IBM (NYSE:IBM) today announced an expansion of IBM Lotus messaging and collaboration software with the delivery of secure enterprise mail for the Apple iPad. The news was announced at both the Deutsche Notes User Group in Berlin and the Apple Developers Conference in San Francisco.
IBM Lotus Notes Traveler is no charge software that can be downloaded by Lotus Notes customers providing two-way, over-the-air synchronization of enterprise e-mail, calendar and contact between Lotus Domino servers and mobile devices, including the iPad. This means that Lotus Notes based information will automatically synchronize and be up to date on the device. Lotus Notes Traveler also allows iPad users to enjoy the security of per message mail encryption.
"IBM is committed to providing the broadest possible collaboration software support on all major mobile platforms. With high anticipation and many requests for iPad compatibility for Lotus Notes, we're pleased we can offer this now at a highly secure level," said Kevin Cavanaugh, vice president, messaging and collaboration, IBM.
Several organizations in a wide variety of industries globally have begun using Lotus Software on the iPad.
"Lotus Notes Traveler on the iPad is convenient and helps me stay on top of my e-mails. I don't have to go home at night and fire up my laptop to see my messages," said Dave Stall, Lotus Notes Manager, Roto-Rooter Services Company. "The iPad is sitting next to me on the couch and I can respond to anything that needs my attention quickly."
"I like when forwarding an e-mail, you can type the first letter of a person's name and get a list of people. You then select that person by tapping the screen. This saves a lot of typing and time," added Stall.
"I can see this taking the place of a laptop for the executive and sales staff, and they live on e-mail. Lotus Notes Traveler makes that transition easy," said John Roling, IT Director, Czarnowski, an IBM client and business partner.
"When Lotus Notes Traveler iPad users are in a meeting, they can now have up to date 'push' mail and calendar," said Almar Diehl, Groupware Consultant, e-office.
Also, IBM portal based web pages will display clearly on the iPad through the Safari browser.
IBM Lotus Notes Traveler Companmpanion is a native iPhone OS application that enables the viewing of encrypted mail on the iPad and iPhone.