DominoPower reader Pat Schaper: In a step by step approach, how do you upgrade existing Notes applications and Domino servers to DB2NSF for environments that do not already have a DB2 server?

Ed and Rob: This is a simple process. Start by installing and configuring a Domino 7.0 server and a DB2 server. Then to convert a NSF based app to a DB2 enabled notes database, do one of the following on a Domino server that has been DB2 enabled:

• create a new copy
• create a new replica
• run the Compact command

DominoPower reader Kevin Lee: How will DB2 be licensed within Domino and will Lotus LEI (Lotus Enterprise Integrator) become a redundant product?

Ed and Rob: When using DB2 with Lotus Domino 7.0, the intent is to provide a limited DB2 license for Domino-only data. LEI will not become redundant because it offers different features and capabilities and connects to dozens of other environments besides DB2. There are several LEI enhancements included in Lotus Domino 7.0, which can be found on the IBM Web site.

DominoPower reader Quin Filipowicz: Will we ever get the option to NOT use Notes IDs and just have a plain old user name and password?

Ed and Rob: This issue is rather complex because the Lotus Notes ID is used for more than merely user authentication, but also offline authentication, PKI [Public Key Infrastructure] and encryption. A deployment option without requiring client-side IDs is being investigated for the post-Domino 7.0 timeframe.

IBM is always extremely conscious of the risks of making any security changes, so this factor will weigh more strongly on the decision as to when and how we proceed.

Advancements in dynamic client configuration, roaming user support, ID management and policy-based administration in Lotus Domino 6.0 and 7.0 have significantly reduced the overhead associated with Lotus Notes user management.

DominoPower reader Steve Galentine: Will ND7 be able to return XML to a search view command much like ReadViewEntries?

Ed and Rob: Currently, Lotus Notes and Domino 7.0 does not have this capability, but we are considering the implementation of a SearchViewEntires command in a future release. This feature would allow a full-text search view queries and return the results in the same DXL format as ReadView Entries.

DominoPower reader Richard Cotrim: Will Notes and Domino 7 Domino Web Access (iNotes) have the ability to import Internet Certificates, like Thawte, Verisign, so the user can read and send signed and encripted emails without needing the Notes full client to import the Certificate?

Ed and Rob: One of the many new features in Lotus Domino Web Access 7.0 is support for S/MIME secure mail, enabling Domino Web Access users to send secure mail to users of other S/MIME enabled clients. This will allow for message encryption, message decryption, digital signatures and signature verification of Internet certificates.

The security tab of the end user preferences is being enhanced, providing the ability to manage Internet certificates. Also, the "add to contacts" capability will bring over a person's Internet certification if it is present, and copy it into the contact record within the Domino Web Access mail file.