Attach Plus
Attach Plus is a nifty new utility marketed by Trumpet Inc. The applet is designed to do only one thing: simplify and accelerate the sharing of Adobe PDF files with clients and colleagues. Attach Plus can convert a document to Adobe PDF format, attach it to an e-mail message, password protect it and e-mail it to a recipient in a flash. The user simply selects a file, supplies a recipient, types in a password and sends the file. Achieving the same result without the use of Attach Plus takes considerably longer; I'd estimate the time saved with Attach Plus to be in the 75-80% range. Adding to its appeal, the product is attractively priced at $49.00 for a single-user version, with volume discounts available. Trumpet Inc. currently offers Attach Plus versions for Microsoft Outlook Express and Goldmine. A version for Microsoft Outlook should be available by the time you read this.
ProTracker
ProTracker Software has been busy developing ProTracker System 4.0, which the company is touting as a whole new approach to client relationship management (CRM).
Sources report that version 4.0 will focus on the practice management and daily task execution aspects of client relationships. To achieve this goal, job descriptions of each person in typical financial advisory firms, both large and small, were studied carefully; the results of the studies will be incorporated into the upcoming release.
Says developer Warren Mackensen, "After seven years of ProTracker experience with a thousand sets of eyes, we have a pretty firm handle on what advisors really want. We will be delivering that product in the next six months."
Joel P. Bruckenstein, CFP, is co-author of the book Virtual Office Tools for the High-Margin Practice: How Client-Centered Financial Advisers Can Cut Paperwork, Overhead, and Wasted Hours. (See www.virtualofficetools.net for ordering information.)