One of my favorite Gmail features is the Canned Response extension that provides a utility to send automated responses to incoming emails. By combining this tool with Google’s easy-to-use email client, you can eliminate most of the work involved in sending routine responses. For example, try creating rules that examine message content for the phrase “Can we meet” or “Are you available on” and send a response inviting the sender to check your public calendar and schedule an appointment.
A similar implementation on Outlook could revolutionize office email. Any incoming message that asks , “Are you available on…” could receive an automated response with suggested dates and times based on calendar availability. Senders requesting information about project status updates could receive an immediate reply based on the project name and it’s status in a related project management tool. Given that many of sound servile hours a week reading email, this implementation could provide about an extra week of billable time.