Lotus SmartSuite 3.0 - one of four evaluations of integrated software programs in 'Suite Success' - Evaluation

Home Office Computing, March, 1995

Avg. Street Price: $499

(WIN)

Lotus SmartSuite comprises AmiPro, 1-2-3 for Windows, the magnificent Approach database, Freelance Graphics for Windows, and as a bonus, Organizer. Each application features a toolbar loaded with SmartIcons that perform common tasks, which provides for a common look and feel across applications.

Word processor. AmiPro, well known for its superior frame-based layout and graphic capabilities, is beginning to get a bit long in the tooth, lacking such automation niceties as the ability to correct typos on the fly and needing sophisticated file-management features. Otherwise, it's an intuitive word processor that rivals some entry-level desktop publishing programs when it comes to setting columns, importing graphics, and manipulating text.

If, however, you highlight a word or column of text and attempt to drag it into a spreadsheet, you'll be disappointed. Only two SmartSuite applications (Lotus 1-2-3 and Approach) support OLE 2.0 (object linking and embedding), which allows you to drag and drop data among open applications.

Lotus had planned a major upgrade to AmiPro long ago and then backed off inexplicably, allowing MS Word and WordPerfect to gain more ground. Although the company remains tight-lipped, it appears they have chosen to wait for Windows 95 before releasing the next version. And with Microsoft and WordPerfect showing the way, the next version of AmiPro should be a knockout.

Spreadsheet. Unlike its first much-maligned venture into Windows territory, the latest version of Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows does almost everything right. Like other SmartSuite applications, its SmartIcons automate a number of common and not-so-common tasks. The solo number cruncher will appreciate the Version Manager, a scenario-management tool that lets you play a wide variety of what-if games that help forecast the future of your business.

A collection of templates for both business and financial tasks---called SmartMasters--gives you a headstart on building spreadsheets. 1-2-3's tight integration with Approach is another advantage. Select the tools menu in 1-2-3, and you'll find a selection for Database and a submenu with choices like Report and Mailing labels, either of which launches Approach.

Database. Since its initial release, Approach has been considered the program that gave databases a good name. Well-known for its ease of use and compatibility with other databases, Approach is excellent for both novices and database pros.

Approach works with a variety of database formats, including Access, Paradox, dBase, and FoxPro. Best of all, it lets you ignore the details associated with building a database and get right down to business.

By selecting one of the more than 50 sample templates, which include everything from accounts, contact lists, musical recordings, and even a wine list, anyone can get up and running in minutes. The sample business contacts database is so flexible, in fact, that it surpasses some contact management programs we've seen. We only wish Approach were available as an integrated option in other suites.

Presentation graphics. Of all the components that make up a suite, the presentation graphics program is generally used the least--simply because most people just don't need to prepare presentations or use graphics every day. For that reason, to be successful, presentation programs must be both easy to learn and relearn.

Freelance Graphics pioneered the now universal concept of "click here to enter data," and thus wins a permanent place in our hearts. And although Freelance is certainly among the top three of presentation graphics, it still lags slightly behind more advanced products such as PowerPoint and Software Publishing Corp.'s Harvard Graphics for Windows.

Freelance does offer a wealth of helpful features, such as task-specific SmartMasters, which create presentations that are tailored to specific themes. The marketing plan SmartMaster, for example, includes slides for the key elements of a marketing plan, including product overview, positioning, strengths and weaknesses, and marketing objectives.

Freelance is easy to pick up, but it doesn't go to the hand-holding lengths that PowerPoint does. As a result, it comes in a strong second.

Information manager. Lotus Organizer is the little something extra that Lotus threw into SmartSuite. It's designed to look like a traditional paper appointment book, and it provides basic scheduling, contact management, and to-do lists.

Organizer's whole philosophy is the paper metaphor: To move through the program's modules, which include an address book, calendar, to-do list, notepad, project planner, and anniversary reminder, you click on tabs and page corners. It's easy to customize and reorder notebooks, and Organizer offers an autodialer and automatic rollover of unfinished tasks.

As a team player, Organizer offers some simple but useful group-scheduling features. As a PIM, however, it's not nearly as strong as Ecco or PackRat.

Integration. Tying all of SmartSuite's applications together is the SmartCenter, a floating icon palette from which you launch a program or switch to one that's already running. SmartCenter comes set up for all the SmartSuite components, but you can add other applications. In addition, SmartCenter lets you access a SuiteAnswers menu of 50 cue cards showing how the individual programs work as part of the suite. If you've never used a launching bar like SmartCenter before, you'll wonder what all that clicking was about.