The CompuServe Problem- by Steven Atchue

In the next issue of OS/2 e-Zine! we will be featuring on-line service providers. The big three, America Online, Prodigy and CompuServe--along with a few others--will be reviewed. While researching for these articles I discovered that to date the only on-line service that provides native OS/2 connection software for its users is CompuServe. CompuServe Information Service is the largest commercial on-line services in the world and they acknowledge the significant number of OS/2 users with the OS/2 CompuServe Information Manager (OS2CIM).

Until now.

I recently unearthed some alarming news: according to many sources, including OS/2 forum Sysop, Irv Spalten, CompuServe is currently reevaluating its development and support strategy for OS2CIM. Spalten states, "CIS, like other companies is resource constrained." Resources are always needed for many tasks, and sometimes reassigning or combining resources is necessary. OS2CIM is one area under consideration for reassignment. Spalten also stated, "OS2CIM has a better than equal chance of surviving. Still, take nothing for granted. If you feel CIS must support OS2CIM, please let them know."

Take nothing for granted, indeed. A short time later, Bob Massey, CompuServe CEO, through a spokesperson, Kathryn Runge from Customer Relations, stated, "At this time, CompuServe will not be developing or releasing new upgrades to our CIM for OS/2(tm) line of interface products."

CompuServe had been running a survey about its OS2CIM software. The outcome of the survey seems to have decided the direction of CompuServe's future OS/2 development. However, you may be able to still participate in this survey by typing GO OSSURV on CompuServe. The issue at stake with this survey goes way beyond CompuServe! CompuServe's development in the OS/2 arena not only reinforces the confidence of present OS/2 ISV's, it also proves that there is a stable and growing user base. It helps guarantee recognition that OS/2 is a viable platform.

CIS has notably had many problems with its OS2CIM software; message threads in many forums attest to the fact OS2CIM needs to be overhauled. These problems, and the fact that native OS/2 software is mandatory for OS/2 users, must be communicated to CompuServe and the way to do it is e-mail them or fill out surveys that are available.

The new WinCim 2.1 (Windows version) is superior in features to the OS2CIM in that it allows full Internet access without re-dialing to connect. WinCim's new socketed feature also allows users to log onto CompuServe even if they are connected to a private ISP.

Another good example of poor OS2CIM support is the filing cabinet (FC) problem which has plagued users since OS2CIM was first released. This causes many problems. Firstly, you cannot file any messages so you must read them on-line (which racks up charges). Secondly, you cannot read messages that you filed before the FC started acting up so you must search for them on-line (racking up yet more charges). The problem of the filing cabinet is widely evident by the number of postings in the OS2CIM forums. Still the support staff treats them like they are first reports whenever inquiries come in. If you are lucky enough to get an OS/2 guru they seem moderately knowledgeable, but their solution usually involves deleting your whole database and starting over. This problem has been semi-fixed with an interim release (2.0.3), but not solved.

This problem, in addition to some other major functionality differences between WinCim and OS2CIM, shows a fundamental lack of support for OS/2 users, present and future, of CompuServe. The OS/2 version of the CIM just doesn't have these types of features. Let's stop this right here! We, all of us OS/2 users, have to wake some people up!

If you use CompuServe you can support OS/2 in numerous ways. Many vendors have forums and services that are available to OS/2 users including a free OS2CIM forum. Various vendors (OS/2 and non) provide updates and support that are necessary for many people (professional and non). IBM officially supports numerous OS/2 forums and messaging areas for its OS/2 user base, including one for Team OS/2. Another way to show support and maybe help out some OS/2 vendors is to send comments to "Downloadable Notables". Downloadable notes is a monthly review of interesting programs on CIS.

If you feel CIS must support OS2CIM, let them know! Just send a message or call to show your support for an OS/2 version. If we barrage them with mail, they can't ignore us. Please remember to emphasize that native (OS/2) software and support is important to you and to be polite and direct.

Other than the problems I pointed out, there really is a great wealth of info and support available on CompuServe. Lets hope they keep supporting OS/2.


CompuServe:

Telephone: 800-848-8990

CEO: Bob Massey
Executive VP: Alexander B. Trevor
VP, Consumer Market: Scott Kauffman
VP, Product Marketing: Kevin Knott
Consumer Relations

CompuServe users can also use these services:

Downloadable Notes

GO FEEDBACK: for input on all subject
GO OSSURV: OS2 survey
GO MEMINFO: Member user Info survey
GO IBMOS2: OS2 forums
GO OS2VEN: OS2 vendors forum
GO CISCENTER: Let us know option
GO BETA1: Beta test CIS software
GO CANOPUS: Canopus research - Will Zachman
GO STARDOCK: SDS's new forum


Steven Atchue has been in the computer industry since the birth of the AT. Currently, he is doing product reviews, freelance writing and for fun he is building his own house. Steve can also be reached on CompuServe.

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