Managing Your Contacts
by Gary Woods

One of the problems with collecting a lot of business cards is you never seem to have enough time to put them into your database. Recently I saw a product that will scan your cards and then automatically file them for you.

The software is by Corex Technologies and is called CardScan Version 6.0.4. CardScan works with Corex's dedicated card scanners or with any Twain-compatible scanner. If you use a template you can scan up to eight cards at a time.

CardScan optically character recognizes (OCRs) the text on the cards and also captures any images that are displayed and seems to usually stick the information into the correct fields. CardScan synchronizes with Outlook (among other programs) and even hands the card images over to Outlook. Some of the other programs that CardScan will work with include Act 4.0 or later, Goldmine 5.0 or later and Lotus Notes 4.6 or later.

If you use a PDA, CardScan Version 6 Software synchronizes quickly and easily with any Palm, Handspring or Sony CLIÉ handheld and any Pocket PC.

An extra feature of CardScan that is free for individual users is Corex's CardScan.Net service, which stores a copy of your data in a secure server online so you can get to it from any computer connected to the Web. The related and also free AccuCard Service periodically e-mails your contacts, asking for updated information.

If you have any suggestions or questions for me please drop me a note at garyandlaury@santabarbaraproperties.com or see my column on the Internet at http://www.santabarbaraproperties.com or call me at (805) 729-0910