Lotus Announces X.400 Technology for Lotus Communications Server Will Provide Transparent Use of International E-mail Standard
London, UK, 10 February 1994. Lotus Development Corp. today announced it has licensed X.400 messaging technology from Data Connection Limited (DCL), an independent UK company specializing in the development of communications software, for use in its forthcoming Lotus Communications Server (LCS), a cross-platform, multi-protocol message server designed to provide an advanced backbone for enterprise-wide electronic messaging.
The announcement was made at Lotus cc:Mail Europe '94, the annual end-user conference for cc:Mail users in Europe.
"X.400 is an industry standard message handling protocol that allows for the exchange of text, graphics and any other binary file. In addition to X.400, LCS is designed to use multiple messaging handling protocols natively, including SMTP/MIME, Lotus cc:Mail and Lotus Notes, while also providing interoperability with other messaging systems through gateways."
"This agreement allows us to integrate proven scaleable X.400 technology into the forthcoming Lotus Communications Server as a native message handling protocol for all of the many network and operating system platforms on which LCS will run," said Larry Crume, Vice President of Lotus' electronic messaging and mobile computing division. "Because LCS will be able to route messages to other vendors' X.400 message transfer agents or public X.400 messaging services, our customers will reap the benefits of an open and integrated messaging solution that will provide transparent connectivity to all X.400 compatible mail networks."
The DCL X.400 message transfer agent (MTA) licensed by Lotus supports both the 1984 and 1988 X.400 protocols as well as management services. In addition, the X.400 MTA supports the most popular network protocols, including X.25 and TCP/IP (RFC 1006).Unlike other LAN-based enterprise messaging systems, LCS will provide users with a clear migration path toward cross-platform groupware. The LCS X.400 MTA will be available on a range of multitasking operating systems, including:
- IBM OS/2
- Microsoft Windows NT
- Novell NetWare Loadable Module (NLM)
- Three forms of UNIX: HP-UX, IBM AIX, Sun Solaris
The agreement provides for incorporation of XAPIA (and equivalent X/Open CAE) application programming interfaces (APIs). These can be used together with the Vendor Independent Messaging (VIM) API by third-party companies to integrate X.400-specific messaging services, such as electronic data interchange (X.435) and proprietary e-mail applications, including e-mail systems developed by end-user organizations.
Extensive Interoperability Testing
DCL's X.400 is a proven, robust message handling service which has been tested with EuroSInet, a leading interoperability association in Europe, and at worldwide interoperability workshops sponsored by vendors and users, helping assure its compatibility in a wide variety of applications with complementary as well as competitive products.
DCL has tested the interoperability of its X.400 MTA with other X.400 MTA implementations at both the 1984 and 1988 levels.
Terms of the agreement as well as product pricing and packaging were not disclosed.
Lotus Communications Architecture
Lotus Communications Server is part of the Lotus Communications Architecture, which is designed to provide a cross-platform, multi-protocol messaging service and a set of unified interface, message transfer and directory services across Lotus product lines. LCS is being built on proven messaging technology incorporated in two Lotus products: Lotus cc:Mail, the world's best-selling LAN-based electronic mail system, and Lotus Notes, the industry standard for developing and deploying groupware applications.
With more than 4.5 million users worldwide and award-winning features, Lotus cc:Mail runs on all major LANs, providing seamless connectivity with cc:Mail users on other platforms - including Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, OS/2 and MS-DOS - as well as connectivity to major private and public electronic mail systems and fax machines worldwide.
Lotus Notes is the industry standard client-server platform for developing and deploying groupware applications. It allows people to access, track, share and organize information in ways never before possible, even if they are only occasionally connected to a network. Since its introduction, nearly 3,200 companies and more than 750,000 people are using Notes to improve business processes, including customer service, sales and account management, and product development.
Data Connection is the leading developer and supplier of OSI and SNA communications technology with customers including Hewlett Packard, IBM and Microsoft and large end users, such as the banks, government agencies and airlines. Further offerings from Data Connection include collaborative and retail software. The company is based in London, with US headquarters in Reston, Virginia. Data Connection was founded in 1981 and is privately held. During each of the past 12 years Data Connection's profits have exceeded 20 percent of revenue. Last year, the company's sales were approximately $16m, of which 80 percent were in the US.
Lotus Development Corp. (NASDAQ:LOTS), founded in 1982, provides software products and support services that meet the business needs of individuals, workgroups and enterprises. Lotus' extensive range of products form the foundation for the company's Working Together strategy, which focuses on integrating applications, platforms and people. The company's first product, 1-2-3, is the most popular personal computer software application in the world, with more than 20 million users.
Lotus markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide and provides numerous support services, both from its consulting division and its award-winning 24-hour support center.
All prices and terms are for the United States only. cc:Mail is a trademark of cc:Mail, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Lotus Development Corporation. Lotus, 1-2-3, Lotus Notes, Working Together are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. OS/2 is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX Systems Laboratories, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Novell, Inc. NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective holders.
For further information, contact:
Mark McHarry
Lotus Development Corp. Tel: +1 (415) 335-6786
Tony Downes
Data Connection Limited Tel: +44 20 8366 1177