Network Versions of DONATION Software
Easily track donors and donations and issue charitable receipts with DONATION.
There are two main versions of DONATION:
- The Standalone version, also called
the normal or Local Database version. This installs onto one
computer and has the database on that computer. No other
installation of DONATION can access the same database (unless the
database file is copied to the other computer). The free
limited-feature Lite version is also standalone.
- The Network Versions (made up of Network Server and Network Client versions). The Network Server version installs onto one computer on your network and has the database on that computer. The Network Client version gets installed on additional computers on your network (or possibly across the Internet, though that setup is not highly recommended). These clients can access the same database running on the computer with the Network Server version.
Whether you use the Network version or the Standalone version, pricing does not depend on the number of computers on which you install DONATION.
DONATION Software is Not Web-Based
Although the Network versions of DONATION are not web-based, it is possible to install the Network Client version on computers outside of your office to access the database in your office remotely, though the setup is a bit complicated. The database access on the computers outside your office will of course be slower, because the data transfers are working at Internet speeds rather than local area network speeds, which are much faster.
We actually recommend using other of our Multiple User Options, rather than the Network versions, if you want to have multiple users who are not on the same local network access the same DONATION database.
Is the Network Version of the DONATION Software for You?
The DONATION Network version allows up to five users on five different computers (usually on your local-area network) to access the program simultaneously.
Most organizations only need the Standalone version of DONATION. That's because, even if they have a network, only one person really needs access to DONATION. That user might want to have DONATION installed on a computer in the organization's office, and another computer at home, but the Network version isn't usually used for that. (You can install multiple copies of the Standalone version, at no additional charge, and copy the database file back and forth between those computers.)
Select the Network version if:
- You have a local-area network in your organization, and
- More than one user in your organization wants access to
the same DONATION database,
or - You want access from multiple locations, and don't want to use one of the other Multiple User Options.
See also the DONATION Version Comparison page.
DONATION Software Network Version Installation
Install the Network Server version on the main user's computer, and the Network Client version on any additional users' computers. The Network Server version should normally not be installed on a real Windows server computer, but rather on an actual user's computer.
You can find installation help for the Network version in the program's Help or the manual (readable online at Network Versions of DONATION).
License Keys
With the DONATION Network versions, the same license key is used for all installed copies of DONATION on your network.
Upgrading to the Network Version of the DONATION Software:
To upgrade from a DONATION Standalone version to a Network version:
- Pay any difference between the Initial Purchase fee that you have already paid for your Standalone version, and the Initial Purchase fee for the Network version.
- Request a new License Key that authorizes you to use the Network version, via the Help ⇒ Request or Install License Key menu option, and the "Request License Key for your Organization" button on the resulting window.
- Download and install the Network Server and Network Client versions on the appropriate computers. (Normally, you would install the Network Server version on top of your existing Standalone version, assumining that was already on a computer on your network.)
Try the DONATION Software Network Version for Free
Free 60-day Evaluation! Download and evaluate DONATION on your Windows computer for free. (Mac users can try DONATION if your Mac has the ability to run Windows applications.) Do not pay until you decide to use the program for your organization. Check the PRICING/PAYMENT details.