Posts Tagged ‘ upgrade ’

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

act-2010-database-softwareIt’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. (more…)

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Posted in upgrading | 25 Comments »

ACT Database synchronization…Is it Reliable?

I get emails from subscribers from time to time, and sometimes a theme will surface, so I take that as a hint and share it on the blog so that others might benefit from it.

This most recent inquiry arrived in two separate emails from subscribers yesterday, albeit the same question. Does database sync in ACT 2008 work?

For those that aren’t aware, database synchronization gives remote ACT users the ability to synchronize changes with the main database back in the office while they are in the field, or upon returning to the office. ACT 6 and older systems did sync, but it was often a pain to get setup properly for users. The newer versions can be configured to sync whenever there is an Internet connection detected. It can be as simple as a single user having a laptop and a desktop sync, or a 100+ user ACT system with a database on the internet available at all times to sync.




Back to the email… one user is using ACT 5 and emailing contact data to parties within the company.  This seemed curious, so I replied and asked him why, here was his reply: (more…)

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Posted in ACT Related, Technical | 18 Comments »

"ACT Received Horrid Reviews, is the 2008 Edition Any Better?" Part 2

Part 1 of this message can be found here

So you can imagine the disenchantment as a peppy business owner, sales rep, or entrepreneur pproaches their computer with the latest version of ACT in hand, going to upgrade their ACT software, only to realize later that there was more in to it than they anticipated, or thinking it migrated all their data only to find out two weeks later that appointments or other key elements were lost in the migration… Posts start flying everywhere on the internet (amazon and others), users were upset, and rightfully so. My friend at Sage would be the first to admit, that if they were to do it over again they would have done a much better job setting expectations with customers, and stressing the importance of working with a certified consultant to do (at least) the migration portion.

To be fair, many upgraded and were very happy with the results, however, as eluded to earlier, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.”

As for other users (new to ACT), most were ok, because they didn’t have an experiential precedent with the software of upgrade users. Those that did complain were primarily having issues with installation. Installation that puts Microsoft .NET and SQL on the system prior to ACT itself, apparently not a simple task for software developers. Some of these folks (as well as legacy ACT users) encountered issues with the installation process, and felt if it couldn’t be installed with ease, it probably wasn’t worth the time. Part of the reason why I’m offering a “From the Trenches” installation video for those who purchase the upgrade by July 31 (along with a few other goodies). (more…)

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Posted in ACT Related, upgrading | 30 Comments »

"ACT Received Horrid Reviews, is the 2008 Edition Any Better?" Part 1

A question from a www.WhatsNewWithACT.com subscriber who wonders if he should upgrade.

DISCLAIMER: This was going to be a single post, but then I realized I needed more space…”don’t clog the blog”…so here is part one of two.

I seriously considered Sage ACT!, but the 2007 version received horrid reviews, particularly from long-time users. I’m curious as to whether you feel the 2008 edition has addressed those extensive criticisms – and specifically how.
-Larry

Larry, you make a good point. As the old saying goes, “a bad word travels faster than a good one”, right? Especially on the Internet.

I would say the majority of comments are from legacy (pre SQL Verison) ACT users, those who have been loyal for years. (I’ll address the others shortly). ACT became a critical tool for their business success, and they faithfully upgraded with relative ease year after year. (more…)

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Posted in ACT Related, upgrading | 20 Comments »

Considering an ACT Software Upgrade?…2 Must Ask Questions

People say they learn a lot from me, truth is I learn from customers and subscribers all the time. Yesterday I talked with a customer who articulated something I think might benefit others. It was pertaining to the idea of upgrading his ACT software after receiving an upgrade notice from Sage Software, he said, “I got some critical enhancement products as a part of my ACT install, I know how it all works and interconnects with my business process, as a result I’m cautious about installing a soon to be released upgrade.”

The truth is, he has quite unique combination of ACT Addon installed on his computer…each with a critical business purpose, allowing him to focus on what brings in revenue, selling. However, it does bring up a very fair question.

Should I upgrade?

For 2008 and beyond, with any software, the question people are asking…Should I upgrade?

Here are some questions ACT users must ask before answering the upgrade question. Take time to write out the answers to these questions, and be as specific as possible.
 (more…)

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Posted in ACT Related, Business, Handhelds, Other Technical | 13 Comments »

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