PowerOpen Environment
POE
<operating system> (POE) A definition containing {API} and
{ABI} specifications based on the {PowerPC} architecture. It
is not an {operating system}. The presence of the ABI
specification in the POE distinguishes it from other open
systems (POSIX, XPG4, etc.) since it allows {platform}
independent binary compatibility which is otherwise typically
limited to particular hardware.
The POE is an {open standard}, derived from {AIX} and
conforming to industry open standards including {POSIX},
{XPG4} and {Motif}. The POE specification will be publicly
available to anyone wishing to produce either {application
programs} or hardware {platforms}. The {PowerOpen
Association} will provide the necessary {conformance test}ing
and POE branding.
The POE is hardware {bus} independent. System implementations
can range from {laptop computers} to {supercomputers}. It
requires a multi-user, {multitasking} {operating system}. It
provides networking support, an {X Window System} extension, a
{Macintosh} Application Services extension and {Motif}. It is
{conformance test}ed and certified by an independent party
(the {PowerOpen Association}).
The POE specification is targeted for availability in the
first quarter of 1994. The {PowerOpen Association} will soon
have some of the information material available on-line.
(1994-11-08)