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~Xagra Froponeskiader
Jul 13, 2015, 5:58 PM
1 Posts

Lotus Notes question

  • Category: Notes Client
  • Platform: Windows
  • Release: 9.0
  • Role:
  • Tags:
  • Replies: 5

Do I need a domino server?

I'm confused and new to Lotus Notes/IBM. I'm taking over for an old company and not getting much help and I need to know the requirements for using just Notes database files for the users.

They have a file server where the NSF files are stored that all the clients connect to on the network.

They DO NOT use email through Lotus. They use browser-based gmail.

I'm not even sure what servers they have yet as they aren't getting me much info but I need to plan for a potential migration.

 

To run the client databases for Lotus Notes, would this file server that shares out the NSF files need to have IBM software installed on it, or can if be a normal Windows File Share? I'm just trying to figure out if I have to dedicate an entire file server to just Lotus Notes. Is the "Domino" Server just for emai, or is Domino required to run the client databases centrally stored?

 

Help!!!

 

Josh

~Zach Fezgerotherettu
Jul 13, 2015, 7:19 PM
122 Posts
Re: Lotus Notes question
Hello Josh!

In fact, it depends on how your users will be access the databases.
NSF files stored on a File Server (for example Windows) will provide access to one user by time. For  Notes Client it is like a local database (stored on c:\ drive).

So, answering your last question, Domino Server is not just for email. A Domino server is required to run the client databases centrally stored.

I hope it helps.

Best Regards!

Rodrigo San Vicente

~Justin Deshipipulynds
Jul 13, 2015, 9:02 PM
43 Posts
You really will need a Domino Server
Domino is a powerful application server. The Domino Server is required for multiple users to access the NSF (Notes Storage File) simultaneously. If you keep it on a network share, the file will become corrupted or will lock out simultaneous access. You also bypass all of the security and user centric logging activity. The Groups used for controlling access and workflow with the applications. The Domino server can be run in a virtualized environment. So your following comment doesn't really make sense. There is no separate "file server" for Domino but you should plan on a dedicated VM depending on # and types of applications.

"....If I have to dedicate an entire file server to just Lotus Notes. Is the "Domino" Server just for email, or is Domino required to run the client databases centrally stored?"

The way I would answer it is this: If you have Notes Applications you need a Domino server. Domino is much more than email. Many customers who migrate to another email solution keep their Domino Applications servers.

It does take some knowledge in Domino administration to know how to configure and administer a Domino server, create and manage user ids, control security. If your users are already working with NSF files, chances are there is an existing Domino Server infrastructure in place. Moving that and integrating with whatever LDAP or directory server you have is one option. Another option is to leverage a hosting partner that hosts Domino Applications.
~Fritz Ekfoobergflar
Jul 13, 2015, 9:21 PM
202 Posts
You're going to end up with corrupt databases
if you have multiple people access the files on a file share at the same time.

You need a Domino server.
~Hank Lopvelutergon
Jul 14, 2015, 4:06 PM
100 Posts
Domino

Domino is the name that describes all the server based processed associated with Notes apps (databases, .nsf files). This includes http(s), access control/user rights management, smtp, agent (code run on schedule) management, search index management, server to server replication, and more.

You can run Notes apps without the server, but as others have indicated, you give up all of the background processes the server provides.

If you're tasked to migrate Notes apps to a new platform and you're not a Notes dev, please save yourself grief and find a consultant who can help. Notes apps can be quite complex and moving the data to another platform doesn't mean you get all the workflow and features present in the native app.

You can run other services on a Domino server, just like you could run other services on an Oracle server, but it's generally advised that you don't; the other services could interfere with some of the Domino stuff and if you try and get help, the various vendors will just blame all the other vendors for the problem; do you self a favor and keep the server clean.

Best of luck.

~Tip Ekresaman
Jul 16, 2015, 1:52 AM
212 Posts
Open Notes Databases

You can open a single notes database with a Notes client locally, but only one pereson can s the file at a time, and they will not be able to share the file.  Inorder to house a file in a central location and have that file accessed by multiple users, you will need to set up a domino server


This forum is closed to new posts and responses. Individual names altered for privacy purposes. The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a forum for customer support requests. Any customer support requests should be directed to the official HCL customer support channels below:

HCL Software Customer Support Portal for U.S. Federal Government clients
HCL Software Customer Support Portal