Microsoft published the results of a survey carried out by Kelton Research, emphasizing the fact that increasing reliance on to-do lists is a worldwide organizational habit. The first question that comes to mind is of course what's on Microsoft's own to-do list. The Redmond company is focusing on delivering the RTM versions of Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3 in the first quarter of 2008. But at the same time, Windows 7, Vista's successor and Internet Explorer 8 are cooking over at Microsoft, with no word from the company. Mum's simply the word when it comes down to the upcoming iterations of Windows 7 and IE8, and this situation has made itself felt at the 2008 International CES. And as Macworld 2008 debuts today, Microsoft's focus is shifting toward Windows Mobile.

Even though at first glance a subject revolving people's dependencies on to-do lists appears to be connected with the Microsoft Live Labs incubation project Listas, it is in fact just an excuse to promote Windows Mobile. Microsoft has even put up a Get Organized Windows Mobile website, and is offering visitors the possibility of entering a competition. In this context, some users might just put the Get Organized sweepstakes on their to-do lists. Chances as high as 18% of respondents in Canada revealed that they keep lists, compared to 77% in Italy, 76% in the U.S., 72% in Spain, 70% in Germany, 69% in the U.K., 56% in France, and just 54% in Japan.

"U. S. citizens reported the most dependency on to-do lists worldwide, with more than three-quarters (76 percent) of respondents currently keeping at least one list; some manage up to three or more lists concurrently. To-do lists are a stress management tool and have a calming effect on nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of people who responded in the United States, simply because everything is written down in front of them. Respondents in Canada are most likely to have a list, with 78 percent of respondents keeping at least one list. Japan is the least likely to make a to-do list, at only 54 percent."

The survey also indicated fundamental differences between the modalities in which men and women approach to-do lists. In this context it seems that 20% of men do not feel the need for a to-do list, compared to just 9% of women. But at the same time, out of the respondents that do rely on a list, women will address the most important and least enjoyable items that need taking care of more than men. Microsoft has even hired the services of a professional organizer in order to stress the relevance of Windows Mobile when it comes down to to-do lists.

"It's no secret that people all over the world are extremely busy and often stressed out from juggling multiple aspects of their lives. They're looking for tools that can help them regain control and just get through their day. I've teamed up with Windows Mobile to show how that's possible," revealed Ellen Damaschino, certified professional organizer.