What web application would help you?

[Gordon N]

Right folks, bit of market research here...

I have decided after developing PHP based web applications for some years that I would benefit from utilising a framework to assist in creating secure and scalable applications. Having now decided what framework I am going to use I now need a couple of sample applications to develop to hone my skills and explore the framework.

(Don't worry if you haven't got a clue about PHP or Frameworks, the real question follows )

If there is one web based application that would help you run your business more effectively, or enable you to work better no matter where you are what would it be?

I am looking for the type of application, any existing products/services that you have tried (or are using already),and more importantly what features you would like to see in your 'ideal' web application.

I am not talking about Content Management Systems so much as administration type applications CRM, Data Management, Statistics or finance etc.

If I can find a suitable one from here I will develop it and then push it out to forum members for testing (if your game!).

Regards,

Gordon

 

[PC]

Something similar to Zimbra as long as it included Outlook, iCal and iphone integration (the 3 things lacking from the community version of Zimbra).

 

[stugster]

Hi Gordon,

Funny you mention it, I'm currently trying to develop a system for small business traders. Businesses like Plumbing Firms, Computer Support, Gas Fitters, etc. etc.

Email integration and calendar sharing are one of the things I believe are essential.

 

[lewisuk]

something like pop peeper is really useful because its simple and works unlike MS outlook etc. Being able to synch with a blackberry would make it perfect, mainly for emails but a calender would be great too.

 

[Gordon N]

Okay, so I'm guessing there is a need for a lightweight but feature rich Personal Information Manager type application - geared towards small businesses (actually now I say it I could use that myself!).

Something that would include:

• POP email access
• Outlook/Blackberry integration
• Calendar / Organiser
• Contacts Database

Any other features for such an application that would win over any existing competition application?

Regards,

Gordon

 

[Brian McIntosh]

Sounds good. When's it ready? Being a Blackberry novice, how would your system differ. Sorry for the dumb question.

 

[stugster]

Ability to open/close jobs
Invoicing
Stock Control
Suppliers details

 

[Brian McIntosh]

So when's it ready then?

 

[Gordon N]

So when's it ready then?

Good things come to those who wait (or something like that)!

Judging by Stu's features list it will be sometime in 2010!!

Not sure how the Blackberry integration would differ from others, I will have to look into their API if they have one publicly available. This would more than likely be a feature to follow rather than an 'at launch' one.

I think this deserves some work though, as from what I can tell the small business is not very well catered for with solutions such as this. The question is 'is it because there is not a big enough market?'. I think there is a market but I am sure you lot will give some feedback on that one.

And so work starts (great timing - just landed two more sites this week so for once I am nice and busy!!),I will start to tackle a webmail/calendar/contacts app to begin with and then grow it from there. I will be relying on regular feedback from the friendly SBF crowd to keep the application desirable and useful over time.

Keep the wishlist coming though as they are all going in my development notes! (But keep it real!)

Regards,

Gordon

 

[lewisuk]

Okay, so I'm guessing there is a need for a lightweight but feature rich Personal Information Manager type application - geared towards small businesses (actually now I say it I could use that myself!).

Something that would include:

• POP email access
• Outlook/Blackberry integration
• Calendar / Organiser
• Contacts Database

Any other features for such an application that would win over any existing competition application?

Regards,

Gordon

I really think you should keep it to that, do it simply but do it well... you can download apps which will do everything you'll never do for you, but really if you're going to concerntrate on communication then the list above is what you need for 99% of your working day.

 

[Scottish Business Owner]

I have to say the above sounds very similar to Goosync in that it's a system that synchronises your contacts and calendar with Google. It also works with the Blackberry.

GooSync Home Page

My biggest bugbear just now is finding a calendar app for Wordpress and I cant believe no one has did one. This might be too niche but just throwing it in

 

[PC]

Any other features for such an application that would win over any existing competition application?

caldav integration.... oh, and Mac sync compatibility too