Lotus Notes vs. Outlook: A Quick Comparison

Lotus Notes or Outlook: Which one is better? It is a long-standing debate. Both are the world’s leading email clients that use different technologies to store and manage user mailboxes and data.

IBM Lotus Notes, now HCL Notes, is a corporate email client that stores mail items in Notes Storage Facility or NSF format. It is specifically designed to work with the Lotus Domino or HCL Domino Server. HCL Notes groupware supports and seamlessly integrates social collaboration tools, enterprise applications, and messaging tools in a single workspace

Microsoft Outlook is used by individuals, professionals, and businesses across all sectors. Based on the email account type, Outlook creates an OST or PST data file to store a synchronized copy of mail items on the local machine. Outlook is designed to access and manage Microsoft Exchange Server, Office 365, and Outlook.com email accounts. You may also configure and use a POP3 or IMAP email account in Outlook without any issues.

Lotus Notes vs Outlook: What’s the Difference?

Below is a detailed comparison of Lotus Notes and Outlook on various parameters.

Server Deployment and Support

HCL Notes or Lotus Notes requires an on-premises Domino server, which is recommended if you want to get the best out of the Notes email client. It supports POP3 and IMAP4 mail servers and email accounts.

On the other hand, Outlook users can set up and access any on-premises, hybrid Exchange Server, Office 365, or IMAP/POP3 email account while utilizing most features. Outlook also offers Cached Exchange Mode, which significantly improves performance and allows users to access emails when the system is offline or experiencing connectivity issues. However, this feature is available only for Exchange, Office 365, and Outlook.com accounts.

Lotus Notes vs Outlook: User Interface

Microsoft Outlook is a feature-rich email client which offers an intuitive and easy-to-use graphical user interface. Its users can further add more features, apply themes, or customize the look and feel to a great extent by installing third-party add-ins and templates available on the Microsoft Store. Outlook is also integrated with MS Office apps, such as Word, Excel, etc. Thus, one can preview the attached MS Office files within the Outlook window.

HCL Notes also offers an improved user interface but lacks support for add-ons or customization. Although the UI is not as intuitive as Outlook, one can easily get used to the email client. Users can also integrate business applications and social collaboration tools with HCL Notes.

Mailbox Data & Security

HCL Notes or Lotus Notes client stores a local copy of mailbox data on the system in an NSF file format. The files are encrypted with 256-bit AES encryption using the built-in public key and bulk key cryptography. However, anyone having access to your NSF file can view your sensitive or confidential mail items by opening it in any Lotus Notes email client.

On the other hand, Outlook stores the mailbox data in an Offline Storage Table or OST file, which is encrypted by default with MAPIEntryID GUID encryption. Thus, it can be accessed only through an authorized MAPI profile. In addition, you can also enable 128-bit RPC encryption to protect your mailbox data in Outlook.

Supported Platforms

HCL Notes currently supports all editions of Windows, Mac OS 11.x, 10.15, 12.x, Citrix virtual apps and desktop, Citrix XenApp, and VMWare virtual desktop infrastructure. You can also access it on your mobile devices, such as iPhone and Android smartphones. The Domino server can also run on older Windows versions. Besides, it is easier to set up a Domino server than an Exchange server, if you want to use an on-premises mail server.  

Microsoft Outlook supports all editions of Windows, macOS 10.15+, Android 7.0+, and iOS 14.0+ versions. If you use Exchange Server or Microsoft 365, it is highly recommended that you use Outlook client for mail access.

Lotus Notes vs. Outlook: Cost

Lotus Notes or HCL Notes is expensive compared to Outlook as it has to be purchased separately. However, Outlook comes with Microsoft 365 subscription and thus, doesn’t require you to spend extra for each user. However, if you’re going to use Outlook for on-premises Exchange Server or any other email account, you need to purchase an Outlook subscription from Microsoft.

Lotus Notes vs. Outlook: Final Thoughts

If you are a small business, you may go with either HCL Notes (as it is easier to set up) or Outlook (as it is easier to manage). You don’t need to configure an email server as you can use Outlook to access Microsoft 365 or any IMAP/POP (POP3) email account. You can purchase licenses based on the number of users in your organization and let Microsoft manage, secure, and handle your data so that you can focus on other tasks. Most importantly, you also get Microsoft Office apps, such as Word, Excel, etc., free with Microsoft 365 license. 

As your organization grows, you can opt for an enterprise license, change your plan in Microsoft 365, or set up an on-premises Exchange Server while keeping the Outlook email client. Similar can be achieved with HCL Notes (Lotus Notes) and Domino server.

However, HCL Notes is recommended for medium to large enterprises that can afford to set up and manage an on-premises Domino server. If you want to get most of the HCL Notes, you must use it to access and manage a Domino Server mailbox.

In case your organization is already using the Lotus Notes or HCL Notes client and planning to move to an Outlook email client, Exchange Server, or Microsoft 365, you can use a professional NSF converter software to convert your Lotus Notes NSF file into PST format and import it into Outlook. You can also export the NSF file data directly to your Office 365 account by using the software.

You May Also Like

How to Perform IBM Lotus Notes to Office 365 Migration

Was this article helpful?

YES1

NO

About The Author

Ravi Singh

Ravi Singh is a Senior Writer at Stellar®. He is an expert Tech Explainer, IoT enthusiast, and a passionate nerd with over 7 years of experience in technical writing. He writes about Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft 365, Email Migration, Linux, Windows, Mac, DIY Tech, and Smart Home. Ravi spends most of his weekends working with IoT (DIY Smart Home) devices and playing Overwatch. He is also a solo traveler who loves hiking and exploring new trails.