A client of mine sent me a note last week pointing out that L-Soft, the makers of Listserv software, has voluntarily entered bankruptcy (Chapter 11) in order to deal with a long-term legal battle they've been having. You can read all about it here. For those of you using L-Soft products, I don't think you …
On behalf of a client, I had the opportunity to see a brief demo of iMIS 15 last week. My client is on iMIS 10.4 and is wondering whether they should upgrade to iMIS 15. Following the demo, it was unanimous: there is no compelling reason to upgrade at this time. ASI has been advertising …
Over the years I’ve frequently heard and read about associations looking for good RFP models for selecting a new association management systems. I have an RFP model that I’ve used for years with my clients, and now I’m making that RFP available to the association masses. You can read all about it here. This RFP …
The key to successful data management is not choosing the right AMS (though obviously that's critical) but rather how you use the AMS once you have it. My clients who are most successful are those that actively manage their database, rather than just allowing it to be used as a giant electronic card file. So …
When developing an RFP on behalf of my clients, one of the items we'll discuss is "nice-to-haves" vs. "must-haves" on the list. That is, identifying which functionality the system must absolutely provide, or otherwise it cannot be considered. This activity can actually be more difficult than it sounds. For example, working with a client recently, …
One of the cardinal rules when buying a new association management system is to be sure to check references. Presumably the references the vendor provides you are clients of theirs that are happy with the product and services. Of course, it's important to check with references, but one element of reference checking that is often …
I’m often asked this question (or a variant of it) by my clients and others. “Well shouldn’t every association management system have [fill in the blank] functionality?” The answer is, “Well, maybe.” I’ve pondered this question for several years, actually, and I’ve finally decided there are only four basic functions any product that calls itself …
Frank Sarlo from PDA recently posted the following to the ASAE technology listserver: "Our Programs and Meetings Department is researching online conference registration systems that are separate from our AMS system. Their current choice is Cvent. What are your thoughts about this separation of systems? Can the advantages gained outweigh the additional systems integration and …
I’ll be taking a rest from blogging during the week of July 4th. My typically brilliant posts on data management will resume on Monday, July 9th. For those of you in the US, have a happy Fourth of July! (I suppose those of you outside of the US can have a happy Fourth of July, …