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Subject:Re: Billing and time tracking solutions From:Bill Devlin <devlin -at- europa -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 11 Feb 2003 09:35:53 -0800
I've been using Ecco Pro (from NetManage) for this purpose for for seven
years now. Although it does not include a specific, automated, all-in-one
billing solution, it does allow me to very powerfully manage my time by
both client AND project. I use it successfully under Win9x/2K, but have not
tried it on XP. I've looked at TimeSlips and other T&B applications and
suites, but I always come back to Ecco.
In Ecco, I am able to track time on projects by almost any category I
choose or create, mark them completed, and then list, filter and sort the
completed work on various projects. I then either print or export the
results to my invoicing template in MS Word. Ecco does take a bit of
"getting used to," but it is a very powerful contact, appointment, notation
and time tracking tool. It is actually a very powerful outlining
application with a PIM-like interface that can be customized to just about
any use you can imagine.
Ecco Pro is no longer marketed or supported by NetManage. It was originally
developed by Arabesque Software in Seattle and marketed as a Personal
Information Manager (PIM). Later purchased by MetManage, Ecco Pro
development was brought to a standstill in 1997 by the market effect of
Microsoft offering Outlook for free, which essentially killed the PIM market.
I highly recommend this product to you and, best of all, it is now
generously offered free of charge for download from NetManage at
ftp://ftp.netmanage.com/support/pub/utilities/EC401/. There are also a
number of resources still available on the web that are maintained by
die-hard Ecco Pro devotees.
If you would like any additional information about my experience using Ecco
Pro, feel free to contact me directly via email.
Regards,
Bill Devlin
Writing Services
Portland, OR
Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in the products or companies
mentioned above.
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