First of all I am posting here because some of this stuff would not be helpful to current negotiations if it gets plastered publically all over ann etc, so please respect the confidentiallity of this list.

Why did the 'Earlybird' offer come about?

When the OS4 development contract was signed in November 2001 Amiga Inc were promising to pay Hyperion for the substantial amount of work carried out on Ami3D (for the AmigaDE project) 'any day now'. Not only did this not materialise, but AInc didn't even have access to the 3.1 sources, partly as a result of failing to meet their promises to pay certain key developers. In addition, whereas the initial scope of the OS4 work was not much more than a port of the bits of 3.1 absolutely needed to make make it run on the A1 hardware, the specifiction expanded substantially into what you now see, largely due to pressure from Amiga Inc themselves.

All this meant that by Autumn 2002 OS4 was badly delayed, and that Hyperion was rapidly running out of funds to continue with the project . In addition, without an operating system we were not able to sell any hardware and therefore were seriously considering cutting our losses and concentrating on our other - non-Amiga-related markets.

Ben and I discussed the situation with Fleecy and the 'Earlybird' offer was the result. In essence we would sell the boards with Linux/UAE to people who were willing to purchase a 'work in progress' hardware product, and use some of the resulting cash flow to help Hyperion finish OS4. In return a free copy of OS4-OEM would be given to purchasers when it was ready.

Hyperion clearly needed to receive some significant revenue for this 'free' copy - but there was of course no magic pot of money. In the end we all chipped in to make it happen : Fleecy agreed to waive the licence fee we were due to pay Amiga Inc for the use of the Amiga name on these Earlybird boards; Hyperion would make a reduction in the price they were charging us for OS4-OEM; and we would pay them the agreed price from our board margin. Note that this arrangement was only applicable to Earlybird' boards : on others - including discounted developer boards - were were due to pay the full Royalty to Amiga Inc and, as originally announced, OS4 was to be an additional cost item for board purchasers.

We also anticipated that 'snapshots' of the work-in-progress OS4 might be released from time-to-time before the OEM version was ready, and that if physically distributed these would be subject to handling and carriage charges. We anticipated that these snapshots would only really be suitable for use by quite technically savvy people. It was such a snapshot that we originally anticipated making available before Christmas 2003.

However, due to a variety of reasons, not least the desire avoid bad publicity by having a 'snapshot' interpreted as an indication of a poor quality finished product by the OS4 detractors out there it was decided not to release a 'snapshot' after all. Rather Hyperion decided to release a version of OS4 that was usable and updatable into the full OEM release, but to use the term Pre-Release to indicate that the software on the CD as shipped was not the OEM-level software which would ultimately be shipped with the boards. It was however able to be upgraded to this and so an update server and serial number access system was also set up by Hyperion. This allows OS4-PR users to upgrade to the full OS4-OEM version as updates are released.

It also means that we have paid Hyperion in full for each copy of OS4-PR shipped under the Earlybird programme and that in turn means that they have the funds to finish it!

What is the full OS4-OEM release?

It will be exactly similar to the OS4-PR except it will be a snapshot of the then current state of OS4. It will also contain a serial number allowing for subsequent on-line updating without further charge. It will not contain a printed manual.

Will there be a version of OS4 released with printed manuals etc?

Maybe, but nothing is is planned as yet. This really depends on the AmigaOne dealers (and others) opening up the market to volume domestic end users, and that is something which is not yet even planned for. By contrast our focus outside the current Amiga enthusiasts desktop market is into the industrial/embedded markets - which clearly will not need a printed manual for each copy of OS4 sold.

As an aside, we are making some progress on this front, having identified (but obviously not yet signed - or you would have heard about it before now) sale oppotunities of over 250,000 units so far (and potentially 1m+ units in China) for which a finished OS4 would prima facie offer many advantages over Linux. OS4's downside (compared with Linux) however is that it is not free, so those opportunities are dependant on us being able to negotiate licence terms with Hyperion and/or KMOS appropriate to these markets and volumes. (PLEASE keep this to this list - otherwise it makes my job of negotiating much harder).

We have to succed in these markets before we could even consider a volume high street retail product (which would of course need a printed manual).

I bought a discounted developer board - how do I get a copy of OS4-PR?

We have agreed with Hyperion that we can sell copies of OS4-PR to purchasers of discounted developer boards at the concessionary price of ukp25 + VAT + £3.00 shipping. This is around half the saving that such purchasers will have made when purchasing their 'developer' boards. As a guide, if you bought your board at full price from us (A1-SE @ ukp423.00, A1XE-G3 @ ukp528.75, A1XE-G4 @ukp587.5 -- all inc VAT, exc carriage or any prebuilt system) then you have an Earlybird system. If you paid around 10% less than this then you have a developer board.

We currently have enough spare copies of stock to satisfy the anticipated demand from purchasers of developer boards that we have sold directly. To speed things up please order via our webshop http://www.eyetech.co.uk/search.php?SearchStr=&SearchCat=AMA1 product SYS-OS4-OEM at the bottom of the page. From your original A1 invoice please enter your Eyetech customer code (it's like your last name) on the webform, and put the original invoice number (begins with '3' and is 6 digits long) and 'dev bd' + serial number in the comments section. We will try to turn your order round within 24 hours.

Please also note that the price shown for OS4-OEM on our website is out of date. It is likely to be euros100 (or ukp66.67 at today's exchange rate) + VAT

I'm still unhappy. I want my full OS4-OEM disk just as I thought I was getting

Thats OK. As soon as your OS4-PR disk drops through the letter box please return the whole package to us UNOPENED and we will send you out the full OEM version, free of charge, when it is released in a few months time.


I realise this is quite long, but it hopefully goes some way to explain the thoughts behind the OS4-PR, and why it is our way of fullfilling the promise of a free copy of OS4 rather earlier than would otherwise have been possible. Hyperion have done a terrific job under very difficult circumstances, but even with their best endevours OS4 would not have been possible without the commitment of the people on this list in buying Earlybird or developer boards/systems. Thankyou from all of us.

I hope when you receive your copy of OS4-PR you will believe the wait and commitment has been worth while.

Cheers

Alan

@Eyetech

I have to say that this information should have been made available sooner for the people with "Developer Boards". It's all got a bit confusing, status wise, considering the time line involved. I'll order the OS4 CD in a moment from your website.

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OS4.1 + SAM Flex
RIP my A1XE.. that used to have an appetite for batteries!

@Eyetech

An interesting read. I feel this straightens the question marks I had, at least (and some interesting, if not too surprising, revelations about the lean years around the end of 2002). The development (or rather prosepects) in China sounds great Alan! Hope your work bears fruit.

I agree with Bean that the info to the "Developer board buyers" should have been clearer and more timely, but at least there seems to a way forward for them now. Worst case scenario would have been for them to hang in limbo not knowing anything while the months passed by. As it is, they might even get down to coding before the entire world has got their CD:s!
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SlimJim

@Eyetech
Thanks, that clears things up .

You really do need to be more pro-active on this type of thing though! It is not acceptable that we just have to guess what is going on .

@ Alan.

Thanks for the info. Must've been a major brainstorming session between yourself, Ben & Fleecy to find a way forward.

If my purchase has helped keep the ball rolling ... I'm happy.

As SlimJim has already stated ... Here's hoping the China link bears fruit.

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I dont suffer from Insanity - I enjoy it

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@Eyetech

Glad to have the clarification, and I've put in my order as suggested.

I realise that end user communication isn't necessarily always a priority with Eyetech, but I can only echo the other posters' point that this would've been nice to have known earlier.

Still, I'm looking forward to my OS4-PR disk

Alex.

@Eyetech

Thanks for the explanation. I have sent in my order as requested. I couldn't find my invoice, but have included as much info as I could including the serial number of my A1, I hope this is enough.

Thanks for sorting this out quickly, I thought we might end up waiting a long time for this to get resolved. As I mentioned in my posts, time and waiting was the critical thing for me, not having to pay.

I'm pleased that between you all you've managed to hold the project together and keep things moving. I hope that you all get the rewards you deserve from the risks and hard work thats gone into this.

Alan Anthony

@Eyetech

Those numbers are mindboggling. I wish you every success on the China front, and in the other areas as well.

Also, thank you for being kind enough to make yourself transparent with regards toletting us know what is happening on OS4Pre front, as much conjecture was beginning to arise. Amongst us few, in here, you have dispelled the confusion, and I'm sure those of us with AmigaOnes will feel comfortable once again that we are dealing with a serious company.

Cheers

Nick



P.S. It would be nice to see you a little more active in these forums, especially (if not exclusively in this Private Section - where it is an unwritten law that all things said in here, remain within these confines of the Private Section) so that we aren't seemingly left in the lurch. Obviously, this depends on your busy work schedule, but I am sure, as you have seen, your post here is very much appreciated.

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@Eyetech

Hi Alan,

I think we all appreciate your candor in your post.

With regard to the potentially large sales opportunites I wish Eyetech the best of luck!

Cheers

@Eyetech

Quote:

OS4's downside (compared with Linux) however is that it is not free

I disagree a bit on that. Sure you can download the distro's from internet but most people buy it in a box + printed manual.

Quote:

(and potentially 1m+ units in China)

Cool! My feeling is that embedded A1 technology + OS4 can be a seller in these regions.

Coder

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@Eyetech

Feel free to charge me for posting and packaging.

Dave.

@Eyetech

Very informative, Alan, thank you.

however I must raise a query - wasnt it OS 3.9 AInc never had the sources to, and not as you state, 3.1 ? OS4.0 being based on 3.1 sources.

Also, if I send in a cheque for pounds three, post and packaging, will I get me OS4 Pre-CD sooner ? (cheeky, jim, cheeky !)

I will open my OS4 Pre package, cos I aint gonna wait any longer once its arrived, but I may be interested in getting an OEM CD anyway - downloads can so easily get misplaced / corrupted / etc.

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XH558 - the worlds last flying Vulcan.
ok, its actually XL426 in the picture but you know what I mean.

@Coder

Quote:

Coder wrote: @Eyetech Quote: OS4's downside (compared with Linux) however is that it is not free I disagree a bit on that. Sure you can download the distro's from internet but most people buy it in a box + printed manual.

If someone buys 1m hardware units they won't be required to purchase 1m copies ol Linux. They would be required to buy 1m OS4 licences.

Thats why the current desktop licencing model won't work for such markets.

Cheers

Alan

@Eyetech

Alan,
Thanks for clearing things up, I agree with the masses on this, the ONLY failing was things not being made a little clearer for the developers earlier on.

Anyway I received my OS4 Pre today, so thanks for that !

@AmigaOneProductions

Quote:

AmigaOneProductions wrote: @Eyetech Alan, Thanks for clearing things up, I agree with the masses on this, the ONLY failing was things not being made a little clearer for the developers earlier on.

We wanted to do that but there were some business contraints (which I wont go in to here) which made that very difficult. That's also one of the reasons I want to keep all exchanges in this thread strictly confidential to A1 owners.

Glad your OS4 arrived OK

Enjoy!

Alan

@Eyetech
I think this means that as an earlybird owner, I get an OS4-PR CD-ROM but I will never receive an OS4-OEM CD-ROM. Instead, I am expected to apply the upgrade patches I download from Hyperion's server. Either that or return my OS4-PR CD-ROM and wait for the OS4-OEM CD-ROM. That's a sneaky way of getting out of your commitments but I suppose it was a necessary compromise considering the timelines involved (i.e. OS4 is really, really, late).

However, this doesn't address OS4-OEM upgrades. I expect OS4-OEM will have one or more free upgrades/patches available for it.

The question remains whether those who choose the OS4-PR CD-ROM will be treated equally with those that have the OS4-OEM CD-ROM. Perhaps choosing the OS4-PR CD-ROM route means no free upgrades beyond the OS4-OEM CD-ROM point? Please explain.

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ExecSG Team Lead

@Eyetech & Alen:

That really explained a few things (including how a cash-strapped company could afford to distribute a pre-release). Thank you, and keep up the good efforts!

I think the recent postings from you and Hyperion have been good for moral. It would be good for the Amiga community (and market) if Eyetech and/or Hyperion (and KMOS as well) let us know what was happening every month or two.

Regards,
JCC

@ssolie

Quote:

ssolie wrote: @Eyetech [snip] The question remains whether those who choose the OS4-PR CD-ROM will be treated equally with those that have the OS4-OEM CD-ROM. Perhaps choosing the OS4-PR CD-ROM route means no free upgrades beyond the OS4-OEM CD-ROM point? Please explain.

Nothing much to explain really, Steve. There will be no discrimination, everyone will log onto the same server, have access to the same updates etc. Its just that at some point in the future the CD's produced will be deemed suitable for calling OS4-OEM, but by that time I would expect everyone who has got the current OS4-PR to be at least as up to date as that.

All we are trying to do is bring a usable updatable OS4 forward without at this stage actually putting an 'OS4-OEM' label on it, as that might imply that it was a fully finished product to some people, who would then, no doubt, be disappointed.

Alan

@Eyetech

The Eagle has landed !!

In other words ... I received my copy of Os4 today as well. Many Thanks.

Ironically it will probably be the weekend before I get chance to put my thinking head on and have a crack at the install. After a 15 hour shift ... I'm kerknackered. Just wanna sit here and vegetate !!

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I dont suffer from Insanity - I enjoy it

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@ssolie

I think some of the confusion comes from these previous posts by Alan Redhouse on the YahooGroups AmigaOne list:

Message 23706
(See 4th paragraph of Alan's response)
Message 23311
(See 6th paragraph).

I am not in any way intending to criticise Eyetech. I am one of those who have a developer board but am not a beta-tester, and I have already followed Alan's instructions and placed an order for my copy via Eyetech's website. Money has already been put where mouth is.

For the record, I think that the 10% developer discount, getting my board earlier than most, and getting to participate (in a small way) on the closed developer list, are quite sufficient to keep me happy, and I have no complaints about the service I have received from Eyetech. I only bring up these old emails because they caused me some confusion (I also thought I would receive the OS4 prerelease cd without further intervention). Since they may be the source of others' confusion as well, it is best to bring them up explicitly. Confusion is easier to clarify when our memories are refreshed.

Stuart Anderson