One of the Lotus/Domino initiatives that deserves your time and attention (and it isn't from IBM) while at Lotusphere is OpenNTF. I ask that you take some time to visit them in the Showcase and also seek out their BoF's (Birds-of-a-Feather) and sessions. To help you with this, I have included the message that I received from Bruce Elgort (and I am sure that quite a few other people got it as well).
The people that create and support the projects at OpenNTF are very approachable and free with their knowledge. I know. I hit a few of them up for assistance with getting the Blogsphere template rolling on my server. Also, Bruce and Julian have an exceptional podcast centering on Lotus/Domino, hosted on the OpenNTF site (and iTunes). If you want to know more about OpenNTF before you hit Orlando, I strongly suggest that you listen to this podcast. In it, Bruce provides an excellent overview of OpenNTF. After listening, I think it will motivate you to look at the projects - there is something there for almost everyone. And more are coming.
One project that I think that I will look at next is the EU Power Tools. And if it wasn't for the podcast, I don't think that I would have given it any thought. Who wouldn't want to provide to our users the ability to print mailing labels out of Notes using SmartIcons?
No, I do not have anything to do with OpenNTF, but I think that I know a good thing when I see it. The time and effort that the Master Chef(s) and Cooks put in on these projects is reflected in the quality of the output. Check it out.
Link: OpenNTF.org
Link: Taking Notes Episode 6: Interview with Bruce Elgort - OpenNTF
Listening To: Boom Boom Mancini by Warren Zevon
From Bruce Elgort's e-mail:
OpenNTF.org is happy to announce their participation in the Lotusphere 2006 Product Showcase. OpenNTF is the leading web site for Notes and Domino developers who are looking for open source Lotus Notes and Domino templates.
Some of OpenNTF’s most popular projects include the OpenNTF Mail Template, domBulletin, kSpam, iWatch, Surely Template, ACLHelp, VIC CRM, !!Help!!, DominoWiki, OpenLog, RealWorkFlow, EU Power Tools, BB Log Analyzer, MailScan, MailAnalysis, Vacation Request, User Administration Utility and BlogSphere.
OpenNTF is pleased to announce that the Lotusphere 2006 Online system is using OpenNTF's domBulletin template for the third year in a row. Please be sure to check out Version 1.2 of domBulletin.
Attendees can visit the OpenNTF booth (#621) and see demonstrations of any of the OpenNTF projects and also pick up an OpenNTF T-shirt (while supplies last).
Bruce Elgort will be hosting the OpenNTF Birds-of-a-Feather Session (BOF104) that will be held in the Swan Hotels Macaw 1-2 rooms on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 from 7:00-8:00am. Bruce will also be hosting the IBM Lotus Blogging Birds-of-a-Feather Session (BOF105) that will be held in the Yacht & Beach Clubs Asbury C room on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 from 5:45-6:45pm.
On Thursday January 26, 2006 OpenNTF will be presenting a Best practices session (BP105) entitled "OpenNTF: How OpenNTF solutions can save you time, money and your hair". This session will take place from 10-11am in the Swan 10 room. We hope to see you there.
OpenNTF will also be podcasting from the show and you can access the podcasts on the Taking Notes site http://takingnotes.openntf.org or via the Apple iTunes Music Store (search for "Taking Notes Podcast" or "Lotus Notes" in the music store section). There are now 10 episodes of the podcast series available for you to download. Go get 'em!
Comment posted by Chris Whisonant01/19/2006 07:24:37 AM
Homepage: http://cwhisonant.blogspot.com
Gregg, I wish I had more time to help out with OpenNTF. They do have some great applications. I was thinking of looking at the EU power tools as well...
My workgroup uses domBulletin (per my nudging) to do some basic project tracking and posting activity reports, etc... Great tool. I've even implemented some moderator approval (through use of Readers field) that I'm hoping will allow us to begin using the BB corporate-wide. One of the requirements was moderator approval.
I'm definitely going to meet up with the OpenNTF guys there. Bruce and I will even be jamming a little together!
Comment posted by Gregg Eldred01/19/2006 11:43:52 PM
Homepage: http://ns-tech.com/blog/geldred.nsf
I hope that I am wrong, but I think that OpenNTF doesn't get the recognition that it deserves. It is an amazing group of people giving back to the community. Amazing.
Comment posted by Bruce Elgort01/20/2006 12:47:54 PM
Homepage: http://takingnotes.openntf.org
Greg,
Thanks for the kind words. The OpenNTF community is a great one. Anil, Vince and I truly enjoying providing this service. What size shirt you wear?
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