-
CNET editors' rating:
3.5
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 52 reviews
- See all user reviews
Product summary
The
good: Increased integration with Outlook allows easy data sharing; embedded browser means no more switching apps as you surf; new version adds several scheduling tools and features; easy to learn and use.
The
bad: Lacks sophisticated sales tools such as the ones in GoldMine or Maximizer; support is available only on weekdays, unless you pay $200 for a support plan.
The
bottom
line: Act 6.0 adds a bevy of new features, including integration with Outlook. For first-time customer relationship management users, it's a solid, easy-to-use pick, but GoldMine remains the more powerful choice.
Specifications: License qty: 1 user ; License type: Complete package ; Min Operating system: Microsoft Windows NT , Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition , Microsoft Windows XP , Microsoft Windows 2000 , Microsoft Windows 98 ; ; See full specs
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 09/15/2002
Fast start
You can get Act ready to roll in no time. Act's import wizard grabs data from several file types, including Outlook 97 through 2002, dBase III through V, and text-delimited files. Naturally, you can set Act to automatically drop, say, phone numbers into phone number contact fields. We imported our contacts from Outlook and were ready to track customers and clients in less than five minutes.
Just as importantly, Act integrates with several applications for writing documents and for communication. For example, when you start to type letters or memos into Word, Act automatically records the activity in the contact's History log. Also, the e-mail setup wizard lets you integrate Act with your existing e-mail app, such as Outlook, Outlook Express, or Lotus Notes.
Cooperates with Outlook
Act's interface hasn't changed markedly since Act 2000. After all, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. A navigational bar at the left still offers access to tools such as the contact list, task list, and e-mail client. Tabs at the bottom still take you to the contact history, attached documents, and sales leads. The program also retains its excellent contact-management skills, which help you keep track of appointments, manage the sales process (from initial contact to closing the deal), and analyze your progress with, for example, sales statistics.
But Act offers some new features as well. Essentially, you can now work in either Outlook or Act without duplicating efforts in either one. For instance, you can access Act's own database as you work in Outlook and add the complete text of an e-mail message to an Act contact's History list. Also, Act's revamped e-mail interface makes it look like Outlook and lets you view your Outlook, Outlook Express, or Notes messages within Act itself. Unfortunately, Act spawns a separate window to show you this mail; we'd like to see it embedded within the Act window to reduce clutter.
See the sites
On the bright side, you can view several document types (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Acrobat, and JPEG and BMP images) within a preview pane--no more launching separate applications. And to stay on top of contacts, use the cool new Contact Activity Lookup to search for recent activity--say, all customers with changed sales leads--so that you can follow up on or schedule calls or e-mail.
Continue
reading
User reviews
- Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 52 reviews
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 3 of 52 user reviewsSee all 52 user reviews
-
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
-
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
-
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
- See all 52 user reviews Write review
