Considering an ACT Software Upgrade?…2 Must Ask Questions
June 28, 2007 by Travis
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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.
1.) What new features in the software will…
a.) Make me or my organization more productive.
b.) Make me or my organization smarter about the data in my database.
c.) Give me or my organization a competitive edge
d.) Help me or my organization make customers and prospects lives better.
2.) How will the existing configuration carry over to this new version?
a.) Will it support the operating system I’m running?
b.) If using templates, and mail merges, will it support the version of my word processor.
c.) Am I using any addon or enhancement products, and if so, are they supported on the new version. If not, when will an update be available, and what will it cost (many are free)?
d.) The Database itself, have others experienced problems upgrading their database for this new software, can I perform a test migration of my database to see if there are any problems before putting it ‘in production’? (this is CRITICAL, and I always recommend a professional to evaluate at least this part…it is your customer/prospect database, the lifeblood of any business…partner with someone you trust)
3.) Handheld integration, Palm Treo, Motorola Q Phone, Apple iPhone, Blackberry, phones running Windows Mobile, Pocket PCs, etc.
a.) If synchronizing with a handheld, will the synchronization software I use work with this new upgrade?
b.) If upgrades are necessary, what is the process to obtain and install the upgrade?
4.) If your database is shared
a.) What will it take to install the upgrade to all computers.
b.) Consider items outlined in #2 and #3 above for each computer.
c.) Do I need help to get it done right, or am I willing to learn and do it myself?
Based on feedback from my subscribers in recent months, there has been general frustration when learning that their new computer was incompatible with ACT 2007. The new system had the Microsoft Vista operating system, or Office 2007…or both (to be fair, there is a patch to make ACT 2007 function under Vista, but there are significant limitations, and while others have reported it working 80% of the time, the patch is not supported for those using the Premium version of ACT, more info here http://www.act.com/vista2007/). My advice to them and to you is the following…Anytime you are thinking of getting a new computer or new software, two questions should pop in your head,
“What are the productivity gains?”…and
“How will this effect my existing applications?”
As my customer has learned, much like business itself, computer systems are becoming more complicated, not simpler. They need to work for you, not the other way around. If you sufficiently answer those questions, and test it before diving in. It just may save you some grief.
Travis
PS: These questions are a good outline when considering an IT vendor to help you with software or system integrations. If they don’t ask you these questions in some form during the process, determine what process they follow to deliver successfully for their customers.
**Want to know if the latest version of ACT is right for you? Get FREE instant access at:
http://www.WhatsNewWithACT.com
OK Travis;
As an “ACT GURU” the above questions about the 2008 Act upgrade are timely.
What are the answers we should know once these questions are released into the vapors of the world.
Your email referred me to the blog with questions but no answers shown.
Jim-
The questions presented are for you to answer. As you consider the various areas, you’ll understand if the upgrade is for you. Sage Software has great marketing messages designed to sell software. My question for the reader, is how can you make the most of the new features (of any product for that matter), to increase profits. Only the reader knows those answers.
As for the particulars of the ACT 2008 Upgrade. Visit http://www.WhatsNewWithACT.com to claim a spot in the forthcoming ‘no-fluff’ review.
Not answered here or on the upgrade notice: They want you to pay for the upgrade by 07/31 to get the discount, but nowhere on there does it say when I would receive the software, or when it will be released.
As I understand it, they are intending to ship the software at the end of August. The software will still be at promotional pricing in August, but more than what it is in July.
Travis
I stumbled upon your blog site when I was looking for solutions to the problems that Jim has mentioned. My laptop went down so I purchased a new one which of course has windows vista. Now I am having extreme trouble trying to migrate, merge , install, move, restore,ect to the ACt software from my own databse. Again, I am just looking for solutions, not to pontificate the theories of ACT. If a company can not produce software that is friendly, then what is the point when I will face this potentially every year. Time for a different product and company.
ps-
I realize you are in an “after the fact” situation, but perhaps your comment will help someone else who happens to land on this site.
With that in mind, it truly doesn’t matter if it is ACT or any software. It is essential that you ask two questions:
1.) WHAT productivity gains will a given solution provide.
2.) HOW will this impact my existing environment/applications.
While I like the word, this does not qualify as pontification. This is simple business sense. With all respect, if these are followed, I guarantee you will have less headaches. And if YOU don’t follow them, make sure your IT person/consultant is asking these questions (or a version thereof).
Your case is a little different, yet the same priciples can be applied.
Problem: I must buy a new computer because mine died…
1.) What business problem will this solve?
A: I will have a computer to do email, and manage my database of contacts, run my business, etc.
2.) How will this effect my existing applications?
A: Since the new computer has updated applications and an updated operating system, what is the potential impact? What are my critical applications and how might they be affected? ACT being a critical app, you could search Google while calling ACT support (or you ACT Consultant), and see if there is anything you need to know about running the application on Vista…Also is Office 2007 integration supported? (BTW go here: Does the ACT Software Support Vista? to see more on this issue, scroll to the bottom to find an update with a link to the ACT website with more specifics.
Hope that helps.
We have version 2005 Premium for Workgroups. The only reason I am considering the upgrade to either 2007 or 2008 is the our current version will not be supported after November 30, 2007. Is that a good enough reason to upgrade? Any advice as to whether we should go with 2007 or 2008?
Phyllis-
I do not recommend running a business on unsupported software. If you are questioning whether to upgrade, perhaps the database doesn’t have much value to your company. I’m dead serious. I have spoken to a couple companies, and they aren’t using ACT beyond a glorfied rolodex. Don’t spend the money, if there is no value.
On the other hand if you are using the software as a database, such as tracking your activities, notes, and maybe even sales information, then ask the tell-tale question. If the database disappears, what impact will it have on me and my company for customer service, and for revenues…and how quickly can I recover?…now reread that
If you are honest with yourself about the question, and had no flush of emotion at reading that sentence, you are probably fine. If, however, you are unsure how to answer, or are genuinely concerned. Then you either need to upgrade, or evaluate another solution that would be supported in the event of a failure.
Other questions to consider. What were the problems you were intending to solve which caused you to purchase the software? How successful have you been in implementing it so that it would solve those issues? Has it solved those issues? While it isn’t always possible to get everything done you wish with technology, it should at least address the low hanging fruit.
Hope that helps.
Hi, I’m still using ver. 2000, because in answering the above questions I could not find a good enough reason to migrate up. I’m using a standalone database, WinFax, and Outlook 2000 with Office 2000. It all works for me and I get the job done. Oh, I also use Pinpoint Marketing Tools and letters. I found in answering the above questions that I would be less productive, so I’m using older software that works. Yes, I’m also using older computers and that may become an issue, but I can always wipe the hard drive and install XP on a new machine if need be.
New does not mean better!
Joe-
I’m glad you found the post helpful. One think I didn’t mention, that others have brought to my attention is “comfort level”. What do I mean? Well, as it stands now ACT 6 and older are no longer supported by Sage, and ACT 2005 is soon to follow. What this means is they no longer provide tech support for the product should someone have a problem (install, compatibility issues, or database integrity problems).
It is generally understood that a software company cannot afford to continue to support products that are aged (and 4 new releases have come since then). The question then becomes is one “comfortable” with that?
I’m not a big fan of scare tactics, I don’t even like to “be sold.” So I don’t want to come across that way with you either. This policy by Sage can be perceived that way. Rather, if an offer is time or quantity limited, just give me ample space to make a decision, and I’m ok with it. Most (not all) decisions in business should be made fairly quickly anyway.
In the case of running unsupported software, I’m not comfortable with that, not for tools to run a viable business with. So I think you need to move to something supported (ACT or otherwise) at some point. So…
1.) Determine how long you want to run unsupported. (’comfort’ factor)
2.) Start shopping for an alternative to what you have currently.
3.) Put a plan of action together to implement a solution within your comfortable timeframe.
Thoughts?
-Travis