What can you use the application for?
Bantamlive.com is a complete online CRM, project management, deal tracking and business networking solution in one web-based application. Designed for individuals as well as companies, the site allows the user to keep track of contacts, tasks, events, projects and deals in real time. The user has a Dashboard, which shows a real-time activity stream of all the activities performed by their colleagues. The user can also easily add contacts, add new tasks, add new companies, schedule events and send messages from their Dashboard.
Other sections of the site include Messages, Contacts, Tasks, Calendar, Deals, Projects and Files. Users can use the site to collaborate on Deals and Projects. In addition, the site can be used to upload, store and share files among users. The user can view their calendar in traditional format, showing one month per page. The site is heavily integrated with Twitter, and users can import their contacts from Twitter or popular email clients and webmail applications. Users can specify whether or not to issue updates to Twitter whenever they perform an action. The site has plans to integrate with other social networks in the future.
What is the history and popularity of the application?
New York, NY-based Bantam Networks launched Bantam Live into public beta in July 2009. Bantam Networks was founded by John Rourke, Henry Poydar, Alex Turnbull and Dan Ferranti. John Rourke currently serves as CEO of Bantam Networks.
What are the differences to other applications?
Competition to Bantam Live comes from sites such as SalesForce and Smibs. The service is a direct competitor to SalesForce, which offers a very similar service. The Bantam Live user interface is more intuitive than the one used by SalesForce. SalesForce has a much larger userbase than Bantam Live, but expect Bantam Live to grow quickly, particularly after their beta period is over. Smibs offers CRM and business networking, but does not have the project management and deal-tracking capabilities of Bantam Live.
How does the application look and feel to use?
The Bantam Live site has a definite Web 2.0 look and feel. Pages are very clean and uncluttered, and all applications are browser-based. Page loads are quite responsive, and the application functions just as quickly as a dedicated desktop application. File uploads and downloads are quite responsive as well. There is no advertising displayed on the Bantam Live site.
How does the registration process work?
Registration to Bantam Live is free and is required to use the site. For companies, one person can register and add users within the company. The registration process asks for first and last name, company name, email address and timezone. Validation of the email address is required. After registration, the user is prompted to complete their profile, upload a photo, invite their friends to join their network, and set up their calendar.
What does it cost to use the application?
The Bantam Live service is entirely free while the site is in public beta. Pricing after the beta period is over was not available.
Who would you recommend the application to?
The Bantam Live site is recommended to any company or individual who needs a complete CRM, sales, deal tracking and project management solution. The applications on the site are very well integrated, and the site also makes it easy to maintain a social business network. The user interface for all of the applications is very intuitive, and no problems were experienced with the applications.
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