CNET editors' review
Reviewed by:
CNET staff on
August 13, 2009
Sales managers will
appreciate how this
add-on exploits
Outlook's powerful
Contacts feature as a
basis for managing
existing customers and
adding new ones.
Some apps adopt the
typical e-mail client
interface to lend a
sense of familiarity and
ease of use to its
functions; this one
adopts the client
itself. If you use and
like Outlook, you'll be
happy. If you rely on
another e-mail client,
you won't be so happy.
SalesOutlook installs an
unobtrusive minitoolbar
to Outlook's existing
toolbar. It provides
quick access to the
add-on's tools and
features and simply
folds into the user's
normal everyday workflow
for employing e-mail.
The tool performed well
in our tests. Windows
opened quickly, and
navigating their tabbed
categories was a breeze.
We liked the
straightforward manner
of entering new contacts
and assigning
identifiers--divided
into both Opportunity
IDs and Inquiry IDs--to
allow logical tracking
for follow-up and
decision-making. We also
appreciated how
SalesOutlook
consolidated a number of
tasks into a single app,
such as the built-in
features for monitoring
time and mileage
dedicated to each
customer and project
management components.
Further, the add-on
exploited Outlook's
primary e-mail functions
for creating e-mail
blasts and maintaining
important contact with
customers--a critical
element of any CRM
software.
The trial period
should be sufficient for
any professional to
determine the add-on's
suitability for his or
her work. The price will
scare away the
small-timers, but intent
CRM staff members will
find SalesOutlook a nice
fit in their workday,
particularly if they are
frequently on the go.
