Another major benefit of Sametime is that it is not a "one-size-fits-most" offering. The Sametime client set allows instant messaging connections from various types of workstations and mobile devices. Sametime uses a central company directory for displaying contact information which can be customized—even including employee photos. Depending on the way you and your organization work, there are a number of different types of Sametime clients to best fit everyone's needs.
Sametime Embedded Client—the Sametime Embedded Client is what you use when you're running the Lotus Notes e-mail client and Sametime is "built in" to the client experience. In most cases, Sametime will be running in the Lotus Notes Sidebar as a "widget", or a mini-application within Lotus Notes. It can be set to automatically sign in when you start Lotus Notes, and you don't have to be concerned with running or starting a separate program for running Sametime.
Sametime Connect—Sametime Connect is the stand-alone Sametime client. When it is launched, it runs as a separate application, and is similar in nature to what you'd see if you were using an IM client like AIM or Skype. This configuration is ideal for users who don't often use the Notes client but need to have the capabilities of Sametime available on a constant basis.
Sametime Mobile—Sametime Mobile allows you to use Lotus Sametime instant messaging on Research in Motion BlackBerry devices, Microsoft Windows Mobile devices, Sony Ericsson mobile devices, and Nokia ESeries devices. The Sametime Mobile client is downloaded to the device and provides basic chat and "awareness" so you can remain in contact while away from your office computer.
Sametime for Lotus iNotes—Sametime basic functionality is also available to Lotus iNotes users. Lotus iNotes is the web collaboration client for e-mail and calendaring available for Lotus Notes users.