Lotus Notes comes to the iPad

IBM has launched Lotus Notes Traveler for the iPad, which is available free for existing Notes customers.

Traveler allows communication between Lotus Domino servers and mobile devices such as the iPad, allowing information to be synchronised automatically.

Kevin Cavanaugh, vice president of messaging and collaboration at IBM, claimed that IBM had seen "high anticipation and many requests for iPad compatibility for Lotus Notes", and that it is now available at a "highly secure level".

Apple continues to promote the iPad as a "powerful tool for business". The tablet launched with a revamped version of iWork, and supports Microsoft Server Exchange. Business applications are also available in abundance through the App Store.

Tim Coulling, an analyst at Canalys, explained that security issues had held back the iPhone and iPad in the corporate space.

Lotus Notes Traveler for the iPad requires a Lotus Domino Server, but Coulling believes that companies with this technology will no doubt add value to their mobile employees if they choose to adopt the iPad.

However, he also noted that email security is critical on a mobile device, and that there is a large gap between BlackBerry maker Research In Motion and other players.

"The Lotus application's arrival on the iPad will do little to bolster its credentials as an enterprise ready device," he said.

Lotus Notes Traveler is already available on platforms including Android, Symbian and Windows Mobile.