Found this very handy resource on the DeveloperWorks forums the other day that describes the entire WorkPlace Services Express installation and Domino integration.

http://vosmer.nl/workplace

After configuring the WorkPlace Services Express server to use my Domino LDAP server I noticed that WSE was performing quite slowly. Just moving from one page to the next was taking about 30 – 40 seconds.

Playing around with the Domino LDAP configuration I fixed this problem by setting the LDAP setting to automatically create a Full Text Index of the Domino NAB.  Restarting the LDAP server and waiting for the index to be built showed a significant increase in speed in WSE.

I’d also recommend that you check the WebSphere Portal administration settings for LDAP and ensure that it is set to reuse the connection.

I’ve also gotten the Notes Mail Technical Preview portlet working in WSE. More on how to do that later.

Ok, I’ve been pulling my hair out for the past while to get my WSE server working with my Domino server for authentication. After following the instructions step by step, word by word, letter by letter I just couldn’t get it working.

Well a load of emails to internal IBM sources later and it turns out that somebody left out one of the steps in the instructions. It turns out that the proceedure to change the security takes longer then the default SOAP wait period so you need to increase the SOAP timeout.

To do this just open the WSEAppServerPropertiessoap.client.props file and set the timeout value to 6000. Then after following the steps in the instructiosn run the wizards as instructed and you’ll end up with a successful install of WSE that is integrated to your Domino LDAP.

I finally got some information back regarding getting the WorkPlace Services Express added to my Passport Agreement :

Free Workplace Services Express promotion announced at Lotusphere

As announced by Ambuj Goyal at the Lotusphere 2005 opening session, IBM Lotus will begin giving away free 20-packs of Workplace Services Express, one per Passport account, to anyone who registers on a special Web page. The six-month promotion will begin by the end of this quarter. Timing and operational details will be announced soon.

Customers will see the SKU added to their account exactly as if they purchased it. They can install and use up to 20 licenses, including a year of support and subscription, and will get a standard renewal invoice at the end of the year. This offer is also being made available to PartnerWorld members.

WSE provides a complete, easy to use platform for team or departmental collaboration. With this free offer, IBM and BPs can help anyone try WSE with no obligation. It can be set up and deployed in minutes, and customized to any group scenario. WSE will combat the growth of Sharepoint and Sharepoint Services deployments in customer accounts, and diminish the appeal of Core CAL and other bundling tactics from Microsoft.

So there you have it. There will be a special webpage published soon where Passport and PartnerWorld customers will be able to signup and have the product added to their account.