HCLSoftware Domino IQ Delivers Sovereign AI for Ultimate Data Control

In a significant move to address the growing global demand for data privacy and digital independence, HCLSoftware has launched version 14.5 of its Domino application development platform.[1][2] This latest iteration introduces Domino IQ, an artificial intelligence extension designed to provide governments and highly regulated industries, such as private banking, with full control over their data and AI models.[2][3] The release is strategically timed as organizations worldwide, particularly in Europe, navigate the complexities of new regulations like the European AI Act.[2] By focusing on "sovereign AI," HCLSoftware aims to empower its clients to harness the power of AI without compromising data security or relying on foreign cloud-based services.[2][3] This positions Domino 14.5 as a critical tool for entities where data sovereignty is a paramount concern.

The centerpiece of the Domino 14.5 launch is Domino IQ, which fundamentally alters how organizations can deploy artificial intelligence.[2][4] Instead of connecting to external, third-party AI services, Domino IQ integrates a trusted, offline Large Language Model (LLM) engine directly into the Domino server environment.[5][6] This means all data processing and AI-driven analysis occur within the organization's own secure infrastructure, effectively creating a private, sovereign AI ecosystem.[5] Users can select and deploy their own custom-built AI models or those from trusted partners, ensuring that sensitive information never leaves their control.[2][3] This capability is particularly crucial for the 200+ government agencies HCLSoftware already supports, who are increasingly wary of foreign government influence and the geopolitical uncertainties affecting cloud services.[2][3] The platform supports popular LLM models from sources like Huggingface.co, including Llama v3.1, Mistral, and Gemma 2, giving developers flexibility while maintaining a secure, offline environment.[5]

Beyond the headline AI features, HCL Domino 14.5 delivers a suite of enhancements geared toward security, compliance, and accessibility, further solidifying its appeal to regulated sectors.[1][2] The platform has achieved BSI certification for Information Security and now incorporates Security Event and Incident Management (SEIM) tools to bolster its defensive capabilities.[2][3] In a direct response to European Union mandates, the release is compliant with the European Accessibility Act, ensuring that its web-based experiences are accessible to all business users.[2][1] Security for administrators is strengthened through enhanced support for open standards, including OpenID Connect (OIDC) and the ability to require passkeys, which simplifies the adoption of modern enterprise IT security standards.[7] For developers, Domino IQ is accessible through new LotusScript classes and REST APIs, making it easier to integrate AI functionalities into existing applications or to create new intelligent solutions.[7]

The launch of Domino 14.5 and its sovereign AI capabilities is a direct response to a shifting enterprise landscape where digital sovereignty is no longer a niche concern but a central tenet of IT strategy.[2][7] As noted by Richard Jefts, Executive Vice President and General Manager at HCLSoftware, the uncertain geopolitical climate has amplified concerns about data sovereignty, extending beyond AI to all forms of collaboration, including email, chat, and video recordings.[2][3] This sentiment is echoed by partners like IONOS, a European cloud provider, which emphasizes that true digital sovereignty is key to Europe's digital future and requires secure infrastructure free from foreign access.[2][4] By enabling organizations to avoid unpredictable vendor subscription models and the inherent risks of exposing sensitive data to external AI prompts, Domino IQ presents a compelling case for cost savings and risk mitigation.[7]

In conclusion, the release of HCL Domino 14.5 with Domino IQ represents a strategic and timely evolution of a long-standing enterprise platform. By placing data privacy and sovereign AI at its core, HCLSoftware is not only addressing the immediate compliance needs of its government and regulated industry clients but is also setting a new standard for secure AI deployment.[2][5] The ability for organizations to maintain full control over their AI models and data, insulated from the risks of public cloud and foreign infrastructure, is a powerful proposition in the current global climate.[2][7] This launch enhances the Domino+ sovereign collaboration portfolio and reinforces the platform's reputation for security and reliability, positioning it as a forward-looking solution for a world grappling with the profound implications of artificial intelligence.[2][8]