Lotus Notes is a collaborative software application developed by IBM that combines email, calendar, task management, and contact management features. It was first released in 1989 and is designed to help organizations manage communication and information efficiently. Users can access their data through a client application or a web browser, making it versatile for different work environments. In addition to its email and scheduling capabilities, Lotus Notes supports document management and workflow applications. It allows users to create and share databases, facilitating teamwork and project management. Over the years, it has evolved to integrate with other IBM products and services, enhancing its functionality in business settings.