IBM Corp is preparing to jettison virtually all Microsoft Corp code from future versions of its LAN Server network operating system. The next release of LAN Server, which is due to be launched around September or October, should be the last to incorporate any work from IBM’s estranged former partner, according to Ray Buckland, the IBM UK manager in charge of local area network and client-server systems. As a replacement for the Microsoft code, IBM is planning to use the Open Software Foundation’s DCE, Distributed Computing Environment, and DME, Distributed Management Environment. These define a set of services necessary for building applications across a network, covering everything from file sharing to messaging. Despite its cosy relationship with Novell Inc, IBM is categorical that there is no NetWare code being used in the development. The label DCE-compliant won’t necessarily appear on the early releases, although the technology will form the core of the offering. Nonetheless, by 1994, Buckland believes that LAN Server will comply with the new standard for distributed systems. At the same time, the company has committed to implement Open Software Foundation software on its other machines. This will be alongside Systems Application Architecture – giving IBM users a choice of how to build distributed applications. The decision is likely to be unpopular among users with mixed LAN Server-LAN Manager installations. Over the past couple of years they have waited patiently for the erst while partners to fulfil their promise to converge their similar but incompatible network operating systems. Now the likelihood is that they will diverge again. Buckland admits that he feels sympathy for users caught in the cross-fire, but says in defence of IBM ..that it was not us who diverged from the strategy that was laid down, and that those that stick with LAN Server will have a guaranteed migration path towards a Distributed Computing and Distributed Management Environment-based system. Moreover, he adds that should there be significant market demand, IBM will move to ensure that Server and Manager continue to interoperate in some measure. Among the goodies promised for the planned fautumn release of LAN Server is native support for the Macintosh which was co-developed, says Buckland, with Apple Computer Inc.
