ClearContext - I'm loving it!

In our private discussion list, a few Regional Directors were raving about about a third party information Management system tool for Outlook called ClearContext.  In desperate need of help for managing my Inbox, I decided to give it a try.

After a couple of weeks it, I can say that ClearContext helped me tamed my Inbox.  Basically, it worked for me (your mileage may vary).  So what it is?

  • It is an Outlook add-in that is not a CPU hog (see my previous post)
  • It makes it easy to tag and file emails
  • It color code emails based on priorities
  • It can easily turn emails into tasks and appointments
  • It can defer emails so you can take action at a later time
  • It can be remind you if someone hasn't replied in a certain time
  • It has a Vista Gadget that displays your prioritized emails

So far, what really worked for me is how easy it is to tag and file the emails.

Here's the toolbar where you can tag and file and email or an entire thread by selecting a folder from the dropdown menu:

IMS User Guide: Topics and Filing

Contacts are automatically assigned a priority by ClearContext after analyzing your Inbox but you can change it yourself:

User Guide IMS Contact Priority

The Vista Gadget displays your unread message prioritized by color the same way you can display them in your Inbox:

Here's a Flash video demoing the product:

At $90US, it is not cheap but it works as advertized.  You can download a 30 day trial here:

Free Download - Microsoft Outlook Add-in

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