Over it’s 20+ years of existence, ACT! has not made major user interface changes very often.  From time to time they do make changes and make it easier for users to get started or navigate the program.  ACT! 2010 has more changes than any version since ACT! 2005.

ACT! by Sage 2010 Has a New Modern Look and Feel

Below is a slideshow containing screenshots of the updated interface.

What I Like About the Updated User Interface

Lookup: The integrated lookup in the left hand Navbar is quick, intuitive, and flexible.  Users can now quickly find information by simply typing in the “Contains:” box for a selected contact field type.

Buttons: I like the size of the buttons on the toolbar along the top. The bigger buttons will make it easier for new users.

Reports: If you’ve seen the Top 5 Overlooked Features of ACT! Video training series, you know I’m a big fan of reports.  In my experience, Reports is one of the most underutilized functions of contact management or CRM software in small business (regardless of product).

Introducing a Reports view, and making it intuitive to use, will result in more users using reports.  This is good for small business, as it is important to know what is working in your database, especially in this economy.  The option to ‘favorite’ a report is smart as well.

What I Don’t Like About the Updated User Interface

Green: I understand marketing, and branding, but a light green color theme in any software would take me some time to get used to.  Good news, they do have an option to change the color scheme.  I found the Sage Silver color theme, much easier on the eyes.

No Classic View: It would be nice for upgrading users to have a quick way to revert back to the classic view they are familiar with before learning the updated interface.  While you can customize what appears on the Navbar, as well as minimize it, at this point, users are unable to revert to the old style.

Bottomline on the Updated ACT by Sage 2010 User Interface

Overall, it is a good improvement for the program.  It is evident they have taken feedback in their user community seriously, and made many strides forward.  It might be an adjustment for upgrading users, but overall it will help users navigate the program faster, while helping new users shorten their learning curve a bit.  Learn more about ACT! 2010 here.  Claim your copy of ACT! 2010 with Earlybird pricing here.

Your Turn: Thoughts or feedback on this latest version or this post, chime in using the boxes below.

*Photo Credit to chrisbrenschmidt

Technorati Tags: act by sage, Business, contact management, reports, upgrading, video

It’s true, another version of the ACT! database software is upon us. It seems like just a few months ago the ACT! 2009 Contact Management software released.  The truth is, Sage is backing up their talk of continually improving the product with action, by coming out with another release.  ACT! 2010 features and product input have come from their online community of users, some of whom have participated in the beta program.  I’m currently reviewing the product in detail, and wanted to give you the skinny on the latest release from Sage, and how you can get it for free when it ships in September.

ACT! 2010 Available for Purchase – What’s New & How to Get it Free

So you might be asking, what is new with this latest release of the ACT! database software? I’ll provide more details in future posts, along with a full-fledged review with video on a special ACT! Software Review site, but here is the big picture of what is in this new version.

Updated Look and Feel

The new user interface has been given a face lift to reflect a more modern web 2.0 look and feel.  While some may argue this much needed update as long overdue, it was needed, and as they say, better late than never.  I think you’ll find the wait worth it.  Sage has tried to strike the balance between what is needed to make it a more positive user experience, while not jarring loyal customers with too many changes.

Social Media Integration

ACT! 2010 gives users the ability to configure social media profiles for a given contact record.  So you can have a “web view” tab with an IE browser session to reveal updates a contact may have made to their Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or any profile you configure.  This is a great first step in social media integration for this 20+ year leader for software contact management products.

E-Marketing Tie in with Drip Marketing Capabilities

In recent years Swiftpage Email has made it exceptionally easy for ACT! users to market to their database while remaining CAN-SPAM compliant.  Now with their new drip-marketing features, they have partnered with Sage to enhance the capabilities of ACT! out of the box.  More than that, if you purchase a service plan with Swiftpage, you’ll also be able to control entire drip marketing campaigns from yoru ACT! database.

Opportunity Customization

If you have ever wanted more flexibility with sales opportunities in ACT!, you’ll want to pay attention to this enhancement.  Now opportunities can stand alone, no longer do that have to be tied to a contact or a company.  This flexibility is important to many who are using opportunities in more creative ways.  Beyond that the interface and options have been updated and made more flexible for those selling services.

New Reports & Dashboard

They have added new reports, as well as created a whole new view just for reports.  You can also tag reports as favorites, speeding up navigation even further.  As I mentioned earlier, I will cover this in more detail in my complete review.

How You Can Reserve Your Copy for a Great Price or Free

In recent years Sage has offered great values for people who want to purchase the software before it comes out.  This year is no exception.  If you purchase the software now, you can save 30%.  If you are one who needs to get started right away with contact management, you can purchase ACT! 2009 today and add Platinum Care to your order, and you’ll get ACT! 2010 when it releases (set for mid-September).

Since launching our store roughly 2 years ago, we have always tried to offer great bonuses as a thank you to our customers.  We intend to continue that tradition this year for those who claim access to the ACT! 2010 Early Bird in our ACT! software store will get access to a special set of bonuses just for becoming our customers, which are currently being finalized.  The bonuses will be reserved for you, and be available when the software is released.  Go here and reserve your copy.

Chime In: Got something to say, cuirous about this new version?  What are you looking for in Contact Management for your business?  Talk back in the comment boxes below.

Technorati Tags: act 2010 software, act database software, contact management, upgrade, upgrading

Is ACT! 2009 (v11) the best version Sage has released to date?  It’s still early, and customers will ultimately decide this, but if my own sales data is any indication, it could very well be.

At the current rate, sales revenue at www.ACTasap.net will out pace last year by 71%.  I find that interesting, especially in a down economy.  Small businesses are scrutinizing purchases more than ever (and rightfully so, especially with recent collapse of financial markets).

When asking customers for the #1 reason they decided to purchase the ACT! database software from me, getting in on the promo, and nabbing my 4 special bonuses here are some of the responses:
“Excellent value.” -Larry. Teaneck, NJ  USA

“Excellent website that has allowed me to read reviews and learn what I need to make a purchase decision. I have seen cheaper but I think that I can get more “value” buying from you. Thanks”
-Eric.  Logan, UT  USA

“I have enjoyed your webinars and other info for quite some time now and feel this is a good way to thank you.
-Matt.  Pine Lake, GA  USA

Wow.  This has been a sobering observation to say the least.  I realize that you may have not yet become a customer.  ACT! may not be a fit, you may have purchased it elsewhere, or funds are tight.  No pressure.  If you want to become a customer, there will be other opportunities.

If, however, you are still on the fence, allow me to gently encourage you to consider reviewing…
http://www.ACTasap.net/v11deal …my special offer details and video
and
http://ACTasap.net/act2009faq …ACT! 2009 Customer FAQ
or checkout
http://www.WhatsNewWithACT.com

As a reminder (I can hear it a few weeks from now, people upset because they “didn’t realize the promo was ending”)…again…the deal ends 9/30/2008.

What about you?  What reasons have you decided to purchase or hold off?

As always, leave your comments below on the blog.

Technorati Tags: act 2009 review, act 2009 software, act database software, ACT Premium, financial markets, sage software, Webinar

Special Update 2:18pm EST 9/29/2008
The orders are coming in at a rate faster than ever, the sale ends tomorrow at 5pm PST.  NOTICE…Any order that comes in after 5pm PST with the promocodes used will be canceled and refunded. Sorry if I sound harsh, Sage has this cutoff, and I promised my staff I wouldn’t keep them all night (EST).   To make it easier, I’ve included a few links below to most common purchases…

If you are a 2008 customer wanting the ACT Platinum Care discount so you can also get ACT! 2009 for free (Ends 5pm PST 9/30/2008)
ACT! 2008 Standard Users http://actasap.net/act2009prapc (promocode is in the link)
ACT! 2008 Premium Users http://actasap.net/act2009stdapc (promocode is in the link)

ACT! 2009 Standard Upgrade + ACT! Platinum Care:
http://actasap.net/act2009std …save 69.95 by 9/30
(apply special code APCSRT20 to save)

ACT! 2009 Premium Upgrade + ACT! Platinum Care:
http://actasap.net/act2009prem …save 114.95 by 9/30
(apply special code APCPRT45 to save)

ACT! 2009 Corp Ed. Prem EX Upgrade + ACT! Platinum Care:
http://actasap.net/act2009ex …save 181.95 by 9/30
(apply special code APCCEX45 to save)

NOTE: Since the post, several comments have come in, prompting me to revise the FAQ, to help avoid wading through all the comments to get to your answer.  Hope that helps.  Want to comment?  Just s-c-r-o-l-l, or hit the [END] key on your keyboard to go to the bottom.  Ready to buy?  Go here.

Since the launch of ACT! 2009, I’ve had quite a few questions, so I though I would answer some of the more popular ones here, and hopefully dispel any confusion.  To be clear, there is reason for confusion, with the product names.  It is worth finding out what makes sense for you.  Please chime in below in the comments section if you need further clarification or questions answered.  For more information, you might check the ACT! 2009 Review Page at www.WhatsNewWithACT.com

Upgrading:
Q: “I have ACT! version 5/2000 what will it cost me to upgrade to ACT! 2009 vs. someone who is upgrading from, say, ACT! 2006?” - Anonymous
A: The price is the same for you and everyone who wants the latest version.  There is one price for the upgrade, regardless of what you are upgrading from.  This makes is easier for everyone. Ready to buy?  Go here.
Tip: Many customers are using the current promotion to upgrade to Corporate Edition, because it now includes both ACT! for Windows, and ACT! for Web versions, at a very compelling price.
Q: “I’ve been an ACT user for years…After a couple of bad experiences installing later versions – including 10.0, I’d pretty much written off ACT.  But I haven’t found anything that suits be better, so I thought I’d look again.  What I was looking for from Sage was some acknowledgement of the problems over the past few years and a commitment to improve.  I didn’t get that, so I’m still suspicious.  Sage has blown their good graces with long-time customers.  Thoughts?” -Mike Pritchard Kirkland, WA
A: You are not alone, your concerns have been shared by many.  You might want to checkout the interview I did with Sage in May, referenced here.  The feedback has been very positive on this.  Ready to buy?  Go here.

Existing ACT! 2008 Users:
Q: “So there is a way for me as an ACT! 2008 user to get ACT! 2009 for free?  Explain.” -Anonymous
A: You are correct, all ACT! 2008 Users who Purchase ACT! Platinum Care by 9/30/2008 will receive ACT! 2009 at no cost.  Order ACT! Platinum Care and Sage will ship you ACT! 2009 without you having to do anything else, it is automatic.  This has to do with the ACT! Platinum Care annual subscription program being new, I think they are doing what they can to make the program as successful as possible, and as quickly as possible, they are doing this by making it a high value proposition.  After September, ACT! 2008 users will need to purchase the ACT! 2009 upgrade just like everyone else. Ready to buy?  Go here.

Which Version to Buy?:
Q: “Is the corporate version better than the personal?” - Bob, Maryland USA
A: It depends what your needs are.  Corporate Edition (5 user minimum) entitles you to slightly better pricing, easy fulfillment (licenses are received in email usually within 1-2 business days in addition to express mail).  There are three versions for the Corporate Edition versions of ACT! Standard, Premium EX, and Premium ST.  For the EX and ST Editions Sage also throws in the the ACT! for Web version as well (cool).  EX runs on SQL Express, and storage is limited by SQL Express, ST has a full blown SQL License with it, and has much greater scalability (good for databases with 20+ users). Ready to buy?  Go here.

The other products are retail products, ACT! 2009 Standard, and ACT! 2009 Premium Solutions.  These are the same products as Corporate Edition (Standard and Premium EX), but a bit more expensive, and fall under the umbrella of retail products.  It’s worth noting that ACT! for Web is only available with Corporate License, as is the Premium ST version.

Lastly, the most notable callouts on all Premium versions of the product is, advanced calendar scheduling, more database sync options (http), and no longer a 10 user max per database (as with Standard).  Ready to buy?  Go here.

Q: Where can I find a side by side comparison between the Corporate Edition EX vs. ST versions? -Thomas, Florida, USA
A: TRULY IT IS SCALABILITY, ST STANDS FOR ´STANDARD´ EDITION OF MS SQL, BASICALLY IT SCALES BEYOND 2GB OF DATA, AND ALL THE SCALING BENEFITS OF FULL-BLOWN SQL.  EX IS FOR EXPRESS EDITION OF SQL, WHICH HAS A 2GB LIMITATION, AND IS AVAILABLE FOR FREE FROM THE MS WEBSITE.  YOU ARE ESSENTIALLY PAYING A DISCOUNTED RATE FOR A FULL SQL LICENSE THROUGH SAGE FOR THE EXPLICIT USE OF THE ACT SQL INSTANCE. Ready to buy?  Go here.

Q: What is the deal with “Corporate Standard Edition” vs “Corporate Premium EX/ST” editions?  Can you have a mix of users? I.e. users that do not need access to ACT for Web, can they have a standard corporate license vs. other users that need Web and client access to use EX? i.e. can I have say 6 or 7 EX licenses and 5 Standard licenses?  Or do all users, now and forever, need to have all EX, or Standard licenses?  What’s the diff between Corporate Standard and EX? Is it the ACT for Web integration?
A: If it is a shared DB, you must have everyone on the same version.  Standard users cannot access an EX or ST DB, and EX cannot open a Standard or ST, and an ST cannot open an EX or Standard DB without prompting to convert them up…  Corp Standard is limited to 2GB, and 10 licensed/active users.  Corp EX is limited to 2 GB, ST has no DB Size limit (SQL).  Both Corp EX and ST have the ACT! for Web inclusive (comes with it), no web flavor exists for Standard. Ready to buy?  Go here.

ACT! Platinum Care:
Q: “The platinum care is cheaper than the upgrade, but platinum contains the upgrade. Makes no sense.  Is the platinum care something that is just an annual license, so that you will have to pay next year or it will shut down?” -Leonard, Kansas City, MO USA
A: This new product has created a lot of buzz.  Allow me to clarify… ACT! Platinum Care is 4 things: 
1.) Upgrade Assurance.  Members always have the latest version of ACT! 
2.) Access to Business Specialists. Speak with their specialists in the members forum.
3.) Sandler Sales Training. “One full year of access to Sandler Broadcast Center: eLessons, DISC Assessment, and Podcasts – Plus one complimentary training session.” Available through their online portal, as well as a visit to your local Sandler office.
4.) Extended Benefits- Extend ACT! with special add-on offers and discounts available only to Platinum Care members.

To answer your question specifically, if you decide to not renew your ACT! Platinum Care for next year, you own the software (as well as the data so they cannot and will not disable the product.  From what I understand, their plan is to add a lot of value to the program, so that renewing is a no brainer.  Here is the login page for members, https://care.act.com Ready to buy?  Go here.

Q: “Is ACT! Platinum Care something I can only purchase through Sage?” -Jim, Addison, IL USA
A: No.  You can get it through any ACT! reseller or ACT! Certified Consultant.  Or even me if you like.  Ready to buy?  Go here.

Q: “When I called ACT! directly, they said the ACT! Platinum Care promotion for ACT! 2008 (to get ACT! 2009 for free) was only good from 7/15/2008-8/8/2008, you know anything about that?…clearly I should have purchased from you.” -Jim, Addison, IL USA
A: Sounds like there might be some confusion.  All resellers, myself included, can sell the product and the special promotion through 9/30/2008.  I’m not sure why they couldn’t sell it to you, but based on your comment (below), it sounds like you got them to honor the promotion price anyway, nice work Jim!  No worries about buying it from me, I’m just glad you got it squared away. Ready to buy?  Go here.

Q: For APC, do I need to purchase 1 APC license for every ACT User? I could not find any reference in any documentation that this is the case and the discounts are applied whether I select 1 or 10 users on the APC. The APC agreement is not a “License” agreement but rather a “Plan” and the only reference for example with respect to Upgrade assurance is that you would receive 1 upgrade for each license (ACT license) held.  So it seems to me that I can buy 10 ACT
licenses and 1 APC Plan membership? -Thomas, Florida, USA
A: APC IS A 1 TO 1 RELATIONSHIP, MUST BUY 1 APC FOR EACH SOFTWARE LICENSE. SHOPPING CART I´M USING DOESN´T ALLOW ME TO FORCE THIS REQUIREMENT, SO WE TAKE TIME TO EXPLAIN TO CUSTOMERS AND PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMERS (LIKE YOU…).  APC IS A SUBSCRIPTION PLAN (ANNUAL RENEWAL).  IN YOUR SCENARIO, MUST PURCHASE 10 APC LICENSES. Ready to buy?  Go here.

Q: What happens if we add another 5 or 10 users down the road and do not have/get APC for those additional users? -Thomas, Florida, USA
A: IF YOU PURCHASE LICENSES DOWN THE ROAD, YOU HAVE THE OPTION TO ADD APC AT THAT TIME, WHILE I WOULD ADVISE DOING SO, IT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT.  Ready to buy?  Go here.

New Users:
Q: “PC Magazine said learning curve is steep for new version,  if a novice.  Your comments?” -Leonard, Kansas City, MO USA
A: It is much easier to learn than you might imagine.  Of course, any software takes time to learn, and if you are new, you need to plan for that.   You might consider investing in some training along with your purchase, or shortly thereafter. Ready to buy?  Go here.

Order Questions:
Q: “Why doesn’t the net price when I put in all the codes when I buy the Act 2009 upgrade, and the Act premium care come out to be just the price of the care?  I will be glad to give you my credit card and you can submit the order for me!  What do you think?” -Lisa, Vestal, NY USA
A: I’d be honored to have you as a customer Lisa, thanks for the thought.  I apologize for the confusion, you only need to purchase ACT! Platinum Care, then Sage will send you the ACT! 2009 upgrade *automatically* (and did I mention for f-r-e-e by 9/30/2008?).  May I encourage you to give it another try?  I wish I had the bandwidth to talk to everyone personally…if you try and still have issues, give a call through one of the “click to call” buttons on the store, or dial 800-871-6976 x104 and we’ll help you through, no worries. Ready to buy?  Go here.

Q: “I didn’t see any better deal from you than the $169 upgrade pricing.  If you have a better deal I’ll be glad to buy via you.   Thanks for the links to the earlier interviews – the information and attitudes were helpful, and give me encouragement to continue.” -Mike, Kirkland, WA USA
A: Mike, I understand.  I’m all about getting the best price when possible.  The price is what it is (should be pretty compeititve I think), but some have said they felt what was included in the bonuses made it worth it for them.  Check it out on the store.  http://www.actasap.net/buyact There is also a video explaining everything. Ready to buy?  Go here.

Q: I see no 5 user pack pricing for Corporate Premium. ACT does offer 5 user pack discounts, why are you not showing those options?  I don’t think that I should have to pay the same per license price when I buy 10 or 15 licenses, as someone who is buying only 1 or 2.  Do you have 5 Pack or 10 Pack license prices on your website and I am just missing them? -Thomas, Florida, USA
A: EXCELLENT QUESTION, I SEE YOU ARE DOING YOUR HOMEWORK!  5 USER PACK IS ´RETAIL´ LICENSES ONLY.  IN BECOMING A CORPORATE CUSTOMER YOU´D GET ACT FOR WEB, AND THE BEST PRICING.  THE DEAL THEY ARE OFFERING IS OFF THE TABLE OCTOBER 1. Ready to buy?  Go here.

Other Questions:
Q: “Can I also put it on my laptop?  Will it work with a PDA/Treo 700 (ACT! for Palm OS) smart phone and can I start using it vs. Outlook?” -Thaine, Provo UT USA
A: You can dump Outlook immediately!  Just kidding…  Let me start at the top, I can tell you how it has always been (not sure if they have changed this), you can put a single license on your laptop and your desktop, yes.  Product comes with a ACT! for Palm link, to sync directly with your Palm Contacts, Calendar and Tasks, but the ACT! for Palm OS version to support ACT! 2009 is not yet available (they say November timeframe).  Outlook integration has been updated, and it is great with email.  The sync of Outlook calendar items to ACT! activities and vice versa seems to work ok, however in my initial test it wasn’t handling recurring Outlook appointments properly.  Ready to buy?  Go here.

Q: Will Act 9 work with my Blackberry?  I currently have 3rd party software to synchronize with Act and Outlook, but all fields do not come through. -Judy, USA
A: Check with your provider first.  I know that RIM (makers of the BB device) have been very slow in supporting newer version of ACTI (and it was way too slow when it did come out).  I use www.actasap.net/hhc and it works great.  Ready to buy?  Go here.

Comments Guidelines (imagine this is a call in show  …
You are welcome and encouraged to ask your question below…before doing so, please state your name, where you are located, and then state your question.  Thanks!

Technorati Tags: ACT 2008, act 2009 review, act 2009 software, act corporate edition, act platinum care, outlook, upgrading

Ok, so I heard back from customers and subscribers, and the video from the previous post needed further clarification. And yes, it is really true that Sage and I are offering this compelling deal on the ACT database software. This deal only available here.

In addition to what Sage is doing on the pricing for ACT! 2009 and ACT! Platinum Care customers, I’m including over $400 in bonuses:
1.) Broadlook’s Contact Capture $209 Value
2.) “From the Trenches, ACT! 2009 Install Best Practices” video. $97 value
3.) 3 Months of Swiftpage Email service, no cost. $135-$234 value
4.) 2 PDF Articles, “3 Things to Avoid When Mailing Your List” and “5 Things to Consider When Publishing a Newsletter” $27 value

You might be uncertain if ACT! 2009 is for you, may I direct you to WhatsNewWithACT.com where you can see a review, and my interview with Sage Software’s GM of CRM Solutions North America, Dave van Toor.

Here is the updated video.

Technorati Tags: act 2009, act by sage, act corporate edition, act database software, ACT Premium, contact management, sage software