Network World: Lotus lays out its future at Lotusphere kick-off

Coverage from the first day of Lotusphere."Forthe record, there is no architectural shift involved [for Notes/Domino],it is pure growth with no regression," said [Lotus General ManagerMike] Rhodin. "There will be continued support for all Notes applications."Rhodin and IBM/Lotus executives alsotook a more aggressive stand in an on-going competition with Microsoft,often calling out the vendor during the general session keynote for itsperceived shortcomings in product and delivery schedules. "We have been the leader for 15years, and I have no intention of backing down," Rhodin said laterat a press conference.Analysts say Lotus's spunk is born fromheat applied by Microsoft, which is aggressively building out it collaborationplatform on the back of Office and real-time collaboration tools. "I was struck that Lotus feelsvery threatened by Microsoft," said David Ferris, president of FerrisResearch. Ferris said that Lotus, however, is infusing Notes/Domino withenough new and upgraded features that users who defect to Microsoft shouldfeel like they are missing out. Not sure if David isgoing to make my session in the morning, but for the record, I'm not feelingthreatened.  The gloves are off.  I do like the thought thatanyone who moves away from Lotus is missing out, though...Link: NetworkWorld: Lotus lays out its future at Lotusphere kick-off>