Being enterprise software, one usually needs considerable expertise and time to obtain optimal performance and functionality. This is especially true for a product as comprehensive and feature rich as Lotus Domino 6.5 which is fully programmable and can provide workflow, knowledge management, document management, archiving, database and collaboration services via a client-server or browser based thin client model.

Still the best choice for speed and security, but most new additions are eye candy.

Added features and fixed bugs mean that Firefox remains our browser of choice

The arrival of Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 (ES2K3) is a significant event in the history of this product. First, it brings to a close the second era of the codebase. Released back in 1996 on the NT 4 wave, ES4 (there was no 1, 2 or 3) brought enterprise-level email, contact management, diary management and so forth to the Windows Server platform in a new and comprehensive BackOffice application.

With Internet Explorer’s security flaws and no way of securely erasing footprint files, the boost to privacy is minimal.

Excellent touches promise so much, including a great screen and browser, but in use it’s unbearably slow

Improved interface, object and layer handling, plus integrated 3D painting add greatly to power, usability and value

A low-cost SSL-VPN appliance that may fit your bill, but sacrifices are inevitably made to hit the sub-$250 price

This new version of PartitionMagic sees the main interface with XP styling, but at the top of the new features list is the File Browser, which allows you to view the contents of hidden and visible partitions and rename, delete or copy files.

This new version of PartitionMagic sees the main interface with XP styling, but at the top of the new features list is the File Browser, which allows you to view the contents of hidden and visible partitions and rename, delete or copy files.

For a laser printer manufacturer, GCC has an unusual history. Formed in 1981, the company originally developed enhancements for coin-operated video games such as Ataris Missile Command and also brought us PacMan.

ViaVoice Web is a voice recognition package designed especially for Internet users. It links into email programs, both Netscape and Microsoft Web browsers, chat programs and includes special Web oriented jargon to make it much easier to take voice recognition onto the Internet.

Useful for the very basics, but it’s early days for Google’s latest venture.

By sticking with the same intuitive management console, the latest version of Computer Associates' (CA) antivirus software remains notably easy to use, and has increased its coverage by adding new virus-scanning capabilities for PDAs, plug-ins for a variety of gateways, and protection options for Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes/Domino. You also get remote browser access and the option to designate secondary signature servers, which clients will use if the primary distribution server fails.

A great keyboard, wonderful screen and loads of features, but battery life is weak and it’s a touch pricey

To be fair, if you were going to deploy Netware 6, you would have a trained Novell engineer (CNE) configure it on a Netware 6-certified box from a major manufacturer. We, nevertheless, decided to wipe our Windows 2000 clone server and start afresh with Netware.

Voice E-mail is an add on to Maxiworks E-Mail Express (sold with the program). Priced at $32.95 without a microphone, or $49.95 with, there is no doubt that the program delivers what youd want in an email package, but there is a lack of sophistication thats generally expected in todays programs.

Not the sleekest smartphone, but the screen, keyboard and battery life are all superb.

HP’s Opteron MP server delivers an innovative design teamed with high expansion potential and a good price.

Microsoft prepares to march into Adobe territory with its forthcoming suite of graphics and web development software.