# IBM Lotus Domino > software platform sold by IBM **Wikidata**: [Q1069529](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1069529) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Lotus_Domino) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ibm-lotus-domino ## Summary IBM Lotus Domino is a software platform developed by IBM for collaborative applications, messaging, and document-oriented database management. Originally created by Lotus Software, it was acquired by IBM in 1995 and became part of its Lotus Development division. The platform supports multiple operating systems and has been widely used in enterprise environments for email, workflow automation, and internal communications. ## Key Facts - **Developer**: Initially developed by Lotus Software; acquired and maintained by IBM after 1995. - **Instance Of**: Collaborative software, document-oriented database management system, and general software platform. - **Supported Operating Systems**: Windows NT 4.0, OS/2 Warp Server, Solaris versions 2.6, 7, and 8. - **Latest Version**: 10.0.1 FP 4 released on February 5, 2020. - **Discontinued**: Support officially ended in July 2019 when ownership transferred to HCL Technologies. - **Aliases**: Also known as IBM Domino, Lotus Domino, IBM Lotus Domino Server. - **Website**: http://www.ibm.com/software/lotus/products/domino/ - **Freebase ID**: /m/05f1vl - **Wikipedia Languages**: Available in 10 languages including English, German, French, Russian, and Chinese. ## FAQs ### Q: What is IBM Lotus Domino used for? A: IBM Lotus Domino is primarily used for enterprise collaboration, email services, workflow automation, and managing document-based databases. It enables organizations to build custom business applications with integrated communication features. ### Q: When was IBM Lotus Domino discontinued? A: IBM discontinued support for Lotus Domino in July 2019. Ownership of the product was then transferred to HCL Technologies. ### Q: Who developed IBM Lotus Domino? A: Lotus Domino was originally developed by Lotus Software. After IBM acquired Lotus in 1995, it continued development under the name IBM Lotus Domino until its transfer to HCL Technologies. ## Why It Matters IBM Lotus Domino played a significant role in shaping enterprise collaboration platforms during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. As one of the pioneering systems combining email, database functionality, and application development tools into a single environment, it enabled businesses to streamline internal processes and develop tailored solutions without extensive programming resources. Its influence can be seen in modern collaborative platforms like Microsoft Exchange and cloud-based productivity suites. Though now discontinued by IBM, its legacy continues through HCL Domino, preserving its utility in many legacy enterprise infrastructures worldwide. ## Notable For - One of the earliest integrated platforms combining email, database, and application development capabilities. - Pioneering use of replication technology for distributed data access across networks. - Long-standing presence in enterprise IT infrastructure since the mid-1990s. - Transition from proprietary Lotus ecosystem to integration within IBM's broader software portfolio. - Continuation under new ownership (HCL) post-discontinuation by IBM. ## Body ### Overview IBM Lotus Domino is a multi-platform software suite designed for enterprise collaboration and application development. It provides core functionalities such as email delivery, calendaring, workflow automation, and secure document sharing. Built around a document-oriented database model, Domino allows developers to create custom line-of-business applications using built-in scripting and design elements. ### History Originally developed by **Lotus Software**, the platform was launched in the mid-1990s as part of the company’s push toward groupware technologies. In **1995**, IBM acquired Lotus Software and incorporated it into its own software division, renaming it **IBM Lotus Domino**. Under IBM, the platform evolved to integrate more closely with other enterprise tools and expanded its cross-platform compatibility. In **July 2019**, IBM ceased active development and support for the product, transferring stewardship to **HCL Technologies**, which rebranded it as **HCL Domino** while maintaining backward compatibility and extending some feature sets. ### Technical Specifications Domino operates on several server-class operating systems: - **Microsoft Windows NT 4.0** - **OS/2 Warp Server** - **Sun Microsystems Solaris (versions 2.6, 7, and 8)** The architecture includes: - A robust **document-oriented database engine** - Native support for **replication and synchronization** - Integrated **SMTP and POP3 protocols** for messaging - Support for **web-based interfaces via Domino Web Access** Its extensibility comes from: - Formula Language and LotusScript for logic implementation - Visual design tools for forms, views, and navigation elements ### Versions & Lifecycle Key releases included: - Early adoption release: **Version 5.07** - Final major update before transition: **Version 10.0.1 Feature Pack 4**, released on **February 5, 2020** Support officially ended in **July 2019**, marking the conclusion of IBM’s direct involvement with the platform. ### Ecosystem and Usage Lotus Domino had strong ties with other IBM products such as **Lotus Notes**, which served as the primary client interface. Together, they formed a comprehensive groupware solution that competed directly with Microsoft’s Exchange Server and Outlook. Organizations leveraged Domino for: - Internal corporate communications - Workflow process automation - Document management systems - Custom intranet portals and dashboards Despite being phased out by IBM, many enterprises continue to rely on Domino-based systems due to long-term investments in existing deployments and migration complexity. With ongoing maintenance by HCL, these systems remain functional albeit increasingly niche in today’s cloud-first landscape. ## References 1. National Software Reference Library 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013