Team Collaboration

• Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1 … Microsoft is working on Service Pack 1 for Exchange Server 2007. Things to expect: (1) support for Longhorn Server, (2) enhancements to Outlook Web Access (eg, public folder access, monthly calendar views, rules, and more), (3) additions to the Exchange Management Console, and (4) standby continuous replication for disaster recovery, among others. SearchExchange
• Groove Security White Paper … Microsoft released a new white paper on the security architecture of Groove, and how the security model of Groove is extended in a managed environment. Microsoft
• iChat in Leopard … Apple’s iChat instant messaging and video conferencing offering gets a few major revisions in the forthcoming Leopard operating system, including “iChat Theater”. “The new version of iChat in Leopard opens up these capabilities to other applications on the system, allowing those applications to provide content through an iChat session. For example, a user may display a photo slide show while chatting with her parents. Or two people might collaborate on a document, talking about the details as one person makes changes and the other observes the result.” Kewl. And make sure you see the screen shot. Apple (hat tip, Bruce)

Mobility

• BlackBerry for Windows Mobile 6.0 … Research In Motion is preparing software to enable its BlackBerry wireless email and applications software to run on Windows Mobile 6.0 devices. “The new software targets businesses that want to provide their employees with a wider selection of handsets, as well as consumers who don’t want to switch handsets to access the BlackBerry service. It will appear as an icon on the screen of the Mobile Windows device. When clicked, it will load BlackBerry applications with the familiar user interface of a BlackBerry smart phone, and users can easily toggle between the two systems, according to RIM.” Playfuls reports that “Once installed, the software will provide users with a virtual BlackBerry application experience, including support for BlackBerry email, phone, calendar, address book, tasks, memos, browser, instant messaging and other applications developed for the BlackBerry platform. Devices running the BlackBerry application suite will be able to connect to BlackBerry services via BlackBerry Enterprise Server as well as BlackBerry Internet Service.” Cool. ComputerWorld, Ovum, Playfuls

Productivity

• Trim Your Attention Sails … Brian explains the changes he’s making in his daily approach to work so as to reduce non-productive “cruft”. He’s trying to be a more “stringent gatekeeper of his time.” LikeItMatters
• OneNote 2007 for GTD … Rob is using OneNote 2007 for his implementation of GTD, and explains his set up and approach. He’s looking for feedback from other OneNote/GTD practitioners. 7Breaths
• Maximize Your Time … Brad outlines four habits to enable you to get the most out of your time: (a) do your daily planning at the same time each day, (b) make your to-do items specific, (c) prioritize each item properly, and (d) don’t overschedule yourself. Achieve-IT
• 10 Ways to Reduce Your Work Week … Leo outlines ten ways to reduce the duration of ones work week, including (1) reduce your work hours, (4) become focused, (5) set time boxes, and (9) shut off your computer. Zen Habits

Other Stuff

• 7 Habits of Highly Effective Technology Leaders … John covers a recent article in the March 2007 edition of Communications of the ACM: Stephen Adriole’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Technology Leaders”. He concludes, “Although this list is not quite as deep and profound as Covey’s “Keep the end in mind” and “Sharpen the Saw”, it is an interesting way of looking at the transforming world of technology. I particularly like shifting notion from pain relief, a hang over from the analyst-driven days of ROI, to business pleasure or delight which is espoused in the concepts of Web 2.0.” Content Log
• Rx for Cynicism … Mike’s had enough of cynicism, and wants it to go from his organization. He offers three pointers for leaders to help “soft cynics” turn around: (1) live by your word, (2) speak well of others, and (3) look on the sunny side. Michael Hyatt