Commence Personal 4.0

Commence Personal 4.0

Commence, originally IBM Current, has steadily improved over the years. Its original developer, Jensen-Jones, now known as Commence Corp., has built this PIM into a category of its own. In fact, calling Commence a PIM is like calling an AK-47 a home-defense weapon. Commence is a workgroup information manager (WIM) that can serve either individuals or an enterprise.

Commence installs easily from four diskettes and prompts the user to enter their personal information. This provides a quick look at using the address book in Commence. The product also includes a tutorial that can get you up and running quickly. Mobile users will like the option for Typical, Compact or Custom installation, providing an opportunity save disk space. Version 4.0 has an improved user interface.

The opening screen for Commence consists of three work areas (Project List, Task Chart and To-Do List). Above these are four tabs for other information (Contact Journal, Project Management, Time Management and Workspace). On the left-hand side is a toolbar with quick access to other information, including Calendar, Company, Expenses, Overdue Items, People, Projects and Web sites. Click on the "+" sign next to any category to add information. Any of these views and categories can be modified to suit your requirements.

The product comes in both a Personal and a Workgroup version. The latter lets you share information with users throughout your firm. Commence also provides links to other applications, such as your word processor or database, to leverage all your data. Mobile users will like the ability to access and synchronize information over the Web. The Web category provides a repository for your favorite Web sites.

Customization is the strength of this product. Because Commence provides a rich development environment using Agent technology and Visual Basic scripting, many third-parties have built templates for Commence. In the legal field, there are templates for tracking cases, billing, court hearings and litigation management. Rather than investing your personal time in learning the product and re-inventing the wheel, you can take advantage of other users that have created a complete solution for your law office.

Commence Corp.
(800) 688-7080

By Michael Jimmerson

From the Shopper's Guide to Personal Information Managers - Feb/Mar '98

Pros: Commence has a powerful development environment.

Cons: May require purchase of third-party add-ins.

Verdict: If you have tried other PIMs and found them lacking power, Commence could be just the ticket. This is a powerful product with tremendous flexibility.