FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Seascape for Notes – Lotus Notes database migration and archiving
I’m not a Domino specialist. What is a Lotus Notes database?
This question might seem redundant at this point, but what if you have inherited some databases that you don’t know much about? Thus, let us briefly describe what a Notes database is.
Lotus Notes databases are NoSQL, document-based databases. One specific type is a mail database, which contains emails. A single database file (NSF) typically contains multiple documents with rich content (emails are also documents), views, and application logic. Because of this compound nature of the NSF file, where code and data are packaged together, it is an application file as well. These applications run on Domino servers and Notes clients.
Learn more here: Lotus Notes Database FAQ.
How can I export Lotus Notes databases?
It is not necessary to be an HCL Domino specialist to extract content from Notes databases. Simply, fire up the Notes client (if you need our assistance, just drop us a line) and run Seascape for Notes. You can export Lotus Notes databases stored either locally, or from any accessible Domino server.
Seascape for Notes provides three different types of export: portable PDF archives, browser-based archives, or SharePoint libraries. You need to choose the type of your archive and follow these steps.
Do I need the Notes client or Domino server to view my Seascape archive?
No. The Seascape archive is platform independent. It is a self-contained set of standard format files such as PDF, JSON and HTML, therefore you only need a web browser to view your data.
Do I need a web server and a database server for my Seascape archive?
No, you do not need a server. You can save the export to your local folder, or a shared folder, and then open the index.html file in a web browser. Note that saving the archive on an intranet web server is a common practice because doing so allows multiple users to access archived data.
Are Notes document links preserved in converted documents?
Yes. When you click on a document link in the exported PDF, the linked PDF file will open automatically (assuming that both the source and the linked Notes document have been exported to PDF).
Does Seascape archive preserve the Notes access permissions?
Readers and Authors fields are preserved as metadata, but access permissions are not currently implemented in the Seascape Viewer. Commonly, administrators use folder-level permissions to control user access to individual archives on the web server.
Can I install Seascape on the Notes client?
Yes, you can install and use Seascape locally on the Notes client. The databases being processed can reside either on the same workstation or on any accessible Domino server.
How can I download the latest Lotus Notes version?
Download the Lotus Notes client (HCL Notes, formerly IBM Notes), and the HCL Domino server from the HCL website.
Can I search through the document views in the Seascape web viewer?
Yes, you can use the search box to find a particular view entry. You can also sort the documents using any of the view columns.
How can I move Lotus Notes documents to SharePoint?
You can upload exported Notes documents and metadata into your Microsoft SharePoint list or library by following these steps.
What happens if I export the same database twice into the same folder?
If any of the Notes documents were not processed during the first run, they will be converted to PDF/JSON files and added to the archive normally. The Seascape document views will also be recreated to include the new entries. As for the Notes documents that were already processed during the previous run, they will not be processed again, thus saving on processing time.
Download the Product Datasheet to learn more.