Pegasystems Unveils AI Tool to Modernize Lotus Notes Applications

Pegasystems has introduced a new artificial intelligence tool aimed at assisting enterprises in modernizing outdated Lotus Notes applications. This software, originally developed in the 1980s and acquired by IBM in 1995, was sold to HCL Technologies in 2018. Despite its age, approximately 34,000 organizations globally continue to rely on Lotus Notes and Domino for critical processes such as approvals, claims, escalations, and document management.

Modernizing these legacy systems presents significant challenges. Many enterprises lack visibility into the workings of their deeply embedded Lotus Notes installations. Documentation is often scarce, and the underlying logic is dispersed across various components, including LotusScripts. Additionally, proprietary Notes Storage Facility (NSF) data structures complicate the process of upgrading these decades-old systems, making it both time-consuming and costly.

Damon Lockwood, Vice President of Intelligent Automation Strategy at Pegasystems, highlighted the challenges posed by legacy systems: “Transforming these deeply embedded systems can be extremely costly and time-consuming while more nimble competitors lap them in the market.” He emphasized that Pegasystems’ new tool aims to provide organizations with a faster and more reliable method to modernize their collaboration systems and enhance their digital transformation efforts.

Introducing Notes to Blueprint

The new tool, named Notes to Blueprint, is based on InvestigatorPlus, which Pegasystems acquired from Swedish legacy transformation provider Adopteq. It is available as a comprehensive modernization solution through Pegasystems’ premier partner, Capgemini, on the AWS Marketplace, as well as a standalone product on the Pega Marketplace.

Notes to Blueprint analyzes Lotus Notes databases to generate a portfolio analysis that provides insights into the size, activity, complexity, and utility of those applications. This analysis helps organizations uncover the full scope of their modernization projects. The tool scans proprietary NSF databases to deliver a detailed assessment of application functionality, including the data structures and automations embedded within LotusScripts, forms, and agents.

The data and processes extracted through Notes to Blueprint can be seamlessly imported into Pega Blueprint. The design agents within this platform will reimagine previously scattered logic into what Pegasystems describes as “fully-orchestrated processes.” Pega Blueprint automatically translates document-centric data structures from Notes into new relational data models, which are readily accessible as modern cloud integration APIs and data streams.

A Comprehensive Solution for Enterprises

The combination of Notes to Blueprint and Pega Blueprint is further enhanced by Capgemini’s CAALM (AI-assisted Legacy Modernization) services, which include data migration, validation, testing, and change management. According to Stephan Kolarik, Global Vice President of Digital Customer Experience at Capgemini, “This complete solution gives enterprises a holistic approach to reducing dependency on their legacy estates.”

As organizations strive to remain competitive in an increasingly agile market, solutions like Pegasystems’ Notes to Blueprint offer a path forward for those still reliant on outdated systems. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, enterprises can modernize their processes and unlock the full potential of digital transformation.