Modernising Notes Applications: Web, Mobile and AI
Your Notes applications do not have to look old or only work on the PC. Today you can give them new life on web and mobile, connect them to other systems and give them AI. Often this can be done without rebuilding from scratch. Here are the options you have, and how to choose.
Why modernise?
Many Notes systems are 10 or 20 years old. They work, and they hold important data. But they often have three problems:
- They need the Notes client on a PC.
- They look like something from another time.
- They do not talk to the rest of the company's systems.
Modernisation solves those three things. You keep data, logic and access. You just give users a better way to work.
Six ways to modernise
1. Upgrade to Notes 2026
The first and easiest step. Notes 2026 has new colours, a new font and new templates. Your own systems also get a fresher look. At the same time you get new things such as shared login with OIDC. Read more about Notes 2026 and Domino 2027.
2. HCL Nomad: Notes in the browser and on mobile
With HCL Nomad your Notes systems run in the browser and on iPhone, iPad and Android. Users do not have to install Notes. The system looks and works almost as in the client. It is the fastest route to web and mobile, because you do not have to change the code.
Nomad is included in the normal CCB licence. There are, however, things from the full client that Nomad cannot do, for example Java agents and some extensions. That is why your systems must be tested first.
3. Domino REST API: connect Notes to other systems
The Domino REST API lets other systems read and write data in your Notes databases. It may be your ERP, your CRM, a web shop or an app. Access is controlled by the user's rights and the database ACL. It requires Domino 12.0.2 or newer.
With the REST API you can also build a completely new website or app on top of your Notes data. Users see something modern, while the data stays in Domino.
4. XPages: web applications on Domino
With XPages you build web applications directly on Domino. Many companies already have XPages solutions. They can easily be updated and get a new look. For completely new solutions, however, we more often choose the REST API or Nomad.
5. Domino Leap: small apps without code
Domino Leap is for simple web apps that you build in the browser without coding. It may be forms, checklists and small case flows. With the time limited CCB licence, all users may use Leap.
6. AI with Domino IQ
With Domino IQ the Domino server can run a language model itself. Then your Notes systems can for example write summaries, suggest answers or sort cases. From Notes 2026 the AI can also answer from the content of your own databases with RAG. Data stays in house, and the AI only sees what the user may see.
If you would rather use ChatGPT or another outside AI, that can also be done. See our solution for ChatGPT integration in HCL Notes. And we expect Domino IQ to get MCP, so the AI can talk to more systems.
How do you choose?
| Need | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Fast on web and mobile without new code | HCL Nomad |
| Data must be shared with other systems | Domino REST API |
| A completely new and modern look | New website or app on top of the REST API |
| Small forms and checklists | Domino Leap |
| Smarter systems | Domino IQ or ChatGPT integration |
| A fresh look right away | Upgrade to Notes 2026 |
Often the best answer is a mix. Many start with Nomad, so everyone can reach the system. Afterwards they build new screens on top of the REST API for the tasks used most.
How to do it step by step
- Make a list of your systems. Who uses them, how often, and how important are they?
- Clean up. Close the systems nobody uses any more. It saves time and money.
- Upgrade the servers. The new options need a new release of Domino.
- Test with Nomad. See which systems run without changes, and which need fixing.
- Choose the most important tasks. Give them a new website, an app or AI first.
- Take the rest in small steps. Then users benefit along the way, and the risk is small.
When is it better to move?
Modernisation is not always right. If you mostly use Notes for mail, and the company has chosen Microsoft 365, moving may be better. The same goes if you only have a few simple systems. You can also do both. Move the mail, and let the important systems keep running on Domino. This is called coexistence. Read more about migration to Microsoft 365 and about Lotus Notes in 2026.
We help you all the way
We have built and maintained Notes systems for many years. We know LotusScript, XPages, Nomad, the REST API and AI. See what we offer in Notes development and maintenance, and read our references. We work with companies across Europe, on site or remote. Contact us, and we will look at your systems together.