This product is expected to have an estimated price tag of less than $3,000 when it's released, and it's definitely one to watch. You can even get a copy today and help to shape the direction of the product by becoming part of the WebSphere Express Early Enablement program, which you can find at http://www.earlyenablement.com/websphere/eep/. I've signed up and have been impressed with what I've seen so far. The WebSphere Express server installed just fine on my Windows XP computer, as did the included Studio Site Developer. And, if you're interested in portal development, you'll also definitely want to check out WebSphere Portal Express.

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that the Domino 6 server now includes a copy of the WebSphere Application Server. The catch is that there are a few restrictions, such as it has to be installed on the same machine as the Domino server, it can only access Domino objects, and it doesn't include EJB capability. But this still remains a powerful extension to the already improved capabilities of the Domino server, so I'm anxious to read more about how people are actually taking advantage of this. If you have any stories about how you've harnessed this new power, please send them to me at dvelasco@dominopower.com.

Conclusion
Take what ideas you like from those I've presented and put them to work. It's my belief that if I provide you with at least one idea that helps you, then I'll have fulfilled my purpose. As I've said, your picture of the future and your place in it is something that you'll have to create for yourself.

As I was going through some of the items from my office the other day, I came across the "KNOWBALL" that they gave out at the welcome reception at Lotusphere 2001. In case you haven't seen this, it's basically a yellow Magic 8 ball. Since, as I said earlier, my crystal ball has a crack in it, I thought I would instead turn to my KNOWBALL for some answers. But my KNOWBALL is broken as well (tip: don't give it to a three-year-old). Anyway, to make a long story short, I've taped my KNOWBALL together and now will ask it a question and shake vigorously. "Tell me, Mr. KNOWBALL, will the future be bright for Lotus Notes and Domino professionals?"

Choose your answer below:

"Wait and see"
"Looking good"
"Who knows"
"Yes in due time"
"Probably"

Shake again as needed.

Dan Velasco is a Senior Technical Editor for DominoPower Magazine and occasional contributor to PalmPower Magazine. He is also a Principal CLP Application Developer (R4, R5 and ND6) as well as a CLP System Administrator (R4 and R5). You can reach him via email at dvelasco@dominopower.com or on the Web at http://DanVelasco.com.