Most software packages, including the new version of ACT! 2011, don’t currently supporting the 64-bit version of Microsoft Office 2010. However, ACT! 2011 does work with the 32-bit version of Microsoft Office 2010, Office 2007 and Office 2003. Check out the compatibility and system requirements for both ACT! 2011 and Office 2010, and then check with your ACT! software consultant for additional information. I have included a link to the Microsoft website where you can read for yourself. What is making it difficult and expensive for software developers, like Sage to support the 64-bit version of Office 2010?
Since 64-bit servers and desktops are becoming main stream, a lot of people are thinking they need to jump on the band wagon, and install the 64-bit version of Office 2010. Hold your horses! By default the 32-bit version of Office 2010 is installed even on 64-bit computers. That’s good because if you use any third party software add-ins or plug-ins, most of these programs are written for 32-bit computers. In fact developers are still writing the tools that are needed to write the 64-bit add-ins for integration with MS Office 2010.
Stay tuned; I am pretty sure Windows Mobile phones still can’t sync with Outlook 2010 at all. Remember there was a version of Office 2003 for 64-bit computers. Was there a 64-bit version of Office 2007? Answer is no. So take your time do some homework before you decide to install Office 2010.
Back to reality, if you’re like most of my customers you’re not opening 2 gig or larger spreadsheets in Excel. If you are opening huge spreadsheets, and you don’t rely on any integration from any third party developers, you should consider installing 64-bit version of Microsoft Office 2010. By the way 32-bit version of Excel 2010 will open 2 gig and larger Excel spreadsheets. Go ahead upgrade!
For more in-depth information use this link from Microsoft. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee681792.aspx This article was written back in May 2010, so some information maybe a little dated. Trying to find one source for good information was tuff. This link should save you trying to sift through dozens of articles. Quick note of appreciation goes out to fellow Act! Certified Consultant Susan Luongo Stellar Technology Consulting, she found the above link.
I am thinking Sage ACT! 2011 is slightly ahead of most of the CRM competitors at this point, with the soon to be released ACT! 2011 which is supporting the 32-bit version of MS Office when released. Not even MSCRM claims to integrate with either the 32-bit or the 64-bit version of Office 2010 to date. System requirements for ACT! 2011 are available at the following link http://www.act.com/2011/system/actpro/
Arthur G. Russ
Act! Certified Consultant
Indiana
agruss@exec-info-services.com
317-843-0186
Member of the National CRM Alliance
