Comparison of personal information managers

There are a number of personal information managers available. Broadly speaking, they can be classified into categories depending on the platform:

• Windows-based
• Macintosh-based
• Linux-based
• Platform independent or host based (PHP/Perl/etc.)

Some of the software packages can be run without installing them, even from a removable device, such as a pen drive, allowing the user to carry along his own personal data on any PC.

Some can import and/or export data to other software.

Software classification

Running on Windows

• Microsoft Outlook
• Goldmine
• ACT!
• Lotus Notes
• VIP Organizer
• Micrologic InfoSelect

Running on Pocket PC PDA/Phone

• [Pocket PC PIM]

Running on Macintosh

• Microsoft Entourage
• OD4Contact
• Palm Desktop
• iCal
• Address Book

Running on Linux

• Kontact (KDE)
• Novell Evolution

Platform Independent

• www.eDeskOnline.com
• Mozilla Calendar
• Chandler (PIM)
• Haystack (PIM)

Import/Export support

Nearly all of the applications have the ability to import data from many sources, but they tend to be quite conservative in export facilities.

However eDeskonline alone is particular about its total export feature.

Synchronization

The synchronization support to movable and handheld devices, mainly Palm or Windows CE based, is an important reason to choose a software. The increasing number of smartphones - Symbian (e.g. N60 and UIQ), Windows Mobile and Palm OS based - as well as the present day "business class" mobile phones - makes the synchronization a major concern for many users.

See also

• List of personal information managers