Mac CRM: from local to cloud computing and then some.
There are a lot of Customer Relation Management (CRM) solutions out there to help you conduct business on a Mac. Some of them tap on Address Book others run a database or simply provide cloud computing, Software as a Service (SaaS). I’m really impressed by three of them for different reasons. In terms of price and ease of use, I recommend CONTACTIZER by Objective Decision. Be patient, this software is not bug free although none of the bugs are dramatic since it is in fact talking to Mac run applications (Address Book, iCal, Mail, etc.).
One of its most impressive feature is its mass mailer capability with email templates. The templates accept HTML and txt and conveniently include customizable fields that can be programmed to read your contacts to personalize your email. You can also set categories for your contacts and separate them in groups.
If we move up a notch we have to recognize Elements SBM by Ntractive. This is by far one of the best designed software I’ve seen in years. But are you and your organization ready for cloud computing? If the answer is positive then this is the one to buy.
Finally comes Daylite by Marketcircle, a cross between both solutions. A bit of a power horse and a power price. I guess it’s the price to pay for a very mature solution, seamlessly integrated to mail.
I also experimented with XTuple to no avail. Never succeeded in installing it. It looks promising but its interface is sort of dated and “PC” inspired.
Have fun contacting and keeping track of your marketing efforts.
