With the recently added ability to reply to Basecamp messages via email, Basecamp’s messaging functionality has evolved to the point where it could be used alone as an independent product, to replace online forum software (such as Beast or PunBB) and mailing lists (such as Mailman).

I think 37signals could create an instantly profitable product just by removing all of the tabs (to-do lists, milestones, etc.) from Basecamp, leaving only messaging, and positioning it as dead-simple hosted forum software.

Not only would it free small businesses already using the 37signals platform from having to set up their own customer forums, but it would also be a PR win for 37signals: eating its own dog food and replacing Beast with its own in-house product.

Just an idea. Thoughts?

Possibly, but first the list view for Messages in Basecamp needs to be sorted by time of last post the way it is in this customer forum. Any chance this could be added?