A word to the management regarding Domino Designer

We all know that mangagement decided that the LotusScript and Java editors will not make it into 8.5.

That’s because they do not have the proper priority, that means there are not enough resources working on that topic.

There is rumor that the editors are planned for 8.5.1.

My suggestion: hold 8.5 until the editors are ready.

And here is why: if 8.5 hits the market with a shiny new Domino Designer on Eclipse, everyone will think “whow, cool! At least a modern development environment for Notes, good work!”… until they start DDE and see the LS and Java editors.

Then, they will burst in laughter, and while trying to catch air again they will say “why the hell do I have to code Java with an editor from the stoneage, when I’m working with Eclipse, which has a top editor built in?”. The same goes for LotusScript.

All those old Notes devs like myself will sigh and continuing working. But my understanding is that IBM wants to attract new developers for Notes, so that more and better applications are built which result in selling more Notes licences.

And believe me, If a standard Java developer who works with Eclipse sees the editors in Domino Designer, he will turn around and flee. And he will tell all his friends “don’t ever touch that, stick with Eclipse and Java stuff, don’t do Lotus Notes!”.

I am very glad that IBM made it that we don’t need to apologize for using Lotus Notes anymore. And we can sell Notes and our applications much better since the new nice and sexy GUI in Notes 8.

But I do not wish to keep apologizing for using Domino Designer! I want that other devs envy me that I am allowed to work with the cool Domino Designer.

Best regards,

Julian Buss

Subject: IMHO: False priorities!

IBM, please throw in MORE resources into the Domino Designer team. PLEASE!

In my opinion, it’s the ability to create great applications very fast on this platform, which differentiates Notes/Domino the most from other so called Groupware systems. But to create fantastic apps, we (finally) need a up-to-date IDE.

Please, IBM, stop creating new features, but enhance the existing features - like LS class editor, DXL and so forth - to make Notes/Domino a “kick-ass application development platform”.

Subject: Please rethink your decision

I can not believe that the really want to release Domino Designer Eclipse based without the new LS Editor. Please give the development the number 1 priority to make most of Designer user happy. Not everyone makes web applications with xPages (not even support on i), but i think there is no Designer User on earth which is not using the Lotus script editor.

Greetings

Ralf M Petter

Subject: I think that decision was made already and the only thing left about DDE is your wish to wait till something new will happen

Subject: I totaly agree with you (eom)