Law Office Computing
February/March 1998
By Michael Jimmerson

SOFTWARE: On-Schedule 97

On-Schedule 97 positions itself primarily as a contact manager with powerful PIM features. Like Info Accelerator, On-Schedule 97 attaches to the menu bar of your word processing software, providing ready access to your information. This provides a convenient way to insert names and addresses from your phone book. Also, you can edit information in On-Schedule 07 as a separate application from the Start menu.

On-Schedule is based on the Multiple Document Interface (MDI), providing instant access to all the modules in the program. Moreover, you can create additional calendars or phone books. Lawyers will like the capability to handle clients with multiple matters.

The interface for On-Schedule is fairly clean, particularly for those who prefer a graphical interface. It sports not one, but two toolbars, each with pop-up hints. The upper toolbar provides functions across all modules while the second toolbar deals with the current view. Entering information into On-Schedule is quite easy using several options: Menu bar, toolbar icons, or via the right mouse button.

The program opens onto the calendar, displayed in monthly view. You can change to a daily weekly or year view. New items are opened using the Activity dialog box. You can enter the basic information, then use the Notes and Reminder tabs along the bottom for other information. The Summary records historical info on the contact.

As you might expect, the emphasis is on scheduling and the phone book is fairly generic. Click on the Phone Book icon on the upper toolbar. Open phone books are listed in a left-hand pane. Names and addresses in the open phone book are displayed in a table format. Double click to open or add an item. Buttons along the bottom provide quick access to filter and sort functions. You can also customize the layout.

On-Schedule 97 includes its own word processor or you can set it up to work with your existing word processor. Documents can be logged into On-Schedule providing a record of all correspondence, pleadings and other items relevant to a particular client or matter.