IBM is slated to launch a Web-based version of its Lotus Notes e-mail platform, which is expected to aid the tech giant's plans to go head-to-head with Google Apps. To be delivered as part of IBM's online LotusLive service, LotusLive iNotes is designed to simplify e-mail, contacts and calendar access for remote workers operating outside the corporate firewall.
IBM said the new platform will deliver all the essential messaging features -- previously found only in desktop  software -- via the Web browser. "You don't need any special training -- and there are no hardware, software or data-center costs to worry about, either," the company said. "In just minutes you can issue e-mail accounts to your users, and easily manage members' accounts."
A Test Drive
Beginning Monday, LotusLive iNotes will be offered at prices as low as $3 per month per user when companies sign up for a one-year service plan. Like Gmail, LotusLive iNotes simplifies e-mail administration for smaller companies and resellers because it doesn't require an IT staff.
On the downside, IBM is limiting the storage capacity of each user to just 1GB. By contrast, Google offers each of its enterprise -class Gmail customers up to 25GB of online storage.
In addition to offering a Web-based interface, LotusLive iNotes is designed to ensure that all e-mail accounts are enabled with POP, authenticated SMTP, and IMAP capabilities for use with e-mail clients such as Microsoft Outlook as well as IBM's Lotus Notes. The new online platform also delivers both mobile and offline access.
IBM is giving businesses an opportunity to take LotusLive iNotes for a test drive without charge for an initial 30-day trial period. Among other things, the free trial will enable enterprises to evaluate the benefits of the new platform's antispam features, antivirus protection, SSL encryption, and secure password recovery .
However, IBM's real focus is on LotusLive.com and not iNotes, which is just a Web-based e-mail offering, noted Forrester Research Vice President Ted Schadler. It will enable the company "to reach down market to smaller firms" as well as "solve the partner collaboration problem," Schadler said. "This is the big opportunity: Tools to support project collaboration across business boundaries." (continued...)
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