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Lotus announces immediate availability of iNotes Web Access

Announcement posted by Lotus Development 12 Jul 2001

Next-generation Web client positions Lotus to lead a market expected to grow to over 30 million users in the next two years
IBM's Lotus Development Corp. today announced the immediate availability of Lotus iNotes Web Access, a next-generation Web client that delivers robust Domino messaging, collaboration, personal and company information via a Web browser. In addition to providing a complementary access option for current Notes users, Lotus iNotes Web Access targets a new population of Notes users that might not need a full-scale client, such as bank tellers, airline pilots and retail workers. Lotus iNotes Web Access provides the flexibility of accessing Domino applications anywhere a user can find an Internet connection, without sacrificing the full application functionality of a
standard Notes desktop client.

According to recently published research from International Data Corporation (IDC), IBM, with its Lotus Domino/Notes products, is the #1 provider of integrated collaborative environments based on having 50% of revenues and 39% of total users worldwide in 2000*. In addition, IDC predicts that more than 30 million mailboxes will be accessed primarily with a Web browser in North America by 2003**.

Today's release of Lotus iNotes Web Access effectively positions Lotus as an emerging leader in this growing market and strengthens Lotus' overall leadership position.

"The Web browser is quickly becoming a complementary technology for accessing corporate messaging systems," said Mark Levitt, Research Director, IDC. "While many people will continue to use dedicated messaging client software, Web clients like Lotus iNotes Web Access will address the needs of deskless and mobile workers accessing messaging and other collaborative content and functionality from shared computers and wireless devices."

Lotus iNotes Web Access was designed using the latest Web technologies, and provides an easy-to-use, low-maintenance client that allows access to Domino messaging and collaborative services anywhere users can access the Internet, such as airport business centers, Web cafes or Internet kiosks. Lotus iNotes Web Access also provides the same off-line support that allows Notes users to seamlessly work with applications and email off-line and
send changes back to a central server at their convenience. In addition, Lotus iNotes Web Access integrates with Lotus Sametime and QuickPlace, providing browser users with greater Web collaboration through on-line awareness, instant messaging, white boarding and shared team workspaces.

In addition to traditional Notes users and mobile workers, Lotus iNotes Web Access is optimized for ISPs, ASPs and organizations of various sizes that have limited IT resources. Since Lotus iNotes Web Access is server-based, it helps reduce total cost of ownership and helps administrators conserve valuable IT resources. Administrators can easily maintain applications from a central server location, without having to configure each individual desktop. And the intuitive Web interface makes Lotus iNotes Web Access easy to use and significantly reduces training costs. Lotus iNotes Web Access also takes advantage of current Web technologies, such as XML and DHTML, to provide customers with increased performance, functionality, scalability, security and edit capabilities.

"With an installed base of more than 80 million users worldwide, Lotus Notes is the most successful messaging, collaboration and e-business platform today," said Jane Morris, Market Manager for Lotus, IBM Australia/New Zealand "The growing market for Web clients has already been highlighted by industry pundits in the Wall Street Journal, BRAVO and CNBC. With Lotus iNotes Web Access, Lotus can enhance its success by expanding its Notes client family and effectively targeting one of the industry's most fertile growth markets."

System Requirements, Pricing and Availability
Lotus iNotes Web Access is now available. Current Lotus Notes or iNotes customers receive Lotus iNotes Web Access as part of Passport Advantage software subscription. New customers can purchase Lotus iNotes Web Access from A$84.50 (inc GST) per user, from traditional software resellers. Domino server R5.0.8 for Windows NT/Windows 2000, Sun Solaris, IBM AIX, IBM AS/400, or IBM S/390 is required. Lotus iNotes Web Access runs with Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 and above.

About Lotus Development Corp.
Lotus Development Corporation, founded in 1982, is a subsidiary of IBM
Corporation. Lotus sets the standard for truly innovative software products
and services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new
ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve
success. Lotus is redefining the concept of conducting business through
practical knowledge management, e-business and other ground-breaking ways
of connecting the world's ideas, thinkers, buyers, sellers and communities
via the Internet. Lotus markets its products in more than 80 countries
worldwide through direct and extensive Business Partner channels. The
company also provides numerous professional consulting, support and
education services through the Lotus Professional Services organization.

Lotus and Lotus Notes are registered trademarks and Domino, Notes, iNotes,
Lotus iNotes Web Access, Sametime and QuickPlace are trademarks of Lotus
Development Corporation. All other trademarks are owned by their respective
companies.

* - Based on IDC's "Integrated Collaborative Environments Market Forecast
and Analysis, 2001-2005." Published June, 2001.
** - Based on IDC's "Email Usage Forecast and Analysis, 2000-2005."
Published September, 2000.

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