New features in email collaboration software will allow users to perform latest web tasks.

source: REDHERRING

October 11, 2006

IBM is adapting Wednesday to the latest wave in Internet technologies by allowing users of its Lotus Notes software to perform tasks that they usually get to do on consumer web sites.

The latest version of IBM’s Lotus Notes email and collaboration software will allow users to perform blogging and publish RSS feeds, among other features. The version, named Lotus Notes 7.0.2, will be available immediately.

“Collaboration is a key part of our story and we want to deliver more value than just email and calendaring,” said Ed Brill, business unit executive for worldwide Lotus messaging sales.

Lotus Notes has been known for its useful collaboration capabilities. IBM wants to take it one step further by making life simpler for its users. Currently, IBM has sold 125 million end-user licenses of Lotus Notes. The software is used by more than 40,000 companies worldwide.

‘The ability to put their Lotus Notes Environment on a memory key or an iPod makes life simpler.’

 -Jonathan Spira,

  Basex

With the new version, Notes users will be able to blog through the templates to design, create, and update blog entries. If offline, they can add or update content with Lotus Notes and transfer the updates the next time they are online.

Another feature is the ability to publish RSS (really simple syndication) feeds from Lotus Notes using an industry-standard RSS format.

For instance, if users have stored digitally produced audio files on the Lotus Notes database, they can be RSS-enabled and posted on some RSS readers such as iTunes. When the content is updated, users will be notified automatically through their own RSS readers.

“Technologies such as blogs, RSS feeds, and portable storage devices are changing the way businesses collaborate,” said IBM Lotus general manager Michael Rhodin in a statement. “We are helping organizations take advantage of new industry trends to share ideas and reach new markets.”

Shares of IBM rose $0.31 to $84.50 in recent trading.

Mobility Ability

IBM is also paying attention to the latest mobility trend with this version. Users will be able to carry their Lotus Notes email client on USB devices such as memory keys or iPods and then connect the devices to other PCs.

This way they can access the same Lotus Notes environment on any PC while they are traveling without carrying around their laptops.

“Given the fact that business travelers would rather leave their laptops behind if they can, the ability to put their Lotus Notes Environment on a memory key or an iPod makes life simpler,” said Jonathan Spira, CEO and chief analyst at Basex.

“When you add blogs, RSS feeds, and portable storage to an environment such as Notes, which is already solid with basic collaboration and knowledge sharing, it allows us to get everything we have,” he said.

Other features in this version are integration with SAP software, sharing of web information with the calendar, and support for Macintosh users.