Details of AkrutoSync interface to Tasks & Notes for MS Exch

I'm going to write that while it's a fine question it's rare enough that chances are they may never find another user here.

The 5 day trial is barely enough to see if it works but the OP wants to avoid the pain when it craps out in a few months. So far, no software maker today is giving any warranty on software performance. Unless we are talking suitcases of cash with on site support.
Bob

The 5-day free trial will not be enough for me to test to my satisfaction because there are huge hunks of time when I won't have the luxury of playing around with new tools. I'm basically derisking and minimizing uncertainty/questions ahead of time because I intend for any decision to be a commitment.

Fortunately, Akruto confirmed that it works even with Outlook (client!) 2007.

As for the question on SSL certificate question, I'm still trying to clarify the question to them.

Further questions are arising as I delve into the details. The TNMSE FAQ that I cited says that the purchased license is attached to a Google account. I am looking at Akruto because I want to be able to operate completely independently from the cloud and my Google account. I'm wondering if I will have to login to my Google account in order for the Akruto/TNMSE to work.

My apologies for mis-citing the Akruto page in my last post. I actually had to google for the right webpage: http://www.akruto.com/sync-android-with-outlook. I wasn't able to find a way to navigate to it from the Akruto homepage.

I understand the intent of the comment of not finding another user with Outlook 2007, but there are hundreds of users of Akruto (if not orders of magnitude more). I'm hoping that a significant plurality of them have 2007 and Android, though I agree far fewer might frequent the CNET forums. Usenet is dead, and what we have today is a fragmentation of forums.

Software today is under siege as we have to try new ways to license, activate and more. If you put out an app that was not locked down it often shows up on torrent pirate sites and not kidding here, folk are calling for support on their pilfered software. So it has to be activated with something, in this case they tied it to your Gmail account.

2007 is 8 years ago and the majority of non-business folk setup with other than Outlook. Even our office muddles along with Outlook 2003 since we couldn't find a compelling reason to move forward. It still works on Windows 8.1.

As to usenet, today's users would be horrified at using news software for that. Not to mention eaten alive by etiquette and protocol.
Bob

I'm awaiting the reply from them on this...whether their activation method is flexible enough that one does not need to be tethered to one's Google account. According to http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20131024006136/en/Akruto-Releases-Direct-Outlook-Sync-Software-Android, Akruto was "formed by a group of engineers with extensive experience in data management, who share a strong belief in the importance of data privacy. Akruto was a pioneer in providing a cloud-free synchronization". I would certainly hope that they can follow through with their reason for being. They have the incentive and the capability. However, TNMSE was developed independently, so it gets a bit complicated. I have my fingers crossed.

I don't really expect an answer, as I did not get a response about their business model from 5 days ago. It's not giving me a good feeling.

AkrutoSync is 30 bucks. If we go back to about 2000, such apps were closer to 99 and more bucks. With the move to dollar apps the staff had to go as well and you hope to squeak by without having to work with any clients.

http://www.tuaw.com/2014/07/30/the-plight-of-the-indie-ios-developer-is-the-app-store-broken-o/ is one of many stories I hear from my programming friends. Many have exited the app space and headed back to 925 jobs.

The system is a little broke but I hear you. You want top quality, low cost and support.
Bob

Any cost savings of a few bucks is swamped by the cost of lost time if it fails to work and/or corrupts your data. Not talking about any app in particular, just in general.

I'm also seeking to get as much info & confidence ahead of time. I planned to start the process by moving to cyanogenmod this weekend before playing with TNMSE. Still errands to run, so we'll see....

At least not in the sense of all singing & dancing. My needs are modest, but I have to be able to rely on it rather than blow time recovering from data loss/corruption.

Because the vendor has to put the time into ensure robustness. The increased price would mean less sales, which means fewer anecdotes about robustness in the face of different user setups. What a catch 22.

Any luck with customer service? Before I tried Akruto, I read customer reviews and noticed a lot of compliments for customer service. I haven't needed their help yet, so can't speak to that.

Be aware I'm hearing this from many folk on many titles. Support is no longer included with the app for most apps. The complaints are there because of a change in how software is sold and supported today. To get support you find you have to pay up. This can really get folk riled up.
Bob

It's technical info gathering in advance. I realize that in terms of vendor resourcing, it's similar in that you have to pay technically savvy persons to respond. But the difference is that if you create a product that is robust and easy to understand, you might still need to provide support depending on the user technical savviness. Advance technical info differs in that anyone eyeing you product as a candidate should be able to get it in order to assess the prospects of success.

On the question of customer service, I did hear back from Akruto & UniqTec. It should work without being tethered to a Google account. You just buy it using PayPal rather than from Google Play.

That's why many go with trial versions since at 5 and 20 dollar titles there's no margin for pre-sales staff. It's a new economy model and can rankle folk.
Bob

I'd be less likely to trial something if I can't get upfront assurances that it offers predetermined functionality with specific system configurations.

But I do understand that many people would simpy jump right into the trial. For a great many, there would be no presales support needed because you have a vast number of people volunteering their time during the trial period as testers.

It makes economic sense. You're spreading the cost of sussing out what works, thus allowing developers to offer products with less overhead.

I talked to the staff at Akruto. They provide tech support for everyone, including those on the free trial. The only thing they charge a premium for is to remotely install the software for people who want them to get it up and running for them. Otherwise, it's not extra for any other support.

Hopefully, it is a sustainable business model. Any PIM product I rely on, I want it healthy & around for a long time.

Trial is seven days, not five. According to several blog posts, Akruto mimics an Exchange server. Here's one post that mentions it: sync Android with Outlook. I don't understand this stuff ... but it works. Tech support has been responsive and patient with me in answering my questions and getting me set up.

FYI -- I looked at several apps before deciding on Akruto. One added contacts and calendar apps to my phone! I don't like clutter and wanted to use the apps that came with my Android since I was already using them. Another app stores info in the cloud, something I did not want.

You betcha there must be testing.