Productivity Tools
Productivity tools come and go, but the good ones keep getting better. In many
cases, tools that were designed originally for the single-user desktop application
have developed new versions or spin-offs for the enterprise. Many of the tools
below have been covered in Syllabus in previous versions. Below is an update
on the latest productivity toolmakers.
AcqURL
This bookmark management tool (pronounced like "a-squirrel" without
the "s") features a variety of options for handling large collections
of Web bookmarks. AcqURL uses a tabbed page metaphor to access groups of bookmarks,
with each page holding up to 80 bookmarks and the number of pages virtually
unlimited. Bookmarks can be added to AcqURL simply by clicking the mouse on
any blank bookmark button. Local applications, such as a word processor, can
also be loaded and launched from AcqURL. AcqURL also contains an integrated
FTP client with drag-and-drop functionality for bookmarking FTP sites. Users
can identify specific bookmarks by color coding them or assigning icons. AcqURL
will automatically use the icon of a local file type when bookmarkng local files,
and look for a Web page icon when bookmarking Web pages. Icons can also be assigned
to AcqURL bookmarks and can use various graphic types such as: BMP, GIF, JPG,
ICO, and ICL.
Contact: GT Technologies, Bend, OR; (541) 389-6628; www.acqurl.com.
AutoDialogs
AutoDialogs is a Windows95/98/NT/2000 program that was developed to provide
quick access to the folders used most often in standard Open/Save as/Browse
for folder dialogs (including Office 95/97/2000 and Windows 2000 Professional
dialog boxes), Windows Explorer and other programs. Using AutoDialogs, users
can automatically insert pre-selected folders into their dialog boxes using
a system tray menu (requiring only 2 clicks) or a pre-assigned hot key (one
keystroke). The new version, free to current users, introduces better AutoDialogs
menu organization, better Properties dialog, and a detailed Tutorial.
Contact: MetaProducts, Columbus, OH; www.metaproducts.com.
Iopus E-mail BEEE
Iopus E-mail BEEE is a utility that automates the vast majority of e-mail tasks.
This "E-mail-Bee" lets users automatically e-mail designated files
or folders at specified time intervals. Users simply to select the file to be
sent, add e-mail information, and the time interval to send the file. Additionally
users can specify the criteria that should be met (send it always, only if changed,
or if it has grown by a specific amount of bytes). The program handles the connection
to the Internet service provider and sends the file via e-mail. BEEE can automatically
zip compress the files before sending, making the mailing of even large files
a snap.
Contact: iOpus, Walldorf, Germany, (49) 6227-841-9604;
www.iopus.com.
iMarkup Server
The iMarkup Server is an enterprise solution with integrated workflow, document
management, document imaging, and knowledge management. The iMarkup Server transforms
document-based information into knowledge assets by providing powerful storage,
categorization, and search technologies. It provides users with an easy way
to manage, distribute, locate, collaborate on, annotate documents, review documents
and digital content. It supports users in all stages of the document lifecycle.
The iMarkup Server provides document management, workflow automation, document
imaging or scanning, Web collaboration, and knowledge management needs. The
iMarkup Server is an "out of the box" product that is easy to install
and administer.
Contact: iMarkup, Vista, CA;(877) MARKUP-1; www.imarkup.com.
MacDrive 5
MacDrive 5 enables computer users to navigate seamlessly between Mac and Windows
platform documents without loss of productivity. With MacDrive 5 installed,
users can use Windows Me, 98, 95, NT 4.0, 2000, or XP and seamlessly access
Mac disks of all types, including floppy, Zip, Jaz, CD-ROM, CD-R, and hard drives.
Users can open, save, delete, rename, and even format Mac disks on a Windows
PC. MacDrive works on floppies, Zip, Jaz, ORB, SyQuest, hard drives, CD-ROMs,
multisession CD-Rs, and others.
Contact: Mediafour Corp., West Des Moines, IA; (515)
225-7409; www.mediafour.com.
QuickConference
QuickConference from CE Software provides instant communication to networked
users of Microsoft’s Windows 95 or greater, Windows NT 4.0 or greater,
and Apple’s Mac OS. Unlike other instant messaging products, everyone
can use QuickConference, even those without a connection to the Internet. This
easy to use conferencing product features secure messaging, URL and e-mail support,
server linking, custom address books, and multi-user logins. This quick and
secure tool is an appropriate solution for office environments.
Contact: CE Software, Des Moines, IA; (515) 221-1801;
www.cesoft.com.
StuffIt Deluxe
Aladdin Systems’ StuffIt software is a complete compression solution that
enables users to share large files faster through the Internet. Files can be
compressed by 98 percent of their original size, freeing up hard drive space
and saving time sending and receiving files. The software works on Mac, Linux,
and Windows platforms. Stuffit Deluxe allows users to compress and mail from
Word, Excel, Outlook, or PowerPoint; exchange files with anyone, regardless
of the platform; automate data backups; and find compressed files without having
to expand the archive. New to version 8.0 are a drag-and-drop interface, wizards,
and support for .rar and .tar files.
Contact: Aladdin Systems, Watsonville, CA; (831) 761-6200;
www.aladdinsys.com.
Timbuktu Pro
Timbuktu Pro for Windows is a remote control and file transfer software solution.
Multiple Access Mode technology supports all Internet, local area network (LAN),
wide area network (WAN), dial-up, and direct dial connections. Timbuktu Pro
ensures that any mobile worker, telecommuter, or offsite collaborator can connect
and communicate without fail across all Windows and Mac OS platforms. Timbuktu
Pro Enterprise is a scaleable, multiplatform solution for user support, systems
management, telecommuting, and collaboration across a LAN, WAN, the Internet,
or dial-up connections. With Timbuktu Pro Enterprise, systems administrators
and network management personnel can control remote machines on the enterprise
network to perform complete evaluations, diagnosis, and troubleshooting.
Contact: Netopia, Emeryville, CA; (510) 420-7400; www.netopia.com.
Now Up-To-Date & Contact Software 4.0
The latest version of this software for personal organization allows users to
organize their schedules and contacts, then keep it all "Up-to-Date"
by issuing reminders, making it easy to change and add information. The software
is synchronizable with a Palm compatible computer. Users can manage their own
schedules and contacts, or easily share them with small groups or large organizations.
Now Up-to-Date & Contact’s built-in server solution lets users schedule
meetings inside a small office or run a worldwide enterprise over the Internet.
New features include Grab-n-Go, with which users can collect information from
virtually any document and with one click, create an appointment, to-do, or
reminder.
Contact: Power On Software, New Albany, OH; (800) 344-9160;
www.poweronsoftware.com.
Vista Plus Suite
Vista Plus software from Quest allows administrators to manage all of the information
in an organization, save it in a central repository, and deliver it to users
in a variety of formats. Vista provides access to files through portals and
e-mail, and reduces cost of ownership through its powerful search tools and
report index hyperlinking drill-down capabilities. It enables self-service access
to reports and statements over intranets or extranets, and provides page-level
security to protect sensitive report content. Using Vista Plus eliminates hard-copy
report distribution and simplifies administration.
Contact: Quest Software, Irvine, CA; (949) 754-8000;
www.quest.com.
VMWare Workstation
VM Ware Workstation creates virtual computing worlds—multiple operating
systems can be run on the same workstation. How d'es it work? The additional
operating systems are running in secure virtual machines that co-exist on a
single piece of hardware. The result is cost savings and the ability to use
one computer to run both legacy systems and new operating systems.
Contact: VMWare, Palo Alto, CA; (877) 486-9273; www.vmware.com.