Ecomstation
eComStation
eComStation is a computer operating system derived from IBM OS/2. It was designed to enable OS/2 applications to run on modern hardware. The system is utilized by various enterprises, including several large organizations that rely on legacy OS/2 applications. eComStation was once developed and sold by Serenity Systems International in collaboration with Mensys BV, and it is based largely on IBM's OS/2 Warp 4.52.
History and Development
The concept of eComStation was initiated when Serenity Systems International in collaboration with Kim Cheung from Touchvoice Systems established a community discussion group. This group was aimed at gauging interest in a managed client for eBusiness using components of IBM's Workplace Server for eBusiness (WSeB). This initiative led to the creation of eComStation as an OEM version of the OS/2 client.
Originally, eComStation was developed to provide a modern platform for users and organizations dependent on OS/2. Despite its niche market, eComStation sold approximately thirty to forty thousand licenses by 2014. However, financial troubles at Mensys in 2012 caused development difficulties, prompting the transfer of ownership to XEU.com, now known as PayGlobal Technologies BV. This company continues to sell and support the system.
Features
eComStation integrates several features that support both legacy and modern technologies. It incorporates IBM's Lotus SmartSuite in its early versions, enhancing productivity capabilities. The system also supports the JFS file system, a journaling file system created by IBM, ensuring data integrity and robustness.
Moreover, eComStation is compatible with applications like Scribus, a free and open-source desktop publishing application that supports major bitmap formats. It also includes support for QBasic, a programming language which was traditionally bundled with OS/2.
Community and Support
The eComStation community is vibrant, with platforms such as OS2World.com and eComStation.ru providing forums for OS/2 and eComStation users to share knowledge and resources. Open-source software projects such as those on Netlabs.org further expand the utility and support for eComStation.
The system also supports modern networking protocols and security standards made possible through applications like wpa_supplicant, enabling Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and WPA2 security.
Relationship with ArcaOS
eComStation and ArcaOS share a common lineage, both being descendants of OS/2 code. Although separate projects, they maintain compatibility with many applications and share a similar user base, offering solutions for those reliant on OS/2 environments.