Fair point – I have talked with Apple directly (although the last conversation was before Apple’s WWDC event and the suggestions from various IBM/Lotus people to do so). I had an opportunity to talk with them (related to something else) and I took advantage of it. Its the whole “work both sides” thing.

I’ll summarize what they’ve been saying: Talk to IBM/Lotus.

Their perspective (again, take into account this is two particular people there that I’ve spoken with) is that they are very interested in working with IBM/Lotus on a number of items including the iPhone, better Notes client support and even a Domino server if that were to be of interest. However, there really seemed to be a disconnect between them and IBM, for whatever reason, that suggested to me that neither side is really taking full ownership of it.

Again… that statement is heavily my perception on the issue. But it sure feels like the same kind of moment we’ve all experienced when you’re working on a project and realize no one is truly the “champion” of it.

One specific item we did talk about was the licensing issues surrounding Exchange’s active sync technology. Its now clear that Apple’s interest in this is for support of the upcoming enterprise iPhone functionality (and, although they’re not saying it – probably something in the back-end of Mobile Me).

I’m going off memory here – but there was a discussion we had about a disagreement between Apple and IBM over the licensing aspect of that tool, or one similar that would be needed to provide “push” functionality on the Domino end. Again, no one knew (or at least said out loud) the specifics of that – but its obviously a component of the puzzle. The thing I don’t understand is that “push” seems to be somehow in (or added to) Domino to get Travler to work.

In the end, I simply don’t know what I don’t know (yep, you read that right) to be able to pull the pieces together on all this. But yes, I did go after Apple as much as I could.

Oh, and if someone needs to be the champion on this topic between Apple and IBM, I’m happy to do it. I just need to be employed by one of the two.

PS – Not a problem on the comments thing — I’m just glad I can make it easier for people to continue some of these discussions. As you know, Apple and Lotus users are incredibly passionate and these types of postings, discussions, etc. all are positive at the end of the day (even if they feel “heated” for brief moments).

Your last comment includes one intriguing bit…the bit about having “talked with Apple developers themselves”. In earlier postings, you chided me for suggesting this…but now that you have, I am curious what you have heard? Offline is fine if you prefer, but I think this is an important part of the discussion if you want to have it in public.

Oh and thanks for changing your comments approach…

A few responses:

1. The execution of the mail integration with the iPhone is HUGE. The functionality bar has been set by companies like RIM/Blackberry and GOOD. Unless the solution (for the iPhone/Notes integration) works just as well as those – it falls short… by a lot.

2. iPhone’s CAN be remotely disabled using the Exchange enterprise deployment tool — again, one of the features that is now critical when considering this type of a tool in the enterprise.

3. Please don’t assume that I haven’t considered A LOT of alternatives. Also, don’t assume that moving to Exchange is certainly the answer. As with many blogs, this entry is more of a point-in-time snapshot of what’s going on now – not an iron clad commitment that’s being publicly announced.

The truth is, my postings on this topic have provided me the opportunity to get LOTS of emails from people on the topic who don’t want to post here. I’ve had the opportunity to demo MANY existing 3rd party solutions; a few ones that aren’t released yet; lots of work-arounds; and even talked with Apple developers themselves about the topic. I assure you, there is no shortage of thought going into this ongoing evaluation.

4. I think there’s a BIG assumption in your last few paragraphs: that I intend to get rid of Notes completely. Not true!

Part of the power of Notes is exactly what you suggest… its ability to be backwards compatible beyond the average IT person’s expectations. Also, the natural security and, let’s not forget, tight integration with the core mail system are HUGE advantages for Notes.

All I’m saying is that the lack of instant commitment to the iPhone in a way that matches what we expect (from Blackberry, Good and now Exchange) opens the door a bit further to think critically about the product. The trend of migrating to the web for applications and the ubiquitousness of email make it easier to think more critically about Notes… again, not an instant rip-n-replace of Notes, but perhaps a reduction of your dependancy on it.

Two last thoughts:
1. This week, we’re also starting a pilot of Notes Traveler (more on that to come) for our existing smart phone base. I see a fit for that product in our environment for at least a period of time – and I’m hopeful that we can iron out some initial issues we’ve seen with it. — But my point is that we’re not at all running away from Notes… glancing in another direction, sure… but not a mad dash from the product. As you suggest, that would be a really bad move for any executive.

2. I want, hope and pray that Notes will announce an iPhone tool that blows away anything that’s out there today. I’ll settle for one that’s just as good. But I need one that comes closer than what they’ve announced thus far. That’s the reality of the situation based on an incredibly important device.

Security is an issue, how ar eyou going to secure that iPhone when it gets lost? You can’t wipe the data remotely right now.

You could use a VPN to connect to a desktop via browser if there is such a dire need to access some app from your phone that isnot web enabled.

I think you should investigate some other options before just giving up, what kind of executive are you anyway if that is your rationale?

If youare truly forward thinking then you would recognize that your data in a Lotus world will always be accessible, just as the data from 15 years ago in notes apps is today.

You can’t do that with most Microsoft products. Qualify this, you need to update, modify or configure the older data to be useful compared to native usage in Lotus.

I agree! Security is a big piece of the puzzle. Support of VPN technologies, RSA devices, etc. all play a critical role in designing your applications when you move to the web.