RootsMagic 4 Receives FamilySearch Helper Certification

RootsMagic becomes First Desktop Genealogy Software to Allow Helper Access to New FamilySearch

SPRINGVILLE, Utah. — July 9, 2009 — RootsMagic, Inc. announced the immediate availability of an update to their RootsMagic 4 genealogy software which is now FamilySearch "Helper" certified. RootsMagic 4 is the first- and currently the only- desktop genealogy software to offer this feature and certification.

Helper Certified

As a "Helper Certified" application, RootsMagic 4 allows members of the LDS Church who have access to New FamilySearch to log into a special "helper mode" for another member who does not yet have access to the system. This allows the member being helped to view, update, and synchronize their data with New FamilySearch as well as check, reserve, and request temple ordinances- even if they personally do not have an account on New FamilySearch. All that is required is their name, birthdate, and the last five digits of the LDS Church membership number.

Assisting the New FamilySearch Roll-out to Utah and Idaho

Temple districts in Utah and Idaho are among the last to transition over to the New FamilySearch system. To prevent duplication of temple work, members in these areas who do not have access to New FamilySearch are instructed to meet with a family history consultant or visit a family history center and search the New FamilySearch system to determine whether or not temple ordinances have already been performed for deceased ancestors. RootsMagic makes it easy for the family history consultants and family history centers to accomplish this:

1. Import the member's data into RootsMagic. RootsMagic can directly import data from PAF, Family Tree Maker (through 2006), Family Origins, Legacy Family Tree, and GEDCOM.
2. Sign in as a helper for the member.
3. Search duplicate ancestor records to ensure temple ordinances are needed.
4. Select the ordinances for each ancestor needing temple work and reserve them.
5. Print the Family Ordinance Request to be taken to the temple.

RootsMagic is also the only desktop genealogy software currently certified to reserve temple ordinances and print the Family Ordinance Request.

New FamilySearch Made Easy

"We're very excited to be the first software to offer the 'helper' ability," said Michael Booth, vice-president. "As a Utah-based company, we've been patiently waiting for New FamilySearch to be available to our friends and neighbors. While many still don't have direct access to New FamilySearch, the helper ability is the next-best thing." Bruce Buzbee, president, said, "Our mission is, 'Family History Made Easy', and that is exactly what this is. To submit and track temple ordinances used to be a long, complicated process involving many files and floppy disks. Together with FamilySearch, we've been able to simplify it to a few clicks and a single, printed page."

RootsMagic also simplifies other tasks when working with New FamilySearch. Recently, RootsMagic 4 received awards for "Easiest to Sync" and "Best Dashboard" at the 2009 FamilySearch Developer Awards. Video tutorials, demonstrating how easy it is to work with New FamilySearch using RootsMagic 4 are available at http://www.rootsmagic.com/fs.

Free Trial Available

A free trial version of RootsMagic 4 is available at http://www.rootsmagic.com. The trial version allows a person to import their data, add information, and play with RootsMagic's major features without any time limitation. "We're so excited about this new release, we wanted to give everyone a risk-free option to try it for themselves," said Buzbee.

Users of other genealogy software products will find it easy to experiment with RootsMagic 4 using their own data. RootsMagic can directly import data from PAF, Family Tree Maker (through 2006), Family Origins, and Legacy Family Tree. It can also read data using the popular GEDCOM format.

About RootsMagic, Inc.

For over 20 years, RootsMagic, Inc. has been creating computer software with a special purpose- to unite families. One of our earliest products- the popular "Family Origins" software, introduced thousands of people to the joy and excitement of family history.

That tradition continues today with "RootsMagic", our award-winning genealogy software which makes researching, organizing, and sharing your family history fun and easy. "Personal Historian" will help you easily write and preserve your life stories. "Family Reunion Organizer" takes the headaches out of planning those important get-togethers. And "Family Atlas" creates beautiful and educational geographic maps of your family history.

For more information, visit http://www.rootsmagic.com.

Source: RootsMagic, Inc.