IBM Lotus Software's 11th annual Lotusphere user
conference, which began yesterday (Sunday) is reiterating its J2EE
and web services-based collaboration mantra of the past few
years.
Most of the show's emphasis will focus on the Workplace
strategy, first introduced last year, which is designed to break
collaboration technologies down into components that can be
embedded in applications and business processes.
At the show, Lotus is detailing Version 2.0 of the Workplace
platform, featuring integration with Eclipse open-source tools and
tools tailored to non-programmers. Eclipse tools offer a rich
client experience by streamlining the process of pulling in a
traditional Notes look and feel as well as features such as drag
and drop and offline capabilities.
Also debuting at the show is Workplace Builder, another feature
in 2.0 that delivers tools to let non-programmers customise and
store work as a template in Workplace.
Lotusphere will reveal more details about Version 7.0 of the
Notes Domino messaging platform, due at the end of 2004 or early
2005, said Ken Bisconti, vice president of messaging at IBM.
Version 7.0 will offer DB2 as an optional data store and
improved portal and application connectivity. IBM is also giving
users a quick glimpse of Notes beyond 7.0, where the focus of
development will be to blend its J2EE-based Workplace environment
with its traditional collaboration products.
Cathleen Moore writes for InfoWorld
