Software

RE: Databases for small organizations?

eddschott — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:04:00 GMT

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.

RE: Databases for small organizations?

claponsie — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:03:00 GMT

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.

RE: Databases for small organizations?

drcrist — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:23:00 GMT

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.

RE: Databases for small organizations?

MeganKeane — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:13:00 GMT

arg_51, what is your affiliation with this company?

Thanks,

Megan

RE: Databases for small organizations?

MadPearl — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:20:00 GMT

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.

RE: Databases for small organizations?

blackberg — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:25:00 GMT

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.

RE: Databases for small organizations?

linkedsoftware — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:33:00 GMT

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

RE: Databases for small organizations?

wcterry — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 12:00:00 GMT

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:

x

sosseth — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:36:00 GMT

RE: Databases for small organizations?

sosseth — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:33:00 GMT

To second Chris Meyers from OpenWorld Learning, Snowboard Outreach Society has both a client and contact database system through CiviCore (www.civicore.com). After extensive research of avialable options, CiviCore provided the only customizable product that met the budget of a small organization. The client tracking system has streamlined all of our registration and tracking to support 100% growth for next year without a similar growth in staffing.

Regarding safety, all back-ups are maintained on secure servers off-site, and they can restore any information that was inadvertantly lost. All information is transmitted through a secure url. In addition, you can set user levels to permit users to only access the information they need to succeed. Having the information available through an internet connection anywhere around the country has been priceless during conferences. I do not have to have to maintain my own database on my local machine, and I have no fear of staff updating their own information locally.

We've used both systems for three plus years, and I would recommend that you stay away from solutions not specifically designed for nonprofits. They do not have the ability to effectively track client issues.

Seth Ehrlich
Development Director
Snowboard Outreach Society

RE: Databases for small organizations?

lampingj — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 14:15:00 GMT

I know several organizations have had success with a product called Computility. Here is a link to the website: www.computility.com

RE: Databases for small organizations?

josh-milane — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 01:39:00 GMT

If you already have the MS Suite, people do very well with Access.

If you need a little more power and money is an issue, I have had fantastic luck with MySQL.

It depends what you need to use the DB for and what your plans are.

Good Luck!

Josh Milane
MIT Technical, Boston

RE: Databases for small organizations?

MaureenG — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:28:00 GMT

At Neighborhood House, we use FundRaiser Select. I've posted previously that it is wonderful program. It is very user friendly. The technical support is great. They offer online training that really helps. I researched several programs before purchasing FundRaiser Select. I know some prefer Raisers Edge, but I felt it was way too expensive. FundRaiser Select gives you so much flexibility and you can prepare many different reports. It's fantastic to have a system that with a few clicks I can provide my boss and/or the Board of Directors with a comprehensive report. At Christmastime, when we do our annual appeal, it is very beneficial to be able to personalize each letter, generate a personal thank you when a donation comes in and let my boss know exactly how much we have raised by day or "to date." I can't say enough positive things about FundRaiser Select!

RE: Databases for small organizations?

ChiefApricot — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:34:00 GMT

Laura, I totally agree. For very sensitive data a local encrypted properly setup database is a better choice.

RE: Databases for small organizations?

LauraQuinn — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 12:31:00 GMT

Just to jump late into the security conversation, I want to echo ChiefApricot's comments about security. In general, the security that a good hosted database provider can provide is likely to be far superior to the security a small organization can provide themselves.

The only flip side to this that I see is if you feel that you might need to defend your data against a government. If your mission is to, say, help Pakastani immigrants to the US, and you're willing to go court or to jail to defend your data, a hosted solution may not be the right answer. Few companies are going to be willing to make waves with a government over your data. This should be a concern to very few organizations, though...