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Contact Management Software
Portability/Synchronisation
Two critical issues when considering any Contact Management Solution are portability - how well the solution works across the different business communication devices you use, and synchronisation - how well the solutions can ensure that all your devices, and staff, are working from the same information.
Most of the programs mentioned above will integrate seamlessly with e-mail programs, such as Outlook. Many will work with other programs such as accountancy and word-processing.
The following table gives you a quick guide to the portability and synchronisation specifications of each of the solutions examined.
| PROGRAM |
PORTABILITY |
SYNCHRONISATION |
XML SUPPORT |
| Lotus Organiser |
Works with telephones, mobiles, PDAs, PCs, laptops |
Good with mobiles, requires EasySync Pro (£35)
for other devices |
No |
| Microsoft Outlook |
Works with many devices such as Palms |
Will not sync directly with many devices without
extra software |
Yes |
| ACT! |
Only works with PCs & laptops |
Only between users |
No |
| Maximizer |
Works with palms, PCs & laptop |
Requires extra software to sync with other users |
No |
| Goldmine |
Works with palms, PCs & laptops |
Only between users |
Yes |
| Filemaker Pro |
Works with palms, pocket PCs, PCs & laptops |
Between users and with Palms and Pocket PCs |
Yes |
| Microsoft Access |
Through Outlook with similar devices |
Will not sync directly with many devices without
extra software |
Yes |
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