IBM is preparing to launch a Web-based version of its Lotus Notes business email system on Monday. Called LotusLive iNotes, the service will compete with Google Apps, providing access to Webmail, 1GB of storage per user, mobile device support, integrated spam and antimalware protection, and administration tools.

LotusLive iNotes starts at $3 per month, per user on a yearly basis ($36), and runs $3.75 for those taking things month-to-month. The Premier Edition of Google Apps costs a bit more than that, at $50 yearly per user -- but there are some obvious extras, including 25GB of email storage for each employee. IBM is providing a free 30-day trial as well, so you'll be able to give LotusLive iNotes a shot before committing to a contract.

Am I the only one who wishes they could have been at the table when IBM came up with the name LotusLive iNotes?