FundRaiser Blog

The FundRaiser Software Blog is an excellent resource for nonprofit organizations looking to learn more about fundraising, donor management, membership management, and much more.

Client/Server: A GeekSpeak Analogy

A couple of years ago I wrote an article about the differences between our Multi-User versions of FundRaiser and the Client/Server versions of FundRaiser.  And you may want to visit that article for a more technical explanation of things, but in this week's blog I'll attempt to give you the short version.

Client/Server versions can allow more than one person to use the program simultaneously, like Multi-User versions, but that's not their real purpose and strength.  Speed with safety is the real benefit to Client/Server versions, speeding up processes while insuring that no data becomes corrupt or lost.  Most "regular" versions of software are installed directly to the computer at hand, and that computer does all the work, so it's called a "stand alone" setup.  On networks of computers, it can be advantageous to have the program installed on a special computer called a Server, and allow other computers (Clients) to run the program over the network.

This is where it gets geeky.  If a stand alone program is installed to a network server, the only thing the server does is pass data back and forth to your computer and your computer still has to do all the work.  With Client/Server, your instructions are given to the server, and IT does all the work, and then just gives you the results.  Less information has to travel back and forth, so it's quicker, and more secure, since less data is at risk of corruption due to network glitches.

Think of it like a restaurant.  A good one acts like Client/Server.  The server comes to table, and collects all the orders from everyone at the table, disappears to the kitchen, and brings back all the orders of food and drink.  A bad one could be like a stand alone program on a network.  The server comes to the table, and asks what you want to drink, and then returns with one drink at a time, making multiple trips.  Then asks for your food orders, one at a time, returning with them one at a time.  Slow, frustratingly slow, and in a big, busy restaurant it could take forever to get a meal, and with more trips being made to the kitchen, there's an increased chance that a tray of food may be spilled and need to be re-ordered.

If you use our Online or Hosted versions of FundRaiser, then you're using a Client/Server version of the program already.  But if you're on your own network, and you feel things are just too slow, or you want the added security and data protection, you may want to consider moving up to our Client/Server version.

Why FundRaiser Multi-User Must Go...
Some Like it Hot

Related Posts

Wait a minute, while we are rendering the calendar
donation history fundraising small donations change of address updating upgrade government grants follow up Snow Birds operational costs new features online donations Company culture customer portal training tip Facebook campaign endowment campaign password protection donor attrition rate Resiliency event management #GivingTuesday adding personal notes to letters tribute gifts word processor segmenting donors planned giving data entry LYBUNTS upgrading donors mission driven board members donor contact information monthly giving alumni annual maintenance plan thank you letters donor relations campaign moves management ROI pictures Volunteer module look and feel direct mail new nonprofit donor retention rate Crowdfunding Campaign tech tip support National Change of Address accounting software donor targeting vacation updates charity golf tournaments SYBUNTS motivation data analysis NCOA processing the Ask email membership benefits on site training in honor of donations relationship tracking holiday giving donor attrition online donations phoning donors brick campaign importing csv Groupings GivingTuesday lapsed donor how to handle auction gifts add ons Excel case study role of nonprofits targeted mailings features In-Kind gifts technical support nonprofit fundraising donor preferences Tickles customer service community broadcasting publicity materials announcements New Year Alternative Addresses Congratulations community supported gardens training passwords donor prospects ticket sales gift acceptance policy security donor source Thank You pledges donor advised funds holiday understanding giving trends major gift prospects ticketsales GoFundMe project salutation texting donors merge notes FundRaiser Basic motivation code letter memorial giving corporate sponsors fundraising letters holiday letters End of Year Letters donor profile grants Network for Good prospects FundRaiser Hosted Codes user interface correspondance overview appeal letters community arts nonprofits Task List donor slip solicitors personalizing letters anonymous donors flash sales development director new donors gift notes field increasing giving amounts Thanksgiving FundRaiser Spark volunteers donor recognition membersip benefits Donor Portal entering auction gifts Facebook gift entry membership programs annual campaign donor engagement repeat donors correspondence animal rescue tax summary letters custom page spare fields disaster relief campaign management major donors mailing merge fields letter templates capital campaign product news arts volunteering new leadership raffle communications Reminders welcome packet legacy giving foundations Reporting to IRS happiness budget large donations auction reports operating systems Personalizing giving levels Cloud spreadsheets transparency grassroots campaign backing up data planning Constant Contact how-to videos recurring gifts data conversion PayPal general social media donor Importing Data mode code building donor relationships office appeal new version user spotlights premiums donor retention donor loyalty advanced tab giving history banquet

Connect With Us

  800-880-3454 ext 3
  Email Us
  Request More Information
  Monday-Friday
      8:30AM-5:30PM CST

Customer Portal Login Form

   

The customer portal is unavailable. If you need support please reach out to support@fundraisersoftware.com Thank you.

 

  User Name:
  Password:

If you are not sure about your Customer User Name, please call 800-543-4131 and we will be able to help you.

Or you have lost your password, Request Password