Greetings everyone, Tony Holowitz here. It’s early January of 2022, and I want to introduce you to Act CRM SaaS (Software as a Service) and discuss some of your options. To set the stage, let’s take a look at how Act has evolved from its traditional desktop software into SaaS products.

Act’s Journey to SaaS

Long-time Act users know that Act was introduced almost 35 years ago as physically installed desktop software. While that option still exists, Act has expanded its offerings to include two SaaS options as of late: Act CRM Classic and Act CRM.

A Quick History Lesson

• October 2020: Act introduced its first SaaS product, enabling users to self-serve, get their data into the cloud, and have Act up and running in less than an hour.
• Three Months Ago: A new product was introduced and called Act CRM, leading to the rebranding of the 15-month-old product as Act CRM Classic.

Act CRM Classic

Act CRM Classic is purely web-based with no desktop software component.

• Advantages: Easy deployment, no installation or configuration issues.
• Web Browsers: Use in Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge (recommended).

The New Act CRM

Introduced in September 2021, the new Act SaaS product is a significant departure from traditional Act software.

• Differences: This is a very different product, with email marketing as its main strength.
• Demo Contacts: You can quickly get started with demo contacts to see how it works.

Comparison Table: Act CRM Classic vs Act CRM

What Does SaaS Mean for Act?

SaaS offers unique advantages and features:

• Free Trial: Start with no commitment.
• No Software to Install: Work in modern web browsers.
• Easy to Add Users: Expand as needed.
• Multiple Pricing Tiers and Features: Tailor to your needs.
• Act Marketing Automation Included: Both systems include this feature.
• Internet Speed Matters: Because it’s web-based, your connection speed is essential.

Considerations for Long-time Act Users

If you’re a long-time Act user considering the SaaS version, be prepared for differences. Even subtle changes, like the loss of right-click functions related to Act in a web browser, can feel significant.

Conclusion

I’ve been using Act CRM Classic for more than a year, and I highly recommend it. I appreciate the new Act CRM for its email marketing capabilities, but remember, no software is going to be perfect. Strive for a solution that meets 80% of your expectations, and don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions.

As an Act Certified Consultant offering sales training and consulting, I’m here to help. Have a phenomenal day, and be well, my friends!