Same software, new package

So, the good idea of last week (Friday specifically) was the concept of repackaging a number of our existing (and some new) products into a single suite. This will allow for better user experience when launching our products. It will also provide us with a good way to control per-seat or group license permissions.

The real beauty? Leveraging Eclipse Rich Client Platform for the interface. This exposes a whole world of open-source plug-ins and already developed tools for using with our new product. This solution will also give us the ability to construct a more cohesive sales and marketing approach (hallelujah).

I also learned last week there are some major Ruby groupies out there - and most of them seem to use Mac's. The Birmingham Tech Mixer was really pretty decent, better attendance than I expected anyway.

Debate on To-Do Lists

For several months now I've looked for the right solution to my GTD to-do list quandry. I've had my tickler files (both home and work) setup and working for over a year. Also, my email folder system is refined (both work and professional) to align with the GTD plan.

The piece of the puzzle I continue to struggle with is the to-do list. I have gone through a number of tools now - hiveminder, tada list, toodledo, Lotus Notes (shudder) and now RTM. A major development here at work is we have finally standardized with 80% of the world into Outlook instead of Notes (que Handel's Messiah).

While I really like RTM, particularly it's ability to accept new tasks via JOTT, I find it doesn't mesh well with my blackberry. Granted I could actually pay for their premium service and get the blackberry app - but what fun would this be if I paid for things?!? I think it's about time I give the Outlook todo list a try - the web interface is vastly superior to the old Notes one and it would give me a directly integrated list on my blackberry as well (the lynch pin of this whole system).