| Product | Integration Level | |---------|------------------| | Word 2013 | Mail merge using BCM contacts/accounts. | | Excel 2013 | Import/export BCM data; use Excel as data source for leads. | | Lync/Skype for Business | Click-to-call from BCM contact; log call as activity. | | SharePoint 2013 | Link documents in a SharePoint library to BCM records (via hyperlink). | | Power BI (limited) | Export BCM data to Excel then load to Power BI. |
Note: No native integration with Dynamics CRM or Salesforce.
Even in its heyday, BCM was finicky. Here are fixes for frequent issues:
Error: "The Business Contact Manager database is not available."
Error: "Cannot display the folder. The operation failed."
Error: "You do not have permission to access the database."
Unlike standard Outlook contacts, BCM allowed users to link contacts to specific Accounts (companies). This created a hierarchical view of business relationships.
If you are currently using or considering installing BCM for Outlook 2013, here is precisely what the feature set looked like:
Company: ABC Consulting (5 employees, Windows 8.1, Outlook 2013 Professional Plus)
Process:
Document Version: 1.0
Last Updated: April 2026 (retrospective analysis)
Business Contact Manager (BCM) for Outlook 2013 is a powerful, free Customer Relationship Management (CRM) add-in designed for small businesses. It extends the standard Outlook contact features into a central hub for tracking sales, marketing, and project management. Key Features & Uses business contact manager for outlook 2013
Centralized CRM: Transform your inbox into a tool for tracking leads, accounts, and business projects.
Communication History: Automatically link emails, appointments, and phone logs to specific contact records.
Sales Tracking: Manage the sales funnel by converting leads into business contacts and tracking potential deals.
Marketing Tools: Create, promote, and track the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and phone call logs.
Database Management: Stores up to 10GB of data using an integrated SQL Server database. Getting Started & Technical Tips Installation
Availability: BCM was typically a separate download or included in specific Office 2013 editions.
Compatibility: It requires SQL Server 2008 Express (often included in the setup) to function.
Side-by-Side Use: You can use BCM for Outlook 2010 and 2013 on the same machine, but they cannot share the same database; the database must be upgraded for the newer version. Useful Operations Tutorial - Working Leads in Business Contact Manager
Business Contact Manager (BCM) for Outlook 2013 was a specialized, free customer relationship management (CRM) add-in designed for small businesses to manage customer relationships, sales cycles, and marketing efforts within the familiar Microsoft Outlook environment
. Released as a more advanced successor to the 2003 and 2010 versions, the 2013 edition introduced deeper integration, allowing users to connect contact records with account records for long-term relationship tracking. Dynamics Community Core Features and Capabilities
BCM transformed Outlook from a personal information manager into a centralized business hub. Database Management : It utilized a free Microsoft SQL Server database with a 10GB storage capacity to track emails, documents, and phone calls. Sales and Lead Tracking Even in its heyday, BCM was finicky
: Users could manage leads and opportunities through their entire life cycle, setting rules to prioritize the most important tasks. Marketing Integration
: The tool allowed for the creation and tracking of direct marketing campaigns, distinguishing between active and inactive customers to focus efforts. Customization
: High levels of flexibility were provided through customizable business forms, allowing businesses to organize data using specific tabs and filters. Dynamics Community Operational Challenges and Limitations
Despite its utility, BCM 2013 faced significant technical and scalability hurdles. Version Compatibility
: BCM was notoriously sensitive to versioning. It required all machines accessing a shared database to run the exact same version of Outlook and BCM. Performance Issues
: Users frequently reported "crash loops," database connection errors, and "action could not be completed" messages during high-volume tasks. Installation Barriers
: Installation often required specific .NET Framework versions, and users on Windows 8 could not use shared databases if logged in with a Microsoft account. JustAnswer Retirement and Modern Successors
The Ultimate Guide to Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013
As a business professional, managing contacts is an essential part of your daily operations. With the rise of digital communication, it's become increasingly important to have a robust contact management system in place. For businesses using Microsoft Outlook 2013, the Business Contact Manager (BCM) is a powerful tool that can help streamline contact management, boost productivity, and improve customer relationships.
In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at the Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013, exploring its features, benefits, and best practices for implementation. Whether you're a small business owner, sales professional, or marketing expert, this guide will provide you with the insights you need to get the most out of BCM.
What is Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013? Error: "Cannot display the folder
The Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013 is a software application developed by Microsoft that integrates directly with Outlook 2013. It allows users to manage contacts, accounts, and leads in a single, centralized location. With BCM, you can store and organize contact information, track interactions, and analyze data to gain valuable insights into your customer relationships.
Key Features of Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013
The Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013 offers a range of features that make it an essential tool for businesses. Some of the key features include:
Benefits of Using Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013
The Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013 offers a range of benefits for businesses, including:
Best Practices for Implementing Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013
To get the most out of the Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013, follow these best practices:
Common Challenges and Solutions
While the Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013 is a powerful tool, businesses may encounter challenges during implementation and use. Here are some common challenges and solutions:
Conclusion
The Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013 is a powerful tool that can help businesses streamline contact management, boost productivity, and improve customer relationships. By understanding its features, benefits, and best practices for implementation, businesses can get the most out of BCM and achieve their goals. Whether you're a small business owner, sales professional, or marketing expert, this guide has provided you with the insights you need to succeed with BCM.
Frequently Asked Questions
By following the guidance outlined in this article, you'll be well on your way to unlocking the full potential of the Business Contact Manager for Outlook 2013 and achieving your business goals.