Databases for small organizations?

I develop database applications for non-profits utilizing Alpha 5 Version 7 software.

Its very flexible and can be easily customized.

The software can be purchased through TechSoup.

We would love to hear from you!
Regards,
Bill Terry
Tri-State Software
W.C. Terry & Associates
Tri-State Email:

My company Linked Software has provided reasonably priced database software for over 10 years.

Hope you'll take a look.

Thanks!

Lynn Howard
Linked Softwarewww.linkedsoftware.com

When comparing databases, You cant just say I love/hate Access, Filemaker, MySQL, etc, since these area all just DB shells, the true beauty of these is that they are VERY customizable. It all depends on your developer.

Ive had clients tell me I hate filemaker, blah blah blah, then Ive gone in created a new table, or complete new db and they ve loved it. Ive seen terrible designs with access/FM/MySQL, and good ones too. I also liek to consider than not everyone uses Windows, there are better alternatives. Get a good developer and the difference can be amazing.

Also when considering local or hosted, remember that anything online is only secure as your password is. And creating a "web based" system does not mean it has to be on the internet, you can host it locally for your network.

We are a 60 person all volunteer organization that raises funds through fundraisers and local foundations and individual donors. Our present donor base has about 2000 donors. We are looking for a database that would track our donations as well help with communicating with our donors. Some software is too sophisticated for us and other too costly. We would appreciate any information regarding software that could be run on a PC.

arg_51, what is your affiliation with this company?

Thanks,

Megan

I realize I'm bringing this topic back from the dead, but I'm now in a position of finding a way to manage dictation/transcription workflow for my agency and am looking at some online database products to help systematize it all.

Now that it's been a while, has anyone used any of the solutions previously covered in this thread? Have any feedback on any of them? Know of any other online database products I should look at?

I'm exploring [Zoho Creator] at the moment and also wondering if anyone has used it and has anything to say about it.

It seems like everyone absolutely loves Fundraiser Software. Are there any negatives to this donor database system? We are almost ready to purchase this database, but want to make sure we are making a good investment.

2 cents on the online database security issue:

In my 20 years of non-profit tech work, the orgs I've worked with have not experienced a successful online attack (worms and viruses excepted). They have had people burrowing through walls and taking doors off hinges to steal hardware, as well as having elaborately-locked file cabinets simply carried away (what says "Steal me" more than those large, danger-red bar locks?).

I think having a database hosted by a trusted vendor where the server is stored in a climate-controlled room, with reinforced walls and biometric entry, and the database subject to professional, periodic online security audits by a third party is a legitimate and maybe preferred, choice.

That being said, I think studies still show that the vast majority of data loss incidences are own goals. Whether your database is a small desktop system or a web enabled, hosted system, proper training of your users in all aspects of security and using the database is the best preventive measure.