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HCL Notes 14.5 – New Features and Improvements

Supported Platforms and System Requirements

Operating Systems:
  • Windows: All editions of Windows 10 and 11; Windows Server versions 2019-2022.
  • macOS: Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma and Sequoia (both Intel and Apple Silicon M1, M2, M3, M4).
  • Virtualization: Citrix, VMware VDI and Horizon.
  • Architecture: All supported platforms require 64-bit compatibility.
  • Future-proofing: Support for future OS versions and Fix Packs.

DominoIQ

DominoIQ – New AI Features

  • Purpose: Integrated AI capabilities for Domino that enhance email communication. Configuration: Detailed setup instructions can be found in the DominoIQ overview documentation.

Email Summarization

  • Function: Analyzes email threads and creates concise summaries.
  • Benefits: Saves time, allows users to quickly grasp key points, and is especially useful for busy professionals.
  • Usage: Simply right-click on an email thread and select the "Summarize" option.
  • Requirements: DominoIQ must be enabled by the administrator and the mail file must be based on the 14.5 template.

Suggested Email Replies

  • Function: Generates context-aware reply suggestions based on the email content.
  • Benefits: Reduces response time, enables professional communication, and serves as a practical starting point for your own replies.
  • Usage: Simply select the "Suggested Reply" option in the opened email.
  • Requirements: DominoIQ must be enabled by the administrator and the mail file must be based on the 14.5 template.

Calendar and Meeting Enhancements

Managing Online Meeting Settings

  • Function: Direct management of security settings (passcodes) for meetings created via HCL SameTime, Teams, Zoom, WebEx or GoToMeeting.
  • Integration: Settings are seamlessly integrated into Notes calendar invitations.
  • Usage: When creating or editing meetings, select the online service and click "Manage Meeting Settings".

Service-Specific Meeting Settings:

  • HCL SameTime:
    • Options: Meeting password, enable waiting room, waiting room bypass, dial-in conference option, allow guests.
      • Default setting: Checkbox to set as default for future meetings.
  • Microsoft Teams:
    • Options: Settings for lobby access (everyone, organization, only organization), presenter rights (everyone, organization, guests), microphone/camera configuration, automatic recording and password protection.
  • GoToMeeting:
    • Options: Meeting password, allow participants to start the meeting, save settings as default.
  • WebEx:
    • Options: Meeting password, join rules (e.g. mute on entry, unmute option), save settings as default.
  • Zoom:
    • Options: Meeting password, enable waiting room, join control (join anytime, mute on entry), automatic local recording, set settings as default.

Description Limit for External Meetings

  • Previous versions: Limitation to 40 KB for description content in external invitations.
  • Notes 14.5: Increased to 1 MB.
  • Benefits: Enables more detailed agendas, rich formatting, links and other important content for external meetings.

Workspace Improvements

  • Improved Application Search: Find Notes applications more easily directly in the Workspace or via the Notes Search Center.
  • Configurable Workspace Search Bar: New setting to enable a search bar directly in the Workspace for a more modern and customizable search experience.
  • Intuitive Search Experience: Highlighting of matches and display of indicators in the Navigator for easier visual identification.
  • Improved Keyboard Navigation: Navigate through the Workspace using keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl + Arrow Up/Down).
    • Usage: Activation via "View" → "Search this View" in the Workspace.
    • Deactivation (Admin): Add the parameter notes.ini EnableWorkspaceSearch=0.

Technological Modernization and Core Components

JVM (Java Virtual Machine) Upgrade

  • Upgrade to Java 21 LTS: Ensures compatibility with modern Java developments.
  • Improved Compatibility: JAR files for Notes and Domino are now compatible with any JVM version 1.8 or higher.
  • Performance and Stability: Improved runtime performance, memory management and long-term support.

Eclipse Upgrade

  • Upgrade to Eclipse 4.30 (from 4.22): Affects core components such as Notes Client, Domino Administrator, Domino Designer, XPages.
  • Modernized UI and Plugin Support: More responsive user interface and support for newer Eclipse plugins.

XULRunner Upgrade

  • Upgrade to Version 45 (from 43): Improves web page rendering and sign-in security.
  • Federated Login Support: Enhanced integration with the latest sign-in methods.
  • Email Rendering on macOS: More accurate and better display of external HTML emails in the Notes Client.

Basic Client (64-Bit)

  • Re-availability: Supports running the Notes Client in Basic mode (no separate installer).
  • Benefits: Lightweight option, lower resource consumption, ideal for users who do not need the full Standard Client interface.
  • No Feature Loss: Includes the same functionality as in the Notes 12 Basic Client.
  • Language Availability: Available in all languages of the Notes 12 Basic Client.
  • Activation: Add the switch -sa to notes.exe (e.g. notes.exe -sa).

Modernized JavaScript for Federated Login

  • Change: The initial sign-on view (Sign-On WebView) now uses Microsoft Edge WebView.
  • Benefits: Smoother and more up-to-date sign-in processes, full compatibility with modern JavaScript frameworks and authentication servers.
  • Security: Improved security, rendering and reliability of the federated sign-in process.
  • Note: XULRunner will continue to be used for other embedded browser tasks.

HCL SameTime Web Chat / PWA

  • Function: Enables the use of SameTime in the browser or as a Progressive Web App (PWA) within the Notes Client.
  • New Features: Chat reactions, delete messages, improved file sharing.
  • Compatibility: Retains existing contact lists and calendar presence.
  • Requirements: SameTime Server version 12.2 Fix-Pack 1 or higher.
  • Activation (Windows): Add a line to the plugin_customization.ini in the rcp folder, then restart the Notes Client and activate in Preferences → Server Communities.
  • Activation (macOS): Create a new preferences file, add the parameter, restart the SameTime Client and activate in Preferences → Server Communities.
  • Admin Management: Enables centralized control via manageSettings.xml through an Update-Site Policy.
  • Recommendation: Install the PWA version for the best user experience.

Domino Restyle

  • Domino Restyle Builder: Tool for efficiently creating new Domino applications.
  • Features: Automatic setup of apps with views, forms and action bars. Application structure can be created through manual data definition or CSV upload. Offers selection of themes, configuration of field properties and integration of icons.
  • Benefits: Fast creation of data-driven apps with a modern, clear user interface – without deep technical knowledge.
  • Usage: File → Application → New → Local Template → Create custom template.

Removed and Deprecated Features

Deprecation of "Notes on a USB Stick"

  • Removal: The "Notes on a USB stick" feature has been completely removed in version 14.5 and is no longer included in the installation package.
  • Rationale: This change is part of the HCL strategy to modernize with a stronger focus on performance, security and simplified user experience.
  • Alternative: HCL Nomad provides access to mail and applications through the browser without local installation.

Removal of the iNotes User Interface

  • Removal: Users can no longer access their emails via the legacy iNotes web interface.
  • Recommendation: Switch to HCL Verse for a modern, faster and more user-friendly experience.
  • Alternative for iNotes users: Continue operating a Domino 14.2 or older server for continued access.
  • Rationale: Part of the HCL strategy to modernize and simplify the product landscape.
 
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