The missing features aren't necessary for a successful implementation. The level of Win2K integration Notes and Domino 5.0.3 provides is sufficient for most companies to perform their migration. These companies should feel as if the migration is a simple upgrade.
Future Support for Win2K
In future Notes and Domino releases, you can look forward to a slew of integrated Win2K features. Lotus plans for bidirectional Win2K certification: Win2K will become a certified Notes and Domino platform, and Notes and Domino will obtain the Win2K logo.
Win2K-certified Notes and Domino releases will provide AD integration. Although Lotus hasn't released the details of this integration, the company plans to go beyond LDAP referrals to closer synchronization. Lotus is planning a snap-in for the MMC that will provide Domino-specific administration. Lotus also wants to offer Windows Installer Service (WIS) integration. Domino will be more than a generic application for Microsoft Cluster Services (MSCS); Domino will be MSCS aware. Lotus will also add support for Windows NT Load Balancing Service (WLBS).
Can You Upgrade Now?
The bottom line is that many administrators can and should upgrade their Notes and Domino environments now. Many Win2K benefits affect Notes and Domino positively. You can test Notes and Domino 5.0.3 in most environments, then perform a straight upgrade. You might not perform as much Domino administration with Win2K as you hoped, and AD might not integrate as tightly as you'd like. But, you'll have the same successful environment you have now. However, if you're running HTTP, you need to consider additional testing or a migration strategy that includes restructuring.
I'm looking forward to tighter AD integration and the MMC snap-in in the next Notes and Domino release. Although Notes and Domino 5.0.3 provides basic integration, only when I can work with my Domino environment from within the MMC and have one directory will my environment feel fully integrated.
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