Tools for a startup - Part 1

One of the friends asked me when I was developing geekevaluation as to why I chose java.
My response was that I chose java because I know java.
Even if there was something which was better ,I would not have developed the application in a new language or platform because I want to work on my business plan , not learning new skill.There is your first tool

1. Chose the language you are comfortable with : Start your product development with the tools and technology you are comfortable with. Remember the idea here is to get a product which should validate your business idea, not your technical skills.

I also prefer Java because the power it gives in terms of open source. There are so many tools , servers , IDE free of cost to help you get started.What a beautiful thing software development is .
Can you imagine where you can start your business by not spending a penny ?

2. Source control options : I would imagine that you are a bunch of guys who are working at different locations.You could also have outsourced project to some small company and now you want to manage source code where all of you could do check in/check out.
I looked around a couple of ones.CVS dude is a popular options these days if you want to use CVS as a respository.
If you prefer to use SVN over CVS the code spaces & unfuddle are good choices.
For me the ideas was to keep the cost at minimum so I looked at code spaces and unfuddle.
I had some issues with code spaces repository when working with eclipse after 6-8 months so then swicthed to unfuddle.

3. Online meetings : Another important tool to hold weekly meetings .I am using dimdim for now which is free for 5 users. I am ok with the quality so far(there is voice lag in it).
Another tool suggested by one of the friends wasMikogo . Here you can share your dashboard.

I will cover hosting,email options in next post