Introduction: In this tutorial, Tony Holowitz shares valuable insights on setting up a remote database for Act CRM users. A remote database offers an efficient solution for multiple users in an office without the need for an expensive server. Tony, a partner at Keystroke, demonstrates how to synchronize the database to the cloud, providing seamless access to Act CRM data for all users.

Understanding Remote Database Synchronization: Act CRM users often face the dilemma of needing a server to store their data for multiple users to access. However, this can be costly. To alleviate this issue, Keystroke offers a synchronization service that allows users to host their Act data on the cloud. For an affordable fee of $120 per user annually, each user can have their own remote database.

Setting Up the Remote Database: Tony guides users through the initial setup process for the remote database:

Step 1: Remote Database Name During setup, a unique name is assigned to the remote database, which is displayed in the top left corner of the screen. Users are encouraged to make note of this name for future reference.

Step 2: Adding Synchronize Now Button (Optional) Tony adds a “Synchronize Now” button to the toolbar, allowing users to manually synchronize their data with the cloud. Alternatively, synchronization can be scheduled to occur automatically at regular intervals.

Step 3: Automatic Synchronization with Act Scheduler Tony demonstrates how to set up automatic synchronization using the Act Scheduler. This ensures that data is synced to the cloud and downloaded by all users in the office, maintaining up-to-date information for everyone.

Additional Customizations: Tony also discusses some additional settings and preferences he configures for a smooth Act CRM experience. These include:

1. Startup Database: Ensuring that the proper database opens when Act is launched to prevent users from accidentally working in the wrong database.
2. Outlook Integration: Setting up preferences to ensure seamless integration between Act and Outlook for efficient communication.

Conclusion: A Streamlined Act CRM Experience By following Tony Holowitz’s expert guidance, Act CRM users can set up a remote database for seamless data access among multiple users. With affordable synchronization services and carefully configured preferences, Tony empowers Act CRM users to optimize their workflows and focus on business productivity.