9 top collaboration and communication iPhone apps

The iPhone 2.x software brings Microsoft Exchange support to the iPhone and iPod Touch. Look to the following Safari and native apps to connect with IBM Lotus Domino eMail; sync with Outlook calendar and contacts; share news, notes, and files with co-workers; and message without SMS charges.

1. IBM Lotus iNotes Ultralite For the many enterprises running Lotus Domino eMail, iNotes Ultralite brings e-mail, calendar, and contacts to the iPhone. To make this work, IT needs to upgrade the company’s Notes server with Domino Web Access 8.0.2. Employees then simply point the iPhone’s Safari browser to the secure Domino server. The Web interface is tailored to the iPhone, so it’s easy to view your inbox, compose messages, check meeting details, and retrieve contact information.

2. iAnywhere Mobile Office Less powerful than iNotes, Sybase’s free iAnywhere application allows access to personal and contact information on Lotus Domino e-mail systems. You’re limited to reading the corporate address book (and personal entries), but you can save contacts to the iPhone. On the back end, your business must purchase and install iAnywhere Mobile Office for IBM Lotus Domino and OneBridge Mobile Groupware. For organizations supporting many types of mobile devices (iAnywhere handles 250-plus models), this is a respectable solution.

3. HyperOffice Although the iPhone now hooks up to Microsoft Exchange servers, the Web-based HyperOffice ($44.99 per month for five users) remains a good option, especially for small businesses. This solution synchronizes your iPhone e-mail client with Microsoft Outlook running on your desktop, and with Microsoft Exchange. SMBs should consider this solution; without any extra software on the iPhone or behind the corporate firewall, employees can access shared calendars, contacts, tasks, and links.