
Convoq ASAP Pro 2.0 review: Convoq ASAP Pro 2.0
Convoq ASAP Pro 2.0
Intro
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
The ASAP Pro 2.0 interface is logical and easy to learn. Major functions, such as sharing an application or enabling videoconferencing, are accessible via menus and icons at the top of the screen. While ASAP Pro lets you import contact names directly from major instant messengers, such as AOL, MSN, and Yahoo, transferring e-mail addresses from Microsoft Outlook to ASAP Pro is downright tedious. For example, you must export your Outlook contacts in the CSV (comma-separated values) format, then use Excel to edit out extraneous information (anything other than e-mail addresses), and finally copy and paste the data into ASAP Pro.

ASAP Pro 2.0 makes it a cinch to invite attendees. If the meeting is in the future, ASAP Pro has a Schedule A Meeting screen. If the meeting is now, click the Meet Now button to begin a session, then select the Invite button to pick participants from your contacts list. Either way, each attendee receives an e-mail or IM message with a meeting link.

ASAP Pro 2.0 provides some clever innovations, though. For example, it lets you embed a link within a Web page, allowing people to schedule impromptu meetings with you simply by clicking the link. And we liked the Meet ASAP feature that determines when your contacts are online, then pings them via instant messenger when everyone is available to meet.
Overall, ASAP Pro 2.0 is a good deal, given its low price, well-crafted interface, and solid feature set. Naturally, there's room for improvement. WebEx, for example, allows up to four images on the screen. ASAP Pro currently offers only point-to-point video, which shows your image and one other participant's. A whiteboard, like that found in Breeze, would be also helpful for brainstorming sessions, and better Outlook integration is a must.
If you're interested only in one-to-one meetings, there's a two-user, free version called ASAP Express. ASAP Express doesn't, however, let you schedule meetings; your contact must already be online.
Convoq's technical support for Convoq ASAP Pro 2.0 was above average in our tests. The company answered our phone and e-mail queries promptly and politely; we got an answer to one e-mail question within two hours. At the bottom of the e-mail, the tech even included her direct work number and suggested we call with any follow-up questions. We did call--about a separate tech issue-- and left a voicemail message; we received a call back within five minutes. We haven't seen such prompt and attentive customer service in a long while. Bravo, Convoq. Convoq offers live technical support Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, except on holidays, hours that are conveniently posted on the company Web site.
ASAP Pro includes free e-mail and phone support, but users of the free Express version are limited to the online knowledge base, FAQs, and user forums available on Convoq's Web site. ASAP Pro's browser-based help section is well organized and easy to browse.