Help guide for confused Lotus Notes users

The email plays a very crucial role of information sharing in today’s business environment. The sharing process is made possible by the collaboration of server and client application. As we can see that there is a huge transition in working standards. It can be stated that it is an era of compaction where user demands maximum features in a single application. Such kind of need arises tough competition amongst the developers. So let us consider two most famous Server side applications, Microsoft’s Exchange Server and IBM Lotus Notes. Both the applications are packed with advance and staunch features but most of the users prioritise Exchange Server over Lotus Notes. In this article I would highlight the positive and negative aspect of the two widely famous server applications.

 

IBM Lotus Notes:-

Pros	Cons
It uses public key cryptography for client-server and server-server authentication.	Unintuitive or non user friendly interface.
Replication of any data in any application that uses Notes Storage Facility including email, calendars and contacts.	High installation and maintenance cost
Every database holds an access control list (ACL) that checks the level of access by any user or server.	Highly complex and tough technology which prompts user to go for initial training program.
Notes uses Document oriented database management system, which offers smooth data insertion and fetching.	The unique feature of folder and file lock which is meant for security purpose troubles user frequently. Every now and then they have to seek administrator’s permission for accessing even minor or less important files.

Microsoft Exchange Server:-

Pros	Cons
The latest version supports OWA in Offline mode	Need external resource for strict filtration of Spam.
Offers three unique user interface layouts for desktop, slate and phone browsers.	Prone to large number of errors and corruption, however all of them are easily tangible.
Replaced Exchange Management Consol by much efficient Web based Exchange Administrative Centre (EAC)	Processing becomes slow when application becomes bulky.
In-built anti malware protection program.	N.A
Involves a program that identifies and protects sensitive data.	N.A
Can access Exchange, SharePoint and Lync from single interface.	N.A

After going through above mentioned comparison we can easily make out the reason behind the popularity of Exchange Server. Therefore it is observed that large numbers of Lotus Notes users are searching for Notes to Exchange migration tool. On a personal note I would like to recommend Stellar Notes to Exchange migration tool. The application is highly interactive and performs the migration hassle freely. The free demo version of the tool can be downloaded from the respective website.