Lotus announced Domino Release 5 server support for Extensible Markup Language (XML) and Microsoft Component Object Model (COM). By supporting XML, Domino Application Server R5 makes it easy to incorporate this industry-standard data type into an organization’s business processes.

ZDNN reports that frustration is growing among IT managers who have to deal with Windows 2000. The article says that the frustration mostly stems from the constant delays and the cost of upgrading to the new operating system.

PC Magazine reviews Lotus QuickPlace 1.0. The review says that because it’s based on Domino, it offers endless workgroup possibilities.

Lawson Software announced general availability of the AS/400e Custom Server with Lawson Software, a hardware/software solution integrating AS/400 hardware, Lotus Domino-enabled application software and the Lawson Insight Business Management System.

Seagull announced technology now available for integrating mainframe and AS/400 host applications with new applications, including Java applications, Java servlets, Java Server Pages (JSPs), HTML, Lotus Domino and Lotus Notes. Using the connectors, Java and Domino developers can create solutions that send updates to mainframe or AS/400 applications, have the host application process the data, and then use the results of the process in their Java or Domino application.

Here’s an article from PC Week which details some changes happening over at IBM. According to the article, IBM will target four markets — transformation and integration, leveraging information, organizational effectiveness and technology management.

ZDNN’s Charles Cooper says that IBM head Lou Gerstner should enlist Dell CEO Michael Dell to deal with IBM’s failing Personal Systems Group.

PC Week takes a closer look at Domino Extended Search 2.0. PC Week says that version 2.0 supports new information sources, Lotus Enterprise Integrator applications, and ten additional Web content search sites.

Lotus announced the availability of online registration for the company’s Lotusphere 2000 customer and Business Partner conference at the Walt Disney World Resorts in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, from January 16 to 21. Registrations are being accepted on a first-come/first-serve basis and can be made by completing and submitting an electronic form on the Web or by calling 1-800-OK-LOTUS (800-655-6887) or, from outside North America, 1-716-264-4337.

Stamps.com announced a partnership in which Lotus will provide Stamps.com service through a Smart Icon on the Lotus Organizer Release 6 toolbar. Stamps.com will also be featured on trial CD-ROMs for Lotus Organizer and on Organizer packaging. Additionally, Stamps.com will provide information about Lotus Organizer on its Web site, and will make a trial version of Lotus Organizer available on the installation CD-ROM to potential Stamps.com customers.