synchronize tfs or project work items with outlook tasks

Question

Is it possible to synchronize tfs (2008 or 2010) or project 2010 work items with outlook tasks (without the project server)? Is it possible to send a work item from tfs or project 2010 as an outlook task?

Answer 1

Short answer: Yes

Option 1: Server side

• You can connect a Sharepoint Tasks list with Outlook

You get the items into Sharepoint by:

• I am sure project has some pretty good Sharepoint integration (not 100% but I think it does)
• You can use the TFS Integration Platfrom to do a two way sync from TFS to Sharepoint http://tfsintegration.codeplex.com/

Option 2: Client side only (no server)

So the best option in this regard is to use a tool that makes it look like your work items are inside Outlook and give you the same facilities as tasks. Remember Work Items have a lot more fields and statuses than Tasks so you can't do a direct link without loosing information.

I would recommend using Team Companion (http://www.ekobit.com/ProductsDetailView.aspx?id=1) which I think is your best solution.