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Important Information regarding the retirement of Act! Connect Link

by | Oct 25, 2024 | ACT Software | 0 comments

act perpetual license

act perpetual licenseAct! Connect Link, the third-party technology that enables Web-API-based features to operate with the Act! Premium Desktop product, is being retired by the vendor on December 31, 2024.

If you are using one or more of the following features in conjunction with your Act! Premium Desktop Subscription an action must be completed BEFORE this date to ensure uninterrupted use of these features:

  • Act! Marketing Automation (AMA)
  • Act! Companion Mobile App
  • Zapier-based Integrations

As noted above, you should make a decision and implement the solution BEFORE December 31st. Delaying until after this date will result in the loss of those features until a solution is then put into place. 

Here are your options if you use Act Marketing Automation, Act Companion mobile app or Zapier:

  1. Migrate to Act! Premium Cloud

This is my recommended solution. With Act! Premium Cloud, Act support will take care of both hosting Act! and the API technology required to ensure a connection to Act! Marketing Automation, Act! Companion, and Zapier. This solution is available as a hybrid configuration that combines cloud and desktop access. This means you can continue to access Act in real-time across your local network and also be able to access Act from any browser.

As an added benefit, Act Cloud offers automatic updates, nightly backups, and routine maintenance. In addition, the all-new Act! Premium Cloud Mobile product is available exclusively to Act! Premium Cloud subscribers.

  1. Remain on Act! Premium Desktop and use an External Hosting Provider

Outsource Hosting Act! & the Act! Web API – Alternative Option

Both Act! And the Act! Web API can be hosted by an external hosting provider if you do not wish to migrate to Act! Premium Cloud or to set up and self-host the Act! Web API. If you are currently working with an Act! Certified Consultant or Hosting Provider who hosts Act! and the Web API for you, no action is required. If you are interested in determining if this option is right for you, or to find a provider, contact us. However, you will not be able to utilize the new Act Premium Cloud Mobile app.

  1. Remain on Act! Premium Desktop and Set Up the Act! Web API & IIS Services
If you have IT skills and the right setup, you can self-host the Web API. This Requires Specific IT Infrastructure & Expertise!
  • Technical Expertise: In-house IT or web administration support is necessary for managing SSL certificates and ensuring your system is accessible externally.
  • Operating System Compatibility: The Web API requires a dedicated Windows Server environment (2016, 2019, or 2022), or a static Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) device.
  • Act! Premium Version: The Web API is compatible with Act! Premium (access via web) versions 20 and later.
  • Server Requirements: IIS 7 or later, .NET Framework 4.6 or higher, and reliable SQL Server connectivity are all needed for the API to function properly.
  • Network Configuration: External accessibility is key, requiring proper network configurations, including firewall settings and SSL certificates.
  • User Permissions: The user managing the API services must have the necessary permissions to interact with Act! Data.
  • Security Monitoring: Using IIS puts you at added risk of attracting viruses and ransomware and requires constant monitoring.
Keep in mind that for single and small business owner this is not a great option.


Confused? Don’t be! Send your questions to Karen and she determine which solution is the right one for you!

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