CNET reports on a new wiki how-to tool under development at IBM that will allow people to automate repetitive tasks that are done inside the browser. Koala is a Firefox plug-in that runs in the left-side browser pane, once the user starts recording it creates a script containing tasks that are performed online. The concept is somewhat similar to recording macros, but for the web.

With more and more advanced applications moving to web, Koala has the potential to simplfiy seemingly complex user routines allowing less technical users to get work done. How many times have we come across a site that has a poor or complex UI but we still want or need to use the service? Koala could allow the end user to have more “control” over their experience, all without coding. Administrators could also use Koala to standardize processes among end users.