Embrace Cloud Computing: 37Signals

Embrace the Cloud!

I recently wrote an article explaining why I transitioned from OmniFocus to Things. Well… After much thought, and some frustration, I have decided to move to a cloud based system. Now, I know what you’re thinking; how could someone such as myself embrace something that I have little control over? Easy, ease of use. I’m all about simplicity and reducing time. If I have to setup contexts, and plans, and projects, etc… I simply will not use the system, thereby defeating the purpose of having and maintaining said list.

Case in point: When I moved to Things from OmniFocus, the one thing I liked most was how easy it is to enter tasks. No need to setup contexts and whatnot. However, Things does not have built-in over-the-air technology whereas OmniFocus does. This means it is a manual synchronization between my iPhone, iPad, and computer. Takeaway 1 point for Things. Next up was that the database does not adequately allow multiple instances of the application open on multiple computers, thus when I am at my workstation at home, I must remember to close Things before I attempt to use it at work. Takeaway 5 points as I have on many of occasions corrupted the database by failing to close it on one machine before opening it on another.

This got me thinking, there must be a better way. I can’t be the only person having this problem. So, after reading a great book titled Rework put out by 37Signals, I decided to give their products a try. The rest is history. I finally found a solution that does not require it to be synchronized between systems–over-the-air or not–as their products are online based systems. Before I made the jump to cloud based systems, I needed a little more incentive than simply having my tasks or to-do lists online. I needed a system where all my critical information–as it pertains to daily routine–is accessible from any computer, any platform, and at anytime: 37Signals to the rescue.

After trying all four of their products, I finally decided to take the leap. Something that I had been putting off for sometime. The Gen X in me wanted control over the system, and the Gen Y in me wanted simplicity. Needless say, I was torn, but once I gave cloud computing a chance, I can emphatically say yes to all it has to offer. For those not familiar with 37Signals and their product line, check their website and give the applications a try: you wont regret it. Below is a basic overview of how I now use cloud computing for my everyday needs. Keeping in mind that I generally run my daily routines from an iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro, and 2 Mac Pro’s.

Highrise

I use Highrise for storing all my contact information. Everything that Apple Address Book has and then some. All emails I send from certain accounts are automatically put into Highrise and a contact is created automatically if one does not already exist. I also enter notes from all phone calls I receive so that I can easily go back to a name or company and review all history.

CampFire

I use Campfire for all interoffice communication. Think of it like a glorified chat session with many more options and the unique ability to allow users to respond to chats at their leisure. This is far less distracting that having an IM open all day long and it centralizes all communications.

Basecamp

One of my favorite applications by 37Signals. I use Basecamp for all my project planning needs as well as my task management. Basecamp is basically Microsoft Project (except 1000 times easier to use and understand) combined with Things/OmniFocus (except 1000 times quicker to use). Out of all 37Signal applications, I use this one the most.

Backpack

For me, I use Backpack to store all research notes and client information such as disaster recovery documentation, networking information, server information, etc… I also keep a journal with Backback for all items I work on in a given day. This way I can always go back and see what I have done on a specific date and time.

I also use applications that are not developed by 37Signals to complete the transformation to cloud computing.

Dropbox

Dropbox is a great application to store commonly used files and public files for clients such as software that is automatically synchronized between all computers. I do NOT store all my files there as I have 100’s of GB’s in files, but I do store files created on the fly when I do not have access to my servers at my office.

Evernote

Whenever I find a webpage I would like to keep for future reference I use Everynote. When I am on the go and I want to quickly jot down something on my mind, I use Evernote. When I need to store a quick thought, I use Evernote’s voice memo feature. In short, this is my note taking application.

Everything listed above is based on cloud computing. Now, I still hold the same reservations about security as I always have, but since I use a password generator for all sites, it is easy to change without giving up the keys to the kingdom since each site has a different login and password. Additionally, I still believe in onsite server based storage. Any office needs to have a server to store files, music, photos, movies, etc… but one should not dismiss the power of cloud computing.

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