Google offers Notes to Apps migration tool

Google is stepping up its battle to woo Lotus Notes users

Google has released a new tool which it claims will make it simple and easy to migrate from Lotus Notes to its own web-based Google Apps system.

Google Apps Migration for Lotus Notes will allow users to move to Google Apps without compromising on any regular features, according to the search firm.

"Today we're making it easier for Lotus Notes users to switch to Google Apps. We're releasing a new tool that migrates mail, calendar and contacts quickly and easily," said Chris Vander Mey, senior product manager for Google Enterprise, in a blog post.

Vander Mey explained that the tool offers a central administration console which can open Notes links with ease. Other features include centralised event and issue logging designed to help migration from Lotus Domino servers and web sites, as well as the promise of business continuity during implementation.

Google demonstrated the migration of one user in a video posted on YouTube, claiming that the process is similar for multiple users. Administration options include running default or advanced user settings, including the ability to tweak the imported mail size folder.

Google claims that some 50,000 Lotus Notes users have already made the jump to Google Apps.

Another video showcased Brent Hoag, chief information officer at commercial cleaning firm JohnsonDiversey, who said that his company is "very excited about the power of Google Apps and what it has brought to our company".

The firm was split between Lotus Notes and Microsoft Outlook, and claims to have saved time and money by using Google Apps, while also benefiting from continual hands-off updates and new feature rollouts.