Lotus Announces the Lotus Fax Server Provides One-Stop Fax Solution for Notes and cc:Mail Users from Familiar Environments

Business Wire, Jan 23, 1995

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 1995--Lotus Development Corp. Monday announced the Lotus Fax Server (LFS), a fully-integrated fax solution for Lotus Notes and Lotus cc:Mail that allows users to send, receive, view and manipulate rich content faxes without leaving their familiar Notes and cc:Mail environments. The server now makes faxing as simple as sending electronic mail.

The LFS combines both incoming and outgoing fax capabilities in one common product that is accessible through all Notes and cc:Mail client platforms. With the LFS, Lotus offers an alternative to the traditional networked fax pricing model where each user pays for access. The LFS user only needs electronic mail, additional software isn't required. This allows fax hardware and phone lines to be shared by all users.

"The Lotus Fax Server makes faxing second nature to e-mail users," said Jeff Papows, vice president of Lotus' Communications Business Group. "The server is another example of our commitment to provide a higher level of product functionality and performance."

The LFS allows users to view and manipulate their fax documents using a new Lotus fax viewer that can be distributed throughout the enterprise. The LFS supports Direct Inward Dial (DID) and Dial Tone Modulation Frequency (DTMF) for easy, confidential routing of faxes right to the desktop with all other electronic mail. The LFS also supports a print-to-fax driver that enables faxes to be sent directly from any mail-enabled Windows application. For example, faxing a spreadsheet can now happen directly from 1-2-3 or memos can be sent right from Ami Pro.

Easy Set-up and Administration

For administrators, the LFS increases the ease of managing and administering the flow of information on the network. The LFS is available in two editions built from a common code base. The Lotus Notes Edition and the cc:Mail Edition offer the same feature set, thus simplifying administration for both products. In addition, the LFS comes with easy-to-use management tools so that setup, administration, and control are simplified. As an example, a fax phone number can be incorporated into the common e-mail directory eliminating the need for a separate fax phone book. For less frequently needed or ad hoc requirements, the fax phone number can be entered directly in the address field. Finally, in addition to Lotus' strong relationship with GammaLink, Lotus will add support for Optus Software, Inc. technology, expanding support to more than 50 additional fax cards and modems.

The LFS combines the rich functionality of both the Notes Outgoing and Incoming Fax Gateways into one common product, as well as replaces cc:Fax 1.2.

Pricing, Availability and System Requirements

The Lotus Fax Server will be available from Lotus Authorized Business Partners within 90 days. Estimated retail price for the Lotus Notes Edition is $2,499. Estimated retail price for the Lotus cc:Mail Edition is $1,475. Upgrades from the Notes Outgoing and Incoming Fax Gateways and cc:Fax 1.2 will be available at an upgrade price of $795 and $475 respectively. For more information, in North America, contact Lotus at 1-800-346-1305.

The LFS requires PC/AT or compatible (386 or 486 running at 33MHZ or faster is highly recommended) running Microsoft Windows 3.1. It requires at least 16 MB of memory and at least 3 MB of free hard disk space for the Lotus Fax Server program files. A minimum of 3MB of available hard disk space is recommended on Notes servers for the LFS mail database. Five MB of available hard disk space also is recommended on the LFS for the other LFS databases. For the Notes Edition, a Notes client license will be provided. For the cc:Mail Edition, Notes client software and a Notes client license are required and will be provided. One or more of the fax cards or modems supported also are required.

With approximately 5.8 million licenses sold worldwide, award-winning features and availability on all popular platforms, cc:Mail is the world's most popular LAN-based e-mail system. cc:Mail runs on Windows, Macintosh, OS/2, UNIX and MS-DOS platforms across all major LANs, providing transparent connectivity to all major private and public electronic mail systems and facsimile machines worldwide.

Lotus Notes is the industry standard client-server platform for developing and deploying groupware applications. It allows people to access, track, share and organize information in ways never before possible, even if they are only occasionally connected to a network. More than 5,000 companies and 1.35 million people use Notes to improve business processes, including customer service, sales and account management, and product development.

Lotus Development Corp. (NASDAQ: LOTS), founded in 1982, offers high quality software products and support services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications that allows information to be accessed and communicated in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. The company now markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide and provides numerous support services, both from its consulting division and its award-winning 24-hour support center.