IBM unveils LotusLive iNotes webmail service

IBM has launched LotusLive iNotes, a new web-based email system that promises a single point of access to contacts and enterprise resources.

"LotusLive iNotes email is a business-class messaging solution for everyone in your organisation," the company said.

"Remote employees, retail workers and anyone who doesn't work behind a desk will appreciate the easy access to company email. With web-based email, all of your employees will have real-time email access from a web browser and internet connection."

LotusLive iNotes includes many features seen in comparable products such as Google Apps and Microsoft Exchange, and IBM is keen to push the cloud-based system's support and service levels, as well as its simplicity.

"In just minutes you can issue email accounts to your users, and easily manage members' accounts. LotusLive iNotes allows your company to rapidly integrate emerging technologies without the high risk and costs typically involved in running your own email system," IBM said.

Yearly contracts start at US$3 ($3.46) per user per month, and monthly contracts at US$3.75 per user. IBM is offering a 30-day free trial in an attempt to sway potential customers.

Each pricing plan offers the same tools and features, including webmail, contact information, calendaring, 1GB of storage, POP3, IMAP and STMP mail access and support for mobile devices, along with admin and security tools such as spam and virus protection, SSL encryption and secure password recovery.

IBM also promised that systems would be monitored around the clock.