IBM introduces new messaging and collaboration software designed for medium-sized businesses

The new products - IBM Lotus Domino Collaboration Express and IBM Lotus Domino Utility Server Express - enable medium-sized companies with 100 or more employees to deploy the same enterprise-grade software as global organizations, with simplified installation and administration options, advanced security, and access to a wide range of ready-to-use business applications.

The Domino Express offerings simplify the complexities of running a business by enabling customers to streamline infrastructure administration; collaborate more easily through shared "workspaces"; and scale the technology to fit their changing business needs.

"Many smaller organisations in this region would love to be able to implement the sophisticated collaboration tools that global enterprises have, but have balked at the cost," said Bashar Kilani, Manager for IBM's Software Group, Middle East, Egypt and Pakistan. "The 'Express' offerings give them all of the functionality of IBM's the full enterprise offerings, at an affordable price. Now smaller businesses in the Middle East can take advantage of advanced calendaring, accessing mail and schedules securely from the Web if they need to, along with instant messaging with enterprise-quality security."

Both products are available immediately and build on IBM's portfolio of Express offerings including software, hardware, services and financing options optimized for the specific needs of smaller enterprises.

IBM Lotus Domino Collaboration Express delivers the proven performance, security and dependability of IBM Lotus Notes and Domino 6 to small and medium-sized businesses - all at a lower total cost of ownership than competitive offerings. Companies who purchase this solution are provided with a messaging and collaboration server that provides e-mail, group scheduling, discussion forums, team workplaces, and the custom application capabilities of Domino. Customers have multiple client access choices including Lotus Notes or Domino Web Access (iNotes), Domino Access for MS Outlook or Web Mail. The Domino Collaboration Express improves customer responsiveness and business relations through better communication with customers, suppliers and partners.

IBM Lotus Domino Utility Server Express provides companies with the ability to deploy applications that solve specific business problems, such as solutions for workflow and approval, customer relationship management and sales force automation. With functionality provided by the IBM Lotus Domino Enterprise Server, Lotus Domino Utility Server Express gives organizations unlimited access to collaborative applications through a Web browser or separately purchased Notes client.

These offerings are supported across multiple platforms including Linux on Intel, Microsoft Windows, IBM OS/400 (iSeries), IBM AIX (pSeries) and Sun Solaris.