Why we need to convert NSF file to PST file

Before explaining the reasons behind NSF to PST conversion, I would like to share basics of NSF file. NSF files are IBM Lotus Notes files expanded as Notes Storage File. These files can also be used for the process of data replication. Lotus Notes are associated with many types of databases. The most common databases associated with Lotus Notes files are:

• Mail Box Database: - Mail box databases are used to store mailboxes on Domino Server.

• Address Box Database: - Address Box databases are used to store contact records on User's PC .These databases are stored locally.

These Lotus Notes files are saved by using .NSF file. Anyone can easily access & read an NSF File by using Lotus Notes Client. Don’t get confuse with Lotus Domino Server or Lotus Notes Server as both are same thing.

Need For Conversion:

Email plays a vital role in the IT world to exchange information in a smarter and faster way. We all know that NSF files are designed by IBM & contain our emails, messages, calendars entries, notes data, task & to do list etc. PST files play the same role like NSF files in MS-Outlook. The difference between these two files is that we need two different platforms to operate these (NSF & PST) files. There are top two reasons for the conversion of NSF to PST file.

• Maintenance & Installation:-To install Lotus Notes Application is not a Child’s play .You must expertise in installing the Lotus Domino to enjoy the uninterrupted services of IBM. Also the installation cost of Lotus notes is very high as compared to MS-Outlook. It’s not possible for every small organization or home user’s to afford such a high installation cost. On the other hand, MS-Outlook has more user friendly environment as compared to Lotus Notes. It’s user friendly interface that force user‘s to convert all NSF files into PST file format.

• Job Switch: - Suppose you are working with an organization which works on Lotus Notes platform & all of a sudden you decide to switch your organization and you want to carry your Lotus Notes data with you as it stores all your valuable information. Perhaps your new organization is using MS-Outlook for exchanging the information then? While Lotus Notes Files will not work on MS Outlook platform. To overcome this situation or to access your Lotus Notes mails without any loss of information, you have to convert all Lotus Notes (NSF) files in to MS-Outlook (PST) files.

I think above reasons are sufficient for any lotus notes user to migrate the NSF files in to PST files, you can easily migrate lotus notes data with outlook using any third party tool. But when you are going to choose the third party tool, first ensure that tool is compatible with all versions of windows as well as Lotus Notes & also convert your NSF file without any data loss. The tool should also have user manual so that you can perform conversion smoothly.