Simple Act-Like Database for Mac?

[Jumpyman]

Hi! I've "recently" switched to a Macbook Pro after working almost exclusively on Windows machines for the past 30 years. I've been using Symantec ACT since we started our business for, again, almost 30 years. I never really used the complex features. All I really used it for was more like a glorified Contacts app. Names, phone numbers, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, NOTES that appear by date entered so I can keep track of who I talk to, when I spoke with them and what was discussed. For the MAC, I can only find high-priced online paid versions of act, way too complex database software or too limited software. Are there any relatively low-cost solutions that can chronologically keep my notes that are linked to my clients? I was able to type a name in to search, the client would come up with all his/her notes listed in chronological order underneath with contact info on top. . very convenient.

Any help at all is much appreciated. The only other alternatives I've found is A) leaving my PC on for the sole purpose of using my 22 year old version of ACT 2001 or B) running a virtual machine on my Macbook for the sole purpose of occasionally needing access to my ACT database but taking the performance hit full-time.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Fishrrman]

I have no idea if this will "fit your needs", but might be worth investigating.
iData Pro:

iData Pro 5 Index

It's simple, fast, and free.

 

[BrianBaughn]

I've forgotten the little I knew about creating a database.

Did you check into LibreOffice?

 

[ChrisA]

Hi! I've "recently" switched to a Macbook Pro after working almost exclusively on Windows machines for the past 30 years. I've been using Symantec ACT since we started our business for, again, almost 30 years. I never really used the complex features. All I really used it for was more like a glorified Contacts app. Names, phone numbers, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, NOTES that appear by date entered so I can keep track of who I talk to, when I spoke with them and what was discussed. For the MAC, I can only find high-priced online paid versions of act, way too complex database software or too limited software. Are there any relatively low-cost solutions that can chronologically keep my notes that are linked to my clients? I was able to type a name in to search, the client would come up with all his/her notes listed in chronological order underneath with contact info on top. . very convenient.

Any help at all is much appreciated. The only other alternatives I've found is A) leaving my PC on for the sole purpose of using my 22 year old version of ACT 2001 or B) running a virtual machine on my Macbook for the sole purpose of occasionally needing access to my ACT database but taking the performance hit full-time.

Thanks in advance!

A few ideas,,,

1) The Apple "contacts" app does have a space for making notes for each person. It appears you can put anything you like in the notes field and then search on it. I just tested this by adding the word "watermelon" to a random contact and then searched for "watermelon" and found person instantly. Siri can even call the person, hands free. and when the person calls me on my iPhone I can click contacts and see the notes

This apps is integrated to iPhone, text messages and email so you can get the notes on the phone of mac when they contact you or as you are contacting them.

2) The Apple "Notes" app can store notes on people. You type the name and then "whatever" after the name. I can store photos and just about anything. The notes app can store a wider range of data including photos and web pages. Contacts only allows text on the notes field

Any data you enter into either of these will be available on all you Apple devices. Notes made on the Mac show up on you phone and vice versa.

3) look at the Apple "shortcuts" app. It might allow you to add some better custom integration. The advantage of Mac over Windows is the tight coupling of the Mac with the iPhone. They both use the same contact and notes databases so it is seamless

4) don't forget that a new M1 or M2 mac can run most iPad apps. This opens up a few more options

Siri can find your notes and contacts too.

The trouble to moving all you data. It will take time if you have many hundreds of contacts.

 

[bogdanw]

The only other alternatives I've found is A) leaving my PC on for the sole purpose of using my 22 year old version of ACT 2001 or B) running a virtual machine on my Macbook for the sole purpose of occasionally needing access to my ACT database but taking the performance hit full-time.

C) Try to install ACT 2001 in CrossOver https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover

 

[jent]

You could run it in a virtual machine only when you need the info, and perhaps the performance hit wouldn't be that bad.

If you want to research other alternatives, the term is Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software.

 

[Jumpyman]

Wow! I didn't expect so many replies so fast ~ THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR INPUT!! 🙏🤩 I'm going to look into all of these options in all of your responses and then post back after I've done a bit of research on your suggestions. Thanks again ~ you guys Rock! 😎

 

[Jumpyman]

C) Try to install ACT 2001 in CrossOver https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover

Crossover looks awesome. . .I saw that it says that it won't "run all windows applications" so, I only need it to run ONE so if it works that would be great! I'll gladly pay $74 to have my 30 year old ACT database with thousands of clients and 30 years of history easily accessible on my Mac. . .old dawgs 😉 thanks Man and I'll letchya know what I find out when I get the time to give this a shot!