Well folks, it seems that old good IBM is not sitting on the fence when it comes to both “cloud” computing and Software as a Service market. Instead, it moved fast following Google and Microsoft introducing what they call LotusLive iNotes. Essentially, the service is similar to Gmail that offered as a part of Google Apps Premier, and Exchange Online offered as a part of Microsoft Productive Business Suite (BPOS).
According to vendor’s website, iNotes is a business-class messaging solution that addresses communications and collaboration needs of employees, retail workers and those without a dedicated office /desk. It seems that iNotes is the lightest version of the LotusLive family of products competitively priced at $3 per user, per month. While it seems cheaper that Google Apps Premier, it does not include web-based office suite offered by Google.
Another product in the LotusLive lineup is LotusLive Notes, not to be confused with iNotes (déjà vu all over), priced at $9 per user, per month. The official LotusLive Notes product page states that this offering is “…hosted e-mail with options”, which made us conclude that iNotes is the same without options.
One the key disappointments are that IBM does not offer product trial online, whereby both Google and Microsoft work hard to earn your business by offering no obligation trials. In order to sign for the trial, you would have to give them a call.
We will strive to find ways to evaluate the product, and will be posting additional information soon.
Stay tuned!
The Driz Group
Filed under: Cloud Computing, IBM, SaaS | Tagged: SaaS, IBM, lotus, lotus notes, lotuslive, inotes, notes, email, lotus vs google, ibm vs google
