Synapse is a business-focused Ajax productivity suite (think Zimbra - email, calendar, etc.) that we covered back in August when it first launched. It’s easy to ignore Syanapse - the corporate website screams 1998 - but we’ve taken the time to look at the actual application and have come away surprisingly pleased. Version 2 will be released in the next few days and includes a browser toolbar extension and tools for importing/exporting calendar, OPML and other data.They only offer a hosted, free version currently. The dashboard has a Netvibes, module based look and feel where email, calendar, RSS reader, bookmarking, todo list, basic cash flow ledger (?) and coworkers are shown (see image). Click on a module and the application pops up. The service also works very well on mobile devices.

The problem with SynapseLife is that it isn’t nearly as robust as Zimbra for the enterprise, and not as cool as Goowy for the consumer. And Google continues to domainate this space anyway - Google Calendar and Gmail are best of class online applications.

SynapseLife’s best shot at success may be the fact that they will soon be releasing an API, allowing third parties to create modules for the service, and to pull SynapeLife into other apps. This is a self-financed team of four developers - so they are nimble enough to change direction over time as well.

If you’re interested in other organizational solutions, check out yet-to-launch LifeIO and the much anticipated Scrybe.

Synapse Life is a very well built tool that provides a platform for your calendar & to-do lists, an RSS reader, some elements of accounting, social networking, math and a bunch more. The joys of its Ajax framework means that with minimal page reloads you can navigate through the various elements of the site. Loading time is quick and the whole interface is very pleasing and easy to use. The dashboard gives you a rundown of all your features - from tagging, to your feeds and contacts - so that within a quick glimpse you’re able to get up-to-speed on your chosen information sources.

SynapseLife is a collection of 5 Free web based applications including People, Calendar, Lists & Ledger, Favorites and Feeds. Account sign ups are free and all the applications are accessible from any mobile device or cell phone.

I like the fact that their API has allowed for the creation of a Firefox extension that allows you to sync up with your Synapse Life settings with even more ease. Plus, all their content is available on most mobile devices. So wherever you are, your Synapse Life contacts, information, ledgers, calendars, is all available at the touch of a button.

I like the layout of the Synapse Life site. A site of this nature could easily become very cluttered and busy. However their fluid layout means that your content is reasonably stretched to your monitors capacity and the smooth Ajax features mean that only the necessary is displayed, and the superfluous is hidden from sight. Its all in all a very well & professionally put together web application.

SynapseLife launched their beta product last week. They have received a lot of press since the launch and I wanted to find out more about the product and how it can help you. Founders Mark Michael and Daniel Rust spent some time with me discussing their product along with the future for the web.

Grab the RSS Feed and always know the instant we post other interviews.

Click the start button below to begin the audio interview (or download the mp3)