IBM launches Arabic Web-based access technology for complete use of business systems via the Internet

This is a significant move for this region, as it gives "deskless" workers access to the same back end information services such as email and back end business applications as their desk-bound colleagues, in their native language.

"IBM estimates that up to 20% of employees can be considered "deskless" workers - people often in key positions, but without a dedicated workspace, such as airline pilots, factory-floor supervisors and retail workers," said Bashar Kilani, Manager of IBM Software Group Middle East, Egypt and Pakistan. "In the Middle East these workers have not been able to get proper, secure access to business information systems and collaboration tools - especially not in their native language. IBM's new Lotus Domino Web Access in Arabic opens doors for these workers, making them a more efficient part of the organisation."

This sector is an important new opportunity for Lotus Software, as most browser-based messaging solutions do not have the security features, performance, feature set or reliability that iNotes Web Access delivers to the corporate market.

IBM iNotes Web Access 6 allows businesses to easily integrate remote workers with critical data and applications. Users have access to Lotus Domino-based applications, including e-mail, calendaring and scheduling, anywhere they can find an Internet connection, without sacrificing the full application functionality of a standard Lotus Notes client. Combining the
flexibility and manageability of a corporate-level Web client with the performance and security features of Linux will help IBM reach an emerging market of new users and can help customers lower the overall costs of their messaging solutions.

With Lotus iNotes Web Access, customers using multiple platforms, including Linux, will be able to leverage all the benefits of the IBM Lotus Domino platform, including off-line support that will allow users to remain productive even when disconnected from the network.

As with IBM Lotus Notes and Domino 6, Lotus iNotes Web Access 6 offers robust security benefits and can help increase productivity, while helping to reduce the total cost of ownership associated with a company's messaging and collaboration infrastructure.

The ultra-intuitive Web interface makes it easy to use and can help significantly to reduce training costs. By delivering Domino collaborative services to browser users, it can help save both the time and costs associated with manual desktop upgrades. Organizations can avoid deployment costs normally associated with dedicated messaging and PIM clients. Server consolidation, improved reliability and fault recovery can further help reduce administrative costs.