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

(6.1) Promoting OS/2

What can I do to promote OS/2?

OS/2 is selling well, but there are steps you can take to assure that 
hardware devices and software will be available for OS/2 in the future. 
 Customer requests do matter.

 o Politely, firmly, and repeatedly request driver support from printer, 
   video adapter, and other hardware manufacturers.

 o When you receive a mailing for DOS/Windows software with a postpaid 
   envelope, return the order form marked "Please send information on your 
   native OS/2 version."

 o Start a user group at your location.  Contact Gene Barlow (phone 
   214-402-6456) or Kathy Fanning at IBM or mail ibmpcug@vnet.ibm.com for 
   assistance.  Think about how you can publicize your user group.  For 
   instance, most local newspapers and television stations will 
   print/broadcast meeting announcements for free.  Your local cable 
   television company will be happy to broadcast a videotape of your 
   meeting on the public access channel.

 o Correspond with members of the computer trade press.  Ask for reviews 
   of OS/2 software, hardware compatibility testing with OS/2, OS/2 
   benchmarking, etc.  Respond politely but forcefully to press you think 
   unfair; praise good reporting.

 o When you purchase a new system, ask the vendor to install OS/2 2.1, and 
   to offer credit for dropping DOS and Windows.  If the vendor refuses, 
   you may wish to take your business elsewhere.  Compaq, Everex, AST, 
   Northgate, ALR, Unisys, Dell, Tangent, IBM, and Ariel Design all offer 
   systems with OS/2 2.1 preloaded.

 o Make sure your company (or yourself) specifies OS/2 compatibility when 
   purchasing new products.

 o Demonstrate OS/2 to friends, relatives, and associates.

 o Ask your computer store to stock OS/2 software titles, have OS/2 
   demonstration machines, etc.

 o Pass along useful OS/2 shareware and freeware to your local BBS.  Be 
   sure to register OS/2 shareware.

 o Write an outstanding piece of shareware or freeware [See (4.5) 
   Technical Support for details on joining DAP].  IBM has been known to 
   recognize such work with rewards.  Also, ask authors of DOS/Windows 
   shareware and freeware if they would port to OS/2, or volunteer.

 o Recommend products that work well under OS/2; dissuade people from 
   purchasing products that do not.

 o Wear OS/2 pins, shirts, buttons, and other souvenirs.  Contact the 
   Lees/Keystone OS/2 Merchandise Center (phone 914-273-6755 or FAX 
   914-273-9187) or the IBM OS/2 Hotline (phone 800-3-IBM-OS2) to order 
   such items.

 o Join Team OS/2, an international organization of volunteers who are 
   OS/2 enthusiasts and are actively sharing their knowledge and 
   enthusiasm with others.  These activities include supporting OS/2 user 
   groups, running OS/2 BBSes and online conferences, demonstrating OS/2 
   at retail stores and other public places, encouraging and helping 
   others to install OS/2, answering OS/2 questions, and much more. 
    Membership is not limited to IBM employees.  For information on Team 
   OS/2 events you should monitor the TEAMOS2 echomail conference on your 
   local FidoNet BBS.  If your local BBS does not carry TEAMOS2, ask your 
   system operator to get it.  See (4.11) OS/2 BBSes for the names and 
   numbers of several BBSes which carry TEAMOS2.  To join Team OS/2, send 
   your name, address(es), and telephone number to Vicci Conway (netmail 
   76711.1123@compuserve.com or FAX 407-982-1229).  Include information on 
   your activities to date and a one line description of yourself for the 
   public Team OS/2 list.

 Related information:

 (3.2)  Shareware and Freeware Sources 
 (4.5)  Technical Support 
 (4.11) OS/2 BBSes

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