MECHENG401:Research:Groupware
Summary
Lotus Notes could assist with a merging of database information, however Lotus' database implementation might not be ideal (IBM's DB2 is possible). It would likely be quite expensive - have to buy the whole setup.
Groupware was mentioned as another area (lotus notes specific?) which might address our problem of having a limited amount of local data, some of which is new, modified or unchanged, and synchronising this with an master database.
Groupware is an umbrealla term for collaborative software i.e. wiki, webmail, callendar, shared documents, forums, et cetera.
Lotus notes is an "integrated desktop client option for accessing business e-mail, calendars and applications on [an] IBM Lotus Domino server."<ref>"IBM's home page for Lotus Notes" Definition of Lotus Notes</ref>
A design client is available to allow rapid development of databases consisting of forms, which allow users to create documents; and views, which display selected document fields in columns. In addition to being a "groupware" system (e-mail, calendaring, shared documents and discussions), Notes/Domino is also a platform for developing customized client-server and web applications. Its use of design constructs and code provide capabilities that facilitate the construction of "workflow" type applications (which may typically have complex approval processes and routing of data).
<ref>"Lotus notes on wikipedia" Lotus notes on wikipedia</ref>
Lotus Notes uses NSF files to store information in, these are automatically synchronized with little extra work. The rate and triggers for this can also be quite easily customised. Each piece of information would be stored in a note. "Notes databases are also not relational, although there is a SQL driver that can be used with Notes, and it does have some features that can be used to develop applications that mimic relational features. There is no support for atomic transactions in Notes, and its file locking is rudimentary at best. Notes is a Document-oriented database (document-based, schemaless, loosely structured) with support for rich content and powerful indexing facilities. This structure closely mimics paper-based workflows that Lotus Notes is typically used to automate." -wikipedia