Some of these applications stand alone, and some of them integrate with each other. One of the most interesting and complex application "suites" is the customer service application. This application consists of Knowledgebase, call tracking, data dictionary, product design problem, customer suggestion, and documentation databases. Look for the word "cserv" in the description of the application to find these.

Lastly, something for your users
The last freebie I'd like to include in this list is something for your users, although you may choose to use it as well. If you'd like a refreshing break from the same old Lotus Notes interface, check out NotesBuddy from the IBM Alphaworks crew.

NotesBuddy is a lightweight tool for Lotus Notes and Internet POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) mail that announces new mail by voice, pager, or a cool display. Optionally, NotesBuddy offers instant messaging and awareness reporting using a Lotus Sametime server.

This beta product has a variety of skins that are available to change the appearance of the mail interface, as shown in Figure E.

FIGURE E


Finally, skins come to Notes email! Roll over picture for a larger image.

However, it's definitely not a replacement for the full-fledged Lotus Notes client. You can't work with applications other than email, so its applicability with your environment may be limited. Point your browser to http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/notesbuddy to download NotesBuddy.

Just the option of having your email read to you by the computer may be of interest. It definitely doesn't sound like HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey, but I think you'll get a big kick out of it nonetheless.

Enjoy!

Senior Technical Editor Richard Echeandia has been working with Lotus Notes for over eight years and is a management consultant with Tactica Technology Group, a Lotus premium business partner headquartered in Dallas, TX. He is a frequent speaker at Lotus and industry conferences. He can be reached online at recheandia@dominopower.com.