On Oncontact, Vista and more

This much we know: Earlier in the month, Oncontact Software announced the release of Oncontact CRM 6.0, the latest version of its flagship Microsoft. NET-based CRM software billed as “the industry’s first CRM software to update its graphical user interface and visual style to complement Microsoft Windows Vista operating system.”

Designed for mid-market organizations, additional features touted in Oncontact CRM 6.0 include Microsoft Office 2007 compatibility, Lotus integration, a time billing module and an advanced search function. The solution promises compatibility with industry-standard solutions including Microsoft SQL Server and a help desk management system is available to track service inquiries, incidents and problems.

All well and good. This means that, if Oncontact CRM 6.0 is indeed the first CRM to be designed for Vista cohabitation, the product should make for a good barometer of the relative use of the new Microsoft browser.

CRM Buyer’s Erika Morphy follows up on the postulation in a story called “Oncontact Rejiggers CRM App for Vista.” (Gotta love the use of the verb “to rejigger” there. Nice.)

In the piece, Oncontact president Jon Zimmerman unabashedly says that “Not many of Oncontact’s clients have requested the Vista makeover yet, although customers have been clamoring for support of Microsoft Office 2007.” However – surprise, surprise – “I think companies will be forced to jump to Vista as it begins to take off.”

Ah, good ol’ Microsoft…

Be sure to check out “Rejiggers,” a nice bit of work that goes well beyond Oncontact to check out the popularity of Vista, which Sterling Market Intelligence president Greg Sterling is quoted as saying, “Vista’s numbers came in higher than expected given the initial mixed reviews of the application.”