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At Collectorz.com, we have 3 solution types for cataloging your collections:

  • The CLZ mobile apps, for phones and tablets.

Then for the big screen, on the desktop side, we have two alternatives:

  • the Collector downloadable software
  • the Connect web-based software

We want our users to choose the solution that suits them best. So today I would you like to:

  1. tell you more about our Connect web-based software
  2. help you decide which solution would be best for you (Collector or Connect).
  3. offer you a trade-in deal, in case you want to switch from one to the other.

1. What exactly is Connect?

Connect is a web-based alternative to the Collector desktop software. It is software that runs on our servers, with your database stored in our CLZ Cloud system. To use the software, you just login to the Connect website using your web-browser, from any computer (Mac, Windows, Linux, etc…).

Introduced in 2009, Connect is designed to be a lightweight cataloging tool, with a friendly look-and-feel, that is both easier to use and easier to manage (compared to the downloadable desktop software).

Nine years later, Connect is now a mature product, offering everything you need to manage your collection database:

  • Add items Title or by Barcode (fully supports CLZ Barry!)
  • Edit entries to customize details and to add personal info.
  • Edit Multiple entries in one go, for making changes to many entries quickly.
  • Image View, Card View, customizable List View, multi-field Sort Order, etc…
  • Use the folder panel to group entries into folders, by Artist, Author, Genre, Format, etc..
  • Print lists using the fully customizable Print to PDF tool.
  • Also: Manage Pick Lists, Loan Manager, Statistics, Export, Import, Batch Link to Core, Backup/Restore, Field Defaults, etc..

Most new Collectorz.com customers are choosing the Connect edition as their main cataloging solution. Also, a lot of existing Collector users are switching over to Connect and love the trouble-free experience of the web-based software.

Connect Pricing

Connect is full subscription software, you need an active subscription to use it. The costs are either US $2.50 per month (if you pay monthly) or US $24.95 per year (if you pre-pay for a year).

When your subscription expires, the software will revert to read-only mode, you will not be able to Add/Edit/Import anymore (until you renew). Of course, your data will be preserved in the CLZ Cloud.

6 benefits of Connect

These are the main advantages of Connect (compared to the Collector desktop software):

  1. It has a clearer and cleaner interface, with big texts, big buttons (screen shots).
    This makes it much easier to use, you will find your way instantly.

  2. It is a more lightweight solution, that runs very fast on any computer.
    All you need is your web-browser and an internet connection.

  3. No more need to install or update software on your own computer.
    The software runs on our servers, we manage and update it for you.

  4. No need to deal with database files, image files, settings files, etc..
    We manage all that for you, we even make daily backups for you.

  5. Multiple computers? No more need to sync data back and forth!
    From any computer, just login and instantly work on your up-to-date cloud data.

  6. Need help? No problem, helping you with Connect is easier than ever.
    We can instantly see what you see, even fix problems for you, right then and there!

Try Connect free for 7 days

Here’s how:

2. Collector or Connect, which one is best for you?

The Collector desktop software is the better choice for users who:

  • are advanced computer users, comfortable with installing and updating software, dealing with folders, files, backups, firewall exceptions, security software, file/folder permissions etc…
  • need the most flexible cataloging solution, that can be fully customized in terms of fields, views and layouts.
  • need multiple separate databases (tip: consider merging them and using folders).
  • need to catalog and link to music/movie/ebook files on your local computer.
  • need User Defined Fields (consider using Notes and Tags)
  • need to customize Back Covers, Trailer videos and/or Backdrop images.
  • need the Filter screen. Connect only has a Quick Search box.
  • for music:
    • need to add CDs by CD-ID (by inserting them into your computer).
    • need to entering extensive track level details other than Artist/Title/Length.
    • need the Edit screen’s Classical tab to enter more info for classical music.
    • need to list Credits and Musicians on the Edit screen’s People tab.
  • for books:
    • need the Contents list to catalog sub-sections/chapters of books.
    • need to list Credits and Characters.
  • for movies:
    • need to customize or manually enter your cast and crew listings.
    • need to customize or manually enter episode lists for TV Series.
    • need to modify edition specific Subtitles, Audio Tracks and/or Screen Ratios
  • for comics:
    • need to customize or manually enter Plot, Creator and Character lists

The Connect web-based software is the better choice for users who:

  • do not have any of the “needs” listed above
  • just need a simple way to keep track of their collection and wish list
  • are less computer-savvy, who prefer not to deal with database and image files, software updates, firewall exceptions, security software nightmares, etc…

(BTW: Of course, Connect works great together with the CLZ mobile app and the CLZ Barry barcode scanner app!)

3. Wanna switch? Here’s my “trade-in” offer:

If you want to switch from Collector to Connect or vice versa, then I will “trade-in” your existing license and subscription months and transfer them to the other solution.

To proceed with the switch:

  • First, make sure your CLZ Cloud is up-to-date, by Syncing with CLZ Cloud.
  • Then, contact us here and I will make it happen.
    (make sure to explain which products and in which direction you want to switch!)

TIP: if you own multiple Collector programs, I can switch em all over to Connect in one go, just say the word. (Connect is available in all flavours, so for movies, books, music, comics and video games).

Still need more info?

Finally, if you have any questions about Connect or Collector, contact me here and I will personally get back to you.