Zydeco Desktop - Apr/Mar '98

Zydeco Desktop

Zydeco Desktop software advertises to be "in harmony with the way you do business." However, it could use a little tuning. Although Zydeco integrates with many of your existing applications giving you the ability to transform paper documents into a manageable tool, you really can pull your hair out trying to install it. And with easier document management software on the market, you may want put Zydeco Desktop back on the shelf. On the other hand, if you deal constantly with documents in a database, your MIS staff could get you started.

Installation was time-consuming, but once all the pieces were in place, I was able to use my scanner to convert a folder of my correspondence into electronic images. After scanning a batch of documents, you can create an "electronic folder" and not have the worries you would of a paper file folder getting misfiled or lost. You aren't limited to paper documents either. Zydeco offers support for graphic files and Web documents, so you can easily print, edit, e-mail or back up your data.

One of the features I liked about Zydeco Desktop was its real-time indexing. If you have an existing database with information such as case numbers and/or court numbers, there is no need to re-enter indexes to store images. This indexing is done without programming or custom integration.

Zydeco protects the views you have selected so that others can't accidentally delete them. Documents stored in Zydeco are protected by several password security features.

Zydeco Desktop was designed to be the first full-featured document and image management software completely integrated into the Windows 95 desktop. However, if you are a small office and don't have the time to figure out the complexities of linking ODBC databases, there are better options available.

Information Technology Solutions
(800) 932-7515
www.itssoftware.com
Windows 3.1, 95

$349

Reviewed by Milton Hooper, computer specialist, U.S. Attorney's Office, Macon, Ga.

Apr/May '98 Issue