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HCL Notes

HCL Notes
Formerly from IBM

Overview

What is HCL Notes?

Notes from HCL (formerly from IBM, acquired by HCL in late 2018) is a collaboration platform based on the Lotus platform.

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Recent Reviews

TrustRadius Insights

HCL Notes, used by users worldwide, has a wide range of use cases that cater to various functions within an organization. Users rely on …
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HCL

7 out of 10
December 19, 2022
HCL Notes provides business collaboration functions, such as email, calendars, to-do lists, contact management, discussion forums, file …
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Lotus Notes Insights

8 out of 10
June 11, 2019
Incentivized
Lotus Notes is used by most of the departments in our organization. It is used as documentary storage for all the requirements at a single …
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IBM Notes & RAD

10 out of 10
February 25, 2015
We use IBM Notes/Domino as a development platform, no email. Most of the Apps are for Departmental and some are for multiple departments …
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What is IBM Notes doing?

5 out of 10
February 06, 2014
I have worked with Lotus Notes and Domino since 1996 from Version 4, 5, 6.5, 8.0 and 8.5, but my last couple of projects all are …
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Notes basics

10 out of 10
February 05, 2014
One of the few reliable and industry standards that are present in Information Technology for more than 20 years. Security, offline …
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Read all reviews

Popular Features

View all 23 features
  • Notifications (10)
    9.0
    90%
  • Mobile Access (10)
    8.0
    80%
  • Task Management (9)
    7.0
    70%
  • Chat (10)
    6.0
    60%
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Pricing

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N/A
Unavailable

What is HCL Notes?

Notes from HCL (formerly from IBM, acquired by HCL in late 2018) is a collaboration platform based on the Lotus platform.

Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services

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Alternatives Pricing

What is SharePoint?

Microsoft's SharePoint is an Intranet solution that enables users to share and manage content, knowledge, and applications to empower teamwork, quickly find information, and collaborate across the organization.

What is Miro?

Miro provides a visual workspace for innovation that enables distributed teams of any size to dream, design, and build the future together. Today, Miro counts more than 60 million users in 200,000 organizations who use Miro to improve product development collaboration, to speed up time to market,…

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Product Demos

How To View Emails as Conversations and Original Message in HCL Notes

YouTube

05 NCUG Spring Seminar 2021 - DOMI: Create meetings in HCL Notes for Teams, Zoom, WebEx and Sametime

YouTube
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Features

Project Management

Project management software provides capabilities to streamline management of complex projects through task management, team collaboration and workflow automation

6.9
Avg 7.8

Communication

Features that allow team members to communicate about collaborative projects and keep each other informed of their opinions and progress.

9.2
Avg 8.0

File Sharing & Management

Features that allow collaborators to view, work on, and organize files.

7.6
Avg 8.1
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Product Details

What is HCL Notes?

HCL Notes Technical Details

Operating SystemsUnspecified
Mobile ApplicationNo

Frequently Asked Questions

Notes from HCL (formerly from IBM, acquired by HCL in late 2018) is a collaboration platform based on the Lotus platform.

Atlassian Confluence, Axero, and Jive are common alternatives for HCL Notes.

Reviewers rate Internal knowledgebase and Integrates with GoToMeeting and Integrates with Outlook highest, with a score of 10.

The most common users of HCL Notes are from Enterprises (1,001+ employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(93)

Community Insights

TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!

HCL Notes, used by users worldwide, has a wide range of use cases that cater to various functions within an organization. Users rely on HCL Notes for essential tasks such as managing emails, sending meeting invites, booking meeting rooms, accessing the company intranet, and sharing templates. The platform also serves as a reliable tool for leave management, notebook entry, creating to-do lists, and raising IT issues. With these diverse functionalities, HCL Notes standardizes processes across regions, facilitating fast and efficient global communication within the company.

Internally developed Lotus Notes databases are widely utilized for storing infrastructure inventory, workflows, work queue for builds and audits. These databases are often integrated with ERP and ticketing systems, providing seamless integration with existing tools. Moreover, the robust workflow capabilities of HCL Notes have allowed organizations to replace paper-based approval systems with secure digital workflows that offer an audit trail and enhanced security.

Furthermore, HCL Notes is increasingly being used on mobile devices, with about a third of the organization utilizing its mail, calendar, and contacts features on their smartphones or tablets. It serves as a central hub for collaboration with its sidebar app for Sametime providing chat functionality, presence awareness, web meetings, audio/video conferencing. In addition to its collaborative features, HCL Notes also functions as a development platform where users can create departmental and multi-departmental apps that integrate seamlessly with various databases and platforms.

Notes is highly regarded for its quick development capabilities and easy integration with new releases. Its versatility extends beyond email and calendar functions; it serves as a reliable CRM system integrated with back-end accounting systems in some organizations. By leveraging HCL Notes' document management capabilities and internal workflow features, users can maintain an organized repository of client-specific details while saving time navigating through relevant information. The platform's user-friendly experience enables users to access critical data easily while enjoying enhanced security measures.

Overall, HCL Notes has proven to be a vital tool for organizations, offering a wide range of use cases and functionalities. Its seamless integration with existing systems, robust workflow capabilities, and mobile accessibility make it an indispensable asset for efficient communication, collaboration, and data management.

Seamless Integration: Users have found that HCL Notes can be easily integrated with other software platforms, such as Sametime chat, Concur, and Productivity Management System. This integration allows for seamless communication and access to various tools and resources.

Efficient Calendar Management: The calendar management feature in HCL Notes is highly praised by users. Once they accept a meeting invite, their calendar is automatically updated, and they can easily view all their meetings for the day or week. Additionally, users can book meeting rooms, and the availability of these rooms is visible to all employees, making it convenient for planning meetings.

Robust Database and Custom Applications: Users commend the strong database of HCL Notes which is extremely scalable and can handle thousands of users effectively. They also appreciate the enterprise-grade framework for developing custom database applications in HCL Notes. This simplicity of access makes it convenient for users while reducing administrative burdens.

Slow web browsing capabilities: Some users have experienced slow web browsing capabilities in HCL Notes, with extended connection and loading times for web content. Users have mentioned that links shared in HCL Notes emails often fail to connect and sometimes the web content is not visible, requiring them to manually copy and paste the link in another browser.

Unappealing user interface: Less tech-savvy users and new users have expressed their dissatisfaction with the unappealing user interface of HCL Notes. It is suggested that improvements should be made to make it more visually appealing and user-friendly.

Backward compatibility issues: The backward compatibility of HCL Notes can be problematic at times, causing cluttered menus and outdated options that are not commonly used by modern users. Navigating preferences can also be challenging for those transitioning from other email platforms like Gmail or Outlook.

Based on user reviews, there are three common recommendations for IBM Notes:

  1. Consider other software options before committing to IBM Notes. Many users suggest exploring alternatives such as Microsoft Outlook or Google software before deciding on IBM Notes. They believe that these platforms provide better user interfaces, more features, and a more modern experience.

  2. Use IBM Notes only if there is a need for custom databases. Some users recommend using IBM Notes specifically for its ability to build custom databases that integrate with the email system. They believe that this feature sets it apart from other email platforms.

  3. Keep options open and explore different solutions. Several reviewers advise against relying solely on IBM Notes and encourage keeping options open by not getting locked into a single vendor's proprietary software. They suggest considering different platforms and not being hesitant to migrate to a different solution if needed.

Overall, while some users appreciate IBM Notes for its secure email services and custom database capabilities, many recommend looking at other software options with better user interfaces and more features before committing to the platform.

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(1-1 of 1)
Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
February 25, 2015

IBM Notes & RAD

Tom Le | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
We use IBM Notes/Domino as a development platform, no email. Most of the Apps are for Departmental and some are for multiple departments and large number of users.

Effective Level of Measurement:
#1 Workflow Apps - IBM Notes is secure, Ease and Fast to develop, intergrate with Lotus Notes Mail or any other email platform easily.
#2 Intranet Sites/Apps/Document Management - Very quick and easy to put up an app like Order Online, Document Library, Room Reservation, HR apps, or an Inquiries type of apps.
#3 Clients/Servers Apps - Secure and easy to intergrate with any other databases (Oracle, SQL, DB2, mySQL) or platforms (J2EE, .NET, AS400) using Lotusscript Extension or Web Service.
#4 With the new release of Domino 8.5.3* and 9.0* (xPages, Extension Library, Dojo), design apps for mobile are very easy and quick.

IBM Notes Versus Sharepoint:
http://www.lialis.com/lotus-notes-versus-sharepoint/

  • Time efficiency and faster turn around of development.
  • Workflow Application Design.
  • NOSQL database advantages.
  • Easy Web Services development and deployment. This make it so easy to connect with other databases like Oracle, SQL, etc.
  • Notes Sercurity is (A+++)
  • First: For a smaller/lighter web sites and pages and internet, Notes don't have a lighter version to do so. IBM needs to improve this and come up with better solution, something like JSP or ASP platforms.
  • Second: Notes license that can provide free to users for education/self learning/testing. IBM needs to more Advertise and doing a lot more better in Sale of the product. The product is very good, but still unknown to many people. We need to show that IBM Notes is not just a mail product/platform but it can do more and better in the databases and application development as well.
  • New version of Domino (8.5.3x - 9.0x) have lot of improvement in term of performance and web development (Xpages) but lack of documentation/education/training. Most of the Notes Developers still new or very new to XPages. I have developed a few application in Xpages but it was very difficult to getting help and resources. We need more sample Xpages Application and more available templates for download and learn.
+ For a small IT team with higher turn around and higher expectation, Notes is the best platform that I see so far.
+ For workflow application Notes still #1 to me.
+ NOSQL is a big plus.
+ Very easy to develop/deploy Web Services.
+ XPages is very COOL, even better if jQuery can replace Dojo

- IBM needs to do more to sale Notes and get more users; the License/Cost need to adjust in order to attract more people to learn (especially, college students); if possible, we need a lighter xPage/Domino framework for Internet Pages design.
  • Notes development environment will save a lot of time for any organization, especially for a small IT group with a lot of Applications and NO TIME/less resource.
  • Notes is the best in Workflow application development and Security.
  • The most disadvantage of Notes compared to other is the license/cost issue. Aslo, there is a need for lighter version of Notes/Domino for a lighter and faster internet pages/sites design.
  • Education/Advertisement/Sale and Sale is very much need to improve by IBM.
  • IBM needs to make a firm decision on which back end language to use in XPAGE (SSJS/Javabean/or JAVA)?.
We are a small IT team and always had to deal with very high expectation, faster turn around time from users. Every application we've developed has very short turn around time and less resources. In the past 15 years, we can provide more application and doing it faster than most of other larger IT groups that either use J2EE or .NET, due to the RAD that IBM/Domino platform provided.
5000
Sale Department use Order Online Tools.
Planning use Inquiries and Workflow.
Engineering use Workflow, Request Order, Library, Inventory.
Managements use for Task Tracking, Vacation Tracking, Reporting Tools, Room reservation, etc.
Human Resources.
4
Very much the same as any other IT groups, except very fast pave and quick response, high turn around, and very high expectation from users all the time!
  • Workflow is the most importance application/tool that being used very widely in all departments
  • Apps that require high security level.
  • Report Tools also very importance and highly use across all departments.
  • Data exchange/connection to other groups/platforms.
  • With a small group and with too many application and support, selecting IBM Domino is the most innovative way that I think our group did.
  • We've been using all the features and functionalities that IBM Notes/Domino can provide. The only feature still new to us is the mobile.
  • Looking forward to see what will Domino 9 provided?
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.
Yes
Some apps we took over were written in VB, Excel Apps, or even from C & C++ platforms. Since we're the team that can turn any application from start to finish in a very short time.

We migrated all users from IM to Sametime due to the security reason.
Notes Security is always ahead of any other platform.
  • Price
  • Positive Sales Experience with the Vendor
IBM Domino is the best platform for RAD and Workflow Apps and it's not popular due to the lack of advertisement and the willing to sell the product from IBM. The license and pricing are the biggest show stopper for the product!. IBM need to do more on sale and find a way to make the product available for Education. If IBM don't make the product easy/cheap to all college students or for people willing to learn new platform, there is no Lotus Notes/Domino Developer available in a very near future.
I've been programming in different languages and different platforms like C/Unix, C++ for window, VB, Cobol, Visualage for Java, etc. But, until today, IBM Domino is the best platform that I have been using.

The evaluation/selection/order process in any new development tools and platforms should start with:
Security Features.
Fast and Easy to use/implement/learn.
All components should include in a Suite/Package - Email, Communication, Development, Database.
Easy to Deploy.
  • Implemented in-house
Yes
Change management was minimal
  • User requirement change
  • User don't know or fully understand about their requirement
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.
No
We don't have issue with the Lotus Domino support team ever.
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.
Yes
You will get a response in less than 24 hours all the times.
When we have issues with the server and contacted IBM, they will work with you on the phone first, if they can't fix it quick, they will send the technician to your office in the same day.
  • Each notes database contains the design, the data, and all the security setup. The query in Notes is simple. it's just the View and the selection formula, Notes View contain all the data in a single view, and is very easy and fast to query the data. Notes is NOSQL database, all the query in notes is fast, super fast.
  • Easy to deploy for Web/Client. There is no recompile (No EXE, no DLL, no Component, and no packages).
  • Notes platform has it all - Sametime, Email, RAD (Development Tools), Workflow Development is nature to Notes and is the best Workflow tool available in the market, Notes Security is the best in all platforms, and more
  • Based on my years of Development with Notes, I have not yet run into anything that I can't do in notes!
  • For a small and simple internet webpage, notes is not really good for this small task!
Yes
Starting from Domino 8.5.3+, Xpage and Extension Library will make it very easy to convert and implement mobile apps.
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.
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