Send SMS Messages Straight From Outlook

Sometimes the best way to reach someone is via SMS -- a text message delivered to the someone's cell phone. Joopz, a Web-based messaging service that enables two-way texting (not unlike an instant-messaging session), just unveiled an Outlook plug-in that makes sending a text message as easy as sending an e-mail. Just choose a contact from your address book and click the New SMS button. You can send messages to one contact or a group of contacts -- a great option if you need an easy way to gather team members for an impromptu meeting.

Alas, to get the plug-in, you need to sign up for Joopz Premium. At least the price is reasonable: $2.95 per month or $19.95 annually. While you're mulling it over, check out the free Basic version of the service, which offers cool features like message forwarding, text reminders, and scheduled messages. [via Webware]