Domino applications are business applications built on HCL Domino: each one is a database that holds its data, forms, views, business logic and security together, with replication built in. Most can be modernized without a rewrite, by keeping proven logic and data on Domino while updating the user interface, integrations and AI capabilities with tools such as HCL Nomad, the Domino REST API, XPages, Domino Leap, Volt MX Go and Domino IQ.
Enterprises often run hundreds of Domino applications that encode years of process knowledge. Our Domino developers and consultants build, support and modernize them for large organizations. This article explains how Domino applications work, the modernization options and how to choose between modernizing, rebuilding and migrating.
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| NSF database | Stores documents (records), design elements and code in one file |
| Forms and views | Data entry screens and the lists that sort, categorize and display documents |
| Business logic | Formula language, LotusScript, Java and JavaScript, in agents, events and buttons |
| Security | Database access control lists, plus Readers and Authors fields for document level security, and encryption |
| Replication | Copies of the application stay synchronized across servers and offline clients |
| Web and API access | XPages and the Domino REST API expose applications and data to browsers and other systems |
| Option | What it does | Fits when |
|---|---|---|
| HCL Nomad | Runs existing Notes applications in a web browser or on mobile devices without redesign | You need browser or mobile access quickly with no code changes |
| Domino REST API | Exposes Domino data and logic through secure REST endpoints | You want a modern web front end or integration with other systems |
| XPages refresh | Updates existing Domino web applications with a responsive interface | Applications already have a web layer that needs updating |
| Domino Leap | Builds browser based forms and workflow applications with low code | New, simpler applications or replacements for small legacy ones |
| Volt MX Go | HCL’s low code platform for building native mobile and modern web apps on Domino data and logic | You need mobile apps or new multi-channel experiences without moving data off Domino |
| Domino IQ | Adds AI inference inside Domino, callable from LotusScript | Summarizing, classifying or routing content without sending data to outside AI services |
| Integration with Microsoft 365 | Connects Domino workflows with Exchange, Teams and identity systems | Mail has moved, but applications stay on Domino |
| Path | Choose it when |
|---|---|
| Modernize on Domino | The application is business critical, its logic is sound and users mainly need a better interface or integrations |
| Rebuild on Domino | The design is outdated or hard to maintain, but Domino security and replication still fit |
| Migrate to another platform | A standard SaaS product replaces it, or a platform decision requires leaving Domino |
| Retire | No owner, little or no use and no retention requirement |
When applications are moving off Domino, see migrating complex Notes applications; for the platform level decision, see the Domino migration playbook.
New applications on Domino can use Domino Designer with LotusScript and Java, XPages for web interfaces, the Domino REST API with any modern JavaScript framework, or Domino Leap for low code forms and workflow. Running them on a current release, covered in our HCL Domino upgrade guide, gives access to modern authentication and Domino IQ.
Need to modernize or support Domino applications?
RockTeam’s US based Domino developers design, enhance and modernize mission critical Domino applications and support them long term. RockTeam is an official HCL Business Partner. Start with a no cost assessment.
Talk to a Domino DeveloperYes. HCL Nomad runs existing Notes applications in a browser without redesign, and applications can also be delivered through XPages or a modern front end built on the Domino REST API.
Usually not. Most applications can keep their data and logic on Domino while the interface and integrations are modernized. Rebuilding or migrating is best reserved for applications with a clear reason to change.
Yes. Domino applications can exchange data with other systems through the Domino REST API and other integration methods, and can keep working with users whose mail has moved to Exchange Online.
Yes. Domino IQ, available from Domino 14.5, lets applications call AI inference from LotusScript inside your Domino environment.
Experienced Domino developers are scarce. Many organizations work with a Domino partner such as RockTeam for development and ongoing application support alongside their internal team.
