IBM announces Lotus Domino 8.5.1

IBM's Lotus Domino 8.5.1 automatically synchronises email, contacts and calendar data

IBM has announced a new version of its Lotus Notes collaboration software which comes with support for the iPhone's email client.

The firm said that Lotus Domino 8.5.1 uses its Lotus Notes Traveler software to automatically synchronise email, contacts and calendar data to the iPhone and any applicable onboard applications.

Mobile workers can also get access to information held behind the company firewall, while other features allow for the remote wiping of a lost or stolen handset.

IBM said that the combined tools could support a full spectrum of web devices, including Nokia smartphones, thin clients, laptops and desktops.

The company has also said that it will make its Lotus Domino Designer tools available at no charge in an effort to encourage the development of more Notes and Domino applications.

Pitched at web developers, students, business analysts and other developers, this should enable all users to tailor the mobile experience to their own needs and create their own applications, the firm said.

"We are accelerating the delivery of millions of existing Lotus Domino applications to mobile users, and promoting the creation of a variety of new ones to help people work smarter on the go," said Kevin Cavanaugh, vice president for messaging and collaboration at IBM.

"No charge Domino Designer will make it easier for organisations to adopt, acquire and manage IBM Lotus Notes and Domino software, and proliferate the development of powerful, new business apps for Lotus Notes and Domino."