GoldMine 4.0 - Feb/Mar '98

GoldMine 4.0

GoldMine is a contact manager that puts all the information about your clients at your fingertips. Typically considered a tool in a sales environment, this program can easily be adapted for the law office. GoldMine has been around for years, but its latest version for Windows 95/NT makes a good program even better.

The phone book is center stage here. New records are created easily using the toolbar with pop-up hints. Each record can capture a wealth of information about the individual. Besides the standard name, address and phone numbers, other information is held in tabbed folders. Or add your own folders for custom information. You can easily modify any screen to suit your tastes. GoldMine walks the fine line between having too much information and what you really need. You can sort your contacts into categories, making it easier to manipulate the information. Or use filters to narrow the contacts displayed.

The calendar in GoldMine is most easily accessed using the "View" item on the Menu Bar. This opens a calendar in a separate window, with options for daily, weekly or monthly views. Unfortunately, adding a new record is not as easy as it could be. Double clicking on the calendar should open an entry screen, but it does not. Nor is there a button in the calendar window for opening a new appointment. You can use the right mouse button, but the easiest way is to select a time block by dragging over two or more rows on the calendar. Choose the contact for that appointment and enter notes. You can also include a reminder for the appointment (Reference) by choosing from a drop-down list.

The meat of this program is handling contacts. You can auto-dial phone numbers and log phone calls. Notes provide reminders of discussions with clients or other attorneys. GoldMine has Internet e-mail support so you can shoot info over to other users from within the program. Another bonus is the inclusion of a collection of form letters and templates for creating documents from your contact information.

GoldMine works on a network and you can set group appointments. GoldMine includes a terrific synchronization tool for linking data files via groups and folders. Tools for remote access are also provided. This new version of GoldMine provides back-office access to a variety of database formats including MS SQL, Oracle, Sybase as well as ODBC and dBase IV support.

GoldMine Software Corp.
(800) 654-3526

By Michael Jimmerson

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

Pros: Goldmine features powerful contact management tools and includes synchronization tools.

Cons: Calendar may be inadequate for some users.

Verdict: This is a terrific program that will be attractive to anyone who spends a lot of time dealing with clients, in person or on the phone, but does not rely heavily on a calendar.