Notes development is building, changing and integrating applications on HCL Notes and Domino, from classic LotusScript solutions to modern web and AI integrations.
Notes development is building, changing and integrating applications on HCL Notes and Domino. It spans from classic applications in LotusScript to modern web solutions on Domino REST API and AI integration.
What do you develop in Notes?
A Notes application gathers data, interface and logic in one NSF database. The developer works in Domino Designer and builds:
- Forms and views that display and organise documents.
- Workflows with approval, status and notifications.
- Agents that automate tasks on the server.
- Integrations with finance systems, CRM, Microsoft 365, Teams and AI.
- Web and mobile through XPages, Nomad or a modern frontend.
Three kinds of Notes development today
- Maintenance of existing applications: bugs, small changes, updates for new Notes versions. This is the largest part of the market.
- Modernisation: a new interface on web or mobile, integration with Microsoft 365, AI features, but with data staying in Notes.
- New development, where Notes is still the fastest route to a solution, for example in companies that have the platform and do not want a large project.
Rapid development
Notes is called a rapid development platform because an experienced developer can build a working application in hours, not weeks. The price is that many applications were built without a plan. Good Notes development today is as much about cleaning up, documenting and putting design under version control as about writing new code.
Common questions about Notes development
Can you still find Notes developers?
Few remain, and most are consultants. That is why many companies buy development as a standing agreement with a Notes consultant.
What does Notes development cost?
Typically an hourly rate or a fixed price per task. Small changes take hours. A new application with a workflow takes days, not months.
Should we keep developing in Notes or move?
It depends on how long you keep the platform. If you have decided to migrate within two years, new development should be minimal. If Notes is here to stay, modernisation makes good sense.
Our Notes development
We develop for Notes, web and mobile and have built integrations with ChatGPT, Microsoft Graph, Teams and a range of line of business systems. Read about Notes development and maintenance.