Totally Free, Totally Awesome Cloud Productivity Software

Posted by on September 1, 2011 in Noteworthy | 0 comments

Organization Please!

 

Recently, I stumbled upon an awesome cloud project management software.  I was looking for something that could replace the hoard of services that I currently use.  Let’s face it, it’s not easy staying organized in this new media world.  There are new services popping up everyday.  I mean… Who can keep up with it all?

 

Here are just a few of the services that I would like to consolidate:

  • Email (especially Gmail)
  • Box.net (A great service… I love you Box.net)
  • Central Desktop (Great for Web Meetings)
  • Google Calendar (Essential)
  • Podio (Cool, but confusing)
Unfortunately, the above list just cracks the tip of the iceberg.

 

Is There a Solution?

 

Well, I still haven’t found a total solution.  However, I did find a software package that makes a dent.  It’s call rule dot fm (rule.fm).

 

What is rule.fm?

 

It’s my new best friend!  It’s also a FREE (up to 10 users) cloud-based software that comes with a communication stream (it’s like Facebook’s News Feed on steroids).  You can write a message in the stream and send it to the recipient’s email.  They can, in turn, email you back and their comment shows up in the stream.  You can also post notes directly to the stream from your email.  This means that you don’t even have to sign in to the software to collaborate.

 

This software can help you track projects, enables you to store and share documents, you can create Wikis, and has a built in CRM.  This software also includes a calendar and a mailbox.

 

Most Software Applications Have Shortcomings

 

This software  is no exception.  Although I am completely thrilled that I stumbled on rule.fm, I do see two areas of improvement.  I hope they update the calendar to read and write to Google calendar so that you can import your Google calendar events into rule.fm.  Currently, you can only import your rule.fm calendar to Google Calendar, but this is of little help if your goal is to have one place to organize everything (especially if you have more than one Google Calendar).  It would also be great if you could import your email through Pop or IMAP.  If the developers make those upgrades, it would turn rule.fm into a one-stop shop.

 

There is a video on their homepage that explains all of their features.  It’s worth giving it a look… Especially since it’s free for up to the first 10 users.

 

P.S.  If they make any upgrades in the future, I will keep you posted.
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