HCL Domino Reviews

The primary purposes for which HCL Domino is used are mail and applications.

Some of the best features in HCL Domino are that it functions as a Swiss army knife. It does everything.

I am saying that these features are somewhat limited even though they are numerous within the product. It does many things and does them reasonably well. You can make it do many things because it is an application server. However, programming it is not easy. Nowadays, there are other platforms in which you can program more easily.

I have noticed some weak points and downsides. HCL Domino is a Swiss army knife, which is the downside as well. It does many things, which is an advantage. The biggest downside is that it is a good product, but there are not that many applications for it. There are not that many ready-made applications. When they do exist, they tend to be somewhat pricey.

I have not actually used HCL Domino's low-code tools. There are no low-code tools. HCL says there are, but frankly speaking, I have tried it and I always come back to the classic, the original HCL Domino. I do not see it as truly low-code. They call it Leap. Even when you want to do something more specific or more complex, you do need programming logic and then it stops being low-code.

I would say that there are much better low-code platforms. N8N, for instance, looks nice with nice diagrams, especially for workflow and automation, which is where HCL Domino is lacking.

The evaluation of the security features of HCL Domino in handling sensitive business information is that it has a peculiar security model, which I view as acceptable. Sometimes it may get in your way, but sometimes it simplifies things. It depends.

I have been using HCL Domino for 20 years.

My overall rating for HCL Domino is that we are happy with it. We are reasonably happy with it. We are sort of stuck with it because you cannot just move the applications. The fact is that it simply works. Once we develop an application, it basically works and does not really break.

My thoughts about the impact of HCL Domino's client-server communication on collaborative applications are that it is much faster to develop a native client application, such as HCL Notes. However, for some features, those features are simply not really possible with standard HCL client applications, which means moving all application development to web access, adding a lot of work.

My experience with the technical support of HCL is that they are responsive.

Positive

The complexities and challenges when it comes to the deployment of HCL Domino depend on the company size. It is fairly complex now.

In terms of time, the deployment might require varying durations, as it depends on what is being implemented. The programming work sometimes takes a long time. The operational work is quite acceptable and simply works.

The configuration of the setup of a new HCL Domino takes about three hours, though it depends on various factors.

I think that one person is enough to deploy the product even if we are a small enterprise. We are small with about 10 people. I think even if we had 10 times that, it would take the same time.

I have thought of some alternatives for HCL Domino. It is difficult to switch to other products because we invested a lot into the applications, meaning a complete change of the workflow. In a certain sense, HCL Domino means freedom for us because it enables us to keep the data in one datastore, which is reasonably safe and human-readable.

My overall rating for this review is 9 out of 10.

I have been using HCL Domino products since 1992, when it was known as Lotus Notes. I use it myself and also work as a consultant. We are an IBM Business Partner and HCL Business Partner.

We are now gaining experience with the AI function in HCL Domino because we have many databases with substantial data that we want to make available, searchable, and enable relation discovery. We have started with the low-code tools in HCL Domino, but we skipped further development due to workloads and did not have a contract for that.

I would appreciate HCL Domino to have wider integration into the SAP world because SAP is not easy to use, and if we could integrate it into a HCL Domino application, we could post data more easily to SAP from the HCL Domino environment and vice versa.

We have had projects where we connected to IBM Maximo in HCL Domino using ODBC functions, and we also connected to a MySQL-based database where we took installation features from existing interlockings. This involved integrating with other applications.

Integration with IBM would be beneficial for HCL Domino to move from ODBC connections to REST API because Maximo supports REST API, and this would be advantageous by eliminating the need to install ODBC drivers.

I am not missing anything significant from HCL Domino at the moment. There are some smaller things that can be improved, but these have already been posted on the HCL website where we can submit our wishes.

I have been using this solution since 1992, when it was Lotus Notes.

I would rate the technical support from HCL Domino a 10.

The initial setup of HCL Domino is straightforward.

I have checked HCL Workspace, but it is still emerging, so I need to monitor it. I have not worked with IBM Watson Studio or IBM Cognos, although I am aware that Watson is an AI tool. We looked into another blue-branded tool that works with Watson, but we did not explore it deeply.

The problem we encountered was that we had to install ODBC drivers for HCL Domino. We are now focusing on a REST API alternative so that no action is required from the client side, although we do not have a contract for this yet.

The analytics tools from HCL Domino have not directly helped with my data-driven decision making. We used Business Intelligence tools to analyze data we exported from HCL Domino.

The pricing for HCL Domino is completely reasonable. It is user-defined and the fees are comparable to others, sometimes a little cheaper. With the concept presented by HCL Domino Workspace at three different levels with two dollars per user per month, I think that is unbeatable.

We are currently discovering all the features already available in HCL Domino 14.5.1. We need more experience and deeper exploration, but due to limited manpower and existing projects keeping us occupied, we do not have time for extensive experience-building. We have no plans to expand at this time. I would rate this review a 10.

My main use cases for HCL Domino include one where we needed a solution to share sensitive information securely through email, as the standard packages lacked adequate security controls. We looked for something that allowed greater control, which HCL Domino offered with its on-premise solution that addressed many security-related issues.

The second use case involved developing internal applications for various departments, and HCL Domino's low code development platform, Domino Leap, was a good fit for automating processes data collection and workflow management. Additionally, Domino provided ready-made applications for secure teamwork through team rooms, where security controls ensured that multiple teams could collaborate without concerns over the security of their content.

From the perspective of HCL Domino's features, what I find most useful about the platform is its compactness and minimal attack surface. The attack surface refers to the areas open for exploitation, and HCL Domino's architecture means it runs efficiently on minimal servers, significantly reducing potential vulnerabilities compared to larger, more complex systems. Another critical feature is the optimized storage capability through DAOS, where duplicates of attachments are stored as a single copy, integrating storage efficiency directly into the platform without needing multiple solutions.

Regarding the features of HCL Domino, the strong mechanisms for encryption play a vital role in ensuring data integrity and compliance. For instance, when I install HCL Domino on a cloud platform AWS, all databases are encrypted, protecting them from unauthorized access. Additionally, the inbuilt PKI is a trusted feature of Domino, enhancing overall security along with new features in the latest versions that align with modern security offerings, including SSL and TLS encryption, which we integrate with Cloudflare.

I have configured HCL Domino with three servers in a secure manner, and from an uptime perspective, we had no issues. As the sole administrator, along with one other person, the system just kept running. We also migrated between service providers seamlessly, taking just a few hours, proving that manageability and uptime are strong points for HCL Domino.

One challenge I faced with HCL Domino was fully understanding its capabilities because initial use may lead to misconceptions based on simpler platforms. Exploring and comprehending what is possible takes time and effort, as understanding the full range of functionalities requires a mindset shift to leverage the platform's capabilities effectively.

I believe HCL Domino is on a good improvement path, although a limitation is the lack of many service providers offering the platform, making initial setup more time-consuming for organizations without the expertise. If there were more subscription-based service providers available, it could enhance usability significantly, especially for organizations lacking the resources to install and configure systems.

I have been working with HCL Domino since 2007, when it was earlier with IBM, and I have been using it ever since. After it was acquired by HCL, I started using it for about three years plus now.

The initial setup experience with HCL Domino has a higher learning curve for first-time users, but HCL provides excellent support, making it straightforward once you grasp the configuration process. After the initial phase, setting it up becomes straightforward, although some complexities remain compared to other platforms.

I find HCL Domino to be extremely stable, and I would give it a perfect score of 10 for stability. Once it is up and running, it requires minimal intervention.

I have received good support from HCL Domino. Whenever I faced issues and raised tickets, they were addressed effectively, and most problems were resolved satisfactorily, leading me to rate support a nine.

Positive

Before using HCL Domino, I evaluated Microsoft platforms Exchange, SharePoint, and OneDrive, which did not adequately meet our needs. We also considered Process Street, a SaaS option for creating workflows, but with HCL Domino, I achieve more control and security by running it on our infrastructure compared to these alternatives.

The initial setup experience with HCL Domino has a higher learning curve for first-time users, but HCL provides excellent support, making it straightforward once you grasp the configuration process. After the initial phase, setting it up becomes straightforward, although some complexities remain compared to other platforms.

The price of HCL Domino is reasonable at about $100 per user per year for the facilities it provides, which I find very cost-effective.

HCL Domino is cost-effective because it serves as a complete platform with a web server, app server, and IT management system, eliminating the need for multiple platforms and complex integrations. Furthermore, hardware requirements are relatively modest, and savings on storage due to attachment handling further enhance its value. Security is another area where I feel more confident with HCL Domino.

For my specific needs, I rate HCL Domino a perfect 10. It meets all my particular requirements exceptionally well, although I refrain from commenting on its general utility.

I recommend that organizations assess their current infrastructure, identify pain points, and create a comparison sheet detailing required capabilities versus what HCL Domino offers. The insights from users should guide this process to determine if HCL Domino can fulfill their requirements effectively. My overall rating for HCL Domino is 10 out of 10.

We use this solution mainly for mobile email systems. Some other customized applications run on HCL Domino.

The email system is the most valuable feature.

Scalability needs to be improved to be on the level that's required. Support could also be enhanced.

I have been using HCL Domino as a customer and integrator for ten years.

The solution is fairly solid and stable.

I rate the solution’s stability a nine out of ten.

100 users are using this solution. They are mostly government set-ups, and the end user queries are from government departments.

Support is good.

Neutral

The initial setup is easy. You need to sign up. It depends on the scope. It will take longer if there are more than one or more applications.

The project usually includes infrastructure and deployment may take anywhere from one month to six months.

I rate the initial setup an eight out of ten, where one is difficult and ten is easy.

This is based on the user's selection and policy, and we assist them in deploying the solution as part of Azure. We plan based on the user's requirements. Most of our clients are government entities, so the solution adheres to government development standards. Therefore, the recommendations are not from us but are related to the product solution, setup, and overall configuration to meet their requirements. Overall, the experience is good.

Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

I use HCL Domino for internal applications, including all our banking applications and customer-facing applications. 

Additionally, I utilize it for document management, trainings, document sharing, and maintaining a document library.

One valuable feature of HCL Domino is its integration with other directories. Its hybrid nature allows the use of both web-based applications and Notes client-based applications. 

Additionally, it supports web services, enabling us to consume and expose web services. HCL Domino also supports various internal processes, including document management, trainings, and customer-facing applications.

The speed of the Notes client is an area that could be improved. Many people are not very happy with its speed. 

Additionally, in-line editing of documents and a document viewer are functionalities that would be beneficial.

I have been working with the solution since 1999.

I would rate the stability of Domino as nine out of ten.

I would rate the scalability of Domino as seven out of ten.

I would rate the current HCL support as about eight. So far, I haven't had much interaction with HCL support, so my experience has been mostly positive.

Positive

I can compare HCL Domino with SharePoint. Although I am more familiar with Domino, many projects have failed while migrating from Domino to SharePoint. Domino offers greater flexibility compared to SharePoint. However, licensing for Domino is more expensive.

For me, the setup process was simple because of my long experience with it. On a scale of one to ten, I would rate the setup process as a six or seven.

The Notes client is very expensive, costing around $105 per client. Overall, HCL Domino is a costly product.

The main competitor for HCL Domino mentioned is SharePoint.

Overall, I would rate HCL Domino as eight out of ten. 

I would recommend HCL Domino and Notes applications for small and medium-sized companies since it offers a good return on investment.

We use it for everything: developing applications, email, group calendaring, to-do, and so on.    Applications include CRM, Inventory, Safety Management System, Vacation Scheduling, Travel Expenses (in multiple languages), Order entry, Fuel Sales, Ground School Attendance and Marking, Flight Dispatch, etc.

In the current deployment, HCL Notes / Domino is helping us to move away from the paper based procedures that have been virtually unchanged since the 1950s.

As a flight training organization we are required by regulation to maintain meticulous records.  There is a lot of data duplication - with all the errors that ensue.  Domino is helping to reduce the ensuing wasted effort.

For workflow applications or general applications, the rapid development capability is what we value most.

The product is extremely secure. Everything between the client and server is encrypted. Databases are encrypted by default. There are many levels of security, down to the field level. It's about as robust a product as exists.

There are small areas of improvement.  HCL has taken over from IBM, and is making rapid improvements. IBM sat on it for almost 20 years and did nothing, whereas HCL is making a big effort, and we are impressed. 

The Notes / Domino suite includes several client applications: Notes client, iNotes, HCL Verse and now HCL Nomad.  With Nomad applications designed for a Windows or Mac desktop will run with only minor modifications on Android or iOS devices.   Nomad Web runs in a browser.

Some things still don't work 100 percent on Nomad, but HCL maintains an ideas portal and new requests are reviewed and incorporated regularly.

On thing we would like is that some views should be visible to a particular user on Windows/Mac but not in the Nomad app. It's currently possible to restrict the view, but it's by user, not by user combined with device.  

One major failing: We wish it had a reporting engine, which it doesn't.

30 years

I would rate the stability a ten out of ten.  We have applications developed in 1995 that are running without any changes under the current version.

It's immensely scalable. We're a tiny operation, less than 50 people, so we're on the very small end. 

The customer service and support are great.  Same day response and a dedicated HCL rep who stays on the case until it is resolved.

Fore example, I had an issue with the colors on headings of views not showing up correctly depending on the operating system. I messaged them, and they responded within a day.

We communicated back and forth, sometimes twice a day, and they kept me updated on the progress and how it would be fixed in the next release. They are very responsive, the most responsive I've ever seen for a big company.

That's a huge plus for me. It makes a big difference to get a real person answering and staying on the case until I'm satisfied. 

Positive

We previously - prior to 1995 - used a product called FOCUS for database and reporting functions.  FOCUS (now called WebFOCUS) has a very powerful reporting engine and is primarily marketed as such, but has always also had database capabilities.

We switched to Domino because of ease of development and flexibility.  Domino has Views which are sort of real time reports so we can live without a full reporting suite, but having one would be a real bonus.

It's a one-click setup. Getting the Domino server application running is quite easy. Setting up mail and other features involves the same steps as any mail system.

In house, with help from an outside contractor.  Our vendor is able to provide assistance if required.

ROI is hard to determine in our current situation, since we are starting from scratch with a new deployment and have only a few apps in production.  However the users are pleased and the paperwork burden is easing.

At the previous company, the entire company revolved around the Domino deployment. All customer relationship management, supplier management, product databases, customer databases, supplier databases, sales databases, vacation tracking, travel expenses, etc. were developed in Domino.

The pricing is individually determined. HCL has a simple pricing model: per user per year. We pay $100 US per user per year.  But "guest" users are permitted without any licence requirement.  And any number of servers can be deployed without charge.

It has a few flaws. Overall, I would rate the solution a nine out of ten. 

I use the solution in my company for workflows and document management, as it is a pretty broad platform.

The most valuable features of the solution are security and integration.

I expect more integration capabilities from the platform in the future.

HCL Domino has made a lot of changes in its pricing and market models.

The product's user interface is one of its shortcomings since it is outdated, making it an area for improvement.

The functionalities offered by the product make up for the outdated UI that it has.

I have been using HCL Domino for around twenty-five years.

It is a stable solution. Stability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.

The product can run for years without the need for a restart, but there are times when it occasionally does hang.

HCL Domino has scalability features that are not as scalable as some of the bigger systems like Oracle, but that's really not a leaning factor for my company. HCL Domino is used by organizations with hundreds and even thousands of employees.

The product's initial setup phase was very straightforward and is actually much easier than its competitors' platforms.

The product's deployment phase consists of an installation process onto a virtual machine and follows the standard Windows deployment process.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model. The product can run on Google Cloud, but it won't provide fast services to its users.

The solution can be deployed in an hour.

One of our company's in-house teams managed the product's deployment phase since we operate as the tool's consultant.

My company's customers need to make monthly or yearly payments towards the license charges of the product.

The solution facilitates our company's workflow automation needs since it is a platform that allows users to build whatever workflows they want.

The product is used for application development in our organization for our customers, as we operate as consultants.

The features of the product that I found to be beneficial for the productivity of my company's team stems from the fact that it can be integrated directly into HCL Notes email so that you can manage your workflows there, and you don't have to change contacts a go to a separate application to deal with a document approval process since it can be done directly from emails.

HCL Domino is one of the leading products in the industry, so it is definitely ahead of the other tools in the market. In our company, some departments use HCL Domino for emails rather than other solutions because it is more secure. The tool has an impact on the management of sensitive data in our company.

My only suggestion to those who plan to use HCL Domino is that they should not be daunted by the old UI it offers.

The collaboration tool of HCL Domino has affected the internal communication processes in our organization. The collaboration tool of HCL Domino is something that the solution has been offering from the time it was introduced in the market as an expensive product.

The impact or value on our company from the use of the product can be proven by the fact that with the solution, it is possible to automate processes or workflows while ensuring that there is consistency, lack of human errors, and efficiency.

Earlier, I would have rated the tool eight out of ten. Presently, considering the increase in the number of integrations that the product allows and its movement to meet industry standards, I rate the overall tool a nine out of ten.

It serves as a versatile solution catering to a broad spectrum of our computing requirements like managing our website, internal systems, and various operations seamlessly.

We do not need to employ any other servers or solutions. Domino is our swiss army knife for everything.

It's an all-encompassing platform, making it unnecessary for me to seek additional solutions. It serves as a centralized solution that fulfills all my requirements from operating my email server to managing various aspects of my operations.

Enhancements could be made to improve user-friendliness in certain aspects. While certain tasks are achievable, they may not be straightforward and demand a technical background for effective implementation. From an administrative standpoint, one technical improvement that would be beneficial involves the web server and profile documents. Currently, refreshing or reloading values necessitates a server restart. It would be advantageous if the web server could seamlessly pick up configuration changes without the need for a complete restart. 

I have been working with it for approximately eighteen years.

I would give it a stability rating of nine out of ten. It's highly stable with no notable issues or glitches, making it a reliable and robust system.

As a small company, we don't impose heavy loads on Domino services, so I might not be the most qualified person to address scalability concerns.

I've only reached out to its technical support once, and in that specific instance, they were prompt and responsive in addressing my request. I would rate it eight out of ten.

Positive

I used Microsoft Office in the past, including the web version and Azure. The idea crossed my mind to transition one of my companies away from Domino and use Microsoft services, which also provide email functionality. However, the complexity of managing both technologies simultaneously proved to be challenging. It would have entailed dealing with two distinct sets of technologies and associated administrative tasks, making it less feasible.

The initial setup was relatively complex.

Despite being a moderately complex installation, the deployment process has notably improved. Upgrading servers has consistently been a smooth process with no major challenges. A single person is generally sufficient for routine server maintenance, and server restarts are only required occasionally.

The pricing is subjective and contingent on the intended usage. I find it acceptable, and while a lower cost would be preferable, I'm content with the current pricing. It is worth noting that as a small company, my perspective might differ from that of larger enterprises, where pricing considerations could be influenced by factors such as the number of users. I would rate it six out of ten.

Overall, I would rate it nine out of ten.

Our customers are using it for managing their email, messaging, calendar, and workflow capabilities. They also leverage it for application development and deployment within their organizations. Regarding applications, there is substantial collaboration within the Domino environment, but other team is responsible for it.

HCL Domino has proven to be highly effective in fulfilling email and collaboration requirements within our customers' companies. Many customers prioritize data backup and security, preferring Domino over Exchange for its robust backup capabilities and enhanced security features. Additionally, Domino integrates seamlessly with BigFix, further enhancing its utility.

One of Domino's significant advantages is its versatility in terms of supported operating systems. While Exchange is predominantly installed on Microsoft Windows, Domino can be deployed on various operating systems, including Linux, AIX, and even iOS. This flexibility allows customers to choose the platform that best fits their needs, making Domino particularly appealing, especially in industries like banking where security is paramount.

Domino's intuitive features enable seamless workflow management, allowing organizations to efficiently handle tasks such as holiday requests while maintaining productivity levels.

The enhanced security and access control features of HCL Domino have significantly bolstered our customers' data protection strategies. While many customers initially utilize only basic server management functionalities, they often require additional support for more complex issues.

The integration capabilities of HCL Domino have proven effective in collaborating with other systems and tools within our customers' IT environments. Typically, we install Domino in a non-production environment first, allowing our technicians to thoroughly configure and test compatibility with existing systems. This process usually takes around two to three months as our technicians diligently ensure that everything functions smoothly before transitioning to the initial production service of Domino. Typically, it results in seamless integration with minimal to no issues encountered along the way.

The most valuable features of HCL Domino include its versatility in installation across various operating systems, ensuring flexibility for users. Additionally, its robust security measures, such as encrypted email transmission, stand out as key strengths. With minimal configuration adjustments within Domino, uninterrupted communication is ensured, making it extremely challenging for any hacking attempts to succeed.

Domino's dual functionality as both a messaging and application solution is a standout feature compared to Exchange, which solely focuses on messaging.

One of our customers recently requested a change in the user interface design of their Notes client application. They expressed dissatisfaction with the outdated appearance and desired a more modern look. While they mentioned the possibility of using third-party applications for design enhancements, such changes were limited to the web access interface. Designing a new template could provide a refreshed visual experience for users without significant changes to the underlying functionality.

I have been working with it for one year.

It provides outstanding stability capabilities. I would rate it ten out of ten.

It provides excellent scalability abilities. I would rate it ten out of ten. 
Our user base consists of twelve large enterprise businesses.

We manage customer support, where customers reach out to us via email, phone calls, or sometimes through messaging platforms like WhatsApp. Sometimes, when faced with significant issues that are challenging to resolve and may require a switch or workaround, we contact the HCL support team. I would rate it nine out of ten.

Positive

The initial setup is remarkably straightforward and not at all challenging, I would rate it nine out of ten. Similarly, the configuration process is quite user-friendly. Although I encountered a few issues on occasion, they were promptly addressed by opening a ticket with HCL. Each time, they swiftly resolved the issues and provided clear explanations on how they were fixed. This happened about three or four times, with the most recent occurrence being six months ago. Overall, I'm thoroughly satisfied with the setup and configuration process.

The deployment time varies depending on the size of the company and their specific requirements. Some companies simply need to install the server and set up user accounts from scratch. However, many customers require a comprehensive setup that includes installation, configuration, and synchronization with Active Directory. This process can take anywhere from a week to a month, making it challenging to provide an exact timeframe. Typically, we provide customers with the necessary resources and guide them through the installation process. Once the installation is complete, basic configurations can usually be set up within two days.

While I don't have precise pricing information at hand, my understanding is that it tends to be on the higher end. Generally speaking, it's considered more costly compared to Exchange. The pricing structure is better suited for large enterprises rather than medium and small businesses.

The number of required servers for Domino depends on the customer's specific requirements. For instance, if a customer has around two thousand users and experiences occasional errors, we typically recommend deploying two domain servers along with two additional servers. However, if the user count exceeds two thousand, we may advise the customer to consider deploying three servers based on recommendations from HCL Domino's sessions. Overall, I would rate it nine out of ten.

It's for communication, collaboration, and applications.

It has been helpful for payroll solutions and controlling what we are seeing. It helps in providing good access control for the documents we are sharing with our team and with the external team.

The DAOS feature is the most valuable. It helps to save some of my storage.

Its performance and integration could be better. It has capabilities for large deployment with several servers, but in the latest interface, running with different servers isn't supported.

They need to provide better compatibility with third-party tools.

I've been using it for fifteen or sixteen years.

It's stable. I'd rate it an eight out of ten in terms of stability.

It's scalable. I'd rate it a nine out of ten in terms of scalability.

Their technical support is definitely a ten out of ten.

Positive

Our setup is on-prem. We are an HCL partner, and we provide support to our customers for their cloud and on-premises as well.

We've seen an ROI.

I'd rate it a seven out of ten in terms of price. 

Overall, I'd rate HCL Domino an eight out of ten.