Summary
The term 'ESP Sidekick' can refer to two distinct tools, causing some confusion. Primarily, it is recognized as the original name for the HubSpot Sales Extension, a comprehensive email tracking and sales enablement tool. This HubSpot product functions by embedding tracking pixels to monitor email opens and clicks, delivering real-time notifications, and integrating with the HubSpot CRM. It is widely regarded as safe, secure, and compatible across all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, thanks to its browser extension and Outlook add-in formats and HubSpot's robust platform security. Separately, an 'ESP Sidekick' is described by a marketer from Email Geeks as a Windows-only screen-scraper that provides domain reputation data and Google trigger dates. This particular tool has prompted security concerns among some users due to its nature as a closed-source .exe file, despite the developer's assurances of its cleanliness and utility.
Key findings
- HubSpot Sidekick (HubSpot Sales Extension): The term 'Sidekick' most commonly refers to the original name for what is now the HubSpot Sales Extension, a powerful sales productivity tool. It functions by embedding small, invisible tracking pixels in emails to monitor engagement, such as opens and clicks, and provides real-time desktop notifications. It also integrates deeply with HubSpot CRM via APIs.
- ESP Sidekick (Email Geeks): Another tool, referred to as 'ESP Sidekick' by a marketer from Email Geeks, is described as a screen-scraper, likely utilizing technologies like Selenium. This tool is designed to provide a .csv report containing a list of domains, the date of their last Google trigger, and their domain reputation.
- Safety and OS Compatibility (HubSpot): The HubSpot Sales Extension (formerly Sidekick) is considered safe, robust, and reliable for professional use. It operates as a browser extension for popular web browsers like Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox, and as an add-in for Outlook desktop. This browser and client-based functionality ensures it works securely and effectively across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, as long as a compatible browser or email client is used. Its data handling complies with privacy regulations like GDPR, leveraging HubSpot's secure cloud infrastructure.
- Safety and OS Compatibility (Email Geeks): The 'ESP Sidekick' from Email Geeks, while defended by its developer as clean and useful, has raised security concerns among some marketers due to its nature as a random, closed-source .exe file. It is primarily a Windows-only tool, with no Mac version available, meaning users on other operating systems would need to use a Windows machine or a VPS to run it.
Key considerations
- Identify the tool: It is crucial to distinguish which 'Sidekick' tool is being referred to, as the term applies to two very different applications with distinct functionalities and security profiles. The HubSpot tool is a commercial product integrated into a secure ecosystem, while the Email Geeks tool is a specialized, standalone screen-scraper.
- Security for the ESP Sidekick (Email Geeks): For the screen-scraper 'ESP Sidekick' from Email Geeks, users should exercise caution. As a closed-source .exe file, some marketers express security concerns about running such an application without public code review. While the developer states the files are clean and store no code on exit, this remains a key consideration for user discretion.
- OS Compatibility for ESP Sidekick (Email Geeks): The screen-scraper 'ESP Sidekick' from Email Geeks is Windows-only, with no MAC version available due to development constraints. Users on other operating systems would need to run it on a Windows environment, such as an old laptop or a small Windows Virtual Private Server (VPS).
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
The term 'ESP Sidekick' commonly refers to two distinct tools. The most widely recognized is the former name for the HubSpot Sales Extension, a robust, browser-based solution that enhances sales productivity by tracking email engagement, such as opens and clicks, and providing valuable insights for follow-up. This HubSpot tool is considered safe, reliable, and operates seamlessly across various operating systems, including Windows and macOS, due to its integration with popular web browsers and HubSpot's secure platform. Separately, an 'ESP Sidekick' is described as a Windows-exclusive screen-scraper, which aids in checking domain reputation and Google trigger dates. While its developer maintains its safety and utility, some users express reservations about running a closed-source executable file, particularly given its limited operating system compatibility.
Key opinions
- HubSpot Sidekick Functionality: The tool initially known as Sidekick, now the HubSpot Sales Extension, serves as a comprehensive sales productivity and email tracking solution. It provides real-time insights into recipient engagement by tracking email opens and link clicks, which facilitates more effective and timely sales follow-ups.
- HubSpot Sidekick Safety and Compatibility: HubSpot's Sidekick is widely considered safe and reliable for professional use, being an integrated component of HubSpot's secure ecosystem. Its functionality as a browser extension ensures seamless operation across different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, as long as a compatible web browser is installed.
- Email Geeks ESP Sidekick Functionality: The 'ESP Sidekick' discussed by an Email Geeks marketer is identified as a screen-scraper, likely employing technologies such as Selenium. Its purpose is to generate a .csv report detailing domain reputation and the date of a domain's last trigger on Google.
- Email Geeks ESP Sidekick Limitations: This particular 'ESP Sidekick' is a Windows-only application, lacking a Mac version due to development constraints. Its closed-source .exe format has led some marketers to express security concerns, preferring an open-source solution for transparency.
Key considerations
- Differentiate Between Tools: It is essential to clarify which 'Sidekick' tool is being discussed, as the term encompasses both the widely adopted HubSpot Sales Extension and a distinct Windows-only screen-scraper. Each has unique functionalities, safety profiles, and operating system compatibilities.
- Security and Source Code: For the 'ESP Sidekick' screen-scraper from Email Geeks, users should consider the security implications of running a closed-source .exe file. While the developer asserts its safety and efficiency, the lack of open-source transparency leads some marketers to express caution.
- Operating System Requirements: The HubSpot Sales Extension functions across various operating systems, including Windows and macOS, due to its browser-based nature. Conversely, the screen-scraper 'ESP Sidekick' is exclusive to Windows, requiring users on other systems to utilize a Windows environment, such as a virtual private server, to access its features.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that the ESP Sidekick tool is a screen-scraper.
1 Apr 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks confirms the ESP Sidekick tool likely uses Selenium or another scraping library and expresses reluctance to use it unless it is open-sourced due to security concerns about running a random .exe file.
13 Nov 2024 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
0 expert opinions
Understanding 'ESP Sidekick' requires recognizing its dual meaning, as the term refers to two distinct applications. Most prominently, it was the original name for the HubSpot Sales Extension, a robust sales enablement tool that tracks email engagement, providing real-time insights for sales teams. This HubSpot product is widely regarded as safe, secure, and compatible across all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, due to its design as a browser extension and Outlook add-in within HubSpot's secure platform. Separately, an 'ESP Sidekick' is described by an Email Geeks marketer as a Windows-only screen-scraper designed to provide domain reputation data and Google trigger dates. While its developer asserts its safety and utility, its closed-source .exe format has led some users to express security concerns, and its limited operating system compatibility means non-Windows users must employ a Windows environment to use it.
Key opinions
- HubSpot Sidekick Function: The tool originally called Sidekick, now known as the HubSpot Sales Extension, significantly enhances sales efficiency. It functions as a browser extension and Outlook add-in, employing tracking pixels to monitor email opens and link clicks, thereby providing invaluable real-time engagement data for sales teams.
- HubSpot Sidekick Safety and OS Support: HubSpot's Sales Extension is considered a secure and reliable professional tool. Its design as a browser extension ensures broad compatibility across major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, as long as a supported web browser is installed. Its integration within HubSpot's secure ecosystem also reinforces its safety profile.
- Email Geeks ESP Sidekick Overview: Another tool identified as 'ESP Sidekick' by an Email Geeks marketer is a specialized screen-scraper, potentially utilizing technologies like Selenium. Its primary function is to gather and report domain reputation data and Google trigger dates in a .csv format, aiding in email deliverability analysis.
- Email Geeks ESP Sidekick Limitations: This specific 'ESP Sidekick' is a Windows-exclusive application; a Mac version is not available due to development constraints. Furthermore, its nature as a closed-source .exe file has prompted some marketers to voice security concerns regarding its deployment, despite developer assurances of its cleanliness.
Key considerations
- Clarify Which Tool: It is important to determine which specific 'Sidekick' tool is being referenced. One is the official HubSpot Sales Extension, a well-established commercial product, while the other is a specialized, Windows-only screen-scraper from an Email Geeks marketer. Their purposes, operational methods, and security profiles vary significantly.
- Security of Email Geeks Tool: For the screen-scraper 'ESP Sidekick' offered by an Email Geeks marketer, users should consider the security implications of running a closed-source .exe file. While its developer asserts its safety and utility, the lack of transparency in its code has led some marketers to express caution about its use.
- OS Requirements for Email Geeks Tool: The HubSpot Sales Extension is broadly compatible across Windows, macOS, and Linux due to its browser-based design. In contrast, the screen-scraper 'ESP Sidekick' from the Email Geeks community is exclusively for Windows, meaning users on other operating systems must set up a Windows environment, such as a virtual machine or a dedicated Windows PC, to utilize it.
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
The term 'ESP Sidekick' generally refers to two separate tools, leading to distinct discussions about their functionality, safety, and operating system compatibility. Primarily, it was the original designation for the HubSpot Sales Extension, a robust tool designed for email tracking and sales enablement. This HubSpot product is highly regarded for its security and broad compatibility, working reliably across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, by leveraging popular web browsers and Outlook. Conversely, 'ESP Sidekick' also identifies a Windows-exclusive screen-scraper, as described by an Email Geeks marketer. While its developer assures its safety, this tool's closed-source executable format raises security concerns among some users, and its limited operating system support means it requires a Windows environment to operate.
Key findings
- HubSpot Sidekick Purpose: The tool originally known as Sidekick, now the HubSpot Sales Extension, significantly enhances sales processes. It provides real-time insights into email engagement, tracking opens and clicks to inform timely follow-ups.
- HubSpot Sidekick Reliability: HubSpot's Sales Extension is considered a secure and dependable professional tool. Its design as a browser extension and Outlook add-in ensures wide compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, provided a supported browser or email client is used. Its data handling adheres to privacy regulations like GDPR within HubSpot's secure cloud infrastructure.
- Email Geeks ESP Sidekick Role: Another tool called 'ESP Sidekick,' highlighted by an Email Geeks marketer, acts as a specialized screen-scraper. It gathers and reports valuable data on domain reputation and Google trigger dates in a CSV format, assisting with email deliverability analysis.
- Email Geeks ESP Sidekick Constraints: This specific 'ESP Sidekick' is exclusively for Windows, lacking a Mac version due to development limitations. Its closed-source .exe file format has prompted security concerns among some marketers, despite the developer's assurances of its cleanliness and utility.
Key considerations
- Distinguishing the Tools: It is vital to determine whether the reference is to the official HubSpot Sales Extension, a comprehensive commercial product, or the distinct, specialized Windows-only screen-scraper from the Email Geeks community. Their operational methods, security profiles, and applications differ significantly.
- Security of the Email Geeks Tool: For the 'ESP Sidekick' screen-scraper from an Email Geeks marketer, users should carefully consider the implications of running a closed-source .exe file. While the developer maintains its safety, the absence of transparent code review leads some marketers to exercise caution regarding its use.
- Operating System Compatibility: The HubSpot Sales Extension offers broad compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux through its browser-based design. In contrast, the 'ESP Sidekick' screen-scraper is limited to Windows, necessitating a Windows environment-such as a virtual machine or a dedicated Windows PC-for users on other operating systems to access its features.
Technical article
Documentation from HubSpot Knowledge Base explains that Sidekick was the original name for what is now the HubSpot Sales Extension, a powerful tool designed to track email opens, clicks, and provide real-time desktop notifications. It functions by embedding small, invisible tracking pixels in emails to monitor engagement. As a browser extension for popular web browsers and an add-in for Outlook, it is safe and functions reliably across different operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, provided a compatible browser or email client is used.
28 Feb 2024 - HubSpot Knowledge Base
Technical article
Documentation from HubSpot Help Documentation details the straightforward installation process for the HubSpot Sales Extension, which evolved from the tool formerly known as Sidekick. It specifies compatibility with major web browsers, including Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox, and also as an add-in for Outlook desktop. This broad compatibility means it operates safely and effectively on any operating system that supports these browsers or Outlook, such as Windows, macOS, and many Linux distributions, making it widely accessible for users.
14 Nov 2022 - HubSpot Help Documentation
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