The Notes client opens with the Task Center, which is a page of shortcuts for performing the main tasks available in Notes (e.g., email, contact information, calendar, to-do list, headlines). The headlines page is a new feature that is an extension of Domino 4.6's Portfolio database, which was a database of database links. The headlines page is similar in concept to the Outlook Today option in Outlook. This page contains several customizable items a user needs, such as a to-do list, new email, a calendar, and perhaps a favorite Web page, all on one screen.
A new bookmarks feature contains saved links to URLs and Domino database documents. The Notes client extends Web browsers' forward and backward buttons for use in Domino databases. As part of the Web-browser technology integration, Notes imports existing Netscape bookmarks and IE favorites and creates a Notes bookmark for each entry.
If you don't want Notes' improved functionality, you can revert to the traditional workspace, in which a desktop icon represents each Notes database. However, your improved productivity is worth the time you'll spend learning the new interface.
The Notes client now includes JavaScript 1.3 support. This improvement will ensure that Domino applications can work with Web browsers and Notes clients. In the past, developers often had to write two parts of the application—one for each type of client. This task was time-consuming and led to potential differences in how each type of application worked. JavaScript is now the preferred language for front-end programming (rather than the current LotusScript, which is based on Visual Basic—VB).
Notes now supports signature files, which is a vast improvement over the previous Notes email stationery feature. This feature was awkward to use and worked only when you sent a new email message—not when you replied to or forwarded a message. An inbox assistant lets you control actions that occur when new email arrives. This assistant runs on the Domino server.
A final feature is the Notes Minder applet, which resides in the NT, Win98, or Win95 system tray. The Notes Minder informs you when you receive new email or when a task comes due, without the Notes client running. When you receive a notification, you click the Notes Minder applet in the system tray to launch Notes and open your email.
Further Reading
For more information about Domino 5.0's features, see Iris Today at http://notes.net/today.nsf. You can also download the Domino 5.0 Reviewer's Guide from http://www.lotus.com/home.nsf/welcome/r5guide.