ARMONK, NY. July 10, 2006 — IBM today announced the availability of IBM Lotus® Notes® on Linux®, the industry’s first business-grade collaboration software to support Linux on the desktop. Lotus Notes on Linux now provides millions of Lotus Notes users worldwide with software that enables an open desktop alternative to proprietary desktop operating systems.
The openness and flexibility of the Linux desktop combined with widespread availability of server software running on Linux has increased demand for tested and market-proven, desktop applications such as Lotus Notes. For the first time, IBM is delivering business-grade e-mail, group scheduling and thousands of high-value Notes applications that run on the Linux desktop. Combined with server support for Intel and mainframe Linux, IBM now offers end-to-end support for Linux on the Lotus Notes® and Domino® 7 collaboration platform.
According to a recent Evans Data Corporation survey of 400 developers who have worked or are currently working with Open Source software, Linux is expected to surpass Windows as the primary operating system for developing applications. With today’s announcement, customers will be able to take advantage of the same security, flexibility and reliability benefits on the desktop now obtained by running Linux on the server. Linux is easy to install and configure on the desktop and will help Lotus Notes users integrate a wide array of software applications that are available for no charge or at a low cost from a variety of Business Partners and independent software vendors (ISVs).
IBM Lotus Notes on Linux is also a significant development for small and medium sized businesses (SMB). Since many SMBs and start-ups have the opportunity to start fresh without incumbent infrastructures in place, the Linux environment is a particularly appealing option from a flexibility and cost standpoint. In addition, Lotus Notes applications are available to solve a wide range of business challenges, from help desk operations to business process workflow. The ability to run Lotus Notes on Linux provides SMBs with an enterprise-level collaboration environment that can scale to fit their needs.
Delivery of Lotus Notes on Linux Desktop Expands Scope of ‘Migrate to the Penguin’ Rewards
In addition to addressing Linux customer demand, the arrival of Lotus Notes on Linux presents a new level of opportunity for the hundreds of IBM Business Partners who implement Linux e-mail and collaboration, and develop Linux-based applications. The ‘Migrate to the Penguin’ initiative offers Business Partners up to $20,000 for migrating customers from Microsoft Exchange to IBM Lotus Notes and Domino on Linux desktop.
“IBM Lotus Notes on Linux lends credibility to our mission of delivering open-based technology to customers,” said Avinash Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Birlasoft. “Our practice helps IBM customers take advantage of this open world by securing the porting and testing of current applications safely so they work across a variety of platforms. IBM’s use of the Eclipse framework as a client development platform brings significant value to our customers and it allows us to create customized solutions efficiently and cost-effectively.”
As of today, the expanding base of Linux users will be able to run Lotus Notes 7 on Linux. The underlying Eclipse technology is also being used in the upcoming version of Lotus Notes, code-named ‘Hannover.’ The open-source Eclipse platform enables vendors to write desktop software that works across operating systems, without the extra work of recoding, and is the same technology being used by the IBM Lotus Sametime client.
Linux users can now experience the Lotus Notes 7 collaboration platform which includes more than 100 new and existing features to help manage an increasing volume of information and work more efficiently. These features include:
• Enterprise-Level Messaging System — Designed to be the most open and interoperable enterprise collaboration platform on the market. This release offers customers the greatest choice in collaboration architecture.
• Rich Calendaring and Scheduling System — Includes centralized management of conference rooms and meeting resources such as audio-visual equipment.
• Expanded Mobile Support — Increased support available for the mobile user by providing the same offline capabilities as Windows.
IBM Lotus Notes on Linux is now available as part of version 7 and supports Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4, Update 3. Support for Novell SUSE Linux Desktop for Enterprise 10 is expected to be available for delivery to customers within approximately 90 days from Novell SuSE Linux Desktop 10 availability. Current Lotus Notes licensed users can run their existing licenses on Linux desktop.
For more information about IBM, go to: www.ibm.com.”
