

• Novell Netware
  
• Microsoft NT Server
  
• IBM LAN and OS/2 Warp Server
  

In addition to its simple attachment to NetWare Servers, eComStation also supports Novell's NetWare Directory Services (NDS), allowing users to globally access resources across an organization without having to know exactly which NetWare server contains the information. eComStation includes one of the best TCP/IP stacks in the industry providing world class functions and applications, such as Gopher, Telnet, and FTP protocols.

eComStation can act as a peer server. Built-in peer capabilities give remote users, departmental workgroups, and small businesses an inexpensive, easy way to share resources such as files, printers and modems. eComStation interoperates in a peer network with OS/2 LAN Server version 3.0 or higher, Microsoft Windows for Workgroups, PC LAN Program 1.3, Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows 95, Microsoft LAN Manager 2.x and Artisoft LANtastic 6.0.

For quick access to all their available network resources, eComStation users can take a look at a network window and see all their applications represented by icons. This function makes accessing and sharing as simple as drag-and-drop. For instance, a user could drag a Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet from a NetWare server and drop it onto an OS/2 Warp Server machine.

What about remote connectivity? With Remote Access Services, telecommuters and mobile workers can connect to network resources from just about anywhere in the world, as long as they use a supported network using NetBIOS, TCP/IP or IPX protocols. Connections can be made to either the office network running IBM's Warp Server or to the Internet. Mobile File Synch will detect any conflict between the client and server files and can duplicate to the server any tasks performed at the client and vice versa.

Security is always an issue, but with IBM's Security Enabling Services (SES) architecture integrated in eComStation, your existing network security schemes are kept intact--that way you don't need to reconfigure users, add passwords or procedures. That, plus integrated support for Desktop Management Interface (DMI) and TME 10 NetFinity--the industry's premiere network asset and systems management tool--ensures that downtime can be minimized through early detection and resolution of problems.



Network Integration

eComStation includes all the components required to successfully integrate into the the network. In addition to the Managed Client function executed by WiseMachine, the operating system is integrated with transports, LAN requesters, FTP tools, Internet access tools, network management clients. All these components have been tested and integrated so users and service providers can concentrate on meeting business objectives.

When used, WiseManager will enable them to build the network smoothly, as opposed to assembling different components, testing and configuring until the network can function smoothly. This network support enables users and service providers to control costs and make more effective use of their time, while assembling a superior network management implementation.

eComStation and eComServer provide all the functions a network client needs and all the programs and functions needed in a LAN network, including Tivoli network management tools, backup and recovery programs, the Remote Access Server for mobile clients, and much more. Again, the integration testing and service support for eComStation is already completed, --saving you time and reducing network costs.



Application Support

There is no better application engine in the computing world than eComStation. Industry leading support for Java is combined with the ability to support legacy applications, including DOS, Windows, and OS/2. Applications can reside on local drives, shared drives, servers, or even the Internet.



Independent Application Space - STABILITY

Each program, DOS, Windows, OS/2, or Java, runs in its own protected space so that a problem with one program will not effect other programs being run by the user, providing an extremely stable application platform. This stability allows the user to work with fewer interruptions, offering the opportunity for improved productivity, as well as providing a comfort level that programs and data are safe and secure.



Multitasking Applications

In addition to running applications in their own application space, eComStation employs pre-emptive multitasking which can be fine tuned to improve the user experience. Users can run multiple DOS applications while running multiple Windows applications, as well as multiple applications from OS/2 and Java, be downloading files from FTP servers on the Internet, printing reports, formatting diskettes, sending faxes, and conducting other activities. eComStation provides the kind of powerful, multitasking application engine required to do all this and more.



Powerful Object Oriented GUI

eComStation users can take advantage of a clearer and more logical graphical user interface, or GUI. A GUI is the set of icons and other visual elements that appear on the screen of your computer. eComStation's GUI makes finding and using your computer programs 'point-and-click' simple. Thanks to this graphical interface, moving, copying, deleting files, and other operations can be as easy as 'drag-and-drop.' The GUI, developed by IBM, supports rendered icons and an array of customizable bitmaps and backgrounds, and includes over a dozen color schemes. You can also personalize your computer screen, using your own bitmaps and creating your own icons. The eComStation GUI also has an attractive system font that reads well on laptop computers.

But beyond looking good, eComStation is truly an object-oriented desktop. Users who want to change the setting of a program just right-click on the program's icon, choose "properties," and everything needed appears on screen. There's no need to search through system folders or cryptic help screens.

eComStation users also benefit from the enhanced object-oriented toolbar derived from elements of the SmartCenter technology from Lotus that displays important system information. The toolbar holds icons of frequently used applications, so users can drag-and-drop objects for fast, single click access. It also includes a button that dynamically creates a view of everything running on the computer desktop, including a task list that indicates which programs are currently running, status indicators for disk space and battery power, a calendar, a clock, and a timer.

Users can easily customize their toolbar by dragging and dropping icons onto it and then grouping those icons into "trays." A tray can group combinations of objects including folders, applications, or even icons representing World Wide Web pages. Since the toolbar can visible on the desktop at all times, in any supported application, users can launch a new program, check the contents of a drive, or even jump onto the Web without minimizing the space within which they're currently working.