CRM Specialist Preact review Sage ACT 2013

Leading ACT partner, Preact have commented about the new version of Sage ACT 2013
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Sept. 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Leading Sage ACT partner, Preact has been working with the beta version of ACT 2013 during the past month prior to its official UK launch.

Preact have identified the following updates as the most significant in the latest edition.

ACT PREMIUM MOBILE

The mobile edition of ACT Premium has been updated and now ships with ACT Premium 2013 for online access through an app-style interface.

The new edition of ACT Premium Mobile shares more ACT data including opportunities as well as contacts, histories, activities and relationship detail.

ACT Premium Mobile works on any device that has an HTML5 browser so ACT data is accessible by iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile and more.

SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES

ACT 2013 contact records include a new social updates tab.

The new screen lists each contact’s recent posts on LinkedIn and Facebook for the people you follow on these networks. Each post in ACT can be clicked to reply or start a new conversation.

ACT lists a contact’s last 25 posts on LinkedIn and Facebook. Feeds are subject to privacy controls so you’ll only be able to see activity from the people you already follow on these networks.

ENHANCED ACT SMART TASKS

Many ACT users have previously asked for smart tasks to write changes back to the database. ACT 2013 rules now include an option to automatically update fields when criteria is met.

Previously Smart Tasks did not work if the local client ACT application was closed. In ACT 2013 Smart Tasks are run from a server so they are still applied even if ACT isn’t open on individual workstations.

ACT E-MARKETING SOCIAL MEDIA SHARING

ACT E-Marketing subscriptions in ACT 2013 include new social sharing options enabling campaign messages to be automatically posted to LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter pages.
Social sharing icons can also be added to campaign message enabling recipients to easily post them on their networks.

WINDOWS 8 & OFFICE 2013

Preact believe the most significant enhancement will arrive after the initial release of ACT 2013 as Sage have stated that ACT 2013 will ultimately be supported with Microsoft Windows 8 and Microsoft Office 2013. Neither of these new Microsoft releases will be supported with ACT 2012 or earlier versions.

Preact understand that Sage will release a service pack update in the coming months to confirm compatibility between Windows 8 / Microsoft Office 2013 and ACT Pro 2013 / ACT Premium 2013 editions.

SAGE ACT ROADMAP

Preact’s marketing director, Warren Butler commented on the new version, “In comparison to Sage’s earlier updates ACT 2013 offers fewer new features.  Some in the ACT community have questioned Sage’s investment in ACT compared to their other applications and ACT 2013 probably won’t change their perception.

Sage have repeatedly stressed their commitment to the application. In a recent conference call the Sage General Product Manager, Dan Wilzoch stated their ACT 2013 development investment is consistent with 2012 and he says they remain focused in developing what remains a very healthy business in the 25th year since ACT was first released.”

Butler continues, “As independent consultants Preact work with Microsoft Dynamics CRM as well as Sage ACT and we  find the differing roadmaps between each product to be stark.

Microsoft have recently unveiled plans for 3 CRM updates to be released over the next 12 months to re-engineer the application and increase their market share whereas Sage have defined the boundaries of ACT. Their annual releases now concentrate on servicing and developing existing functions.

A direct comparison between the two applications is somewhat unfair as each serves different requirements but with a mid-market CRM portfolio to maintain it’s our view that Sage won’t broaden the reach of ACT beyond its current limits.”

Preact believe this is an important point for any business that is reaching the limits of the application’s capability as Butler concludes, “If you are approaching, or exceeding, the boundaries of what ACT can realistically deliver the 2013 release won't change the situation.

We’ve found that Microsoft Dynamics CRM has quickly emerged as a popular alternative for ACT users that need more functions that ACT simply cannot deliver.”

Preact will be delighted to discuss ACT 2013 and Microsoft Dynamics CRM with any existing ACT users.

About Preact CRM

Established in 1993, Preact is a leading UK software consultancy company specialising in customer relationship management.

Preact’s work with Microsoft Dynamics CRM (http://www.preact.co.uk/microsoft_dynamics_crm/product) and Sage ACT! (http://www.preact.co.uk/sage_act/software) to provide bespoke implementation, CRM development, training and technical support.

Headquartered in Maidenhead, Berkshire, Preact work with clients across numerous industry sectors. From charities to IT consultancies, from high street retailers to some of the country’s most prestigious Universities, from small owner run businesses to Global organisations, Preact have broad sector experience.

For more information on the CRM solutions and professional services available from Preact visit http://www.preact.co.uk, email sales@preact.co.uk, or call FREEPHONE 0800 381 1000 to speak to one of our consultants.

Warren Butler, Marketing Director.
Email: wbutler@preact.co.uk
Tel: 01628 661 810
Address: Vandervell House, Vanwall Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 4UB
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