My friend Joe Rotello put me onto ip.com today.  They have a system called Innovation Q which they hope will help with the patent problems we are facing at the moment by creating a secure database for handling disclosures and recording prior art.  If this kind of system were widely used I think it would help lift the burden on overworked patent officers.

A nice touch is that you can get guest access and browse the list of recent disclosures.  It makes for fascinating reading!