OS/2 LAN Server provides a rich set of application programming interfaces (APIs), where each API provides a particular function upon request from an application. By calling upon a combination of APIs, your application can use nearly all of the OS/2 operating system and LAN Server functions with your other applications, from file reads and writes through interprocess communication (IPC). In addition, your applications can take full advantage of true multitasking and can be integrated fully into the OS/2 desktop.
Most LAN Server API calls can be issued either locally (to an API on the same workstation where the application resides) or remotely (to another server or peer workstation). Hence, your applications can use local functions as well as LAN-wide functions.
Programmable functions include those for LAN Server itself, OS/2 LAN Requester, and DOS LAN Services (DLS). These functions are accessible to OS/2 or DLS applications, although DOS has some limitations. Any such limitations are included in either the Restrictions or DOS Considerations section of an API's description.
OS/2 LAN Server supports these 32-bit compilers:
Programming for Directory and Security Server (DSS) is similar to programming for LAN Server. Most LAN Server APIs are unchanged in DSS. APIs relating to security and resources have been mapped to use the services provided by Distributed Computing Environment (DCE). This allows existing applications to function unchanged on DSS and lets you build on your existing code base.
Note: Administration from LAN Server and OS/2 Warp Server servers and clients is limited.