Lotus have recently launched a beta version of iNotes working on an ongoing strategy of making collaboration between other platforms an easier task.

The improved version of iNotes is intended to enable access to Domino-based applications both online and offline, earlier versions could only support online use. This access to Domino messaging and collaboration services are through a web browser and is one of three diferent version of notes. There is the standard desktop verions and Mobile Notes, that runs on mobile devises such as smart phones and palm-sized PC's.

Lotus state that as iNotes is server-based it reduces the cost of ownership and should help adminstrators to deploy and maintain applications from a central server location without having to configure each desktop.

The latest version was announced at Lotusphere in January, but is not expected to ship until the first quarter of next year. This version of iNotes is using latest technologies such as XML and DHTML and is said to provide the user with a much richer experience and much improved interface.

The software is available for download from Lotus' website however pricing for the final version is not yet available, the current version costs around £31 per user.