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By Ahmed Gabr

It is now a cliché to say the computer dominates the way tasks are accomplished in the modern workplace. However, the internet is still challenging our perception of how everyday services are delivered at the office through a number of free, web-based applications.

The internet now boasts programs addressing issues ranging from time management and task and meeting organization to document editing. Because both local and international businesses pay for applications to handle these tasks, these web-based alternatives may not only revolutionize the way in which the employee handles his workload, but also help cut costs for the employer.

Most online time and task management applications can be accessed anytime, anywhere with a computer, laptop or BlackBerry and an internet connection. Google Calendar gives you the ability to set alerts for certain tasks and important meetings. You can choose how far ahead you want the service to inform you — either via SMS or text message, email or a pop-up window. Unlike a number of other services, Google Calendar allows free SMS alerts to mobile phones in Egypt. The Windows Live Calendar offers similar functions, although it currently bars you from synchronizing your schedule with Outlook or Windows Mobile devices.

Other options include Clocking IT (www.clockingit.com), a great time-tracking service for Mac users with iCal. Rescue Time (www.rescuetime.com) is another advanced time-tracking service that reports back on how you’ve been spending your time. It also offers a function that allows you to set up goals in time management and task distribution.

Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.com) is probably the most prominent, and most user-friendly of the web-based events planning applications. With Eventbrite, you can set up all the logistics for your event in just minutes. All you have to do is go to the website, define the date, location, time, description and other basic information. You’ll soon have your own sub-domain on the Eventbrite website, including a map to your event using Google Maps. Eventbrite will give you the option of making the event public or invitation-based, and you can publish your event in online directories and calendar services at both Google and Yahoo. You even have the option of making it free or setting a ticket price; Eventbrite collects payment for the tickets either direct via a major credit card or PayPal. If your event is free, the service is free. If you do charge for your event, Eventbrite will take a small commission from the ticket sales.

Additional options for event planning services include Eventsbot (www.eventsbot.com), which includes many of the same functions as Eventbrite.

Internet services catered to project management — when more than one employee is involved in carrying out a specific task — allow for online collaboration between colleagues. The services help those involved in the project organize their work and track how the project is advancing. Most of the project management tools allow the project’s head to define and distribute tasks, as well as set time frames for their completion. Expense tracking devices are also available, allowing project members to monitor the project’s budget and expenditures.

Zoho (www.zoho.com) offers a completely free project management web application with a number of features. Other services sometimes require either a free or paid subscription for features with SSL web encryption. But free access is sure to allow you to manage at least one or two projects with everything you need.

Additional options include OnStage (www.onstageportal.com) and Teamwork Project Manager ( www.teamworkpm.net).

For years we’ve been accustomed to using word processors to handle the job of editing documents, or even for just viewing them. Google Docs, however, is currently becoming a very popular — and free — web-based service that lets you view, edit and create everything from normal documents to presentations and spreadsheets. You can save them in different formats with free online storage, allowing you to both view and edit them from any computer with an internet connection. It’s an easy way to share them with colleagues for editing collaboration.

Other applications for easy, free document editing include BuzzWord (www.buzzword.com) — a service provided by Adobe, the publisher of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat — as well as Zoho, which provides an advanced document processor along with a number of other web-based services.

Adobe’s launch of a free, web-based version of its super successful and extremely popular photo-editing program, Adobe Photoshop, is a testament to both the importance and future of online applications. What was previously strictly offline in terms of photo and video editing is now accessible on the internet —and a lot of it — for free.

While some of the features remain accessible to those who want to pay, the online photo editing tools allow you to access any video or photo you’re editing from any computer with an internet connection.

Check out Adobe Photoshop Express (www.photoshop.com/express). It is by far the best in terms of online photo editing services. For other options, visit Picnik (www.picnik.com), a service already incorporated with Flickr, a popular photo-sharing service run by Yahoo. Picnik allows you to edit pictures through Flickr.

For video editing, try Jumpcut (www.jumpcut.com), another Yahoo-owned application, which offers video editing features like adding text, replacing audio and playing with video transitions. Another option is Eyespot (www.eyespot.com), an online video editor offering a variety of free media features.  bt