Lotus Notes Meets the Workplace Rich ClientLotus Notes Meets the Workplace Rich Client

Andrew PollackAndrew Pollack

President, Northern Collaborative President, Northern Collaborative TechnologiesTechnologies

…Well, it will soon anyway…

About Andrew Pollack’s PresentationsAbout Andrew Pollack’s Presentations

Designed to avoid “Slideware” issuesDesigned to avoid “Slideware” issues

– To the extent possible, I have tried to put as much real To the extent possible, I have tried to put as much real information in these slides, they are not bullet pointsinformation in these slides, they are not bullet points

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AgendaAgenda

Who am I, Why are we here, and other big questionsWho am I, Why are we here, and other big questions

Setting expectations – where is this product in its delivery Setting expectations – where is this product in its delivery cycle and what can you expect to see and hear about in cycle and what can you expect to see and hear about in this presentationthis presentation

Why the world needs another workstation client Why the world needs another workstation client What is a “Rich Client”What is a “Rich Client”

Just what is this rich client, and why you should careJust what is this rich client, and why you should care

Where Lotus Notes fits in the Workplace Client pictureWhere Lotus Notes fits in the Workplace Client picture

Opportunities for Corporations, Partners, & ISV’s Opportunities for Corporations, Partners, & ISV’s

Resources for follow-upResources for follow-up

Big Questions: Who am I? Why are we here?Big Questions: Who am I? Why are we here?

– Andrew Pollack -- Northern Collaborative TechnologiesAndrew Pollack -- Northern Collaborative Technologies

2003 IBM Lotus Beacon Award Winner2003 IBM Lotus Beacon Award Winner Administrator & Developer since version 2.0Administrator & Developer since version 2.0 Member of the Penumbra GroupMember of the Penumbra Group Firefighter - Engine 1 – Cumberland, Maine!Firefighter - Engine 1 – Cumberland, Maine! In firefighting, just like Server Administration & Application In firefighting, just like Server Administration & Application

Development, its all in the planningDevelopment, its all in the planning

– Why We’re HereWhy We’re Here

To learn and grow as human beingTo learn and grow as human being The new Rich Client looks importantThe new Rich Client looks important Its finally time to pay attention to this new stuffIts finally time to pay attention to this new stuff

Setting ExpectationsSetting Expectations

Workplace Client Technology is NEW stuffWorkplace Client Technology is NEW stuff– Very few people are live with it yet, but its getting close!Very few people are live with it yet, but its getting close!

IBM has been kind enough to make time to let me see the work IBM has been kind enough to make time to let me see the work in progress and talk with the developersin progress and talk with the developers– And they’ve allowed me to share nearly all of what I think is salient And they’ve allowed me to share nearly all of what I think is salient

with you todaywith you today

As Lotus Notes & Lotus Domino users, our perspective is very As Lotus Notes & Lotus Domino users, our perspective is very different.different.– So many “new” technologies are things we already doSo many “new” technologies are things we already do

Part 1 – Why the world needs another ‘Rich Part 1 – Why the world needs another ‘Rich Client’Client’

Who is Rich, anyway?Who is Rich, anyway?

What is a “Rich Client”What is a “Rich Client”

Above all, it’s a “Client” to somethingAbove all, it’s a “Client” to something– As in “Client-Server” As in “Client-Server”

A “Client” differs from a standalone applicationA “Client” differs from a standalone application

– A client provides a front end user interface to logic or data A client provides a front end user interface to logic or data which resides on a serverwhich resides on a server

– A client is usually designed to exist in a many to one A client is usually designed to exist in a many to one relationship with a back end serverrelationship with a back end server

Some “Client” ExamplesSome “Client” Examples

FTP Client SoftwareFTP Client Software

The Web BrowserThe Web Browser

IBM Lotus NotesIBM Lotus Notes

Terminal ServicesTerminal Services

The Admin tools for almost The Admin tools for almost any relational databaseany relational database

Network Management Network Management consolesconsoles

The browser as Universal ClientThe browser as Universal Client

What made the “Web Browser” a winner?What made the “Web Browser” a winner?

– One client installation provided access to a huge variety of One client installation provided access to a huge variety of servers and contentservers and content

– Enough people had them, that a “Customer Base” could Enough people had them, that a “Customer Base” could be reached without the production and distribution of a be reached without the production and distribution of a purpose built client platformpurpose built client platform

– Reduced “Cost to Market” and “Time to Market” so Reduced “Cost to Market” and “Time to Market” so deeply, that many ideas became profitable for the first deeply, that many ideas became profitable for the first timetime

– By the late 1990’s, the Web Browser has become the By the late 1990’s, the Web Browser has become the “Universal Client”“Universal Client”

The Browser Goes CorporateThe Browser Goes Corporate

In the mid-late 1990’s, Corporations begin using the browser In the mid-late 1990’s, Corporations begin using the browser for more complex tasks in “Intranets”for more complex tasks in “Intranets”– Lotus Notes developers shake heads in confusion over the Lotus Notes developers shake heads in confusion over the

excitement – nothing new here, what’s the big deal?excitement – nothing new here, what’s the big deal?

HTML quickly found unsuitable for complex user interface HTML quickly found unsuitable for complex user interface requirementsrequirements– Applets are tried, but Java isn’t up to the task yetApplets are tried, but Java isn’t up to the task yet– XML is created for storing dataXML is created for storing data– Flash is created for better display controlFlash is created for better display control

Result: The browser rapidly increases in complexity and Result: The browser rapidly increases in complexity and bloat, while loosing universality as more and more “add-ons” bloat, while loosing universality as more and more “add-ons” make version control impossible in any user basemake version control impossible in any user base

What is a “Rich Client”What is a “Rich Client”

Really means “Richer than the Browser”Really means “Richer than the Browser”

Rich Clients are described in relation to the web Rich Clients are described in relation to the web browserbrowser

– To some extent, the web browser IS a “Rich Client” in To some extent, the web browser IS a “Rich Client” in comparison to a “Dumb Terminal”comparison to a “Dumb Terminal”

– They fill gaps in the capability of the browserThey fill gaps in the capability of the browser

SecuritySecurity Session ControlSession Control User Interface ComplexityUser Interface Complexity Client Side StorageClient Side Storage Client Side ProgrammabilityClient Side Programmability

What’s wrong with the clients we haveWhat’s wrong with the clients we have

Most are “Dedicated” clients, built to talk with only Most are “Dedicated” clients, built to talk with only one kind of serverone kind of server– Production of an application to be used in those clients Production of an application to be used in those clients

means changing the server to produce a compatible means changing the server to produce a compatible interfaceinterface Example: Creating a Web Browser application for IBM Lotus Example: Creating a Web Browser application for IBM Lotus

DominoDomino

More generic clients, like the browser, have More generic clients, like the browser, have limitations that make complex applications difficult limitations that make complex applications difficult to use or manageto use or manage

Producing an entire client user interface is an Producing an entire client user interface is an expensive proposition, leading to the use of poor expensive proposition, leading to the use of poor but generic clients like the web browserbut generic clients like the web browser

The Browser is not always good enoughThe Browser is not always good enough

For many applications, a browser does not provide For many applications, a browser does not provide an acceptable user interfacean acceptable user interface– This can be overcome with Applets or extensive This can be overcome with Applets or extensive

JavaScript, however the benefits of a browser are quickly JavaScript, however the benefits of a browser are quickly lost in these complex efforts as is universality.lost in these complex efforts as is universality.

IBM has a customer base with huge numbers of IBM has a customer base with huge numbers of “Line Workers” using data interface applications “Line Workers” using data interface applications (e.g. Bank Tellers, Airline Customer Service (e.g. Bank Tellers, Airline Customer Service Representatives)Representatives)– Traditionally served well by “Dumb Terminals”Traditionally served well by “Dumb Terminals”– Terminals are largely gone, but PC’s have proven costly to Terminals are largely gone, but PC’s have proven costly to

deploy and maintaindeploy and maintain

The Universal Rich ClientThe Universal Rich Client

The Goal of a Universal ClientThe Goal of a Universal Client– Create a framework which allows you the important features Create a framework which allows you the important features

of a “Rich Client” without having to create a new one for of a “Rich Client” without having to create a new one for every unique applicationevery unique application

– Unify the massive (and profitable) Lotus technologies base Unify the massive (and profitable) Lotus technologies base with the traditional IBM customer requirementswith the traditional IBM customer requirements

– Unify the user interface and distributed computing benefits of Unify the user interface and distributed computing benefits of complex client software with the low maintenance cost complex client software with the low maintenance cost benefits of the browser or terminal.benefits of the browser or terminal.

– Unify the security and business logic to a single development Unify the security and business logic to a single development effort that supports multiple client typeseffort that supports multiple client types

The Universal Rich Client GoalsThe Universal Rich Client Goals

IBM Workplace Client Technologies Rich EditionIBM Workplace Client Technologies Rich Edition

– Cost of Ownership Like A BrowserCost of Ownership Like A Browser Universality of underlying business logicUniversality of underlying business logic Deployment and Version Control to the component level through Deployment and Version Control to the component level through

centralized provisioningcentralized provisioning Existing user interface components allow inexpensive functionality for Existing user interface components allow inexpensive functionality for

simple projectssimple projects

– Power Like A Purpose Built Rich ClientPower Like A Purpose Built Rich Client Plug-able interface allows specialized components for purpose built Plug-able interface allows specialized components for purpose built

componentscomponents– Custom build the parts you need, use the generic tools for the rest of the Custom build the parts you need, use the generic tools for the rest of the

applicationapplication– Mix standardized parts with proprietary as neededMix standardized parts with proprietary as needed

– Predictable Client Side BehaviorPredictable Client Side Behavior

Part 2 – What this new Rich Client is made fromPart 2 – What this new Rich Client is made from

It’s a java based windowing framework with services It’s a java based windowing framework with services added to allow provisioning and communication.added to allow provisioning and communication.

What? You want more than that?What? You want more than that?

First, it’s built on “Eclipse”First, it’s built on “Eclipse”

But what does that mean?But what does that mean?

Built on “Eclipse”Built on “Eclipse”

IBM, with many others, have produced a universal IBM, with many others, have produced a universal client framework – Eclipseclient framework – Eclipse– Eclipse is now released to and embraced by the Open Eclipse is now released to and embraced by the Open

Source communitySource community– Eclipse is not the Java Development Environment, rather, Eclipse is not the Java Development Environment, rather,

the Java IDE is built on the Eclipse frameworkthe Java IDE is built on the Eclipse framework– This would be like thinking of the Microsoft Foundation This would be like thinking of the Microsoft Foundation

Classes for Windows as Visual Studio.Classes for Windows as Visual Studio.Eclipse is a framework for building complex applications – Eclipse is a framework for building complex applications – a development environment is one such applicationa development environment is one such applicationSee: See: http://www.eclipse.org/projects/index.htmlhttp://www.eclipse.org/projects/index.html

Where the Eclipse framework fitsWhere the Eclipse framework fits

To understand the value of the Eclipse framework, To understand the value of the Eclipse framework, look at the adoption of Windowslook at the adoption of Windows

– To speed adoption of Windows, Microsoft introduced the To speed adoption of Windows, Microsoft introduced the “Microsoft Foundation” classes for c++“Microsoft Foundation” classes for c++

Prior to that point, you had to code every aspect of every Prior to that point, you had to code every aspect of every dialog box – extremely expensive and time consumingdialog box – extremely expensive and time consuming

By using their library, time to market was cut by many By using their library, time to market was cut by many months, but cross platform compatibility inherent in pure c+months, but cross platform compatibility inherent in pure c++ was lost because the foundation library was Windows only.+ was lost because the foundation library was Windows only.

Java renews cross platform developmentJava renews cross platform development

Java has stayed (mostly) true to its cross platform Java has stayed (mostly) true to its cross platform goalsgoals

AWT, SWING, and SWT provide UI classes for java AWT, SWING, and SWT provide UI classes for java but are specific to a single applicationbut are specific to a single application

Eclipse provides a framework for applications Eclipse provides a framework for applications written in Java to run withinwritten in Java to run within– Like Windows provides a framework for applications Like Windows provides a framework for applications

written for its own interfacewritten for its own interface– The Eclipse framework offers integration between The Eclipse framework offers integration between

components independent of the operating systemcomponents independent of the operating system

http://http://www.eclipse.org/projects/index.htmlwww.eclipse.org/projects/index.html

Workplace Rich Client ExtensionsWorkplace Rich Client Extensions

Notice that at this layer, it goes from being Notice that at this layer, it goes from being “Eclipse” to the “IBM Workplace Platform”“Eclipse” to the “IBM Workplace Platform”

IBM Adds proprietary

extensions to Eclipse to

provide the services that

make the Rich Client “Bag of

Tricks”

A confusion of NamesA confusion of Names

IBM Workplace Technology is a PlatformIBM Workplace Technology is a Platform

IBM Workplace Technology Rich Edition is an IBM Workplace Technology Rich Edition is an environmentenvironment

IBM Lotus Workplace is an applicationIBM Lotus Workplace is an application

The IBM Lotus Workplace has components which run The IBM Lotus Workplace has components which run as an application within the IBM Workplace as an application within the IBM Workplace Technology Rich EditionTechnology Rich Edition

IBM has stated that Lotus Notes Version 8 will be an IBM has stated that Lotus Notes Version 8 will be an application which runs within the IBM Workplace application which runs within the IBM Workplace Technology Rich EditionTechnology Rich Edition

IBM Lotus WorkplaceIBM Lotus Workplace

IBM IBM Lotus WorkplaceLotus Workplace client is one use of the IBM client is one use of the IBM Workplace Client to talk to a specific serverWorkplace Client to talk to a specific server

There are many possible server specific specific “Plug-In” clients

you can imagine…

Including….

IBM Lotus Notes

IBM Workplace Client Technology: Rich EditionIBM Workplace Client Technology: Rich Edition

Another way to look at how the “Rich Edition” Another way to look at how the “Rich Edition” provides a place for many “Client” applications to provides a place for many “Client” applications to run togetherrun together

Part 3 – Where does IBM Lotus Notes fit in the Part 3 – Where does IBM Lotus Notes fit in the Workplace Client picture?Workplace Client picture?

"Reports of my death have been greatly "Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated" exaggerated"

Samuel Clemmons (Mark Twain)Samuel Clemmons (Mark Twain)

Lotus Notes isn’t going anywhereLotus Notes isn’t going anywhere

The Lotus Domino Server, needs a Lotus Notes The Lotus Domino Server, needs a Lotus Notes client to talk to itclient to talk to it

– The IBM Universal Rich Client will be that client tooThe IBM Universal Rich Client will be that client too

The Lotus Notes Client Fits Right InThe Lotus Notes Client Fits Right In

In IWCT Rich Edition 2 (The current version) – Notes applications can be visualized within the framework, but not all parts of the Notes client are available – Bookmarks and menus, for example, are still

missing. Of course, as Lotus Notes 7 Beta Milestone 2 is required this isn’t in use very much yet

IWCT-RE version 2.5 promises more…IWCT-RE version 2.5 promises more…

IBM Workplace Client Technology – Rich Edition IBM Workplace Client Technology – Rich Edition version 2.5 has been targeted for a release this version 2.5 has been targeted for a release this year.year.– This version is targeted to include support for the This version is targeted to include support for the

remaining features of the Lotus Notes Clientremaining features of the Lotus Notes Client

– Users of both Lotus Workplace and Lotus Notes Users of both Lotus Workplace and Lotus Notes shouldshould not not need to Launch their Lotus Notes client software outside need to Launch their Lotus Notes client software outside the Workplace Rich Clientthe Workplace Rich Client

Keep in mind, this is the stated goal, but may change as the Keep in mind, this is the stated goal, but may change as the release gets closer!release gets closer!

– At this time, Designer and Admin clients are still outside At this time, Designer and Admin clients are still outside as standalone applicationsas standalone applications

Backwards CompatibilityBackwards Compatibility

The Lotus Notes Client “Plug-In” will be a true Lotus Notes The Lotus Notes Client “Plug-In” will be a true Lotus Notes Client running locallyClient running locally

It is NOT being re-written in JavaIt is NOT being re-written in Java

– The core Lotus Notes and Lotus Domino server has always been The core Lotus Notes and Lotus Domino server has always been built to be cross platform. Only operating system specific code built to be cross platform. Only operating system specific code has traditionally had to be specially built for each platformhas traditionally had to be specially built for each platform

– The Lotus Notes Client plug-in uses JNI to call the same program The Lotus Notes Client plug-in uses JNI to call the same program code that has always been usedcode that has always been used

– A proprietary extension is used to “Re-Parent” native user A proprietary extension is used to “Re-Parent” native user interface screens from the Lotus Notes client into the Eclipse interface screens from the Lotus Notes client into the Eclipse frameworkframework

– Backwards compatible to a very great degreeBackwards compatible to a very great degree In all likelihood, even existing LSX add-ons will still work!In all likelihood, even existing LSX add-ons will still work!

– A Lotus Notes Client Plug-In version will still have to be created A Lotus Notes Client Plug-In version will still have to be created for each platformfor each platform

The Longevity of Notes & DominoThe Longevity of Notes & Domino

The Lotus Notes client will continue to exist and The Lotus Notes client will continue to exist and grow as the client to the Lotus Domino servergrow as the client to the Lotus Domino server

The Lotus Domino Server is still the best back end The Lotus Domino Server is still the best back end architecture for Workflow and Collaboration – and architecture for Workflow and Collaboration – and will continue to be for some time to comewill continue to be for some time to come

IBM Workplace Technologies provide a framework IBM Workplace Technologies provide a framework for a different kinds of applicationsfor a different kinds of applications

– Relational Database front endsRelational Database front ends– Transaction Based SystemsTransaction Based Systems

Lotus Domino & Lotus Workplace Overlap Lotus Domino & Lotus Workplace Overlap

There will be overlap between the applications built for Lotus There will be overlap between the applications built for Lotus Domino and those built for Lotus WorkplaceDomino and those built for Lotus Workplace

– Not all customers want Lotus DominoNot all customers want Lotus Domino– Not all customers want Lotus WorkplaceNot all customers want Lotus Workplace– The IWCT Rich Client provides a common base for both platforms The IWCT Rich Client provides a common base for both platforms

which will enable cross platform applications to be built which which will enable cross platform applications to be built which leverage both technologiesleverage both technologies

At present, the IWCT server is required to distribute At present, the IWCT server is required to distribute (Provision) the Rich Client to the desktop, however this may (Provision) the Rich Client to the desktop, however this may not always be the casenot always be the case

It will likely be required to take advantage of centralized provisioning It will likely be required to take advantage of centralized provisioning and version controland version control

Part 4 – The FuturePart 4 – The Future

What opportunities does the new Rich What opportunities does the new Rich Client open for corporations, partners, Client open for corporations, partners,

and ISV’s?and ISV’s?

Where To IntegrateWhere To Integrate

Never have so many opportunities been present for Never have so many opportunities been present for confusion by so much information all at onceconfusion by so much information all at once

Integration with IBM Lotus Workplace is not required Integration with IBM Lotus Workplace is not required for integration with IBM Workplace Technologies for integration with IBM Workplace Technologies Rich EditionRich Edition

Both Lotus Workplace and Lotus Notes integrate with Both Lotus Workplace and Lotus Notes integrate with IWCT-REIWCT-RE

Integration will range from “On the glass” only, to Integration will range from “On the glass” only, to full scale integrated applicationsfull scale integrated applications

IBM’s Description of Integration OptionsIBM’s Description of Integration Options

Lotus Workplace is built from the ground up to

“Exploit” the full potential of IWCT-RE

Lotus Notes is “Re-Parented” initially to live nicely within the Rich Client – Deeper integration

to come later

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/redp3883.html?Open

IWCT-RE is Good for ISV’sIWCT-RE is Good for ISV’s

The issues for ISV’s are the same as for any other application The issues for ISV’s are the same as for any other application developerdeveloper– Even at the least level of integration, the Rich Client provides a Even at the least level of integration, the Rich Client provides a

solid framework the ISV doesn’t have to buildsolid framework the ISV doesn’t have to build– Increased levels of integration provide advantages to the ISV in Increased levels of integration provide advantages to the ISV in

leveraging the framework for provisioning and version controlleveraging the framework for provisioning and version control Lotus Notes ISV’s rejoice!Lotus Notes ISV’s rejoice!

– No longer need to choose custom user interface or integrated No longer need to choose custom user interface or integrated look and feel – can have bothlook and feel – can have both

– Integrate on the screen through the Rich Client, and at the back Integrate on the screen through the Rich Client, and at the back end through the Java classes.end through the Java classes.

Example: Pull view data through the java classes, and display in a 3D Example: Pull view data through the java classes, and display in a 3D user interface on the same screenuser interface on the same screen

ResourcesResources

Strategy White Paper: IBM Workplace Client Technology Strategy White Paper: IBM Workplace Client Technology ftp.software.ibm.comftp.software.ibm.com

/software/lotus/pub/lotusweb/clienttech//software/lotus/pub/lotusweb/clienttech/

IBMWorkplaceClientTechnology_StrategyWhitePaper_May2004.pdfIBMWorkplaceClientTechnology_StrategyWhitePaper_May2004.pdf

IWCT-RE Technical OverviewIWCT-RE Technical Overviewhttp://www.redbooks.ibm.comhttp://www.redbooks.ibm.com

/redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/redp3884.html?Open /redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/redp3884.html?Open

IWCT-RE ISV Integration GuideIWCT-RE ISV Integration Guidehttp://www.redbooks.ibm.comhttp://www.redbooks.ibm.com

/Redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/redp3883.html?Open/Redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/redp3883.html?Open

The Eclipse site:The Eclipse site: http://www.eclipse.orghttp://www.eclipse.org My own site: http://www.thenorth.comMy own site: http://www.thenorth.com

Thank you for playing!Thank you for playing!

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We might even get some IBM We might even get some IBM people from the audience here to people from the audience here to speak up with answersspeak up with answers

You may also contact me directly You may also contact me directly if you likeif you like

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The latest copy of this The latest copy of this presentation will also be available presentation will also be available at my website: at my website: http://www.thenorth.comhttp://www.thenorth.com

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Andrew Pollack

andrewp@thenorth.com

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