OS/2 FAQ List: User's Edition (4 Apr 94)

(1.4) Availability and Cost of OS/2

Where can I buy OS/2, and how much does it cost?

In the United States IBM OS/2 Version 2.1 is available directly from IBM 
by calling (800) 3-IBM-OS2.  Call for the latest information on pricing -- 
promotional pricing may be in effect.  Diskette versions (5.25 or 3.5 inch 
media) are typically priced lower than the CD-ROM version (which contains 
only the CD-ROM plus 5.25 inch and 3.5 inch "bootstrap" diskettes), and an 
Upgrade Edition is available.  Express shipping is provided with all 
orders placed through this toll free number.

IBM part numbers are as follows: 61G0900 for 3.5 inch media, 61G0902 for 
3.5 inch media Upgrade Edition, 61G0901 for 5.25 inch media, 61G0903 for 
5.25 inch media Upgrade Edition, 61G0904 for compact disc, 71G1877 for 
compact disc Upgrade Edition.  An additional license certificate (no media 
or manuals) is 61G0910; an additional license Upgrade Edition certificate 
is 61G0911.

However, OS/2 2.1 is now available from almost any software dealer 
(including Corporate Software, Egghead, Software Etc., and many others). 
 Software dealer pricing is lower than that available directly from IBM -- 
often $10 or $20 lower.

Additional license certificates are available for second and subsequent 
copies.  Note that each OS/2 CD-ROM or diskette package includes a set of 
OS/2 manuals and 60 days (per package) of toll free technical support.  An 
additional license certificate does not come with either.

OS/2 2.1 costs about the same as Microsoft Windows for DOS and roughly one 
fifth to one third as much as the base (not server) versions of Windows 
NT, NeXTStep, Solaris, and UnixWare.

In Canada phone (800) 465-1234 to order.  In the U.K. phone the OS/2 User 
Group at 0285-655888 or IBM at 0256-841818 or 0800-919-929.  In other 
countries, contact any IBM dealer or office.  Pricing varies from country 
to country.

IBM is trying to make OS/2 2.1 available everywhere DOS is purchased.  If 
your dealer does not stock OS/2 2.1, take your business elsewhere (and 
explain why).  IBM bundles OS/2 2.1 with some PS/1, most ValuePoint, and 
all 386SX (and above) PS/2 systems, as requested.  Several other vendors, 
including AST, Compaq, Everex, Northgate, ALR, Unisys, Dell, Ariel Design, 
and Tangent, will preload OS/2 2.1 on request.

IBM offers two money back guarantees in the U.S.: a 30-day, no questions 
asked, money back guarantee, and a 90-day compatibility guarantee [See 
(2.1) Hardware Requirements].

Related information:

(0.4) Special Report on OS/2 for Windows 
(1.2) Differences Between Versions 
(2.1) Hardware Requirements 
(3.8) Networking Products

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