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Xpenser is a perfect illustration of a data flow service. It simplifies the recording of business expenses, producing simple reports and recording the various stages of reimbursement.

Xpenser – Tour via kwout

The applications strengths are in its convenience and simplicity. Once an account is set up expenses can be logged by:

• email
• SMS
• instant messaging
• voice
• web site
• browser toolbars

In all cases, the message takes a simple standard form

e.g. “lunch $35 with Fred, Ginger”

Xpenser then parses your message extracting a category, price and notes to add to a fresh entry in your current report. When you’re ready to process your expenses you can export your data in Excel, Quicken, MS Money or Freshbooks format.

You can also export your data as a secure RSS feed for display or transformation. With an API in the pipeline Xpenser will be capable of tighter integration with other business systems.

Inbit have released 24IM, a free group based Enterprise Instant Messaging solution.

The client comes in two flavors. The web version has a simple functional interface, while the (Windows) desktop client supports file sharing, message broadcasts and off-line messaging. The desktop client also has an integrated screen capture tool that, with the right permissions, can be triggered remotely by IT support staff as part of a helpdesk function.

On the server side, the system is modeled on users, workgroups, departments and chatrooms, with enough access control to fit in with most organisations’ needs. The free hosted service is simple to set up and administer. Where security, scaling or network performance is an issue organizations can opt to purchase a server license and run their own systems.

This is a good solution for small businesses and dispersed project groups, and is able to scale to meet enterprise requirements.