Domino V11 managed to slide in just under the wire at the end of December 2019. After HCL’s acquisition of the Domino range of collaborative software from IBM – they managed to deliver V10 which fixed a number of outstanding issues and set the stage for the transition to a version of Notes branded and controlled by HCL.
The history of what was Lotus Domino and Notes through to its acquisition by IBM showed what a development platform could be used for across all businesses. Without rehashing a whole lot of issues – lets say that the product then went through a phase where much needed innovation just didn’t occur.
Although there are probably as many opinions as there are Domino developers regarding the future of Domino – it is pretty safe to say that HCL are steering in a different direction from IBM and at a different rate. The recent launch of Domino V11 previewed tools that both look back at the original purpose of Domino and forward at the uses that it can be put to – especially in the low code and mobilisation of applications areas
2020 is going to be a vitally important year in the development of Domino. HCL have attracted a number of developers from outside the IBM bubble as well as inside and the opportunity exists to re inject some of the “magic” that made developers so loyal to the platform.
A couple of things that have been less than stellar in the transition also need improvement and HCL should pay attention to the issues raised.
The sales process is no where nearly as smooth as IBM, the licensing for Domino going forward needs to be simple and transparent and the delivery process for new / improved features needs to be backed up with resources and materials that get the features into new and existing applications.
Support needs to be consistent and effective as does the roadmap in 2020 and beyond.
I hope that a year from now it will be possible to say that HCL changed the destiny of Domino – lets see how 2020 turns out.