It’s impossible to narrow the wide category of “web work” to just one or two particular work streams or career types. Naturally then, when I’m looking for tools to share here at WebWorkerDaily, I try to find ones that will have a functional appeal across job descriptions. This list is an example of how web tools can be useful across a number of different professions.
MeGlobe: Communication Multiplied
MeGlobe is an online multiclient messenger service that allows you to talk to contacts all over the world, regardless of language barriers. It translates your IM and sends it along to the recipient in near real-time, but don’t expect this service to be as good as the Babelfish from Hitchiker’s Guide. The client is still in “beta,” and features a reporting tool so you can point out errors in the translation engine, which then leads to improvements in said engine.
This is a great service if you have to work directly with technical staff in a geographically remote location and don’t want to have to go through a translator for every little communication. While the translations may not be perfect, they should give you enough context to get the job done.
Read the rest of this entry »
No question one of the most important tools a web worker will adopt is the smartphone.
Today’s smartphones can become complete messaging systems that keep the worker up to date and in touch with clients and coworkers. The Blackberry has long been considered one of the most complete messaging tools available and they have recently made great inroads into the marketplace as a result.
The newest Blackberry to come along is the Storm and a unique smartphone it is without even a keyboard to get in the way. Will the Blackberry Storm fill the needs of the average web worker or is it just fluff?
Let’s take a look at what it offers and kick the tires.
Read the rest of this entry »
When I am in my office I am connected to most everyone I need to work with through some sort of Instant Messaging service. I find it convenient to be able to stay connected and have quick discussions.
It is outside of the office where things can get a bit tricky. I’ve never really been a fan of text messaging on my mobile phone. While it can work well for an occasional status update or a quick message, using it as a conversational tool has never seemed all that efficient to me. And while IM on the mobile phone exists, the challenge is the same as on the desktop, maintaining multiple accounts and programs that work with the various services I need.
Enter Mundu IM – a cross platform messaging client that helps keeps me connected on my mobile device.
Read the rest of this entry »
Hot on the heels of Windows XP SP3, Microsoft released an additional treat today, for Mac owners only, as the latest release of Microsoft Messenger for Mac (version 7) escaped into the wild.
Version 6 brought the Aqua look and feel to Microsoft’s client amongst other features, so what’s new in 7?
- A redesigned buddy list with a search-as-you-type box for locating contacts in large buddy lists.
- Aping iChat with integration of Bonjour contacts drawn from the user’s local network.
- Users can apply nicknames to their buddies, particularly useful for contacts who frequently (and irritatingly) change their screennames!
Notably for users connecting via a corporate Office Communication Server, Bonjour and searchable buddy-lists also extend to enterprise IM networks.
Read the rest of this entry »
Web Work 101: How To Escape The Cubicle
