The three packages also differ in user administration. The preferred methods for both Exchange and GroupWise are tied to the directory services each provides. Domino uses its own directory structure that, though LDAP-compliant, lacks some administration functionality. But that same LDAP compliance means you can keep your existing directory structure to populate and manage the Domino/Notes Address Book.
The latest incarnation of the Domino mail platform is also a robust application development environment. Development has been one of Domino's strengths for some time. Version 6.5 lets application designers include support for IM--even for existing Notes apps--by simply clicking a few check boxes from within Domino Designer.
Application development can be performed using LotusScript (Domino's native programming language), JRE (Java Runtime Environment), JavaScript, HTML or XML. This polyglot support gives developers a broad range of options for creating applications that can be deployed in a multiplatform environment. The Domino Designer software lets programmers create applications that tie directly into external data sources and can streamline work flow by putting all pertinent information into a single, familiar interface. Plus, the Domino environment is completely self-contained. You can develop and deploy custom Notes or Web applications from within the Domino environment.
Of the three packages tested, Domino runs on the broadest range of hardware platforms and operating systems--including IBM iSeries and zSeries, Linux and Windows. Our base installation of Domino server went quickly and smoothly. Pop the CD into the server, answer a few questions and you're on your way. Similarly, the Domino server is a basic, no-frills application. Set to run as a system service on start-up, the program displays a command-prompt window showing user connections and scheduled tasks, called agents. You can perform server administration from any machine running the Domino Administrator client. The admin interface is well-laid-out and makes sense, and the single interface can be used to connect to all Domino servers enterprisewide.
New to the Notes client is integration with the Lotus IM client (formerly Sametime). This lets users quickly respond to other IM users. The IM client also supports AOL's AIM client for external communications.
In addition, the Notes client lets users customize their Welcome Page--they choose what information is displayed when the client launches. Available options include opening the inbox, calendar, to-do list or a Web page. And IBM provides a number of skins for further customization.
