Category Archives: Google Sync

Optimizing Data Sync: Understand Percentages for Efficiency

Posted on by Dennis Hamming
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Data synchronization is a process that allows multiple data systems to maintain consistency via continuous updates and transmission of records. Picture an office setting where employees might use different devices to access work files. 

Data synchronization ensures that whether the file is accessed on an iPhone, a PC, or an Android tablet, the content remains the same. The syncing process can take place over a local network or the internet and is crucial in today’s fast-paced, often remote working landscapes.

Percentages & Efficiency: An Integral Connection

In the context of data synchronization, the term efficiency refers to how quickly and lag-free this process can be accomplished. When managing large data sets, a mere fraction of a second delay in data sync can translate into significant downtime. 

The Percentage Calculator features here as a tool that can help gauge the efficiency of your data sync process. By providing you with a means to measure and analyze the rate at which data reflects across systems, the use of this Percentage Calculator can play a major role in optimizing data sync for your corporation.

Importance of Optimizing Data Sync

Optimizing data synchronization is paramount for several reasons. It can lead to better network performance, lesser bandwidth consumption, reduced costs, and increased end-user satisfaction. It can particularly boost productivity in organizations where large data sets need to be frequently and quickly distributed across various systems. 

Effective optimization techniques ensure that data is synchronized across all devices reliably and in real-time, adding further to the seamless functioning of a digital infrastructure.

The Role of Percentages in Optimization

Percentages inherently establish a definitive, measurable link between two comparative elements. In the case of data sync, tracking the percentage of data synced over a given period provides a quantifiable measure of the system’s efficiency. 

Without this benchmark, the task of identifying areas needing improvement or confirming the effectiveness of applied optimization strategies would remain elusive and abstract. Percentages can help track progress, reveal bottlenecks, and provide information necessary for strategic decision-making.

Analyzing Efficiency: Understanding the Metrics

There are several metrics used to assess the efficiency of data synchronization. These include time taken to sync (TTTS), the volume of data transferred, the number of errors during transmission, and so on. When these metrics are represented as percentages, a clearer picture of efficiency (or inefficiency) gets unveiled. 

To assist with improving the efficiency of your data synchronization, consider using the percentage calculator app available for download from Apple AppStore. For instance, a high percentage of transmission errors would indicate a problem that needs immediate addressing to enhance the data sync process.

Techniques for Improving Data Sync Efficiency

Improving data sync efficiency first and foremost involves regular monitoring and analysis. This facilitates timely detection of any discrepancies or potential pitfalls. Additionally, proper indexing can speed up data retrieval while reducing server load. Compression of data can also improve the speediness of data syncing. 

Minimizing API calls, adopting differential syncing (transmitting only the changed data), and utilizing parallel processing are other techniques commonly employed to smoothen and optimize the data sync process.

Maximizing Efficiency: Real World Applications

Take the example of Dropbox, a cloud storage service that handles data synchronization for millions of users worldwide. Early on, Dropbox recognized the critical need for efficient data sync and adopted a block-level sync strategy. 

This technique involves syncing only the modified parts of a file rather than the entire file, vastly reducing the time taken for data transfer. The result? Greater client satisfaction, lesser server load, and improved overall efficiency.

Future Trends: Data Sync and Efficiency Optimization

The future of data sync optimization lies in leveraging advanced technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. These can help in further fine-tuning the process, making it more proactive rather than reactive. Predictive analytics based on historical data sync patterns can be utilized to forecast future performance and preemptively address any expected bottlenecks.

Embracing The Power of Automation

In the quest for optimizing data synchronization, automation emerges as a potent tool. Utilizing scripts and automated workflows can significantly reduce manual labor, reducing the chances of human error and enhancing the overall data sync speed. 

This automation isn’t limited to the act of data synchronization itself but extends to monitoring, analyzing, and troubleshooting tasks as well. By effectively incorporating automation, you ensure the process is smooth and fast, leading to a well-oiled digital infrastructure.

Checking for Redundancies in Data Sync

Often, inefficiencies in data synchronization can be traced back to redundancies that impose unnecessary loads on the network. Regular checks for such redundancies, followed by appropriate action, dramatically improve speed and reduce resource consumption. 

Examining network paths, regularly pruning unnecessary data, and setting up optimal scheduling can all contribute to eliminating these redundancies. Staying vigilant about redundancy checks ensures your system remains optimized for peak performance.

To Conclude

Optimizing data synchronization efficiency isn’t a one-off process but an ongoing commitment that involves regular monitoring, analysis, and strategic actions. Embracing percentages as a measure of efficiency, deploying smart techniques, investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure, and staying updated with future trends can all contribute to this optimization. 

The successful implementation of these steps can equip your organization with a competitive edge, ensuring a seamless flow of data, better decision-making, resulting in a robust, agile, and highly efficient business setup.

Transition Made Simple: 6 Top Ways to Sync and Migrate All Your Data Safely

Posted on by Charlene Brown
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In today’s digital age, syncing and migrating data has become an essential task for individuals and businesses alike. Whether you are transitioning to a new device, upgrading your system, or moving data to the cloud, ensuring a safe and seamless data transfer is paramount. In this blog post, we will explore six top methods to simplify the process of syncing and migrating your data while prioritizing data security.

1. Cloud-Based Storage and Syncing

One of the most popular and convenient methods for data syncing and migration is through cloud-based storage solutions. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive offer seamless integration across devices, allowing you to sync and access your data effortlessly. Find a team at samexpert.com that you can consult regarding any Cloud-related questions, especially regarding moving data to the Cloud. By uploading your files to the cloud, you can ensure that your data remains safe and accessible even if your device gets lost or damaged. Additionally, these services often provide advanced security measures, such as encryption and two-factor authentication, further enhancing the safety of your data.

2. External Hard Drives and Storage Devices

For those who prefer a physical backup option, external hard drives and storage devices are an excellent choice. These devices offer large storage capacities and can be easily connected to your computer or device. By simply transferring your files to the external drive, you can create a backup of your data and carry it with you wherever you go. It is essential to choose a reliable and durable external drive and ensure regular backups to prevent data loss. An offsite backup strategy also allows you to quickly recover files from your computer if they are lost or damaged due to a disaster like fire or theft. 

3. Local Network Transfers

If you have multiple devices connected to the same local network, transferring data between them can be a convenient option. Local network transfers enable you to sync and migrate files between devices without the need for external storage or an internet connection. Utilizing features like file sharing on Windows or AirDrop on macOS and iOS devices, you can transfer data securely and efficiently. Workstations can handle client-server CRM data by accessing the shared drive. Ensure that all devices are connected to the same network and take necessary precautions, such as enabling firewall protection, to safeguard your data during the transfer.

4. Data Migration Tools

When upgrading to a new device or operating system, data migration tools can simplify the process by automating the transfer of your files, settings, and applications. These tools, often provided by device manufacturers or operating system developers, streamline the migration process, reducing the chances of data loss or corruption. For instance, Windows offers a built-in tool called “Windows Easy Transfer” that assists users in moving their files and settings from an old PC to a new one. Similarly, macOS provides the “Migration Assistant” to facilitate data transfer between Macs. Utilizing these tools can save time and effort while ensuring a secure migration process.

SFTP services provide secure access to files over the network by introducing encrypted pathways for your data transfers.

5. Synchronization Apps and Services

To keep your data synchronized across multiple devices, synchronization apps, and services are invaluable. Applications like Evernote, Google Photos, and Microsoft OneNote allow you to seamlessly sync notes, photos, and other files across devices. These apps utilize cloud storage to ensure your data remains consistent and up-to-date across all platforms. When choosing synchronization apps, consider factors such as cross-platform compatibility, ease of use, and security measures to protect your data during transit.

6. Professional Data Migration Services

For complex data migration scenarios or large-scale transfers, professional data migration services can provide invaluable expertise and support. These services specialize in securely migrating data from one system to another, minimizing disruptions, and ensuring data integrity throughout the process. Whether you are migrating databases, email accounts, or entire servers, professional migration services have the knowledge and experience to handle your specific needs.

One of the key advantages of professional data migration services is their ability to tailor their approach to your unique requirements. They understand the complexities involved in different types of data migrations and can devise customized strategies that ensure a smooth and efficient transition. By working closely with you, these experts can analyze your existing infrastructure, identify potential challenges, and develop a comprehensive migration plan that minimizes downtime and data loss.

Syncing and migrating data don’t have to be daunting. By leveraging the right tools and methods, you can simplify the process and ensure the safety of your data. Cloud-based storage, external hard drives, local network transfers, data migration tools, synchronization apps, and professional data migration services offer various options to suit your specific needs. Remember to prioritize data security by implementing encryption, two-factor authentication, and reliable backup strategies. With these top six ways to sync and migrate your data safely, you can confidently transition to new devices, upgrade your systems, or embrace the benefits of cloud storage while safeguarding your valuable information.

Google Authorization Error 400 invalid_request – Compliance with OAuth 2.0 Policy for Keeping Apps Secure

Posted on by Kelly Maryland
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Although they are frequently confused with one another, authentication and authorization are simpler to comprehend when viewed from the perspective of an application. An app that authenticates users confirms the user’s identity. An app that authorizes users is attempting to access or change user-owned property.

Since OAuth was created as an authorization protocol, every OAuth flow ends with the app obtaining an access token to access or edit a user’s account. The access token itself doesn’t identify the user in any way.

An app can learn a user’s identity in several ways through various services. One straightforward method is for the API to provide a “user info” endpoint that, when called with an access token, returns the authenticated user’s name and other profile information. Although this is not a requirement of the OAuth protocol, it is a typical strategy many services have adopted.

Google Changes to Google OAuth in 2022

Google has made its OAuth changes and launched its official error message:

“Authorization Error – Error 400: Invalid Request.”

Starting in October 2022, Google has changed the OAuth Process. CompanionLink’s most recent versions are compliant.

If you encounter this issue, you only need to update to the most recent version.

Why Apps Need to Comply with Google OAuth 2.0 Policy

For PC and Mac Apps, Google sign-in and authorization flows are powered by the Google OAuth platform and, over the years, have developed to keep users safer online. The current message comes because Google is ending support for legacy flows and now requires developers to use methods that offer greater protections. For example, the “This App want to access” screen, which displays tools for Contacts and Calendar for Outlook Sync, generates an OAuth token.

When Google OAuth Login is Required

CompanionLink customers with a new Google account, who have recently changed their Google password, or user who have recently reinstalled CompanionLink, may see the Error 400: invalid_request  pop-up if your software is out-of-date. The quickest workaround is to select the link for Manual OAuth Process. This will allow you to get an OAuth Token without updating your software.

Updating CompanionLink for OAuth 2.0 Requirements

You need to upgrade CompanionLink for a long-lasting fix. CompanionLink v9 (build 9070) or CompanionLink v10 (build 10014 or higher.) is the needed version. After updating, you might need to sign into your Google Account one more using CompanionLink. There won’t be a change required if you and Google are currently in sync until the OAuth token is updated.

Any owner of CompanionLink v9 or a later version is qualified for a free update.

You Can’t Sign In with Old Apps

At this time, Google is now blocking apps that do not comply with Google’s security policies that were announced several months ago.

According to Google’s Documentation: “OAuth out-of-band” (OOB) is a legacy flow developed to support native clients who do not have a redirect URI-like web apps to accept the credentials after a user approves an OAuth consent request. The OOB flow poses a remote phishing risk. PC Apps must migrate to an alternative method to protect against this vulnerability.”

Other Apps that Sync Google Contacts and Calendar with Outlook

While CompanionLink has been ready for the OAuth change, other sync vendors may have old products that require a new purchase. CompanionLink offers a competitive update for a $30 savings on our Google and Outlook sync solution. Anyone who has utilized the following sync tools is qualified for this discount:

  • Sync2
  • gSyncit
  • OggSync
  • Go Contact Sync Mod
  • Outlook Google Calendar Sync

To claim your $30 savings:

  1. Use this link to Buy CompanionLink for Google.
  2. In the “What Motivated You to Purchase” box, enter your past Sync product.
  3. In the Affinity Code Box, type “AUTH22.”.

Amazing New Way to Share Google Calendar with Outlook – Automatic and Free

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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It takes just five seconds for DejaFlow to update Outlook when you change Google. CompanionLink has delivered this fast, low-cost PC app for nearly a decade. Today CompanionLink is launching DejaFlow. DejaFlow is a low-cost online service that connects Google with Outlook online, for free, without needing to install anything on your PC or Mac.

Thousands of services connect to Google Calendar, but most business people use Outlook.

Subscribe to Google Means You Are Publishing Your Personal Calendar

Outlook has a primitive ability to subscribe to a Google Calendar. However, this requires you to publish the calendar on the open world-wide-web which is hardly private. So there is a pressing need to connect the two.

Microsoft’s Solution

Microsoft Power Automate is an expensive, complex tool that cannot do the simple task that customers need; Add, Change and Delete Appointments and Recurring Events, with two-way sync between Outlook and Google. 

Everyone has just one calendar, with a choice of keeping it on Google or Outlook. You place your appointments on it. You depend on your PC or Phone to ring alarms to notify you of places to be and things to do. Having a phone that uses Google and a Computer that uses Outlook makes it hard to schedule and plan. 

Other Expensive Solutions Do Not Complete the Task

Vendors like Zapier and Power Automate have tried to make a toolkit to handle this task. But 95% of business customers do not need a toolkit; they need something that works. 

The Company with Experience

CompanionLink understands your needs. We have created products to fulfill this need for 30 years. We know all about how calendars work with each of the vendors, both Microsoft and Google. And we are good at it which keeps our costs low. As a result, we can reflect these low costs to our customers with low service fees. 

DejaFlow connects Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks from Gmail and Google workspaces accounts. 

These can connect to any online Microsoft account, including Office 365, Corporate Exchange, Microsoft Teams, and Free Office.Com/Hotmail Accounts.

Planned updates will add a direct connection to Apple iCloud, Act! CRM, Pocket Informant, and DejaCloud.

IMAP and POP3 Solution

For Outlook customers who use IMAP and POP3 folders, the calendar information does not store online. For you, CompanionLink offers CompanionLink for Google for windows-based PCs and CompanionLink for Mac for macOS computers. The installed software will automatically synchronize from our local calendar to the online calendar.

Office 365, Exchange, Teams Connector for Google

DejaFlow is a SaaS website to connect Outlook Calendar with Google Calendar. Setup is a simple three-step process; Create a DejaFlow account, identify your Outlook and Google Calendars, and press Sync. The initial connection takes about two minutes for most people, and DejaFlow automatically matches any duplicate entries. Once Connected, any change in Google Calendar, and any change in Outlook Calendar, will flow to the other side within about 10 seconds. 

500 Records for Free

You can use DejaFlow for Free! As long as you have 500 records or less, you can use the service forever without a charge. Most people have less than 500 records in their calendar. 

Corporate Accounts as Low as $1.50 per User per Month

Most businesses will have more than 500 records. Companies should plan on paying $1.50 to $5 per month per user for the DejaFlow service, which is still just a fraction of the cost of competing services. 

For 2 Connectors up to 5,000 records, DejaFlow costs $4.95 per month or $39.95 per year. 

For 5 Connectors (5 users) and 30,000 records, the cost is $11.95 per month or $99.95 per year. 

Both Free and Paid customers can take advantage of CompanionLink’s email and telephone technical support. 

About CompanionLink Software:

 CompanionLink® Software, Inc. is a pioneer in developing data synchronization solutions for mobile phones and CRM software and services. They also have generated a DejaOffice® for Outlook® App which runs on Android™, iPhone®, iPad®, Windows Phone®, and BlackBerry® devices. For 30 years, CompanionLink has helped mobilize information across devices, computers, applications, and web-based services. For more information, please visit www.companionlink.com and www.dejaoffice.com.

CompanionLink, DejaOffice, and DejaCloud are registered trademarks of CompanionLink Software, Inc. Other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

New Way to Sync Google Calendar with Outlook – Automatic and Free

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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It takes just five seconds for DejaFlow to update Outlook when you change Google. CompanionLink has delivered a low-cost PC app with this amazing speed for nearly a decade. Today CompanionLink is launching DejaFlow. DejaFlow is a low-cost online service that connects Google with Outlook online, for free, without needing to install anything on your PC or Mac.

Businesses need a Simple Connector

Thousands of services are tied to Google Calendar, but most business people use Outlook. Outlook has a primitive ability to subscribe to a Google Calendar.  However, this requires you to publish the calendar on the open world-wide-web which is hardly private.

Existing Tools are Expensive and Complex

So there is a pressing need to connect the two. Microsoft Power Automate is an expensive, complex tool that cannot do the simple task that customers need; Add, Change and Delete Appointments and Recurring Events, with two-way sync between Outlook and Google.

Everyone has just one calendar. You may keep it on Outlook or on Google. You place your appointments on it. You depend on your PC or Phone to ring alarms to notify you of places to be and things to do. Having a phone that uses Google and a Computer that uses Outlook makes it hard to schedule and plan.

Vendors like Zapier and Power Automate have tried to make a toolkit to handle this task. But 95% of business customers do not need a toolkit; they need something that works.

Free, fast and automatic connector for Google Calendar, Contacts and Tasks with Outlook 365, Microsoft Teams and Outlook.Com

The Experienced Pioneer of Calendar Sync

CompanionLink understands your needs. We have created products to fulfill this need for 30 years. We know all about how calendars work with each of the vendors, both Microsoft and Google. And we are good at it which keeps our costs low. As a result, we can reflect these low costs to our customers with low service fees.

DejaFlow connects Calendar, Contacts and Tasks from Gmail and Google workspaces accounts.

These can be connected to any online Microsoft account, including Office 365, Corporate Exchange, Microsoft Teams, and Free Office.Com/Hotmail Accounts.

Planned updates will add a direct connection to Apple iCloud, Act! CRM, Pocket Informant, and DejaCloud.

POP3 and IMAP Solution

For Outlook customers who use IMAP and POP3 folders, the calendar information is not stored online. For you, CompanionLink offers CompanionLink for Google for windows-based PCs and CompanionLink for Mac for macOS computers. The installed software will automatically synchronize from our local calendar to the online calendar.

Online Calendar Solution

DejaFlow is a SaaS website to connect Outlook Calendar with Google Calendar. Setup is a simple three-step process; Create a DejaFlow account, identify your Outlook and Google Calendars, and press Sync. The initial connection takes about two minutes for most people, and DejaFlow automatically matches any duplicate entries. Once Connected, any change in Google Calendar, and any change in Outlook Calendar, will flow to the other side within about 10 seconds.

You can use DejaFlow for Free! As long as you have 500 records or less, you can use the service forever without a charge. Most people have under 500 records in their calendar.

Affordable Pricing

Most businesses will have more than 500 records. Companies should plan on paying $1.50 to $5 per month per user for the DejaFlow service, which is still just a fraction of the cost of competing services.

For 2 Connectors up to 5,000 records, DejaFlow costs $4.95 per month or $39.95 per year.

For 5 Connectors (5 users) and 30,000 records, the cost is $11.95 per month or $99.95 per year.

Both Free and Paid customers can take advantage of CompanionLink’s email and telephone technical support.

CompanionLink for Google
Average User Rating:
Average rating: 4.83 out of 5 based on 657 reviews.
Free 14 day trial. Price $14.95 3-Mo Subs - $69.95 One-time License.

About CompanionLink Software

CompanionLink® Software, Inc. is a pioneering developer of data synchronization solutions for mobile phones and CRM software and services. They also develop a DejaOffice® for Outlook® App which runs on Android™, iPhone®, iPad®, Windows Phone®, and BlackBerry® devices. For 30 years, CompanionLink has helped mobilize information across devices, computers, applications, and web-based services. For more information, please visit www.companionlink.com and www.dejaoffice.com.

CompanionLink, DejaOffice and DejaCloud are registered trademarks of CompanionLink Software, Inc. Other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Sync Outlook with Google Calendar and Contacts

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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Easy and Automatic sync from Outlook to Google!

Contacts and Calendar

Synchronize any Outlook Contacts folder to Gmail Contacts. Synchronize any Outlook Calendar folder to Google Calendar. All your events will synchronize including recurring events. You can use a Scheduling tool for Google, that will synchronize to your Outlook Calendar. When people call you, their Outlook name will show on your phone. When you read an SMS text you will see their name at the top.

Fully Automatic Two-Way Sync

CompanionLink for Google gives you easy and automatic two-way sync from any Outlook Folder to Google, and Google will sync to your phone. CompanionLink is the only sync tool that has Push Sync enabled for Google Calendar, so you see changes from Google instantly in your Outlook Calendar.

Purchase now for just $19.95!

One Computer License retail $24.95 now 20% off – Click Here to Purchase today for $19.95. A one-computer license is for one computer only. If you later purchase a new computer, you would need a new license for it.

Portable License retail $49.95 now 20% off – Click Here to Purchase today for $39.95. A portable license may be installed on up to 3 computers, work, home, laptop, and can be transferred when you buy a new computer.

Free 14-Day Trial

This trial will synchronize all your contacts and calendar just like the paid program. All fields are included.

Click here to Download the Free 14-Day Trial

Watch the Video!

View the Set Up Guide

Here is a complete Set up Guide

CompanionLink for Google
Average User Rating:
Average rating: 4.83 out of 5 based on 657 reviews.
Free 14 day trial. Price $14.95 3-Mo Subs - $69.95 One-time License.

Sync Google Calendar to IMAP, POP3 and Outlook 2010 Folders

CompanionLink will synchronize with any Outlook folder. You do not need Exchange or Office 365 to use it. You can synchronize to any Google account. Works with Office 365, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013 and Outlook 2010. You can synchronize Contacts, Calendar and Tasks.

Telephone Tech Support

We also offer Telephone Tech Support at (503)243-5200 or email us at support@companionlink.com.

Click here for more information about CompanionLink for Google.

Google Calendar Down – How to sync Outlook without Google

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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Google Calendar and G-Suite Calendar is experiencing a worldwide outage.

This is a great time to remind people that “big data” has a problem. Google, Microsoft and Apple want to tie you into their corporate cloud ecosystem. The flaw is that it will put your business down if you depend on them.

There is an alternative.

CompanionLink is a vendor of non cloud-based tools. We have a cloud sync system, but it’s only role is to transport your data. With our tools your data is entirely contained on your PC, your Android Phone, your iPhone and your iPad. So when the data network is down, or when your internet is connected, you can continue to add, schedule, complete and make notes. When your phone connects later, the sync will “catch up” to all your devices.

DejaOffice for Android features Android Widgets that give a great preview of your day today.

DejaOffice for iPhone has a highly secure data model and lets you store hidden data in your database. This is great for password or other confidential information.

DejaOffice for PC offers an array of multi-user and secure options, as well as Live Windows Widgets that let you add events and notes without opening any App.

When you need to move data from Outlook to your Phone, keep in mind that CompanionLink and DejaOffice can do this without sharing your data with Google, Microsoft or Apple.

CompanionLink for Outlook
Average User Rating:
Average rating: 4.83 out of 5 based on 657 reviews.
Free 14 day trial. Price $14.95 3-Mo Subs - $69.95 One-time License.

Is Privacy a Luxury Good?

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently opined that “privacy cannot be a luxury good offered only to people who can afford to buy premium products and services” (NYT – May 7 2019). This bears a look at whether privacy is free, or something to be paid.

Read the comments of the article to see through the statement. Google claims to respect privacy, at the same time as working hard to undermine it. No one is fooled when it comes to Google and Privacy; if you use their free services, you have no right to stop them from monetizing that service by selling your data.

Pay for Cloud, Pay for Privacy

At CompanionLink we offer DejaCloud as a paid service. As a paid service, our sole source of income on DejaCloud is the money that is paid. We also offer Software as a paid service. And our only source of income is what people pay to us.

The has come an expectation from some people that software should be free. Vendors like Google and Facebook push free service as a model. But they would not be corporations if they had no income, so you need to watch carefully where that income is coming from.

Apple and Microsoft are not far removed from the fray. Although Apple charges for their phones, they offer free iCloud service. There are serveral reports that Apple monetizes iCloud service by sharing your data with Google. Microsoft has also spoken clearly about monetizing Windows 10 by tracking your purchases.

At CompanionLink we have a simple love for how software used to work. You buy it, you own it. No one should have ulterior motives in selling your data. We make upgrades available and send marketing to our customers as a way to keep our revenue stream steady and provide needed support to our customers. When they get a new PC or new phone, they may not need to pay at that time for an upgrade. But the average of all upgrades has to be there for our team to be able to provide the needed products and services.

At least with CompanionLink and DejaCloud, your data is secure, and not being sold to the highest bidder. We hope through our basic product revenue to stay that way for the future.

An Ode to Ecco Pro

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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As we begin the rollout of DejaOffice PC CRM, some of the pioneers of small business Contact managers are on my mind.

A caller this week mentioned Ecco Pro, which was a very popular program back in the mid 1990s.

Ecco Pro as I recall was built on a foundation of an outline manager. Originally it was only an outliner. As it grew, there was a Contacts, Calendar, Task and Notes application. Originally published by Arabesque software, the company got purchased by NetManage in Seattle.

I don’t recall that it was very expensive at the time. Maybe $99 or $59 or something like that. I never used it. At the time we were working primarily with TeleMagic (DOS) and GoldMine (DOS). Both TeleMagic and GoldMine used dBase II format files, an so it was easy to make add-on products. Ecco had a proprietary file format.

By 1997 Ecco Pro had about a million users. Inexplicably, NetManage closed down the entire program. There were rumors for years that someone would buy it, but no on ever did. Ecco died a corporate death; sold to a company that did not know what they had.

Douglas P. Rice has a great writeup about being hired by NetManage just before the big fccollapse.  We don’t often think about how software was sold before the internet was commonly used, and it’s funny to read that they did not ship product updates online.

More resources:

James Kendrick – Memory Lane – Ecco Pro

Wikipedia – Ecco Pro

EccoMAGIC – EccoMagic Forums

A decade after Ecco went off the market, the Ecco User’s Group approached CompanionLink to write a sync to Phones at that time (BlackBerry, Pocket PC).  I was staunchly against it. First, there is no API. Second, the user base could not grow; only shrink. The CompanionLink Meme is to provide free telephone technical support to our customers. Some call this foolish, but I feel that many people need the help from time to time. But I don’t want to get caught getting unlimited phone calls for an unsupported product.

For those that wanted Ecco Pro to be a Contact Manager, we finally have a new product for you. DejaOffice PC CRM Standalone will handle Contacts, Calendar, Tasks and Notes, and synchronize them easily to Android and iPhone. At $49.95 we hope it can be a worthy successor to this industry pioneer.

DejaOffice PC CRM Standalone
Average User Rating:
Average rating: 4.83 out of 5 based on 657 reviews.
Free 14 day trial. Price $69.95

Google Sync for Outlook – Competitive Upgrade for Batch Endpoint Move March 2019

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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A year ago, Google announced a change to their Batch Endpoint URL  Batch enpoints are used by any application that wants to update a number of records in a Google API.  One can hardly have an efficient Google Sync if you do not use the batch endpoints.

The announcement states that the old endpoints will cease working on March 25, 2019.

Free update for CompanionLink Customers:  CompanionLink Customers with software purchased after January 1, 2014 (a five year period) will get a free update for their software.  Purchases from 2014 through 2016 can update CompanionLink 7.  Purchases from 2016 through 2018 are current with CompanionLink 8.  Please download your update from our updates page.

$29.95 update for customers using Competing Products:  CompanionLink extends our upgrade pricing to competitive products.  Upgrade to CompanionLink 8 like you are one of our family.  The upgrade price for CompanionLink for Google is $39.95 and we offer a $10 discount.  Click here to purchase it for $29.95.  You can also purchase CompanionLink for Outlook for the same price, which offers direct support for sync from Outlook to Android/iPhone using USB, Wi-Fi or DejaCloud sync.

DejaOffice PC CRM – Beta Released!

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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Having spent nearly 6 months developing this, it is a great moment for us.  The first time we can show what we have been working on!

Download to try it out yourself:  https://www.companionlink.com/downloads/download-dpc.php

Setup guide:  https://www.companionlink.com/support/kb/DejaOffice_PC_CRM_Sync_Setup_Guide

This is a 14 day demo but we are happy to extend the demo.  We are looking for feedback and ideas.

Tech Support:  (503)243-5200 hours – 7am-3:30pm
or Email:  support@companionlink.com

Sales (503)243-3400 – sales@companionlink.com

Forums:  https://www.dejaoffice.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?36-DejaOffice-PC-CRM-(DPC)-for-Windows

Video:

 

Thank you all for your support!

 

DejaOffice PC CRM Standalone
Average User Rating:
Average rating: 4.83 out of 5 based on 657 reviews.
Free 14 day trial. Price $69.95

Outlook 2019 on Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone – Resources and Announcements

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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Sync Outlook to Android and iPhone

CompanionLink for Outlook Sync with DejaOffice

Microsoft has now confirmed Office 2019, with updates to Outlook, will be coming soon.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4133312/office-2019-commercial-preview-frequently-asked-questions

It appears that Consumers who subscribe to Office 365, will be getting Office 2019 as an inline release.

This looks something like the Windows 10 Creator’s update, where suddenly you wake up, and after waiting an extra hour for your PC to reboot, you had a new version of Windows 10 with virtually nothing different.

Businesses hate the downtime, so they will get a Commercial Preview.  This allows them to download it for testing and training purposes.  Also, people to don’t use an Office 365 Subscription will be able to download Office 2019 at some point.  See our link on how to use Outlook without a Subscription.

What’s in it?

More importantly, how will Outlook 2019 change my world?  So far, for guidance, we have two sets of announcements.  One set from the above website June 2018:

Outlook – “Manage email more efficiently”

  • Updated contact cards
  • Office 365 Groups*
  • @mentions
  • Focused inbox
  • Travel and delivery summary cards

The contact cards have not changed in the last 18 years, and no one uses them, so sure, updating is fine.  Office 365 groups looks like a co-worker management function.   Focused inbox relates to email and letting Microsoft sort your mail into important vs unimportant, but you can turn this off.  Summary cards sound intriguing, but this doesn’t look essential.

So far, so good.  In the June 2018 announcement is no significant change to Contacts, Calendar, Tasks and Notes.  I would stop here because this is not a story

Outlook User Interface Changes.

However, in Fall 2017, Microsoft made some pretty clear announcements that the interface for Microsoft Office would be changing soon.

https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/16/16481190/microsoft-outlook-windows-mac-redesign-features

A summary of those changes are:

  1. Ribbon will go away.  O_o
  2. List view is to be Mac like.
  3. Calendar simplified

I remember when the ribbon was introduced, we all hated it and asked Microsoft for a setting to turn it off.  Microsoft made a statement they would not give us a setting.  Now, the “new thing” is to take away the thing we hated.  Awesome.

The Mac-like interface looks scary.  Outlook on Windows, as used by something like a billion people, is not a toy. It certainly is concerning if you come in to work one day, and suddenly your PC reboots and your contact list and calendar look different.  So this is something to watch.

While Microsoft has not updated their October announcement, they have rolled out a new design for Outlook.com (the old Hotmail web site).  It shows a new fluent design UI that is reminiscent of their Apps.  So this looks like a hint of what is to come for Windows.

https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/14/17121032/microsoft-outlook-web-redesign-features

So it looks like we will see these changes in Fall 2018, which is actually Spring 2019 in Microsoft Years.  The future will tell this tale.

CompanionLink for Outlook
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Average rating: 4.83 out of 5 based on 657 reviews.
Free 14 day trial. Price $14.95 3-Mo Subs - $69.95 One-time License.

Best way to sync Gmail Task App to Outlook and Office 365

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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I remember well when Google started becoming a Personal Information Manager. In the early days it was a big secret. Around 2006 or so, we got an invitation to a secret meeting on Google campus. I flew down with an engineer and in a room of 60 fellow attendees we learned about Google Calendar.

That was 2006. Google Calendar works great now.  Gmail works good.  They started a Task App, and then abandon it when it was half formed.   Every other PIM tool ever created has priorities and categories for tasks.  Not Google.  After the second year, Google Tasks seemed relegated to the back burner while still half finished.  More recently Google brought out Google Keep (no API) and Google Reminders (no API).  Suddenly this week, the focus is back on Google Tasks.

Gmail has acquired a new interface, and as part of that an integrated tasks panel.  Just go to Gmail and go to Settings, Use the new interface.  As a part of this, you can now drag and drop an email to become a task.  Just like Outlook 2002 did (and still does).  It’s almost as if Google’s Engineers finally checked out the Windows PC in the locked room.

Google has also brought out a Standalone Android app for Tasks, called Tasks.  You can recognize it from all the other Task apps because it’s from Google, LLC (because incorporation costs too much for a tiny operation like Google).

Of course, with Google Tasks you still can’t assign priority, category or color.  But at least you can see them on your phone now.

Here’s how to bring Google Tasks into Outlook so you can handle them efficiently:

  1. Download CompanionLink for Google – 14 day free trial
  2. Click on Settings to connect it to Google
  3. Sync

All your Outlook Contacts, Calendar and Tasks will go to Google and to your phone if it sees your Google Account.  All your Google Contacts, Calendar and Tasks will come back to Outlook.

After 14 days you can purchase the software for $14.95 per 3-Months, or make a one-time purchase for $49.95.  Your one-time purchase can be used for three computers as long as it’s for you, so work, home and laptop.  You can use Mac or PC (there’s a separate download for Outlook for Mac).  CompanionLink supplies free telephone technical support, and also email support.  Here are some resources for all that:

Setup Guide: https://www.companionlink.com/support/kb/CompanionLink_for_Google_-_Outlook_to_Google_Sync_Setup_Guide

Advanced Settings: https://www.companionlink.com/support/kb/CompanionLink_for_Google_Advanced_Settings

Ask us a question: https://www.companionlink.com/aboutus/howcanwehelp.html

14 Day Trial Download: https://www.companionlink.com/downloads/download.php?product=CLG70

Buy it now – 90 day guarantee: https://auth.companionlink.com/buynow/orderform.php?product=CLG80

CompanionLink for Google
Average User Rating:
Average rating: 4.83 out of 5 based on 657 reviews.
Free 14 day trial. Price $14.95 3-Mo Subs - $69.95 One-time License.

 

 

 

How to put Google Calendar on your Windows Wallpaper

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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We’ve all done it.  Come in on Monday with a fresh attitude, get busy working, and finally open our Calendar, only to see that we missed an important event an hour ago.  How about having your online calendar displayed fresh on your computer first thing every day?  DejaDesktop Calendar Wallpaper can do that.  It is a PC and Mac app that can move Google’s Calendar and Contact to your Windows and Mac screen backdrop.  Every day, when you first look at your PC, you will see your updated Agenda.

  1. Download DejaDesktop
  2. Set it to sync your PC or Google Calendar
  3. Automatically updates every day.

“Desktop blotters were a thing for a reason,” says Wayland Bruns, designer of DejaDesktop. “With Google Calendar, you cannot see your schedule until you open your browser.  My phone is supposed to buzz, but sometimes I miss that.  It is easier for me to have a constant view of my week, so I can see important events coming up.  I also plan events in advance, so the look ahead year view makes it easy to see when dates fall in coming months.”

DejaDesktop Calendar Wallpaper is free if you just need the month view with the look ahead months.  There is a two-week trial for the Outlook and Google data feeds.  The software works by keeping your current schedule on your local PC, and burning today’s calendar into your screen backdrop picture.  It will automatically update whenever you change your Calendar.

DejaDesktop can also show key contacts, and your task list.  This is handy to have a bit of information that you are constantly search for, always available on your wallpaper.  “I have one person I call weekly,” says Bruns. “I have him bookmarked on my cell phone, but I need to dial from my desk phone because it is a business call.  It takes three screen taps to bring it up.  Having it on my wallpaper means I know right where it is when I dial.”

The data feed for Google is a one-time purchase.  You can buy it for one computer for $29.95.  For three computers, you get a discount for $49.95.  This is a lifetime license with no subscription or renewal fees.  DejaDesktop is created by CompanionLink Software, a leader in synchronization tools. CompanionLink is based in the US and offers free technical support for its products. For more information see https://www.dejadesktop.com.

How to Sync Galaxy J3, J5 and J7 (2017) to Outlook

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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If you need Contacts, Calendar, Tasks and Notes on your Galaxy J3, J5 or J7 (2017) phone, you can easily and securely sync using the DejaOffice App (free) by CompanionLink Software.

DejaOfficej3j5j7-sm

DejaOffice and CompanionLink for Galaxy J3, J5 and J7 (2017)

CompanionLink offers several secure sync methods; USB Sync (most secure), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and DejaCloud sync.  You do not need an Office 365 Account to use DejaOffice and CompanionLink.  All you need is Outlook and your Phone.

Why you need a Smart Switch alternative

Samsung has a generic utility called Smart Switch, and in the past offered Samsung Kies to sync with Galaxy S5.  These are very basic programs that do not work well.  You can read about these problems here, here, and here. You can also read about one USATODAY.com editor’s experience using Kies.

If you value your Outlook data, sanity, or just need a solution that works out of the box with the new Galaxy phone, try CompanionLink. It’s been downloaded more than 1.2 million times and is the #1 independent PC suite for Android sync with Outlook.

Why you need an Outlook App alternative

Microsoft now sells the Outlook App.  To use it requires a Business license to Office 365.  The App is still in it’s early phase.  Microsoft just added the ability to Edit a Contact record.  With DejaOffice you can add and edit contacts, select categories with colors, and synchronize tasks including recurring tasks.

DejaOffice includes Widgetsandroid-contacts-widget-4x4[1].  A widget is an active screen that sits on your Android desktop.  The most poweful widget is the DejaOffice Contact Widget which shows all of your contacts.  Now you can scroll and dial without opening any App.  The DejaToday widget shows today’s schedule, Agenda and Tasks, so you can quickly see your schedule.

To create a widget for DejaToday on your Android desktop, find an empty space on the desktop, press and hold for about 1-2 seconds.

Tap the ‘Widgets’, select “DejaOffice”, then select between the DejaToday, DejaCalendar, DejaContacts, DejaTasks, or DejaMemos Widgets.

Your options for Galaxy J3, J5 and J7 (2017) Outlook sync

CompanionLink’s configuration lets you choose which Outlook data to sync. Toggle Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, Notes, and Journal. Advanced data such as Categories will also sync so you have the same data sets and view options on your Galaxy as you do in Outlook. Choose from two-way sync or limit it to just one-way transfer. You can even select the sync direction (Outlook > S5, or S5 > Outlook).

If you have multiple Outlook PST files and folders, you can select which to sync. Let’s say you have an iPad and use iCloud to keep it synchronized with Outlook. Your Outlook client will have your default Outlook Contacts/Calendar folder (PST file) as well as a separate iCloud Contacts/Calendar folder (PST file). The iCloud folder is installed by default when you install the iCloud software from Apple. It’s important that you are able to choose the right Outlook folders to sync with Galaxy S5 so you do not accidentally mix data (such as personal data with business data).

You can choose which specific Outlook Categories to sync with S5. Many professionals store leads and clients in the same Outlook Contacts file under different categories. Or, they store Personal and Business data under two categories. It’s important to use a PC sync suite with the flexibility to select which Categories to synchronize with your Galaxy S5.

You can pick how you want to synchronize. CompanionLink allows sync to Galaxy S5 over USB, WiFi, DejaCloud, and using a Gmail account. Each sync method has its merits; click here for a complete discussion on this. No other Android Outlook app offers this breadth of sync options to fit the needs for security and convenience.

Someone to call in case you need help

CompanionLink extends free phone support and email support to Galaxy S5 owners. Visit this page for help if you need to speak with us.

CompanionLink also has step-by-step guides to configure each type of synchronization:

You can also purchase a $49 RunStart package that schedules time with a CompanionLink technician who will log into your PC and set up the synchronization. This guarantees a correctly configured Galaxy S5 to PC sync and the peace of mind knowing your Outlook database isn’t being accidentally corrupted.

Google Sync with Outlook

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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Let’s face it. The PC is still faster than the Web!  Entering quick info on the PC, will be faster than loading a Web App like Google Calendar every time.clg sync-3I took a phone call today. I need to find a bit of info, and call the customer back tomorrow. So I set a quick reminder on my Calendar for 10am tomorrow to call. How do I get that to my phone?

My phone is my essential reminder tool. I absolutely depend on the alarms there to remind me what to do throughout my day. The phone automatically synchronizes to Google. So it works fine if I made the appointment in Google.

But I didn’t make the appointment in Google. To do that means launching my browser, log into Google, search for Calendar, decide which calendar, and then adding an entry. I don’t have time for that.

The best way to go from Outlook to Google is CompanionLink for Google. It’s easy to set up, and completely automatic. I don’t even press a sync button. Just make the change in outlook, and it is automatically sent to Google. With CompanionLink, you don’t even need to open Google. When I make an appointment on the phone, it moves back to Outlook automatically.

CompanionLink for Google is $49.95. Use the affinity code “BLOG” to get $10 off. You can download it right now and run a two-week trial. The trial has 100% of the features.

Google Sync (the native sync to Android and iPhone) is great for Contacts and Calendar. If you also use Tasks, Category Colors, or Notes, then we recommend using a dedicated App on our phone called DejaOffice. Click on that link for more information.