What Is a Personal Information Manager?

The past few years have seen the increase in popularity of personal information management (PIM) systems software- and paper-based systems that track contacts, appointments, to-do lists, priorities, and goals. Businesses send employees to classes and workshops on how to use a PIM. Entire books have been written on personal information management, prioritization and organization. Popular PIMs include the Franklin Planner System, the DayRunner system, and computer programs such as Act! and Sidekick.

An additional development that's helping Outlook rise to meet the needs of PIM fans everywhere is the explosion of handheld devices. You can now take your calendar, tasks, contacts, and email with you no matter where you go. Most handheld devices are smaller than the old paper-based PIM products and don't require the added hassle of transferring information back and forth. Your personal digital assistant (PDA) can remind you of upcoming appointments and meetings and can even take audio notes during meetings. Through synchronization software, you can transfer data between your handheld and Outlook with no user intervention.

Although these are all good systems, Outlook can also be used as a PIM system.