A new online package that promises to revolutionise the way the wine trade and enthusiasts write their notes was launched this week in the UK.
TastingBuddy, produced by Syteme Ouvert Solutions, enables users to create fast, accurate tasting notes on a mobile phone or PDA, which can then be uploaded to an online database unique to each user. Once uploaded, the notes are automatically organised and can be edited and shared.
There are two options for notewriting: Freestyle', which lets you write whatever you want; and Analytical', which helps write your tasting note with prompting menus. The service is subscription based, with trade customers paying 30 a year and consumers 40.
A 30-day free trial is available. The system currently works on Microsoft Pocket PC mobile phones and PDAs; Blackberry and Symbian editions are to be released shortly.
The company has undertaken trials of the service with The Wine Society, the WSTA and Decanter, among others.