Other tools
In my Web and Notes wanderings I've come across many resources to help in the development of a dream intranet. But, before I mention them, I want to mention that virtually any Web or Notes resource of value to an organization can be included in an intranet (keeping in mind that it must be incorporated into the greater framework and organization of the site). Notes comes with several excellent resources: a discussion database template, a document library template, and the Instant TeamRoom template. Lotus and a number of its Business Partners also provide some excellent resources (there is a comprehensive list on the Lotus web page). InfoImage (at http://www.infoimage.com) is the most notable example, but there are many others.

In the end, however, tools and templates can only take you so far. A successful Intranet requires a great deal of forethought, elbow grease, and the inclusion of representative needs from all aspects of an organization in its development, content, and usage.

Think of this article when you examine your own intranet (if you have one) or if you're designing one. My hope is that it will ease the process for you and your organization, as it would have helped me in mine.

Mick Moignard has been working and traveling with Lotus Notes since Release 2.0 in 1991. Mick is a DominoPower Senior Technical Editor and a Principal CLP with Unipart Expert Practices, a Lotus Advanced Partner in the UK. If you want to discuss anything to do with this article, or indeed anything else to do with Notes and Domino, contact Mick at Mick_Moignard@unipart.co.uk. Unipart Expert Practices will also happily discuss any opportunities you may have with any Notes and Domino application development or infrastructure projects you need help with. Unipart Expert Practices can be found at http://www.unipartep.com.