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, and Vista.
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 networkng,
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,
$300 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!