Last December when OS/2-CIM development was cancelled many users got fed up with CompuServe and decided enough was enough and left. But there were, and still are, many OS/2 hopefuls left in the CIS on-line community. Larry Finkelstein, president of Creative Systems Programming (CSP), is banking his success on it.

On September 24, Creative Systems Programming and CompuServe announced that development of the OS/2-CIM version 2.03 will continue. The announcement read, "IBM OS/2 users who want to ride new technology into cyberspace got a boost on Sept 24 as CompuServe (CIS) and Creative Systems Programming agreed to continue the development of interface products for the CIS." According to the announcement the new product will support the latest version of OS/2 Warp 4. CompuServe Information Manager 2.03 (CIM) for OS/2 is being shipped as part of the OS/2 BonusPak. For those of you who are unconnected, CSP are the creators of Golden Compass the Off-line CompuServe navigator. CSP was founded in 1984 and is a privately held corporation that designs custom applications for OS/2, more specifically communications programs.

CSP President Larry Finkelstein has a whole new direction and goal for the OS/2-CIM product. CSP has not determined the fine details of the product's new direction, but CSP's main goal is clear: "OS/2 CIM must win OS/2 users back to CompuServe".

Finkelstein has emphatically stated that the interface will no longer be restricted by, "windows centric design". OS/2 users will enjoy an interface that is better integrated with the Workplace Shell (WPS). Integration with CSP's current flagship product, Golden Compass, is planned as well.

CIS has recently begun the complete integration of the Internet within its infrastructure. CSP must also factor this functionally in. OS/2-CIM 2.03 is severely lacking even the CIS proprietary features present in its Windows counterpart, consequently the Internet seems light years from happening within the OS/2-CIM. CSP has acknowledged some Internet integration is necessary and is exploring the options.

The biggest problems with the current version of OS/2-CIM according to Mr. Finkelstein is buggy code. The code has not yet been handed over to CSP, however, according to Donna Finkelstein, delivery is imminent, and they know they have their work cut out for them.

When more thoroughly questioned about the OS/2-CIM bugginess Finkelstein stated, "We are fully aware of the current problems with OS/2-CIM specifically with the file cabinet. File cabinet problems in the Windows counterpart have for the most part been ironed out. The OS/2-CIM agreement allows CSP to reference the current WIN-CIM code, hopefully giving some insight on correcting some of the problems long plaguing OS/2-CIM." CSP has pledged to, "absolutely not release code until it is stable."

Examining the two products, OS/2 CIM and Golden compass, it may seem that they have overlapping markets. When asked how the two will coexist Finkelstein states, "It is clear one product is a hammer and the other a screwdriver. Some will need one or the other, possibly even both. Ultimately they will be designed to compliment each other."

Some of the major features slated for enhancement will be full implementation of HMI and enhanced menu support. Other considerations are carefully being looked into. Any features, however, "that only ten people will use," will not be aggressively courted.

One thing is apparent in talking with Creative Systems Programming: they plan to make OS/2-CIM better. This may come at a price since IBM, up to this point, has not committed monetary involvement in any capacity. CSP must make the product profitable itself. CSP did not have any comment on pricing but the company is aware it will be a tricky issue, after all OS/2-CIM has customarily been a free product.

CSP wants to assure the OS/2 community that this acquisition is a, "WIN-WIN situation for everyone. It will allow CompuServe to continue to be the on-line service of choice and will provide a quality CIM to the OS/2 community".

Larry Finkelstein feels that this acquisition has positioned CSP to deliver quality on-line interface products to the entire OS/2 community. "We are excited that we can now deliver top-of-the-line products to the OS/2 community and that CompuServe has shown a commitment to continuing to serve this valuable customer base." A hopeful target date of December has been mentioned for delivery of an "updated" version of the CIM.

Informal talks have been ongoing between CompuServe and Creative Systems Programming since December 1995 when the original announcement to cancel OS/2-CIM was made. No details, financial or contractual, of the OS/2-CIM deal have been disclosed at the time of writing, however they are being worked out, on a daily basis.

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