IBM puts Notes on memory key

IBM released on Wednesday a version of its Notes collaboration software that can be stored on a memory key or iPod.

The goal of the memory key feature is to give employees more mobility, allowing them to use USB ports on different computers to log in and check e-mail, according to IBM.

In addition, Notes version 7.0.2 adds support for really simple syndication (RSS) protocol, which will allow people to receive notification of feeds, such as blogs, in Notes.

Support for RSS in the Domino server, which delivers information to Notes clients, will allow a user to broadcast regular updates, such as podcasts or blogs, from a Notes application, according to IBM.

IBM's general manager for Lotus, Michael Rhodin, said the mobile Notes client and RSS feed support are part of the company's plan to take advantage of popular Web collaboration tools.

"Technologies such as blogs, RSS feeds and portable storage devices are changing the way businesses collaborate," Rhodin said in a statement.

The upcoming versions of Microsoft's Outlook and server software, such as SharePoint and Exchange, will add greater support for RSS feeds as well.

The new edition of Notes also has prebuilt integration with SAP applications and supports the iCalendar Web calendar format.

A Macintosh version of Lotus Notes 7.0.2 is planned for the end of the year.

[alegr]

Lotus Notes is crap

I always hated Lotus Notes because of its ugly user interface. No wonder LN got its own section in User Interface Hall Of Shame (used to be on Isis Architect website).

[Captain_Spock]

What have you been drinking or working on.... that....

... you must say; "I always hated Lotus Notes because of its ugly user interface"... it is quite obvious that you have not been very fond of Lotus 1-2-3 either; then, you are most likely to hate OpenOffice too along with what ever will come from Redmond. How far do you think the apples fall from the trees... just maybe, this time Bill Gates may be right in bringing "Ray Ozzie, the creator of IBM Corp.s Lotus Notes" on board the Microsoft Ship!

<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/ozzie/default.mspx" target="_newWindow">http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/ozzie/default.mspx</a>

How does this "new Notes look" appeal to you let alone the compelling functionalities:

<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www-142.ibm.com/software/sw-lotus/products/product4.nsf/wdocs/productivitytools" target="_newWindow">http://www-142.ibm.com/software/sw-lotus/products/product4.nsf/wdocs/productivitytools</a>

or, is it that you really do not know what you are talking about or what millions of users find comfort in when using Lotus Notes!

[npole]

How productive is that?

A few things. Not to launch a huge MSFT vs IBM thread.
1. Lotus Notes is finally maturing into a 21st century product. We use it as a CRM platform in our office, and I have been very happy with it.
2. IBM has hurt itself in recent year with no clear roadmap for their platform. I would like to believe that the roadmap on convergence of the Domino, Workplace, DB2 and Websphere platforms is a good next step, but to end errosion of future market share they must speed this up. Thye must set up "purchasing plans" for existing customers, before the lose them.
3. IBM should also develop a group that works exclusively on integrating IBM products in a MSFT environment.

7.0.2 and Hannover offer a real step forward, but IBM must catch up with Vista (a product that has already been very delayed) and Office 2007 ( and offer some value added tools for people that will now hve Groove as part of their office suite)