TextFlow already offers the ability to compile, organize, and manage input from others on a particular document, set of documents, etc.  With the recent release of TextFlow for Google Apps, Nordic River has also increased functionality and productivity with the direct integration into Google Docs, Google Wave and more.  But that only scratches the surface of where this Sweden-based company plans on taking TextFlow.

TextFlow’s Origins

The burning question in my mind in the evolution of TextFlow, following the release of it on Google Apps, was…Where does TextFlow fit in to the growing mobile device world? With the changes, rumors, suppositions, and more regarding the iPad and other mobile technology, software and SaaS companies need to consider how to change with the technology.

When asked, Tomer stated it was interesting I should ask that question.  In the early development of TextFlow much of the theoretical beginnings started with an idea originating with Jef Raskin, the early creator of the Mac.  Raskin talks about the idea of a “verbless interface.”  Currently we work (particularly in word processing) in a manner involving a text selection followed by a verb selection (ie: we highlight a portion of text, then choose a verb to apply to it such as bold, underline, etc.)  The idea of the verbless interface removes one step from that process.  This is also a basis for mobile, touchscreen technology like the iPhone.

Now take that and apply it to TextFlow.  TextFlow was designed from the start with the idea of a verbless interface.  Think about the iPhone and the simplicity with which you can navigate, be productive, be social, and much more through the use of the touchscreen and the ideas and concepts which it was designed around.  Now consider TextFlow’s interface and how it functions.  The two almost seem made for each other.

If you haven’t seen TextFlow in action, check out the video here.

What all this means is that Nordic River is already one step ahead of the competition when it comes to being ready for going mobile with something like TextFlow because it was developed with the concepts touchscreen technology and interfacing in mind.  Now it’s just a matter of time before TextFlow is offered as a mobile app.

More to come from Nordic River and TextFlow

Aside from already being in the race for a mobile app, Nordic River has a list of plans for the future of TextFlow (which Tomer has kept us abreast of) that make it easy to see why, in just a short time, they have already taken global notice.

• Additional functionality and compatibility with MS Word and Google Docs such as notes, footnotes, numbered lists, and fields
• New document navigation widgets
• The ability to work within tables fully whereas now there is limited ability to work with tables
  Additional “Whiteboard” functionality in the form of personal notes, suggestions, etc. making TextFlow a veritable digital brainstorming tool as well
• A stand-alone desktop version with seamless integration with the same services offered through the app version as well as the ability to access the app version as well through your browser when mobile or directly through the stand-alone.
• Additional Word integration and functionality including one-click to start Word and a Word plug-in
  The ability to compare and create PDF’s

Considering the recent release on Google Apps, the guys at Nordic River are certainly not sitting on their hands awaiting the next big thing.  They are developing the next big thing.

Additional functionality, extended integration, and the core design structure to move directly into mobile apps without the need for a total overhaul are what is making TextFlow a standard of operation for many companies from the enterprise level on down.  Let’s hope they can keep up the momentum.

A quick thank you to Tomer Shalit of Nordic River for providing the above information on the future of TextFlow and to Adair Ahlers and Brooke McKinney of BlastMedia for facilitating.

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SixApart, creators of TypePad and Moveable Type

The news came during this years WordCamp Mid-Atlantic and was a bit of shock to some.  Anil Dash, co-founder of SixApart made the announcement during his keynote at the conference.

Available for WordPress Courtesy of  SixApart

Four major technologies that SixApart had reserved for Moveable Type and TypePad users are now available for WordPress as well.

• TypePad Connect – The social connecting technology from SixApart can be integrated with WordPress now.
• TypePad Anti-Spam – Available as a plugin, TypePad Anti-Spam may give Akismet a run for its money.
• SixApart Media – SixAparts answer to the advertising issues plaguing others.  Works similar to ClickBank.
• Blogs.com – Blog submission and search site.

Whether this may mean the end of continued work with Moveable Type or TypePad may yet to be seen.  But one thing is for sure…open source is changing still and with the still limping economy SixApart seems to realize that being even more open may be what saves some from ultimate downfall.