> -------------------
> Questions
> -------------------
>
> Choosing Ebase
>
> Did your organization draft a database plan prior to choosing ebase?
yes
> Did your organization evaluate other database packages/services or custom
> options? If so what were they, and why did you choose ebase over them?
yes, Raisor's Edge and a custom Access database were possibilities. I chose
ebase because #1 it is FREE!!!!! (The cost of the other systems ranged in
the $30,000 - $50,000 range and that was just for the software!) That was a
HUGE factor. Also, the fact that it is written in a language that is active
in a field of constant changes, ie the "death" of foxpro language. This to
me was a big strike against Raisor's Edge.
> Did your organization upgrade to ebase from another database system? If so,
> please list what system and explain what ebase has to offer over your prior
> system.
Our old system was DOS. Need I say more?
>
> Using Ebase
>
> What do you use ebase for (e.g. contact list, donor tracking,
> member/activist profiles, etc)?
Donor tracking, volunteer tracking, partner organization/book shipment
tracking
> Do multiple people in your office use ebase at the same time?
Not yet, although we plan to implement that soon.
> Do you own FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Server?
Filemaker Pro.
> Have you customized ebase? If so, please list the types of customizations
> (ie new labels, new reports, new fields, etc).
A very little bit. I have found it is already a very complicated database
and customizations are NOT easy with all the links incorporated into it. I
have done small customizations like thank you letters, labels and evelope
formatting. I am in the process of customizing a new section for data
tracking which I am having some problems with.
> Are their particular functions of Ebase you find most/least
> helpful? Please explain.
I find that the system is set up for very specific types of
organizations-ones with big email list, big activist groups, etc. I find
that I just ignore many of the features incorporated, or try to figure out
how to modify them the LEAST amount to get them to track what I need them to
track.
> Support
>
> Do you use outside consultants to help support/develop ebase?
I haven't been able to find any so far, so I am doing it myself.
> Do you find the ebase manual helpful? Why or why not?
It has a lot of helpful information at a basic level, but not for the more
complicated questions I have, which is a bit frustrating. But when I look at
the tremendous variety of questions on the support list, I see why. I think
the index could be better.
> Do you find the ebase support listserv helpful? Why or why not?
Yes, very helpful. Almost all my questions are answered, and to have all the
nice people who are on it as a resource is GREAT.
> General
>
> What are the main benefits of ebase for your organization?
So many benefits...ease of sending thank yous, tracking all the information
that needs to be pulled for contribution lists, reports, response analysis.
It is just a great reference tool for the organization and so EASY to use!
> What are the main drawbacks?
How hard it is to customize. I still haven't found a system that handles
households in a way that solves all the myriad ways people live together
these days.
> Other comments?
Basically, I love ebase.
> ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
> Eric Leland, Technology Consultant
> CompuMentor
> 487 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
> Voice: 415.512.7784 x349
> Fax: 415.365.2870
> Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> http://www.compumentor.org
> Bringing people and technology together to strengthen our communities
>
> http://www.techsoup.org
> Technology served the way nonprofits need it / powered by CompuMentor
> ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
>
>
>
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