Lotus Moves Notes 6.5 Into Beta

The Notes/Domino 6.5 client, slated for delivery this fall, will offer improved integration of instant-messaging features and new antispam capabilities, such as quick rules that improve junk-mail management and enhance inbox maintenance.

Domino support will also be extended for Linux on IBM's zSeries mainframe, Lotus said.

The vendor is also preparing a low-cost e-mail solution for factory and other deskless workers called Workplace Messaging, which is due to be launched in May (See related story).

That is a J2EE-based e-mail solution separate from Lotus Notes that exploits IBM's DB2 and WebSphere, Lotus executives said.

One systems integrator said the new features are useful, but added that Microsoft is winning the overall e-mail war.

"These are steady improvements that have been needed for some time, and zSeries with Linux is rapidly becoming the IBM consolidation platform of choice," said John Parkinson, vice president and chief technologist at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. "But Lotus lost this war two years ago and is now a declining second place as we see the market. They won't go away anytime soon, but the winner long term will be Outlook Express for mail and a better Outlook."