ProActive

November 1, 2005 - Site license price increased to $299.

October 10, 2005 - Updated web interface for Proactive Customer Support 2.0

While many organizations only use the windows application of Proactive Customer Support, others will want to utilize a browser based interface: either for customers to submit support requests via browser, or for support staff to update requests - or both. I have not updated the windows application but I have modernized the web interface. Both are included in this file and a site license still includes the windows and web interface.

Click the thumbnail below to see the new web interface in one of the many styles provided to registered users. The trial download only includes two sample styles.

NOTE: The site license price for PCS 2.0 will only remain $199 until sometime in November 2005, when it will increase to $299.

In order to let you see the windows part of the application without downloading the trial version, I am now going to add some tutorial type Flash movies. They may also be helpful in learning the program (although I think most users will find PCS is easy to learn and use).

Download the just released version 2.0 now.

5 of 5 from PC World Download!

(What's next? I am planning on updating the web page interface and will likely post a working demo of the new format pages, however, the new style pages will, at least initially, only be provided to registered users, at no extra charge of course. I am also considering a client server edition similar to what I developed for the AccessAble Help Desk program. At this stage I have not decided if the backend will be MS SQL or MY Sql - feedback would be appreciated.)

I have not changed the web interface since version 1.5 but there are a number of changes to the windows application. This version still included the use of Styles to let you change the look and feel of the windows application, but adds a number of other changes. A wide selection of reports make it easy to analyze and report on your customer service activities. Because the data file is a standard Microsoft Access .mdb file you can use your own third party reporting tools easily by selecting the ODBC DSN ProactiveData. In addition, a spreadsheet wizard let's you create reusable spreadsheet layouts for exporting to Microsoft's Excel.

However, because so many built in reports and charts are included you may not need to use any other reporting software to analyze your data.

Click the thumbnail below to see a larger view of the new front end. Because there are so many options available from the pull down menu, I have added a "tear off" floating tool bar menu. You can choose up to 20 items from the drop down menu to add to the floating menu.

Another change in version 2.0 is the addition of a screen where you can "browse" customers and their related requests. Thumbnail below. Click to enlarge.

But perhaps the most important change in version 2 is a new lower price. I have reduced the price for a site license - both the windows and web interface included to just $275. Less than three hundred bucks regardless of the number of support staff using the Windows interface or the number of customers requesting support via the web interface! This may not be a permanent reduction, but I wanted to add a little incentive for you to try out the new version As with all my programs, you can download a fully functional 30 day trial version. Don't spend a penny until you are sure the program meets your needs.

In addition to an easy to use windows based interface, the web interface includes the ability for users or customer to create their own "accounts". Then, on subsequent visits they can track the status of their requests via browser.

Try It - then Buy Your Site License

Similar to AccessAble Help Desk Professional Edition�, this new program was designed for non-IT help desk or customer support. It does not allow for recording, updating or reporting on computer inventory. It was developed to allow for easily recording and updating of customer service issues.