Don't Shoot The Database (Or Me, Please)
Friday, January 30, 2009

There are only so many times that I can take being told that a database is rubbish when actually it has nothing to do with the poor database, and everything to do with how an organisation is working. This was brought home to me again recently when I was asked by two organisations how they could improve the usage of their databases. ... read more..

Do you own your own data? Are you sure?!
Thursday, January 15, 2009

I heard a rather shocking story recently of a charity who, when they tried to move their data from their incumbent database supplier to a new database they had purchased, were told by their existing supplier that they (the charity) did not actually own the data, the supplier did! And, therefore, the charity would have to pay the supplier in order to have the data! ... read more..

Supplier Acquisitions: Should You Buy Into Them or Say Bye?
Monday, January 5, 2009

In the last few years, acquisitions have increased in the charity database market. Blackbaud have acquired eTapestry, ASI Europe acquired Fisk Brett and IRIS bought Donor Strategy. But what did this mean for the charities who originally bought these systems, or for those who might buy them or others in the future?... read more..

Microsoft CRM: A New Old Kid on the Block
Thursday, January 1, 2009

So the start of a new year seems the right time to make my predictions as to what will be happening with the sector database market for fundraising and membership systems. My main prediction is that this year will see the emergence of Microsoft CRM as a real competitor to the traditional fundraising/ membership systems... read more..