eComStation - OS/2 Renewed

eComStation | eCS Releases | Getting More Information | Purchase eComStation

What is eComStation?

eComStation Replaced OS/2 Warp

“eComStation is a reliable and secure operating system originally based on IBM OS/2 Warp, which delivers a proven virus free, no-downtime operating environment both for personal desktop use and industry needs where reliability is paramount.” — Serenity Systems

Why eComStation?

eComStation (eCS) was released by Serenity Systems as a replacement for IBM OS/2 Warp 4. SOHO users will find eComStation to be an excellent productivity platform with lots of eye candy for those that like to enhance their desktops.

With better support for hardware and enhanced features, eComStation 2.0 provides a viable solution for continuing to run the OS/2 applications you've invested in. Compare the features of eCS 2.0.

eCS comes in two flavours:

Home & Student
Business Edition

Both contain all of the following:

SMP (multiprocessor/multicore) support
OpenOffice.org for eComStation
Support for all available languages is included
Software Subscription Services (different between the versions)
Support (different between the versions)
Multiple licenses in production use (different between the versions)

The Home & Student version can be used by any private or small office user. As a private or small office user, it is allowed to have up to 5 licenses installed for production usage. This version includes 6 months of Software Subscription Services and on-line support.

If more than 5 licenses are needed, you are required to purchase the Business Edition. The Business Edition includes 12 months of Software Subscription Services and telephone support. Volume discounts are available for the Business Edition.

The official version of "Why eComStation" will give you a great overview of the advantages of this product.

eComStation Demo CD

Try eComStation for free! The current Demo CD is based on the eComStation 1.2 product and does not reflect the current state of the eComStation 2.0 product.

eComStation History

When IBM support for OS/2 and OS/2 Warp Server for e-business (an excellent e-commerce platform—not well suited to the single user) ended December 31, 2006, eComStation provided a viable solution for continuing to run OS/2 applications they've invested in.

eComStation version 1.0 was released on July 30, 2001. This product has progressed through releases of version 1.1 (released in 2003) and 1.2 (released in 2004).

eComStation 2.0 was released in May 2010.

Multi-processor Version

multi-processor version (supporting up to 64 processors) was released as eCS Pro, and is available if you need that capability.

Fixs and Updates

There are various fixpaks and updates available on the eComStation Official Web Site for eCS version 1.2, or you might wish to consider moving up to eCS 2.0.

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eComStation Releases

eComStation 2.0

Released May 2010

eCS version 2.0 is currently available from various distributors worldwide either as a stand-alone purchase or as an upgrade from OS/2, eCS 1.0 or eCS 1.2.

Version 2.0 Improvements

Some of the planned significant enhancements and improvements over eCS 1.2, including the following:

Support for ACPI power management;
Improved harddisk management;
Support for Bootable JFS;
Support for multi-user desktops;
Support for Samba (Windows & Linux networking);
TCPIP updates, including DHCP;
Improved installation and migration options.

eComStation 1.2R

The development team of eComStation has significantly raised the level of ease of use of the installation process and improved hardware support.

eComStation 1.2

Serenity released eCS version 1.2 with improvements in the installation process involving mainly the recognition of networking and sound cards (see the V.O.I.C.E. eCS review for details).

Various Flavours

There are several ways to either buy eCS 1.2 or to upgrade from either OS/2 Warp licenses or eCS 1.0/1.1 licenses. Details are in the eComStation 1.2 product announcement (PDF).

eCS Application Pack 1.2

eComStation has various add-ons available that can be purchased later if you need them. One of these is the separately available eCS Application Pack 1.2 which includes:

Lotus SmartSuite 1.7.2 (eCS 1.0 had version 1.5.1).
OpenOffice.org software for OS/2.
Serenity Virtual Station (SVISTA) for OS/2 and eCS--a virtual machine supporting OS/2, Linux, FreeBSD and Windows as host platforms.

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Getting More Information

The eComStation Official Web Site has lots of additional information about eCS. You might also wish to check out the eComStation discussion group.

eComStation 2.0

You will find more information about eComStation version 2.0 here:

eComStation 2.0 product information.
eComStation 2.0 Flash tour (requires the Adobe Flash player).

eComStation 1.2R

You will find more information about eComStation version 1.2R here:

eComStation 1.1

Legacy information about eComStation version 1.1 is found here:

eComStation 1.0

Most legacy information about eCS 1.0 is now gone.

Legacy note: While not every OS/2 product is supported by eCS 1.0, I had no trouble with any of my favourites including Object Desktop 2.0. The Add Programs function incorporated almost all of the programs on my disk installed under OS/2 Warp 4. I did need to reinstall a couple, but these apps had also forced me to reinstall them under Warp 4.

A Note About File Systems

You might want to read more before installing eComStation:

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Purchase eComStation

Because of export agreements regarding components of the eComStation technology you must purchase eComStation from a retailer in your country or region. Choose one of the following locations:

Purchasers in Europe visit Mensys.
Purchasers in the United States visit BMT Micro.
Purchasers in Canada visit Finnegan Software.
Purchasers elsewhere select from this list of other resellers.

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