Lotus Notes 8 is finally available in beta.

…unless you’re a Mac user like me.

Even though most of Lotusphere focused on the value the Eclipse platform provides Lotus (in that it gives them the ability to share code across their software and operating systems) the Mac client beta is no where to be found. Look for yourself:

I have to say that I’m bummed and a bit surprised. Normally, I wouldn’t even expect a Mac beta to be available until at least 6 months after everything else was. But Lotusphere really left me with the sense that Lotus was committed to having all platforms. — Let’s hope a Mac beta is forthcoming!

Just before Lotusphere, IBM contacted me about talking to “a reporter or two” about using Notes on a Mac. I said “sure!” I’m always happy to promote Macs and Notes, this seemed like a perfect way to do both.

SEVERAL calls later from more trade magazines than I can remember, I started to wonder if my comments “made the cut.” Then the phone rang. And rang. And rang. Turns out that some of my comments were published … and now a flood of sales reps felt compeled to call me and solver problems I didn’t know I had.

I’d suggest taking a moment to check out the article. Its an interesting look at how people are finding ways to bring Macs into the office, with or without support from Apple.

I also have a PDF verision of it here.

Update: Apparently, I’m mentioned in MacWorld too. Which is cool, but a bit confusing since I’m quoted saying the same thing even though a different person interviewed me (and I recall having more interesting things to say to them). Whatever. Still, its cool to see your name in print.