Corex’s CardScan has always been invaluable software, able to turn piles of business cards into useful data easily accessed via a searchable on-screen card file (or any of several pop­-ular contact managers). With CardScan Version 6.0.4 ($99 upgrade; $199 new), Corex addresses business cards’ inherent fallibility: they get old.

The application integrates your contact list with Corex’s CardScan.net, a free online database that lets you access your information from any Web-connected PC. Better yet, its AccuCard service regularly attempts to update that contact information, so your records are always current. I loaded the software update (free to owners of version 6.0) and set up the service. AccuCard sent out e-mail messages to my contacts requesting their latest information. A new column in the program displays the results, showing which entries are current, ready for an update, out of date, or status unknown (See here for a screenshot).

The service sends out these requests every 90 days, and contacts can opt out of the updates at any time. About one-third of my long list of business contacts replied; of those, only a few mentioned problems with the service and their PC or firewall. The upgrade makes this useful contact software more valuable with regular updates. – Tracey Capen

Price: $199 new, $99 upgrade for version 5.0 or earlier owners, free to those with version 6.0
Distributor: Corvette Technologies
Phone: (02) 9669 5000
URL: www.corvettetechnologies.com.au