Is there overlap between Groupwise and Lotus Notes?

Factual Questions
1

So I have a big job interview on Monday and I have found out that the position uses Lotus Notes fairly extensively. (Just found out Friday, when I have known about this interview for a month, of all things!)

I have no knowledge of LN other than what I have read on Wikipedia and on line descriptions. This is not for a computer type job, but a nurse-manager type job.

In the past, with most job interviews if I know software application A is similar to software application B I will emphasise the similarities. If there is very little similar I just say that no, I don’t know that, but I am a quick study, self taught on computers and have been using them since 1988, and do not forsee any problems learning it.

I just don’t know enough about Lotus to know if I should discuss my familiarity with Groupwise, or use the “fast learner” trick. I am sure it is not a make or break type question, just a nice to have check mark in a skill set column.

Does anyone with experience in both have a suggestion on how I should handle this question if it arises?

2

They are both e-mail/work collaboration systems and neither are all that popular over other competing products but the concepts are essentially the same. The technical differences shouldn’t be that important unless the interviewer has some weird traits. The most important thing is the concepts like e-mail distribution lists, calendars, shared documents, file updates etc. Just focus on the generalities if it comes up and you should do fine. It is just a tool to get a certain type of job done.

3

Thanks.

I don’t mind admitting ignorance and willingness to learn quickly, and I don’t mind saying “no, but i know this one” but if there isn’t some similarity then I would look like a fool. “Do you know how to play guitar?” “No but I play bass, and mandolin, and banjo, I am sure I could pick it up quickly” vs. “No, but I play kazoo.”