IBM SCREEN READER/2 Announcement Letter Number 292-363 dated June 23, 1992 US - Last Revised on June 23, 1992 Brief Description of Announcement, Charges, and Availability Screen Reader (TM)/2 provides a user interface to IBM Personal Systems running Operating System/2 (R) (OS/2 (R)) Version 2.0 that enables a blind or visually-impaired user to hear screen information. It is compatible with and transparent to applications. IBM Screen Reader/2 requires an IBM Screen Reader Keypad for control and uses a non-IBM text-to-speech voice synthesizer for output. Technical support for IBM Screen Reader/2 customers is provided by CompuAnswer. IBM Screen Reader/2 will have national language support in the form of translated messages and online documentation. Twelve languages will be supported. Planned Availability Date: September 8, 1992.  (TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.  (R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Customer Letter Section HIGHLIGHTS o Follows visual focus and reads menus automatically o All needed function is predefined in profiles provided o Installation instructions provided in print, audio, online and Braille DESCRIPTION USER PRODUCTIVITY IBM Screen Reader/2 provides the primary interface to the computer for a user who is blind. PRODUCT POSITIONING IBM Screen Reader/2 is the first OS/2 access product designed for use by computer users who are blind. It is also the first to provide audio output of textual screen information in the IBM graphical user interface (GUI). IBM Screen Reader/2 has the following features: o Provides voice output of OS/2 2.0 screen information o Runs with OS/2 2.0 in all sessions o Custom profiles for the most used applications provided with product o Complete profiling language and compiler provided for customers to create their own profiles o Follows visual focus on screen and provides appropriate voice output o Emulates mouse functions like point and click o Able to recognize and verbalize ICONs. TECHNICAL INFORMATION SPECIFIED OPERATING ENVIRONMENT MACHINE REQUIREMENTS: IBM Screen Reader/2 runs on any IBM Personal System capable of running OS/2 2.0. The Screen Reader Keypad (required) plugs into the mouse port on personal systems, but other computers need an open slot for the Screen Reader Adapter. PROGRAMMING REQUIREMENTS: IBM Screen Reader/2 requires OS/2 2.0. COMPATIBILITY: IBM Screen Reader/2 is compatible with Screen Reader 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 in function. Hardware used with previous versions is the same hardware used with IBM Screen Reader/2. LIMITATIONS: IBM Screen Reader/2 customers may need technical support while using IBM Screen Reader/2 with some applications. That technical support is provided by CompuAnswer. PLANNING INFORMATION APPLICATION SUPPORT: Technical assistance and service for IBM Screen Reader/2 in the specified environment is available. The service and support telephone number is 1-800-237-5511. Calls may be placed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. IBM responds on a call-back basis between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Central time, Monday through Friday, except holidays. ServiceLink and SupportLink, within IBMLink (TM), may also be available. These links provide the ability to search product information and defect databases, report defects, order defect corrections and ask questions related to installing or operating this application. Contact the local IBM branch office for more information.  (TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. PACKAGING: The IBM Screen Reader/2 Software is distributed in one package with the following materials: o IBM Program License Agreement o Proof of License o IBM License Information Booklet o Software on three 3.5-inch double-sided (1.4MB) diskettes o IBM Screen Reader/2 Installation (audio cassette, print, Braille) o IBM Screen Reader/2 User's Guide (online) o IBM Screen Reader/2 Reference (online) o OS/2 Screen Representations (raised images). o CompuAnswer Handbook (printed and diskette) o CompuAnswer Information (audio cassette). SECURITY, AUDITABILITY AND CONTROL IBM Screen Reader/2 uses the security and auditability features of the IBM Personal System and OS/2. User management is responsible for evaluation, selection and implementation of security features, administrative procedures and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities. ORDERING INFORMATION Orders for new licenses will be accepted now. Unless a later date is specified, orders entered before September 8, 1992, will be assigned a schedule date of September 18, 1992. Shipment of orders will begin September 8, 1992. Orders entered after September 8, 1992, will be scheduled for shipment on the Friday following the week of order entry or as soon thereafter as supply permits. Technical support for IBM Screen Reader/2 customers is provided by CompuAnswer. To order the programs in this announcement for order type, specify the order type number, feature number, part number, program name, and quantity. ORDER TYPE FEATURE PART PROGRAM NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER NAME MEDIA 5875-XXX 3162 2261649 IBM Screen 3.5-inch Reader/2 Diskettes 5875-UPG 3161 2261649 IBM Screen 3.5-inch Reader/2 Diskettes Upgrade The available order types are as follows: o Program Package -- program diskettes with documentation o Program Package Upgrade -- program diskettes with documentation. PROGRAM UPGRADE The program package upgrade option allows currently licensed users of the IBM Screen Reader 1.1 and Screen Reader/DOS 1.2 to obtain the new function for a program upgrade charge. The program upgrade to IBM Screen Reader/2 will be available beginning September 8, 1992. Orders will be accepted after June 23, 1992. These upgrades will be available through IBM Special Needs Marketing Specialists (SNMS) certified to market IBM Screen Reader/2. The SNMS will require a Proof of License for each upgrade ordered. The original Proof of License is the inside front cover page of the Screen Reader User's Guide in the program package as identified by IBM to the SNMS. Customers may also order upgrades through the IBM branch office using the IBM Personal Computer/System Program IBM U.S. Upgrade and Certification Order Form included with this announcement. TERMS AND CONDITIONS LICENSING: The program in this announcement is licensed under the terms and conditions of the IBM Program License Agreement. A copy of the agreement is included in the program package. The CompuAnswer Technical Support package is available from IBM as distributed by the service supplier. The terms and conditions of the supplier apply. They are included in the package and are passed on to the customer. LIMITED WARRANTY: Program: Yes. Media: Three months. The CompuAnswer Technical Support package is not warranted by IBM. Warranty, if any, is as provided by the service supplier. Address any questions pertaining to warranty to the service provider. PROGRAM SERVICES: Central Service will be available during the first three months following the date of delivery to the customer by IBM, but not later than September 8, 1995. The statement of service included in the program package describes this service. VOLUME DISCOUNT: Not applicable. NATIONAL EDUCATION LICENSE FEE: Not applicable. CHARGES PROGRAM PROGRAM ONE-TIME UPGRADE NAME/NUMBER ORDER TYPE CHARGE CHARGE Screen Reader/2 2261649 Program Package $600 2261649 Program Package Upgrade $500 PROGRAM UPGRADE CHARGE: A program upgrade charge will apply for upgrades from IBM Screen Reader 1.1 and Screen Reader/DOS 1.2 to IBM Screen Reader/2.