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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    HCL Notes

    Score3.5 out of 10
    N/ANotes from HCL (formerly from IBM, acquired by HCL in late 2018) is a collaboration platform based on the Lotus platform.N/A

    Shift

    Score9.3 out of 10
    N/AThe Shift browser merges web apps into a single window, streamlining work online and providing access to thousands of apps without leaving the browser.

    $0

    per year per user

    Pricing
    HCL NotesShift
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    Free
    $0
    per year
    Advanced
    $199.99
    per year
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    HCL NotesShift
    Free Trial
    NoYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoYes
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional Details——
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    HCL NotesShift
    Considered Both Products
    HCLSoftware
    No answer on this topic
    Shift
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Would buy again
    98 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    No answers on this topic
    94%
    Delivers good value for the price
    91 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    No answers on this topic
    99%
    Happy with the feature set
    97 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    96 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    No answers on this topic
    100%
    Implementation went as expected
    97 Answers
    Features
    HCL NotesShift
    Project Management
    Comparison of Project Management features of HCL Notes and Shift
    Feature
    HCL Notes
    6.9
    10 Ratings
    11% below category average
    Shift
    -
    Ratings
    Task Management7.09 Ratings00 Ratings
    Gantt Charts6.03 Ratings00 Ratings
    Scheduling8.09 Ratings00 Ratings
    Workflow Automation5.06 Ratings00 Ratings
    Mobile Access8.010 Ratings00 Ratings
    Search6.09 Ratings00 Ratings
    Visual planning tools8.03 Ratings00 Ratings
    Communication
    Comparison of Communication features of HCL Notes and Shift
    Feature
    HCL Notes
    9.2
    10 Ratings
    14% above category average
    Shift
    -
    Ratings
    Chat6.010 Ratings00 Ratings
    Notifications9.010 Ratings00 Ratings
    Discussions9.57 Ratings00 Ratings
    Surveys9.14 Ratings00 Ratings
    Internal knowledgebase10.06 Ratings00 Ratings
    Integrates with GoToMeeting10.03 Ratings00 Ratings
    Integrates with Gmail and Google Hangouts10.02 Ratings00 Ratings
    Integrates with Outlook10.05 Ratings00 Ratings
    File Sharing & Management
    Comparison of File Sharing & Management features of HCL Notes and Shift
    Feature
    HCL Notes
    7.6
    9 Ratings
    6% below category average
    Shift
    -
    Ratings
    Versioning9.04 Ratings00 Ratings
    Video files6.05 Ratings00 Ratings
    Audio files6.05 Ratings00 Ratings
    Document collaboration8.08 Ratings00 Ratings
    Access control6.08 Ratings00 Ratings
    Advanced security features8.08 Ratings00 Ratings
    Integrates with Google Drive10.02 Ratings00 Ratings
    Device sync8.05 Ratings00 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    HCL NotesShift
    Small Businesses
    Flock
    Score9.5 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    Medium-sized Companies
    Troop Messenger
    Score9.8 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    Enterprises
    Cisco Business Edition 7000 (discontinued)
    Score9 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    HCL NotesShift
    Likelihood to Recommend
    7.0
    (16 ratings)
    9.3
    (98 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    1.7
    (5 ratings)
    7.9
    (6 ratings)
    Usability
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    8.7
    (81 ratings)
    Availability
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    7.3
    (1 ratings)
    Performance
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    9.0
    (2 ratings)
    8.8
    (4 ratings)
    Online Training
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    9.1
    (2 ratings)
    Configurability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    6.4
    (1 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.3
    (1 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    HCL NotesShift
    Likelihood to Recommend
    HCLSoftware
    I often work with teams from other country and regions, hence HCL Notes is a very useful platform for internal company management operations. It standardized organisational work standards in most of the offices worldwide. HCL Notes also enables chat with other team around the world that I find very helpful when initiating conversation or just want to have a quick update rather than sending emails and waiting for replies. However, HCL Notes is not very efficient in web browsing and user still need to use other internet service providers.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Shift
    For me, Shift works best as a dedicated app switcher, not a browser replacement. I keep it open on my second screen as a quick-reference hub for my most-used tools and email accounts. One glance shows me unread counts across every inbox, and I can jump straight into whatever I need without digging through browser tabs.
    The separation is a big part of why it works well for me. My browser stays my browser, and Shift stays my app space. Both feel cleaner and faster to navigate that way. Everything is right there, clear and icon-based, and being able to turn badges on or off per app means I only see what actually needs my attention.
    I tried the newer Shift browser and it felt too busy, and it lost the separation I liked in the first place.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    HCLSoftware
    • It has a really strong and robust database that's extremely scalable and holds up well to thousands of users and many different environments.
    • It has a really good enterprise-grade framework for development custom database applications
    • All of the custom database applications along with the email all have a nice uniform look and feel so their easy-to-use.
    • I really like how it's developed and supported on every client OS (Windows, OSX, Linux)! The competitors definitely do NOT offer this (M$).
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Shift
    • Consolidation of accounts. Keeps everything tidy without having to search for browser tabs.
    • Ability to add an array of apps outside of email. You can build out workspaces to keep work further organised into logical units.
    • Being able to import accounts and passwords from Google Chrome makes for an easy setup/adoption.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    HCLSoftware
    • Notes' backwards compatibility sometimes gets in the way. Menus are cluttered with extraneous, outdated options and features that modern users will never use, and Preferences are often difficult to navigate for those coming from Gmail or Outlook. We have greatly simplified this via Policies, but users still find it daunting to go through all the options that are available.
    • The IBM Notes client for Windows & Mac is essentially the Eclipse Java development platform...so it is HUGE. Performance initially was very slow but IBM has done a good job of speeding things up. As IBM moves more toward cloud-delivered applications, this will not be as much of a problem.
    • Notes and Domino can be complex to manage for administrators who are more accustomed to ActiveDirectory, Group Policy, etc. Editing a notes.ini file to add a feature, or working with XML files by hand to create a SmartUpgrade kit can be daunting to those coming from more modern administrative roles.
    • Some users claim to "hate" Notes mail. While I have heard this less and less over the past 10 years, we have had 3rd party software offer plugins to Outlook and it's rare to see any for Notes.
    • The client update process should be automated more. I would like to see the Notes client update quietly and quickly more like an Adobe software update. If an update fails it should automatically try again without prompting the user over and over.
    • Notes multiple language spell checking is a downloaded add-on Java-based resource that has to be deployed in a convoluted way that is difficult for users to grasp. Therefore any foreign language spell check updates must be done individually per Notes client by IT, which is unfortunate. I would prefer to see that be a "live download" update option for users to get directly from IBM (don't make me download it and put it on my network).
    Read full review
    Shift
    • The browser doesn't always work. Some websites refuse to load, and others time out too quickly. It is not as strong or robust a web browser as Chrome.
    • Unread counts are not always accurate.
    • I wish I could set up Google Suite products as separate workspaces.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    HCLSoftware
    I've been in IT business and as a Programmer/Developer for 20+ years with too many programming languages experiences/back ground (C/C++/Visual Basic/Basic Program/Unix/COBOL/Java). Also with 18+ years with Lotus Notes/IBM Domino, I am still and always think Lotus Notes is the best RAD platform available!. When the time where resource is very limited and the expectation is very high and the turn around is too short, IBM Domino/Notes is the platform to use and it's the only choice available.
    Read full review
    Shift
    Shift has significantly streamlined your daily operations by bringing together all your tools, accounts, and workflows into one platform. This has reduced context-switching and improved overall productivity across Bamboo Orchard’s Innovation Studio and Venture Studio operations.The ability to create custom workspaces tailored to different projects, clients, and teams ensures that each aspect of your business is optimized for performance. This flexibility supports the unique, bespoke solutions Bamboo Orchard is known for delivering. Shift has enhanced collaboration by integrating communication tools like Slack, Zoom, and email with task management platforms. This has allowed teams to work together seamlessly, even in remote or hybrid environments. By eliminating the need for constant tab-switching and manual management of accounts, Shift has saved considerable time and effort for the team, allowing you to focus more on strategic innovation and client support. Shift’s functionality aligns perfectly with Bamboo Orchard’s mission to deliver bold, transformative innovation and tailored solutions. It supports your ability to execute efficiently and maintain focus on reshaping industries for your clients.
    Incentivized
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    Usability
    HCLSoftware
    Easy to use for the user, most of the apps we developed, there is not much need for user training. Most of the times, we just do a demo to the users group and they can pick up from there.
    Read full review
    Shift
    Setting up Shift is very simple and highly intuitive, making it easy to use. Once you set up the accounts and program integrations, you can easily click on precisely what you need, requiring barely any thought or effort. It feels truly seamless and straightforward to use. I have no issues with use, and I use it every day.
    Incentivized
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    Reliability and Availability
    HCLSoftware
    No answers on this topic
    Shift
    Its basically been great. In 3 years I had one issue of repeated crashes which was fixed with a version change and an issue where slack wouldn't load after a slack update but that fixed within a few weeks
    Incentivized
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    Performance
    HCLSoftware
    No answers on this topic
    Shift
    Its pretty performant on my GPU based laptop as it can use the hardware to accelerate processing. However it is memory hungry. If I had a normal amount of RAM on my laptop I wouldn't imagine it would be a little slower
    Incentivized
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    Support Rating
    HCLSoftware
    I've been using the production for a very long time and very happy with it. Also, all the online resources and forums for notes is very friendly and easy/quick for getting help. I found out that compared to Microsoft or Oracle or any other platforms, IBM Notes online forum is the best I have seen.
    Read full review
    Shift
    I have only had to use their support a couple of times, but was able to get an answer and things resolved within a couple of hours. There was no issue with contacting them, received responses and updates in a timely manner and they were able to resolve the small issues we had. It was a pleasure to work with them
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    HCLSoftware
    Implementation is easy and smooth if the requirement is well gathered/documented. Notes is a RAD platform, all projects in Notes is simple in the implementation step.
    Read full review
    Shift
    I was completely satisfied with the implementation of Shift, rating it a 10. The process was straightforward and required minimal effort to get started. Key insights include the importance of pre-configuring the app with essential tools and accounts for the team to ensure a smooth transition. Shift’s intuitive setup and integration process allowed us to onboard quickly without disrupting workflows. Additionally, its user-friendly design made it easy for team members to adapt without extensive training.
    Incentivized
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    Alternatives Considered
    HCLSoftware
    Outlook has been considered for years as a replacement platform. Pricing and support staff made it prohibitive. Our long-time use of Microsoft Office productivity suite naturally led us to consider the adoption of Office365. A recent investigation told us that Azure Cloud services propel an O365 solution to the forefront. Early adopters in international divisions have paved the way for Azure and O365.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Shift
    I came from using a similar app called MailPlane, some of you older users might remember this app. It had a similar function to connect Gmail accounts so that I could use Gmail like a regular app. This app reached end of life and the developers no longer decided to keep the app active. I was then back into the market in search of a comparable app and my searched led me to fine Shift. I'm absolutely glad I did! 4 years later and I'm still using Shift. It was 2021 when MailPlane stopped selling licenses. If I remember correctly I switched to Shift around this time or possible before. All I know is I switched and never looked back and was extremely happy to find Shift.
    Incentivized
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    Scalability
    HCLSoftware
    No answers on this topic
    Shift
    All our departments use this product and its very effective at keeping us organised on a client by client basis
    Incentivized
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    Return on Investment
    HCLSoftware
    • Over the years, we have lost countless hours of productivity from the thousands of crashes we have experienced.
    • One benefit of IBM Notes is that it is very simple to train a new user on. Many people prefer and are familiar with Google tools, but those that use IBM Notes have very little trouble acclimating themselves.
    Incentivized
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    Shift
    • Keeping all my inboxes in one place so I can easily shift between them 1000% increases my productivity
    • reducing the number of browser and application tabs helps keep my computer running quicker.
    • I can easily see the number of emails in each inbox and prioritize accordingly throughout the day.
    Incentivized
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    ScreenShots