Warp speed ahead

IBM WorkSpace On-Demand (WSOD) is IBM's latest Warp server. WSOD automates existing Warp Server 4 capabilities so that it becomes a centralised applications server for Dos/Windows, OS/2 and Java clients.

A pure Java interface or a browser interface can be provided as an alternative to the standard Warp graphical user interface (GUI). Clients boot from the server and may run applications locally, as well as applications which reside on the server. Dos, 16-bit Windows, OS/2 and Java applications can be installed once on the WSOD server and made available to any client.

Java server applications (servlets) can run on the Java-enabled WSOD server.

Centralised application installation, configuration and management enables an application to be installed once on the server whereupon it immediately becomes available to every client.

User profiles enable users to log on and access their applications at any WSOD workstation. Through the addition of a WinFrame server WSOD clients may also run 32-bit Windows applications.

Version 2 of WSOD, currently in development, integrates the WinFrame client, further enhances the management tools and extends support to network computer devices. By providing a choice of Warp GUI, Web browser or Java-based interface, WSOD enables companies to serve a mixture of client-server applications and Java applets to client desktops without mandating new hardware.

The WSOD platform enables new Java network computing applets like Lotus Suite to be introduced into PC-based Lans alongside existing client-server applications.

WSOD clients must be 486/33 or better. They do not need local disk storage, although if present it can be used to increase performance. IBM has an Intel-based Java OS which will enable PCs to run as thin clients waiting in the wings.