The third-party vendor providing the technology for Act! Connect Link (also known as Ground-to-Cloud) will discontinue the service on December 31, 2024. Act! has published the following links on this subject, as well:

• General article:  https://help.act.com/s/article/Important-Information-regarding-the-retirement-of-Act-Connect-Link-prem
• DIY article: https://help.act.com/s/article/How-to-move-from-Act-Connect-Link-to-self-hosted-API-using-Act-for-Web-Prem

As a result, Act! Premium Desktop subscribers who rely on Act! Connect Link for Web API features such as Act! Marketing Automation, Act! Companion, and Zapier-based integrations must choose from several options to continue using these features. They can either migrate to Act! Premium Cloud, set up the Act! Web API themselves, or hire an ACC or Hosting provider to set up and/or host Act! and the API.

1. Migrate to Act! Premium Cloud
   We’ll Handle the Technical Details - Recommended for Most Customers
   
   With Act! Premium Cloud, we take care of hosting Act! and the API technology required to ensure a secure and seamless connection to Act! Marketing Automation, Act! Companion, and more. This solution is a cloud-only option or a flexible hybrid configuration that combines cloud and desktop access.  Subscribers also benefit from exclusive new features and integrations, automatic updates, nightly backups, and more.  The all-new Act! Premium Cloud Mobile product is available exclusively to Act! Premium Cloud subscribers.
   
   
2. Remain on Act! Premium Desktop and use an External Hosting Provider
   Outsource Hosting Act! & the Act! Web API - Alternative Option
   
   If you do not wish to migrate to Act! Premium Cloud or set up and self-host the Act! Web API,  an external hosting provider can host it. Keystroke can review these options with you, so please contact us at 1-800-857-0558 to discuss this option in more detail.
   
   
3. Remain on Act! Premium Desktop and Set Up the Act! Web API
   Requires Specific IT Infrastructure & Expertise - Complex Self-Service Option
   

   The Act! Web API can be self-hosted using Act! Premium (access via web) on a web server. This solution requires specific technical infrastructure and expertise to implement and operate the Web API technology successfully, including:

   • 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.

To ensure uninterrupted use of these Web API features with Act! Premium Desktop, an action must be completed by December 31, 2024.  Please note that failure to take action will not affect the base functionality of your Act! Premium Desktop solution.

The Keystroke sales & support team are ready to discuss your options and help you determine the best solution for your business. If you have a current Keystroke support plan, you can schedule a consultation with one of their experts via this calendar link. If you do not have a support plan, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and one of our Act! Certified Consultants will respond within one business day.

Related links:

• https://www.keystroke.ca/en/blog/act/understanding-how-the-act-web-api-works.html
• The Act! Web API connects you with your data and your customers