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ACT! Software FAQ's:
What is ACT! software?
ACT! is the leading contact and customer manager that helps individuals and businesses to manage their customer relationships, grow sales profitably, communicate more effectively and improve productivity.
With around 3 million users worldwide, ACT! has maintained its position as the number one contact management system for over 21 years through its renowned ease-of-use and cost effectiveness.
What are the differences between ACT! 2010 and ACT! Premium?
ACT! 2010 supports up to as many as 10 users sharing the same database whereas ACT! Premium offers increased scalability for 100 or more ACT! users. ACT! Premium also includes ACT! Premium for Web software enabling mobile users to access ACT! via a web browser. ACT! Premium also offers extended tools to support larger teams including advanced user security options and team based dashboards. Read our ACT! Premium page to find out more.
How is ACT! licensed?
ACT! is licensed on a 'named user' based so a licence must be held for each ACT! user account. For example a team of 4 people will need a 4 user licence of either ACT! 2010 or ACT! Premium. Under the terms of the ACT! licence agreement you do not need to purchase a separate licence for a server installation of ACT!
Please note, ACT! is not licensed on a concurrent basis. For example, where a team of 10 people require access though only a maximum of 5 will be logged in at any one time, a total of 10 licences of ACT! 2010 or ACT! Premium will need to be purchased to enable 10 authorised users to access the database. If you require a concurrently licensed CRM system we recommend GoldMine as an alternative to ACT!
How does ACT! Premium for Web work?
ACT! Premium is supplied with web access software at no additional charge enabling authorised remote and mobile users to log-on to your ACT! database and access real-time contact information using Internet Explorer and Safari browsers. Unlike some web based systems contact data remains on your server and within your firewalls and administrators can centrally control which users are authorised to have web access, access via a local Windows installation or a combination of both.
Does ACT! work on a Mac?
Apple Macintosh computers that feature a dual boot Microsoft Windows OS feature can run ACT! on the Windows OS and are supported as long as the PC meets listed minimum system requirements for ACT! 2010 and ACT! Premium.
How easy is ACT! to set-up?
Aside from the PC and server installations, new ACT! users should also consider how the database will be configured around individual business requirements. This work will often include changing field names, adding new field options, designing new ACT! screens, importing legacy data and integrating ACT! with everyday applications like MS Office, Outlook and Sage Accounts. In addition to this, user training is strongly recommended to ensure that everyone understands how ACT! is to be used by the business, agree processes and secure the user buy-in that's needed to ensure that quick wins are achieved with ACT!
As accredited CRM consultants we offer full on-site help to support new implementations of ACT!
To find out more and arrange a quotation please call us on 0800 381 1000.
What training is available on ACT! software?
We offer a wide range of ACT! training including courses for new users, advanced end user training, how to use ACT! for marketing and database administrator training. Training is carried out on-site typically for group of up to as many as 6 people to attend. Call us on 0800 381 1000 to arrange a quote.
ACT! training is also available online through our on-demand tuition videos. With over 60 self-study modules users can quickly accelerate their ACT! skills to achieve maximum value from the software. Watch free training videos and find out more.
What support is available?
ACT! 2010 is supplied with 45 days of free phone support. Beyond this period we offer dedicated annual phone support from as little as £100.
ACT! Premium is supplied with annual ACT! support.
Can I get upgrade protection for ACT! 2010?
Optional upgrade protection is available on both ACT! 2010 and ACT! Premium through our PreactCover Extra service. As well as providing unlimited phone support for 12 months and dial-in assistance this annual service means that you'll also be entitled to receive the latest ACT! software immediately upon its release. PreactCover Extra starts from just £160 for combined support and upgrade insurance.
How does ACT! compare with other CRM systems?
As an easy to use, scalable and cost effective system, ACT! has consistently been the leading entry level contact management solution for over 21 years.
As we are also accredited consultants for GoldMine, Sage CRM and Microsoft Dynamics CRM we are perfectly placed to offer an independent and impartial comparison with ACT!
To see how each of these systems measure up you can download our full comparison guide and a summarised comparison chart or call us on 0800 381 1000 to find out more.
Will ACT! Premium work with Microsoft SQL Standard?
ACT! Premium is supplied with Microsoft SQL Express 2005. However, the database will work with Microsoft SQL Express 2008 to leverage extended scalability and performance though this must be purchased separately from a Microsoft reseller.
How can I access ACT! remotely?
ACT! 2010 supports remotely working through several methods. By supporting access via Terminal Server, Citrix connection or through a Virtual Private Network connection remove users can gain real-time access to shared ACT! data on a server. Where offline access is needed remote users can work from a local copy of the database which can be the entire database or a sub-set. When they next establish a network connection or call into the office they can synchronise the changes made.
With ACT! Premium remote access is also available using ACT! Premium for Web software so remote and mobile staff can gain real time access to your ACT! database via a web connection.
Do you have a hosted option?
If you don't have a server and don't want to invest in hardware we can host ACT! for you. Instead of purchasing the software outright this is available as Software as a Service (SaaS) payable as a monthly subscription. Users will be able to access and share an ACT! database through a web browser. To find out more and arrange a quotation please call us on 0800 381 1000.
Can I use ACT! for email marketing?
ACT! offers email merging so users can are able to build mailing lists and send out mass communications. This is effective for simple email templates in plain text or featuring just 1-2 images that are sent in batches of up to around 500 contacts.
The latest ACT! 2010 software includes ACT! E-Marketing powered by Swiftpage (additional purchase required) that handles larger batches of emails, supports HTML email templates, enables drip marketing automation and provides email campaign reporting to reveal open / click thru rates and a ranked call list of prospects that reflects user actions in response to each message.
Why type of organisations use ACT! software?
ACT! is incredibly versatile and we've found it can be used in virtually any type of organisation including service sector firms, manufacturing companies, universities and colleges, charities, local councils, retailers and many more.
ACT! may be deployed throughout a smaller organisation or can be used independently by one or more departments within a larger organisation.
What does ACT! offer that Microsoft Outlook, Excel or Access don't?
While each of these applications include some contact management functionality only ACT! is a dedicated contact management system.
ACT! offers businesses more than just an address book of contacts. Using ACT! businesses can manage each aspect of their client relationships in one place including tracking a full communications history, active sales opportunities, follow-up on activities and easily track other background information including their order history.
By using ACT! businesses can be more proactive by sending mass communications by post or email to enhance their marketing activity, keep in touch with people and strengthen their customer retention.
ACT! is fully network ready and can be shared throughout a team to improve communication, remove duplication, streamline processes and make sure that important tasks aren't forgotten.
At Preact we offer full on-site help to design ACT! around your precise requirements and supply training so that everyone is able to use the software effectively and are able to hit the ground running and achieve a quick return.
Can I link ACT! with Sage Accounts software?
A free link is available with ACT! 2010 and ACT! Premium enabling ACT! to be integrated with Sage Accounts 50. By linking ACT! with Sage Accounts you can check financial information about your customers from ACT! interface without needing to log into Sage.
What recurring ACT! charges do I have to pay?
With ACT! there isn't any mandatory ongoing charges. Optional ACT! support and upgrade cover packages are available.
However, we can host ACT! for you so instead of purchasing the software outright this is available as Software as a Service (SaaS) payable as a monthly subscription.
How can ACT! enable me to analyse customer data?
As well as giving ACT! users a comprehensive overview in one place so they can see where they stand with each customer the software includes around 40 standard reports that can be used to review and analyse data. At Preact we offer dedicated report writing and training to help user create and amend new reports.
Contact list views and opportunity list views can be exported from ACT! to Microsoft Excel which also supports pivot table creation. A graphical overview of sales opportunities and sales opportunities are also available from ACT! dashboard views. Other dashboard components are available enabling other data to be analysed including recently created & edited contacts.
Can I trial ACT! 2010?
You can download a free trial of ACT! 2010 or ACT! Premium use the software for 30 days. The data you enter will be accessible if you decide to order the software. You can also test drive ACT! online and see our demonstration video but to find out more please call 0800 381 1000 to speak to one of our consultants.
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