HFS Highlight: HCL Domino gets new low-code capabilities in the firm’s latest investment in platform enhancement

Demands shift faster than the weather in today’s world and technology evolves at a rapid pace, meaning incumbents are threatened by disruptors daily. This makes it more important than ever for firms to pivot their offerings to meet demand and find new efficiencies; meaning an increased need for rapid application development using low-code offerings. HCL recognized this already with HCL Leap, and more recently it announced the general availability of Domino Volt, boasting new low-code capabilities, continuing the platform’s enhancement story.

Domino has a rich history making it appealing to HCL as it still boasts thousands of clients and a keen following. 

Enterprises have been leveraging the Domino platform for decades; it was developed by Lotus, which was acquired by IBM in 1995, and Domino was eventually acquired by HCL as part of the $1.8 billion deal for select IBM products in 2019. Domino had many rocky years under IBM, as the firm pivoted in recent times to focus their efforts on different areas, meaning a reduced level of support, and demand for the platform trickling out under IBM. However, it still boasts an impressive client base and following – making it potentially a very profitable investment for HCL. The firm is hoping to inject new life into the platform, releasing new versions with new capabilities, the latest of which includes Domino Volt – bringing low-code capabilities to enhance rapid application development.

Application development is 60-70% faster with HCL Domino thanks to new low-code capabilities. 

By introducing low-code capabilities with the release of HCL Domino Volt, the firm’s clients will be able to reduce their reliance on large teams of developers, instead opting for small focused teams augmented by the low-code capabilities. While this offers the benefit of cost-savings as the firm’s wage bills drop, it also provides the essential ability to adapt its offerings to the ever-changing customer demands while seeking new efficiencies at an increased pace. It really is another significant step towards reviving the Domino platform.

However, as we discussed in a recent blog post, firms leveraging low-code offerings must ensure that they don’t fall into the trap of relying solely on teams of citizen developers; individuals who in reality lack the skills needed to be let loose on such a platform. Enterprise clients leveraging HCL Domino must ensure that they still employ architects, solution designers, and developers, amongst many other skilled resources. Domino’s low-code capabilities should augment their existing skill set, as opposed to replacing them all – and it’s down to HCL to communicate this message.

Bottom Line: Since acquiring Domino from IBM, HCL’s efforts to revive the platform are well underway, and this enhancement story is one to keep an eye on. 

The acquisition of Domino was part of a $1.8 billion deal in 2019, which suggests serious intent from HCL, although it is worth noting that Domino wasn’t the only entity acquired in the deal. This intent is supported by the efforts HCL have already made in turning the platform around; IBM last released a new version in the first quarter of 2013, but HCL have already released version 10 and 11 in the short time since the acquisition. The recent announcement spotlighting the general availability of HCL Domino Volt, and its new low-code application development capabilities, are just another advancement in the offering, and this combined with its rich history makes it worth serious consideration for any enterprise.