ACT! by Sage 2009

The Search and Lookup procedures have been streamlined, with a redesigned dialogue box and more flexible options. In addition, the Previous command that lets you select from a list of the last nine lookups has been moved higher up the Lookup menu. That's only a very minor change, but welcome since it speeds up access to frequently used searches. This latest version of ACT! is also compatible with Windows Server 2008.

At a basic price of £180, ACT! remains good value. It's a powerful application that has had many years in which to evolve and to have its wrinkles ironed out. Its integration with other applications, especially Microsoft Word and Outlook, is impressive and its ability to support multiple users will be of benefit to many small companies. Whether an annual upgrade premium of 50 per cent represents such good value is debatable. However, it's not likely to deter many of ACT!'s satisfied users.

Author: Jack Weber