Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost?

A: There are many different variables used to determine the best configuration for your organization. In addition to licensing fees, total costs may include data conversion and server installation and setup. There is an initial installation cost and yearly or monthly licensing fees.  For more information please contact us at (703) 348-2248.

 

Q: What is included for the licensing fee?

A: The initial license includes installation and training and unlimited phone and email support for the first 30 days.  A set number of hours of phone and email support is provided after the initial 30 days.  Regular automated updates are also included in the license.

 

Q: Do you offer training?

A: Onsite, email and phone training are available for both new and experienced staff.

 

Q: I need to regularly import data from website/vendor/etc., can Membership do this?

A: Membership has a built in method to handle custom processes that can perform almost any function, including importing data. Our development staff will work with you to create processes to automate the most complicated requirements.

 

Q: What are the system requirements?

A: Membership is a client-server system, with the software running on users' desktops accessing a central data repository stored in Microsoft SQL Server. Virtually any Windows computer can run PDS Membership. The specific server recommendations will depend on the number of users, database size and planned usage.

 

Q: Is there any limit to the number of users?

A: The number of users is only limited by your license and server capacity.

 

Q: Is there any limit to the number of donors Membership can hold?

A: Membership's capacity is limited only by available disk space on the server. Membership easily handles millions of donors.

 

Q: My organization has multiple locations. Can Membership be accessed from remote offices?

A: There are several ways to configure your system to allow access from multiple locations, including direct access over a WAN, replicated servers, Microsoft Terminal Services and other options. Please contact us to discuss which solution is best for your organization.

 

Q: Can our staff access Membership from home or while traveling?

A: Depending on the speed of the connection, Membership can be run from a home computer, or on slower connections it can be accessed through Remote Desktop, Terminal Services or Citrix.

 

Q: Is Membership PCI Compliant?

A: PCI is the Payment Card Industry security standards for processing credit card payments.  Compliance with PCI standards is a requirement for merchants accepting credit cards and covers computer networks, hardware and software.   PDS Membership offers PCI-compliant payment options which entirely remove you, your network and your servers from PCI scope.