The Red Case

Following on from my post about why I have moved towards web apps/SAAS (see here), I’ve reviewed my software use to consider how my use has changed – a couple of points to note:

• I switched last year from a lifetime of Windows to Mac:)
• I work on a number of simultaneous projects with multiple clients
• I combine remote working with a lot of travel.

So in no particular order my thoughts and observations….

1. Email
I was a “disciple” of Outlook and ran my life though it (email/tasks/appointments….driven by categories!) After moving to Mac last year I tried Apple Mail and Entourage before I switched to GMail. Although it’s not as functional in all areas, by using it in combination with some Flock extensions, the apps below and IMAP,  I’ve now almost totally moved ‘online”  (iPhone client!)
Cost - now free

2. Calendar
After a few months with iCal (great) I then moved to Google online which works perfectly with my iPhone and other apps.
Cost - free

3. Tasks
I used Omni Focus for a while but couldn’t really get used to it so I tried the Google option before settling on rememberthemilk.com, an online app that works great and has an iPhone option. For project/client tasks I also use the built in functionality of Basecamp and Salesforce – this is an area I am still not 100pct happy with and still searching for the “holy grail” that can combine them all and share data!
Cost - free

4. Contacts
I’ve always struggled to have one system – to combine personal and work – and for several years used Outlook. When I moved my last company to Salesforce I took advantage of the great functionality for all my personal contacts as well. Now I am independent again I have moved to HighRise online which is simpler, cheaper and ideal for my needs.
Cost - options from 24 usd per month – Highrise

5. Blogging
After using BlogJet for a number of years, last summer I moved to ecto on the Mac. However I recently started using the very easy inbuilt posting tool on my browser – Flock
Cost – free

6. Project Management
Long time user of MS Project and still have to use when clients require, but I am a huge fan of Basecamp which is a simple and very flexible online application. I am currently experimenting with a new service – Goalkeeper.
Cost - options from 24 usd per month – BaseCamp

7. Relationship Management (CRM)
At various companies I’ve used a combination of ACT, Maximizer, MS and bespoke internal systems. These have all but been replaced by services like SugarCRM and Salesforce and the flexibility they offer. At a simpler level I use Highrise which is another proven service from 37 Signals.
Cost - options from 24 usd per month Highrise

8. Syncing
I know there are lots of free/cheaper options around but the effortless reliability of MobileMe has got my vote! I was recently introduced to DropBox and I still evaluating it.
Cost - 99 usd per year

9. Back Up
There are numerous options here and I’ve tried several! Currently using a combination of MobileMe, IDrive AND a Time Machine – very convenient, multiple options and works seamlessly.
Cost – 4.95 usd per month + Time Machine purchase:(

10. RSS
Used Newsgator/FeedDemon for a few years before moving to NetNewsWire (both very good) but switched to Google Reader about a month ago and this works great and links with my Iphone!
Cost – free

11. Notes/Researching
Confess I did miss OneNote when I switched to Mac, but recently started using Evernote which is both on my desktop and online – works great and ideal for multiple projects/tagging.
Cost – free

12. Presentations
Still working on PP but just started experimenting with the new Adobe online system which has some real potential. I KNOW….everyone tells me I HAVE to switch to Keynote!
Cost - MS office

13. Financial
I still manage all business and personal maters through desktop applications (Sage/Quickbooks) – still looking for an online option ….perhaps security is still in my mind?
Cost - 100 usd Quickbooks version 2 years ago

14. Spreadsheets
I get to see, build and work with a LOT of business models in Excel. Many require complex modeling, multiple workbooks and database linkages so I guess I consider myself a fairly advanced user. I’ve looked at a few online options but nothing comes close to the functions I use offline – so far…..
Cost - MS office

15. Word Processing
After years on MS Word I guess I am still tied to it! I am currently “playing” with Google Docs but not finding it sophisticated enough for the client reports and presentations I often need to prepare.
Cost - MS office

16. Image work
I am a long time Photoshop user and although I’ve found a few online options for simple image work I am still “hooked” to PS for graphical work, mainly due to functionality and speed – but the options are getting better all the time!
Cost - Creative Suite…I would rather not think about it!

17. Music
Still firmly fixed with my offline “solution” of iTunes. I’ve experimented with a few online options but with over 40,000 tracks I need a lot of space!
Cost – free

When thinking about this I came across an interesting observation – my newest passions both require desktop/device applications! I could certainly not survive Twitter using only a web client and can you imagine an iPhone only using the browser and no apps!

I wonder if, in another year or two, I will have no desktop software other than a browser?

Is this the same for you? What do you use? I would welcome suggestions for areas I’ve missed or better solutions/applications.