The Portico service
is so far ahead of the other services, that it wouldn't be fair to categorize
it as a web-organizer. Portico has all of the features the web-organizers have,
but it is also a full-blown virtual assistant. I think of it as a perfect compliment
to my handheld and I wouldn't be without it. I'll start at the Hot-Sync. Once
you sync your handheld to the Portico service, you can then access your information
via telephone 24/7. Now what makes this so compelling? Portico is a voice-activated
personal assistant that actually puts your data to work for you. Call up your
personal Portico "800" number and verbally login. Tell it to open
your Address Book and ask it to call one of your contacts and almost instantly,
you are talking to that person from any telephone. When you finish the call
dial "**" and you are back in Portico, ready to place another call,
check your e-mail (Portico will read it and let you send a verbal response),
check the news, your stocks, check for voicemail or faxes and you can even have
it forward your calls anywhere (it works great to screen calls as well). This
service starts at $9.95 a month and may include some usage charges depending
on the plan you choose.
You can hear a
demo of Portico in action at 1-800-774-2229 or you can visit their website.
No, I don't work for these guys, but I have used Portico personally and I can
say with all honesty that it not only works, but it is a "must have"
for the small business or person on the go. Why be limited with a browser, when
you can pick up the phone? Portico brings your handheld data to life with any
telephone.
Final Thoughts >>