EComStation
| Company type | Operating system |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software |
| Predecessor | OS/2 Warp |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Serenity Systems, Mensys BV |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Operating system (eComStation) |
| Owner | PayGlobal Technologies BV (formerly XEU.com) |
| Parent | Serenity Systems, Mensys BV |
eComStation (eCS) is an operating system derived from OS/2 Warp, tailored for 32-bit x86 platforms. Initially created by Serenity Systems and Mensys BV under an IBM license, it introduces additional software and hardware compatibility enhancements absent in the original OS/2 Warp. eComStation is engineered to support OS/2 applications on contemporary computer systems and has been adopted by numerous major enterprises. By 2014, sales figures indicated approximately 30,000 to 40,000 licenses distributed.
Development slowed in 2012 due to financial difficulties at Mensys, resulting in the transfer of ownership to its affiliate XEU.com (currently PayGlobal Technologies BV), which continues to handle product sales and customer support. The lack of updates since 2011 partly motivated the emergence of the ArcaOS OS/2-based distribution.
Distinctions between eComStation and OS/2
The initial release of eComStation in 2001 was built upon IBM’s integrated OS/2 version 4.5 client package, known as the Convenience Package for OS/2 Warp version 4, issued in 2000. This update was accessible exclusively to users with active OS/2 maintenance agreements and incorporated significant improvements over the final retail OS/2 Warp 4 edition from 1996:
- Enhancements from OS/2 Warp Server for e-business (1999) that were not extended to client editions, including the JFS file system and a logical volume manager.
- Operating system upgrades previously available only through patches, such as an updated kernel, a full 32-bit TCP/IP stack with networking tools, integrated firewall, refreshed drivers, newer versions of Java, and video support via SciTech SNAP Graphics.
- Features formerly reserved for customers under maintenance contracts, like support for UDF and a new USB driver stack.
eComStation offered these enhancements through retail channels while adding further functionalities:
- Additional software packages including the Lotus Smartsuite office suite and IBM’s Desktop On-call remote control application.
- Third-party licensed utilities and drivers covering areas such as scanner compatibility, multiple serial card drivers, and advanced storage drivers developed by Daniela Engert.
- Elements from OS/2 Warp 4 that IBM excluded from the Convenience Package, for instance voice navigation and dictation capabilities.
- Proprietary system improvements by Serenity Systems encompassing a redesigned installer, user interface refinements, configuration adjustments, and a rapid deployment mechanism known as Serenity Managed Client.
- Open-source tools sourced from the Unix community.
- Various minor utilities and drivers contributed by external vendors.
As IBM curtailed its OS/2 development activities, Serenity Systems alongside partners intensified efforts through internal projects, contracted work, and community-driven open source initiatives to sustain compatibility with modern hardware. The second edition of eComStation introduced:
- Support for the ACPI standard.
- A universal graphics driver named Panorama.
- Bootable capability for the JFS file system.
- A 'universal' audio driver inspired by the ALSA framework.
- Implementation of AHCI support starting with version 2.1.
- Dynamic resizing of hard disk partitions without rebooting.
- A new client for accessing Windows-style network shares (CIFS/SMB) utilizing a port of Samba, supporting both file and printer sharing.
- Ports of popular applications like Mozilla Firefox for web browsing and Mozilla Thunderbird for email management.
- A ported version of the OpenOffice.org productivity suite.
Additionally, a server variant of eComStation is available, based on IBM’s OS/2 Warp Server for e-business (WSeB) version 4.52. This edition includes bundled enterprise software such as the IBM WebSphere Application Server and the Lotus Domino Go Webserver.
Origins
Following IBM's discontinuation of retail OS/2 Warp client releases after version 4 in 1996, users began searching for alternatives. IBM issued a final server edition called IBM OS/2 Warp Server for e-Business (WSeB) version 4.5 and maintained client updates by incorporating improvements from the server version. Bob St. John of Serenity Systems suggested that an original equipment manufacturer could develop its own client by building on the existing OS/2 client combined with IBM’s enhancements alongside additional features. Serenity, an IBM collaborator, had previously created OS/2-based vertical solutions such as Serenity Managed Client and Ecomstation Server, both derived from WSeB.
In 1999, Stardock, an OS/2 vendor, proposed a new client concept to IBM, but this initiative was not advanced. On April 29, 2000, Serenity partnered with Kim Cheung of Touchvoice Systems to begin talks about creating a "new Managed Client for eBusiness" named eComStation. The goal was to replace the Workspace On-Demand-based client with an OEM version of the OS/2 client. Although there were initial hesitations regarding a thick client approach, support from the community and IBM helped drive the project forward, resulting in the first eComStation preview release within a few months. From the outset, community feedback was actively encouraged and influenced feature development. The final general release of eComStation 1.0 debuted in July 2001, showing significant evolution from its initial preview.
Release history
The following dates correspond to US English versions unless otherwise specified and are based on installation media; official release timings may vary.
- September 29, 2000 - eComStation preview
- July 10, 2001 - eComStation 1.0
- April 18, 2003 - eComStation 1.1
- August 12, 2004 - eComStation 1.2
- November 4, 2005 - eComStation 1.2R (Media Refresh)
- June 18, 2007 - eComStation 2.0 RC1
- December 25, 2007 - eComStation 2.0 RC4
- July 4, 2008 - eComStation 2.0 RC5
- December 6, 2008 - eComStation 2.0 RC6
- August 11, 2009 - eComStation 2.0 RC7 Silver
- May 15, 2010 - eComStation 2.0 GA
- May 7, 2011 - eComStation 2.1 GA
- February 28, 2013 - eComStation 2.2 Beta Demo CD
- March 25, 2013 - eComStation 2.2 Beta 1
- December 13, 2013 - eComStation 2.2 Beta II
Version 1.0
Built upon IBM’s OS/2 Warp version 4 Convenience Package (MCP1) from the year 2000, eComStation 1.0 included commercial software such as Lotus SmartSuite and IBM Desktop On-Call.
The installation process shifted away from IBM’s traditional method to a quicker deployment system utilizing WiseManager technology. The user interface received upgrades including a refreshed desktop design, updated icons, customizable visual effects, redesigned system dialogs, and a more flexible shutdown sequence.
After the English launch, localization efforts initially focused on German; however, delays occurred due to installer adjustments and translation materials. No other language versions were released for this edition.
Version 1.1
With version 1.1, significant improvements were made to the Workplace Shell desktop environment through contributions from the open source XWorkplace project hosted by NetLabs.org. Enhancements comprised better folder sorting capabilities and status bars, support for multiple virtual desktops, a customizable toolbar featuring programmable widgets, expanded configuration options, and built-in support for PPPoE and PPTP internet protocols.
The installation routine was revamped to improve BIOS compatibility and introduced a pre-boot menu allowing users to select drivers and kernel options; additionally, the installer interface became more streamlined.
Based on IBM’s MCP2 Convenience Package for OS/2 Warp version 4 (released in 2001) with integrated service updates, this release separated the core operating system ("eComStation Entry") from commercial software packages such as Lotus SmartSuite and HOBlink X11 Server—these were offered as an Application Pack.
Support for multi-processor systems required additional licensing fees payable to IBM and was provided as a purchasable SMP package through retail channels.
Simultaneously, an eComStation Server Edition was introduced based on OS/2 Warp Server for e-business.
Non-English National Language Versions released alongside this update included German and Russian editions.
Version 1.2
The standout improvement in eComStation 1.2 was its upgraded multimedia functionality on the desktop. Additionally, it featured refreshed components from both IBM and third-party vendors.
This release was distributed with English, German, and Dutch NLVs.
Version 1.2 media refresh (1.2R)
Following the initial 1.2 launch, Serenity Systems issued a "media refresh" update containing various corrections and enhancements. The first release occurred on November 12, 2005, but was quickly reissued on November 17 to address a last-minute defect.
A notable enhancement in version 1.2R was the introduction of native installation support for Athlon 64 processors, removing the need for prior workaround solutions.
The 1.2R edition came with English, German, and Italian NLVs, while a beta Traditional Chinese NLV was made accessible to registered users.
Version 2.0
eComStation 2.0 underwent a prolonged development period: its beta version appeared on December 21, 2005; the first release candidate followed on June 18, 2007; and the final general availability release arrived in May 2010.
The most impactful advancement was the integration of ACPI support—the first core operating system enhancement created specifically for eComStation rather than inherited from IBM. ACPI enabled compatibility with contemporary hardware platforms, introduced sophisticated power management features, and supported IRQs beyond number 15. This also facilitated built-in symmetric multi-processing (SMP) capabilities, replacing IBM's proprietary SMP driver and offering SMP functionality without additional fees.
Another critical upgrade involved an enhanced Journaled File System that permitted booting directly from JFS partitions. Performance improvements came through expanded cache sizes and shortened CHKDSK durations following improper shutdowns.
With version 2.0, eComStation adjusted its pricing strategy: the Home & Student Edition targeted individual users with a lower cost but limited to five purchases per customer; meanwhile, the Business Edition catered to commercial clients with unlimited purchases and included telephone support. Both editions provided identical software capabilities.
Each edition included the OpenOffice.org suite on a separate disc; the former Application Pack was discontinued.
This release was available exclusively in English; localization efforts for other languages were deferred until version 2.1.
Version 2.1
Launched in May 2011, eComStation 2.1 brought two significant enhancements: support for AHCI disk controllers through a newly developed device driver, and substitution of the IBM Boot Manager with the open-source Air-Boot utility, which streamlined installation on disks containing existing operating systems.
The update also refreshed bundled applications—most notably Mozilla Firefox—and improved the installation process. Branding transitioned from Serenity Systems to Mensys BV.
eComStation 2.1 was released in English and German NLVs, with a Japanese preview version made available to select customers. Additional language versions such as Dutch and Italian were reportedly under development.
Open source software
The eComStation installer incorporates several open source programs:
- XWorkplace, a Workplace Shell enhancement licensed under the GNU GPL
- Mozilla Firefox
- Mozilla Thunderbird
- WarpIn, a versatile installer distributed under GNU GPL
- PM VNC server enabling remote desktop control
- Doodle Screen Saver licensed under GNU GPL
- NewView, a documentation viewer replacing view.exe
Hardware specifications
The basic hardware necessary for running any edition of eComStation consists of:
| Processor | An Intel Pentium 133 MHz processor or a comparable alternative |
|---|---|
| Memory (RAM) | 48MB required for installation via CD; 160MB recommended when using the Demo CD |
| Graphics Adapter | VGA-compatible video card with a minimum of 512KB dedicated video memory |
| Hard Drive Space | At least 500MB of free storage capacity |
| Optical Drive | CD-ROM drive supporting SATA, IDE, or SCSI interfaces |
| Pointing Device | Compatible PS/2, serial, or USB mouse device |