Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide

June 18, 2001

 

 

A. Domino R5 on AIX

Domino R5 was designed to provide overall performance and scalability improvements over Domino R4. The table below illustrates the general magnitude of R5's scalability increase by client type:

Client Type

R5 Scalability Increase

Lotus Notes®

300%

POP3

400%

IMAP

500%

Web Mail

1,500% on UNIX

NRPC (UNIX)

500%

The above enhanced performance is due to the following changes made in Domino R5:

ŸOptimization of the database format (the On Disk Structure or ODS) to minimize I/O contention. With R5, writes to disk are fewer and more efficient.

ŸTransaction logging. In R5, database operations are recorded sequentially, not all over the disk. This reduces I/O activity levels while increasing data integrity and dramatically speeding up server re-start.

ŸMultiple server mailboxes. On a Domino R5 server, messages can be deposited into any one of multiple mailboxes. This reduces both user and router contention for mail deposits and other mail-related activity.

ŸPooling of threads relating to end-user sessions. In R5, one thread can handle sessions for thousands of users. In R4, each user session required a separate thread, and a complete memory structure to go along with it. Fewer threads and processes equals lower overhead and more available memory and CPU cycles.

ŸBetter memory management, through the Unified Buffer Manager (UBM). Among other things, the UBM dynamically manages the notorious NSF_Buffer_Pool_Size parameter, by monitoring the relationship between available memory and buffer sizes.

ŸMore efficient utilization of large memory areas. If it's available on the RS/6000 configuration, Domino R5 makes more efficient use of RAM for internal caches and buffers, boosting performance compared to storing items on disk.

ŸA two-fold improvement in the speed of view rebuilding and incremental indexing. On servers with large numbers of databases, the processing time saved is significant.

The cumulative effect of R5 performance optimizations (those listed above, plus many others) translate into efficiency gains of these rough magnitudes:

ŸA 30% reduction in memory usage requirements per user

Ÿ10-20% more efficient utilization of I/O subsystems

Ÿ75% faster response times across a broad range of mail- and application-related activities

ŸSignificantly less server-to-server message traffic, resulting in reduced network bandwidth requirements

ŸTransactional logging

While R5 performance gains are generally outstanding, they are comparatively even greater on AIX. The Domino R5 architecture is so inherently scalable that it can take full advantage of the powerful RS/6000 and pSeries computing platforms, including SMPs, gigabytes of memory and terrabytes of disk.

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IBM manual Domino R5 on AIX, Client Type R5 Scalability Increase
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R5 specifications

IBM R5, also known as IBM Notes R5, marked a significant evolution in the IBM Notes and Domino platform, offering users enhanced capabilities and features that improved productivity and collaboration in the workplace. Released in 1999, R5 introduced a more refined user interface, improved performance, and a range of new tools designed to facilitate communication and teamwork.

One of the standout features of IBM R5 was its comprehensive integration of email, calendaring, and tasks within a single interface. This centralized approach allowed users to manage their communications more efficiently, reducing the need to switch between multiple applications. The improved email functionality included enhanced filtering and sorting capabilities, enabling users to better organize their inboxes.

The R5 version also introduced significant advancements in the collaborative aspects of the platform. With new tools for team collaboration, such as enhanced discussion databases and a shared documents feature, R5 made it easier for teams to work together on projects irrespective of their physical locations. The introduction of instant messaging capabilities further bridged communication gaps, allowing users to connect in real time.

IBM R5 was built on a robust architecture that incorporated Domino server enhancements, which improved scalability and performance. The platform supported new technologies, including Java applets, allowing developers to build more dynamic and interactive applications. Additionally, the integration of the LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) provided better directory services, making it simpler to manage user identities across the network.

Security features were also a focus in R5, with improvements in encryption and user authentication that helped safeguard sensitive data. The platform’s ability to integrate with other enterprise applications while maintaining robust security protocols made it a choice for organizations that prioritized data protection.

Moreover, IBM R5 incorporated a more modular and flexible architecture, enabling easier customization and management of applications and components. This adaptability catered to a wide range of business needs, thus positioning IBM Notes R5 as a versatile solution for organizations looking to enhance their workflow and communication processes.

Overall, IBM R5 served as a milestone in the evolution of enterprise collaboration solutions. Its innovative features, user-friendly interface, and robust security measures laid the foundation for future developments in the IBM Notes and Domino ecosystem, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective business practices.
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