Technical Features

ZipStream's advanced design comes loaded with technical features, as 
follows: 

High Performance Multi Threaded Design 

ZipStream exploits OS/2's pre-emptive multi threaded processing 
capabilities, giving you outstanding performance in automatic file 
compression. 

ZipStream utilises OS/2's multi threaded features for read-ahead, 
write-behind and priority based compression processing. 

Advanced 32 bit Implementation 

ZipStream is a state of the art Object Orientated 32 bit implementation 
that allows for optimal complex processing, while coexisting harmoniously 
with OS/2 as a native 32 bit application. 

Compatible with, and Exploitation of OS/2s' HPFS and Advanced FAT File 
Systems 

ZipStream uses existing OS/2 File Systems.  It has been specifically 
optimised to operate these File Systems in the most efficient manner i.e. 
ZipStream is aware of, and takes advantage of the HPFS caching strategy. 

Additionally, compressed files can be easily transported to other systems 
in compressed format by simply referencing them via the host drive letter. 

File Name and Size Sensitive Compression Algorithm Selection 

ZipStream, being a file system, has intimate knowledge of a file's 
parameters and, as such, can apply optimum algorithms on a per file basis. 
i.e.  ZipStream applies different caching strategies depending on the file 
size/type and may also apply different compression algorithms depending on 
the file name and contents. 

Additionally, ZipStream treats each file on an individual file basis. 
Therefore, every file may be processed with different compression options 
and parameters as specified by the user. 

This allows greater flexibility in the management of your system. e.g. 
Infrequently accessed files may have maximum compression applied at a 
slightly greater cost in access time, while frequently accessed files may 
have less compression applied, thus increasing access performance. 

Large Sparse Virtual Memory Utilisation 

ZipStream implements a Virtual File Cache that utilises OS/2's powerful 32 
bit Flat Memory System to keep entire files uncompressed in memory. 

This Virtual Memory File capability allows performance sensitive 
applications, such as games etc, near instant access to uncompressed data. 

In-situ Compression (No Container Files) 

ZipStream uses in-situ compression.  That is, the file being compressed is 
replaced in the standard file system with a compressed version.  It can 
then be referenced via a ZipStream drive as uncompressed data again, or it 
can be inter-actively uncompressed again with a ZipStream utility. 

This means that compressed files may be easily transported in compressed 
format, and additionally, you don't have the usual worries of container 
files suddenly becoming corrupt. 

Configuration and Compression Options that Cater for the Most Demanding 
Environments 

ZipStream provides a variety of compression options and configuration 
settings so it can be tailored to your particular needs and expectations. 

Compression options are configurable on a per file basis, allowing you the 
greatest possible flexibility. 

Network Capable with ZERO File Server Overhead 

ZipStream is fully capable of providing compression operations on network 
paths.  This is achieved on the work-station side of the network. 

This means that files can be stored compressed on a File Server and then 
accessed as uncompressed at the work-station. 

The real bonus is that there is ZERO Server overhead (the Server does not 
have to do the compression or decompression), and since the Server will be 
processing less data (as it is compressed), the server performance may 
actually increase. 

Note:  A licensed copy of ZipStream must be on all work-stations that wish 
to access compressed data. 

Zero Write and Create Overhead. 

ZipStream imparts ZERO overhead on file create and write operations, as 
the compression operation is relegated to a write behind thread running at 
low background priority. 

Besides the immediate benefit of completely removing any compression 
overhead, ZipStream can now spend longer on the actual compression 
operation. This ability to simultaneously compress files and maintain 
performance levels results in a much higher compression ratio than can be 
achieved by other systems, that because of their synchronous operation 
must sacrifice compression in order to maintain performance.