Domino IQ: What's New in HCL Domino 14.5
- Justin Hill
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 31
HCL Domino 14.5 is a big step forward for enterprise collaboration, especially if you're ready to bring AI into your workflows. With Domino IQ, you're no longer limited to traditional automation. Now you can build smarter, faster applications using AI, all within the Domino environment you already know.
Whether you're a seasoned Domino developer or managing IT for a growing organization, this version gives you the tools to add AI features without relying on external platforms. Everything runs locally, securely, and on your terms, no extra infrastructure is needed.
So what exactly is this Domino IQ, and how does it fit into the Domino 14.5 ecosystem? Let’s break it down.
Domino Meets AI in 14.5
With Domino IQ now part of HCL Domino Notes 14.5, things are starting to shift in a big way. As data privacy and compliance become bigger concerns for businesses, Domino steps up by offering an AI-powered environment that keeps everything secure and local.
You don’t need to depend on external cloud vendors to run AI. Instead, you get smart capabilities built right into your existing setup.
From summarizing emails to improving business process automation, HCL Notes is now equipped to process unstructured content and deliver insights directly to the Notes client.
Want a visual walkthrough?
Watch the official launch video from HCL to see Domino 14.5 in action:
What Is the Domino IQ?
Domino IQ in HCL Domino Notes 14.5 makes it easier for developers and architects to bring real intelligence into everyday apps. It’s built right into the core of HCL Domino, so you can start adding AI to your workflows, documents, and communication tools, without overhauling your existing setup.
Key use cases for the Domino IQ include:
Summarizing complex emails using NLP
Automating service ticket classification
Generating intelligent responses or suggestions
Extracting insights from years of historical Notes data
What’s New in Version 14.5 for AI Integration
HCL Domino 14.5 isn’t just about mail and calendar upgrades, it goes much further. This release introduces built-in AI, modern tools for developers, and a wave of improvements across the entire Notes ecosystem. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new.
Domino IQ Integration
One of the biggest highlights of Domino 14.5 is Domino IQ, a built-in AI engine that runs completely offline. That means you can process data and run inferences without sending anything to external servers.
It supports multiple large language models and is built to handle real-world tasks like summarizing content, classifying data, and automating business logic, all within your Domino environment.
Key AI updates include:
New LotusScript & Java classes for embedding AI directly into Domino applications.
REST API support for external integration with mobile and web apps.
Ability to download AI examples from the Domino Marketplace for rapid development.
Mail Enhancements
Notes 14.5.0 enhances the overall mail experience with:
Improved search performance within large threads.
Smarter navigation and faster loading for inbox content.
Support for AI features like email summarization when Domino IQ is enabled.
Calendar Enhancements
New updates make scheduling and coordination easier:
Performance improvements for recurring events.
Visual updates to calendar UI.
Integration-ready structure for AI-powered suggestions and time slot predictions.
Workspace Improvements
The Notes Workspace in 14.5 now includes:
Enhanced Search Center for quickly locating applications.
Faster loading of frequently accessed databases.
Improved support for Restyle-enabled applications.
General Enhancements
Enhanced accessibility and responsiveness across UI components.
More stable rendering in Notes thanks to the updated XULRunner browser engine.
Expanded support for desktop productivity integrations using HCL Nomad extensions.
Sametime Web Chat/PWA Integration
HCL Notes 14.5 introduces support for the Sametime Progressive Web Application (PWA):
Seamlessly embed Sametime Web Chat into the Notes client.
Lightweight, fast, and optimized for multi-platform use without containers.
iNotes Deprecation
As of version 14.5:
iNotes is officially removed.
For webmail, HCL recommends transitioning to HCL Verse, which provides a more modern browser experience.
Domino Restyle Enhancements
Restyle continues to evolve in this release:
Improved theming options for Notes applications.
Easier modernization of legacy UI elements without altering back-end logic.
Better alignment with accessibility standards.
Installation and Upgrade Enhancements
Domino 14.5 simplifies deployment and updates:
Fully automated server upgrades.
Better patch management tools to keep environments secure and consistent.
Configuration & Admin Updates
Streamlined tools for configuring users and servers.
Enhanced Domino Directory capabilities for easier policy management.
New admin interfaces to support AI feature configuration across environments.
Security Enhancements
Domino 14.5 strengthens enterprise security:
OIDC (OpenID Connect) supports modern authentication.
Passkey enforcement for user-level access control.
Full alignment with international frameworks such as BSI IT-Grundschutz and ISO 27001.
New in Domino Designer 14.5
New 64-bit LotusScript NotesSession API for improved memory handling and performance.
Introduction of two new AI-focused LotusScript classes to invoke Domino IQ functions.
Expanded Java class support for advanced inference-based operations.
Deprecated and Removed Components
The following components are no longer included in this release:
iNotes (Web UI)
Older template dependencies are not aligned with the Restyle
Legacy 32-bit LotusScript interfaces where 64-bit alternatives are now standard
Domino 14.5 puts HCL Domino Notes on a clear path forward, with built-in AI, a more modern user experience, and the kind of security and deployment flexibility enterprises need. Whether you're updating legacy IBM Notes apps or building fresh, AI-powered solutions from scratch, this release gives you everything you need to do it efficiently and securely.
How Developers Can Start Using Domino IQ
To start building AI-powered apps using HCL Notes Domino resources, you’ll need:
Required Setup
Domino Designer 14.5
Java 21 runtime environment
Latest HCL Notes Client Download
Sample Process
Import the Domino IQ module into your app
Add AI calls via LotusScript or Java
Use REST if building for web or mobile clients
Select fields to summarize or analyze
You’ll find detailed implementation steps in the HCL Notes Support and product documentation.
Domino IQ in 14.5 vs Previous Versions
This outlines how far HCL Domino 14.5 has advanced in making AI development more accessible to Notes teams.
System and Runtime Dependencies
Java 21 LTS brings performance and security improvements
Eclipse 4.30 enhances plug-in compatibility
XULRunner 45 enables modern UI rendering within HCL Notes Domino applications
The updated installer was built on InstallShield 2023 R1
These upgrades ensure a future-ready platform for AI workflows.
Limitations and Considerations
While the Domino IQ offers strong potential, it is still evolving:
No-code AI is limited; script integration is currently required
Model training is external; Domino handles inference only
Enterprise developers will need to adapt existing codebases to leverage new AI APIs
Still, the value of offline AI with full data sovereignty makes this a worthwhile investment.
Why Domino IQ Sets the Foundation for AI-Driven Notes Applications?
The HCL Group has delivered a strong signal with HCL Domino 14.5: enterprise collaboration must evolve securely and intelligently. By embedding Domino IQ features directly in the HCL Notes Domino stack, businesses can:
Automate repetitive work in legacy applications
Extract new value from long-standing data repositories
Maintain compliance and digital sovereignty
Avoid expensive third-party AI tools or subscriptions
Whether you're developing in LotusScript, working on legacy IBM Notes infrastructure, or leading IT transformation, HCL Domino Notes 14.5 positions you to integrate AI without sacrificing control.
Building a Smarter, Secure Future with HCL Domino 14.5
HCL Domino 14.5 represents a major step forward for organizations looking to embed AI into their collaboration tools without compromising security or control. With the Domino IQ, teams can automate workflows, gain deeper insights from data, and modernize applications within the existing Domino environment.
This release delivers improved development tools, a modernized interface, enhanced security, and easier administration. For developers and IT decision-makers, HCL Domino 14.5 provides the right capabilities to build intelligent, efficient solutions that support long-term business goals.