ECO NUMBER:	 COBOLAE1026
                -----------
                PRODUCT:	 Compaq COBOL for OpenVMS Alpha
                --------
                UPDATED PRODUCT: Compaq COBOL for OpenVMS Alpha 2.6
                ----------------
                APPRX BLCK SIZE: 17028
                ----------------



DIGITAL

Cover Letter for Compaq COBOL V2.6 for OpenVMS Alpha ECO Kit COBOLAE1026.


ECO Kit COBOLAE1026 Description
----------------------------------

This release includes an updated compiler for OpenVMS Alpha.  To use this
updated compiler, you install the V2.6A (V2.6-496) or higher RTL.

The V2.6 release for OpenVMS Alpha included an updated compiler, an updated
RTL, and information about a new manual.  Both the compiler and RTL are
required in order to support the functionality and bug fixes listed within
the release notes.  You should continue to use the DIGITAL COBOL V2.5
documentation set with Compaq COBOL V2.6.

The V2.6A RTL is available on the Q4CY1999 SPL CD-ROM for OpenVMS Alpha.

The Compaq COBOL V2.6-1138 Release Notes contain a complete explanation of
this release.  Below is a brief description of problems corrected since
Compaq COBOL V2.6:

        o  The compiler no longer gives an assertion when processing
           /GRANULARITY for certain cases of EVALUATE.  Diagnostics for
           /GRANULARITY with EVALUATE now correctly point to the EVALUATE
           statement.  Also debug step for EVALUATE now has an additional
           step before the first WHEN clause.

        o  The compiler no longer aborts when processing /CHECK=PERFORM
           /DEBUG/NOOPT for certain cases involving programs with many
           PERFORM statements with the integration of GEM BL44.

        o  Several compiler failures with various /OPT levels have
           been corrected with the integration of GEM BL44.

        o  The compiler now correctly handles /LIST with comma lists.

        o  The compiler now correctly issues diagnostics for incorrect
           uses of ACCEPT DATE YYYYDDD and ACCEPT DAY YYYYMMDD.

        o  The compiler now correctly handles RMS special registers
           in the REPORT SECTION.

        o  GIVING and RETURN-CODE can now be used in the same routine as
           IS INITIAL.

        o  /OPT=LEVEL=0 is now correctly handled in the listing.

        o  The compiler no longer fails in certain cases when a listing
           is requested for a program with multiple program units.

        o  Diagnostic processing with COPY REPLACING and /ANALYSIS_DATA
           now works correctly.

        o  The compiler now correctly formats diagnostic summaries in the
           listing for compilations with more than one separately compiled
           program unit.

        o  The compiler now correctly handles DIVIDE WITH REMAINDER for
           cases when the operands overlap.

        o  The installation verification procedure no longer fails if the
           SYS$CURRENCY logical is set to something other than "$".


Installation Overview
---------------------

    It is recommended that you read the Compaq COBOL Release Notes before
    installation.

    $ @SYS$UPDATE:VMSINSTAL COBOLAE1026 <kit-location>

    No special command is needed to restart the product.

    A system reboot is not necessary.



  Copyright (c) Compaq Computer Corporation 2000.  All Rights reserved.

  This software is proprietary to and embodies the confidential technology
  of Compaq Computer Corporation.  Possession, use, or copying of this
  software and media is authorized only pursuant to a valid written license
  from Compaq or an authorized sublicensor.

        This ECO has not been through an exhaustive field test process.
        Due to the experimental stage of this ECO/workaround, Compaq
        makes no representations regarding its use or performance.  The
        customer shall have the sole responsibility for adequate protection
        and back-up data used in conjunction with this ECO/workaround.