The local office of Lotus Development has confirmed the availability of a new technology from Lotus which provides browser and Microsoft Outlook users with the freedom to take Domino e-business application and core messaging technologies off-line.
Lotus` Domino Off-Line Services (DOLS) technology enables browser users to access and interact with Domino Web applications while disconnected from the network. Users will enjoy the benefits of greater productivity, and organisations with large mobile workforces will benefit from decreased network traffic," says Lesego Tlhabanelo, marketing communications manager at Lotus Development SA.
DOLS is also available as an add-in server task for users of the Domino Application Server 5.0.2c and higher platforms. For these servers, DOLS is provided in two components. The Server Kit, once installed, upgrades the Domino Server to host disconnected Domino Web applications. The kit also contains the necessary design elements to upgrade existing applications for offline use.
The optional Client Kit is available to help speed up users` set-up time when first going offline with a DOLS-enabled application.
Additional features include the iNotes Sync Manager component of iNotes that enables the end user to set application replication options. "When a user visits a web site that has been "DOLS enabled", i.e. where there is an option to let them replicate the application to go "offline", the Lotus iNotes Sync Manager is used to control that process," he explains.
The iNotes Synch Manager maintains a list of all the subscriptions that can be used "offline". A user can then choose to sync to any application for which they have a subscription as well as view information about the synchronisation. For instance, what percent the synchronisation is on, if there were any errors, etc.
The iNotes Synch Manger is a client "runtime" module that executes Domino applications within a Web browser. This utility can be automatically downloaded to the end-user`s desktop the first time they access a DOLS-enabled application or manually installed off of CD or via other standard software installation processes.
DOLS allows users to replicate data, application logic and security context, providing them with access to the most up to date application, not just data. Moreover, access level nuances are all still fully enforced (e.g. reader vs. author vs. editor), making the entire off-line application experience the same as on-line.
Lotus has also taken the trouble to ensure that DOLS addresses security concerns both at the server and client level
"When the ActiveX/Plug-in first downloads the application, it also downloads a Notes ID for the user, creating one if needed. If the Web site is using SSL, then DOLS will also turn on encryption for its replication protocols" he says. If the Web site is not using SSL (and thus is not a secure site), then DOLS does not enable line encryption. The Notes ID otherwise is used for all replications.
"All benefits from that model then are derived, such as the inability to replicate elements from the server which one would not have rights to, the inability to make changes to documents to which one does have at least editor access," he adds.
With the first release of DOLS a user`s local application is not encryptable. However data is downloaded across a secure channel, and a log-in/password is required before changes are replicated to the server. This is richer security than any other remote web mechanism. "For even richer capabilities, in this and other features, one should use the Notes client," concludes Tlhabanelo.
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