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  • Tempting Task Management Applications
Technology Articles > Software > Business > Tempting Task Management Applications

It can often be difficult and tedious to manage projects and tasks associated. Not only is the modern workplace very fast paced and hectic, but so-called "knowledge workers" have ill-defined jobs. Often, knowledge workers have to create their *own* ever-changing job descriptions based on constantly changing information.

Right now, there are many applications designed to manage projects and large numbers of tasks. Three of the most popular ones are Omnifocus, Things, and Basecamp. Each one will appeal to a different segment of the population, so it is worth exploring each option to see which aligns most with your needs.

Omnifocus

Omnifocus is the most powerful and feature-rich of the three aforementioned apps. Omnifocus has Mac, iPhone, and iPad versions, and offers free syncing across all three devices. While the number of features may be overwhelming for many users who do not need to customize their system as much as Omnifocus allows, it is the most customizable of the three applications.

Omnifocus was designed *specifically* for use with David Allen's popular Getting Things Done methodology, although it can work with any organizational system. You can work in three separate modes: **Inbox**, **Projects**, and **Contexts**. Inbox mode is designed for quick capturing and processing of tasks. Projects mode is for planning tasks grouped within projects (such as "Prepare Sales Presentation) and Contexts mode is the dashboard for completing projects.

## Things ##

Things is very similar to Omnifocus, but has a much cleaner Cocoa-based interface. While it does not yet support over-the-Web syncing, you can sync Things amongst all of your devices via Wi-Fi.

Things, like Omnifocus, supports project hierarchies, although it does not have the same focus on David Allen's GTD system that Omnifocus does. As a result, you cannot view tasks in terms of contexts, but only in terms of projects and tags.

Some in the software community believe that Cultured Code, the developer of Things, has stagnated development a bit. The application has not been updated as much as regular users would like (the missing sync functionality being a prime example of this stagnated development). However, its clean interface and lower price (compared to Omnifocus) means that it remains an attractive option to many buyers.

## Basecamp ##

While Basecamp isn't a GTD application *per se*, it can accomplish many of the things that the above applications do. A benefit to Basecamp is that it is a web application that is specifically designed for collaboration amongst teammates. If you regularly collaborate with the same group of people, look into using Basecamp to manage your project. With Basecamp, you can track milestones, assign tasks to teammates, and see where the project is in relation to your goals.

Omnifocus is the overall most powerful task management application. Things is great for users who want a native application for their computer, but want a simple and clean interface. And, users who want to collaborate with teammates regularly would be well-advised to look into Basecamp for project management.

Just as with any software, there is no single right app for any individual. Everyone will have their own preferences and needs. All three applications offer free trials, so you should try them out before you buy any of them.