ODB 1.0 is out.
To try it, go here.
ODB is Windows-based database software that is designed for smaller
nonprofit organizations. ODB 1.0 is out; this is the legacy page
for the previous (0.9) version. We first released ODB in March 2002
to give grassroots organizations the ability to very quickly setup
and start using a high-quality, customizable database product.
ODB was created by
Organizers' Collaborative (OC), a non-profit
organization which provides free software and low-cost
support services to address the technology needs of the social
change community. We work to make ODB extremely easy to use
and bug-free, so that the smallest groups can use it. At the
same time, ODB is designed for rapid data searching, sorting,
and data entry, features any "power user" will appreciate.
This page is a snapshot of the 0.9 page at the time that 1.0
is released. We now recommend that you start with 1.0 if you
are a new ODB user. Go to http://organizersdb.org.
The (February 9, 2006) version of ODB incorporates hundreds of improvements
users have requested. For more detail, please see the
first section of our new 63-page user manual, at odbguide.pdf
Reports and testimonials from organizations who have benefited from
adopting ODB are located here: odbaccolades.pdf
- The ODB Development Team
Box 400897, Cambridge, MA 02140
email us
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Release Notes
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Notes for Version 0.9.6 thru 0.9.7 (NEW 2/9/06!)
Notes for 0.9.5
Notes for 0.9.3 and 0.9.4
Notes for 0.8.8, 0.8.9, 0.9, 0.9.1, 0.9.2
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Printed Setup Tips
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Download Help
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Installation/Database Driver Help
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Basic Importing Help
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ODB Customization Help
ODB Customization Survey, PDF format
Word format
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Other ODB Tip Sheets
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Advanced Query Help
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Email Merge Help
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Tips on Remote Access via VNC
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Old FAQs:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Setup
FAQ for End Users
FAAQ (Freq. Asked Advanced Questions)
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Printed Information
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March 7, 2002 Press Release
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63-Page User Manual for Version
0.9.6
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2-Page flyer, PDF format
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Half page handbill, Spanish & English (PDF)
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Sample Script for ODB Demo, PDF format
Word format (NEW!)
Flyer for ODB event, PDF
format
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Add-Ons and Utilities
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Scramble an ODB database for privacy reasons before a public demo
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ODB 0.9.6 Update Utility
(adds fields to older ODB databases so that all 0.9.6 features will be available.)
source
FixNulls.exe
(Fix problems that can arise if ODB data is manipulated outside of ODB. Removes 'null values'; allows 'zero length strings.')
source
Also: Old 0.8.8->0.8.9 Utility
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MS-Word Label Templates
(not usually needed, as ODB prints labels directly.
Can be adapted for other label sizes/formats):
30/sheet
20/sheet
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Online Support and Referrals
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ODB-Help Email List (moderated)
Archives (May 2002-present)
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Peer Referrals and Consultants -
Perhaps a similar group in your area is using ODB. Contact us and we can arrange a referral.
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Support for Organizations with Affiliates -
If you have a number of affiliates who could use ODB,
we can work out a contract for installation, long-term support, and branding of the training and documentation materials.
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Bugs and Feature Requests
We are now using an online system to allow
you to report bugs. To access it,
click here.
Log in with username test, password test, or register if
you want to create an account, so that you can track
the progress made in addressing the issues you report.
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ODB Support Services (NEW !)
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If you ever run into a problem, our experts can help
you so you don't lose any time with your organizing and
fundraising projects.
We started offering support in March of 2004 to a small
number (about 30) organizations. At the end of 2005, we
expanded our capacity so that we will be able to support 150
organizations.
There are three major services we provide:
- Basic Phone Support
-- for organizations who
have already figured out how to set up and customize ODB
on their own, but have occasional questions. The cost
ranges from $30/year for a small grassroots organization
to $150 for a larger organization.
- Setup Assistance
-- for organizations needing
some handholding when they are setting up their
database for the first time, in order to get the most out
of it. The cost is sliding scale, and starts at $250.
- Advanced Training & Assistance
-- for groups with more specialized needs, such as staff
training, configuration of some more advanced features of ODB,
or conversion of a legacy database. Rates are quoted on an hourly basis.
Here is our rate sheet for ODB services. When
you are ready to begin, just email us: support <at> organizersdb.org .
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Notes on this release: Version ODB 0.9.7 of ODB is ready for
production use; already there are over 350 nonprofits and
grassroots organizing campaigns using it.
If you are on odb-help you will soon receive an announcement of the
release date of version 1.0 of the software. Version 1.0 will add dozens of
features, but it won't be more complicated for groups just starting out.
The added features can be turned on one by one, as a group needs them.
And version 1.0 will have greater flexibility in reporting and payment
tracking.
After you finish downloading the software, you will receive some
additional information on connecting with other ODB users. We
encourage you to share your experiences and tips with other members
of the ODB user community!
Thank you very much for your organizing work and for your interest in ODB!
Please Click here to go to the Organizers' Collaborative home page.
Please Click here to make a donation to this effort.
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