Frequently Asked Questions about Synagogue Software and
Rakefet for Windows
Frequently
Asked Questions about Synagogue Software and
Rakefet for Windows
Q: What
exactly could synagogue software do for our congregation?
A:
All packages perform at least two major functions: they maintain a
membership database of names, addresses and personal data, and they
provide some form of tracking and billing of members' financial
obligations. As programs become more sophisticated, they
include more elaborate data management and financial functions.
For example, you will find yahrzeit tracking and notification,
religious school functions, general ledger, budget, and other
accounting functions, check writing and so forth. Some systems
even include programs for mail merge, high holy days seating, Jewish
calendar conversion, payroll, resource scheduling, ad inf. A
good system will shorten the time spent on clerical work, reduce
errors and improve financial control, and enable you to provide more
membership services.
Q: Can't
we use general-purpose database and accounting software to do these
things?
A:
In principle, yes; but in practice, it's too complicated and
awkward. General-purpose database programs are extremely hard
for non-specialists to use except for the most basic card-index type
of filing. Synagogue management requires multiple linked files,
which puts it outside of this category. Accounting programs are
usually intended for businesses, and have too many of the wrong
features. They are also difficult to integrate with the
membership database. Some functions, like yahrzeit notification
or tax receipts, require special programming.
Q: How
much does it cost to computerize?
A:
A high-quality Microsoft Windows compatible computer with a monitor
and printer can be purchased today for less than $1000. Our
state-of-the-art program, Rakefet for
Windows, costs $995 (USD). You
can pay more for a computer, and a great deal more for a synagogue
management package, but we don't think you need to.
Q: How
can your program be so much less expensive than the others and still
be any good?
A:
We have a low-overhead business model, and we sell far more programs
than our competitors.
Q. Is
Rakefet for Windows
only usable in the United States?
A:
No! We have users in Canada, the UK, Australia, South Africa,
Ireland, Hong Kong, Belgium, and France. Although it is an
English-language program, it handles date, currency, address, and
telephone number formats for all of the above and others. For
UK users, we've provided special
reports for reclaiming tax payments under Deeds of Covenant and Gift
Aid.
Q: How
about ease of use?
A:
Rakefet for Windows
works just like all Microsoft Windows programs, so if you are
familiar with Windows, you already have a head start using Rakefet.
And we've built our program on the experience of the hundreds of
synagogues worldwide who have been using Rakefet since 1989.
The complete user manual is available in a context-sensitive Help
file on your computer.
Q: What versions of Windows does Rakefet support?
A:
Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
Q: What network systems do Rakefet support?
A:
Since Rakefet has a file-server architecture, any local-area network
that supports file sharing will work. Peer-to-peer MS
networking, NT or XP server, Novell, and others all work with
Rakefet.
Q: What
if we need help using Rakefet?
A:
Free phone and e-mail technical support is provided for the first
year; after that it is included in the maintenance agreement. Phone
support is available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time, Monday
through Thursday, until 3 p.m. on Friday, and until 12 Noon Sunday.
Ask our users about Rakefet support!
Q: What
if we need special features?
A:
Rakefet development is based on input from our users. We
welcome suggestions from prospective users as well. Features
that we judge to be relevant to a significant number of users will be
added to forthcoming versions of the program. We cannot,
however, create customized versions for particular users.
Q: How
often is the program updated?
A:
Major upgrades are released once a year and sent to all users
with current maintenance agreements. Intermediate upgrades can
be downloaded from this Web site every few weeks.
Q: How
much does the Maintenance Agreement cost?
A:
$275/year for single-user installations, $325 for networks. $25
is added for the Security / Audit option. The first year's
maintenance is included in the purchase price. Compare
this to our competition!
Q: We
already have a computerized database. Do we have to re-enter all of
our information?
A:
Probably not. Most database programs can create a file in a
form that can be used to create an initial Rakefet membership file.
Usually a combination of automatic importing and manual data entry is
used to get started.
Q: Does
Rakefet interface with other programs such as word processors and
spreadsheets?
A:
All of Rakefet's reports can be exported as RTF (Rich Text Format)
files which can be read by major word processors, or CSV (Comma
Separated Values) which can be read by spreadsheet programs.
Q: How
can we protect our data against unauthorized access?
A:
The basic program includes support for separate passwords for
database and financial information. The extra-cost Security /
Audit Option allows for individual ID's and passwords for each user,
and the ability to assign customized access privileges to them.
There is also an Audit Report that tracks every change, addition, or
deletion to the database or financial system by user ID, date and
time.
Q: How
can we be sure that your program meets our needs?
A:
We will send you the complete Rakefet
for Windows package for a postage
and handling charge of $15. The program you receive will be
completely functional, except that it will be locked so that you
cannot enter more than 25 items into any file. You may try the
program for as long as you like. If you decide that you want to
purchase Rakefet, send us your check (or pay by Visa or Mastercard)
for the full purchase price less the postage and handling charge, and
call us. We will walk you through the simple unlocking process.
Q: How
do we get in touch with you?
A:
To contact us, call
(559) 226-5147 or click here to Send
E-mail today!