Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about ReachWays CM technology:
Questions about privacy issues using Reachways CM:
Questions about getting started with Reachways CM:
Questions about ReachWays CM technology:
Can anyone really work from anywhere at anytime?
Yes, they can! The rapid adoption of Internet technology has led to the near universal availability of the World Wide Web. Today, the Internet is widely available through dial-up access, broadband connections, and office network connections. Anyone who can access the Internet through a browser can access Reachways CM. It's all up to you and your leadership team, including your volunteers...and yes, you can even work from the regular office desk at your non-profit location.
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What software do I need to install?
You just need a web browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 6 or higher, Firefox 3.0 or higher). To fully enjoy the benefits of the Reachways CM report generator, the free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader will need to be installed.
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How do I actually load the web software for Reachways CM?
You don't ! That’s the beauty of the system! There is no Reachways CM specific software to load, install, update, upgrade or hassle with!
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Does our organization need to have a web site to use Reachways CM?
No you don’t; but if you do have a web site, you can link your users to your Reachways CM database, which will be a seamless transition for your users.
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I'm the IT professional. What are your system, hardware, and Internet requirements?
You will just need a standard Internet connection provided through any ISP. Of course, your performance speed will be established by the speed of your modem and Internet connection. We recommended a minimum 56K. Best results will be obtained using a high speed Internet connection.
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Questions about privacy issues using Reachways CM:
How safe is my data out there on the Internet?
Reachways CM utilizes the same technology and techniques used by the banking industry to maintain information privacy. Our servers are hosted in a highly secure environment by our Internet data center provider, Level 3 Communications. They host web and e-commerce sites for many of the largest commercial firms in the North America.
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Won't my data be available to other people out in cyberspace?
No it won’t. Reachways Community Manager supports secure Internet traffic using Secure Socket Layering (SSL) 128-bit encryption technology. SSL encrypts all of your information so that it cannot be read as it travels over the Internet. A third-party Certificate Authority authenticates the identity of the computer that sends the data and the computer that receives the data. Thus, unauthorized users cannot intercept the data. Reachways CM has a Secure Server Digital ID certified by VeriSign, a leading authority in encryption technology.
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Where is my data actually stored?
Your data is stored in an Oracle database on the Reachways CM servers. These servers are housed at a secure, top-tier Internet Data Center. Reachways CM currently uses the Level 3 Communications co-location site in Sunnyvale, CA.
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Will your staff be able to access our data?
Only to help you out when you need it. Reachways CM will not use or disclose your data for any reason other than to help you manage your database.
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Will you sell our information to others?
No. We respect your privacy and will not sell or share your information, your address or any of your contact data. Reachways' full privacy policy is available here.
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Questions about getting started with Reachways CM:
Why do you offer Reachways FREE to small organizations?
Outreach Canada and Reachways are commited to equipping churches. We believe this includes developing good management practices and processes, even when you are just starting out. When want even the smallest groups to be able to enjoy the benefits of our service, without worrying about the cost.
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What is included with your 30-day FREE trial offer?
You get full use of the Reachways Contact Manager—including full access (24x7!) to our web tools, customer support and the full functioning Reachways CM anytime, anywhere contact management system.
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Why are you giving me one month FREE?
We really believe in what non-profit organizations do, and we think that once you try us out, you’ll be so pleased with all the benefits that you will want to continue as a customer.
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What happens if I want to stay on as a customer after the free trial ends?
We don't need to do anything. We will automatically begin your monthly service plan at the end of the 30-day FREE trial period.
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How do I get my data if I change my mind or decide I don't like the service?
No problem! You can cancel your service at any time. At any time, you can to download a complete copy of your data by using the “export” functionality. You will receive all your data back in an database file accessible by Microsoft Access, ready for transfer to any other service provider or software. There is no lock-in risk with Reachways.
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How will I get training and how long will it take for me to get up and running?
Reachways is designed to be intuitive to use, without requiring any in depth database knowledge. You will receive a brief "getting started" guide and you should be able to start using Reachways CM without any additional training. It uses a browser interface with standard Internet functionality. So, if you know how to surf the Internet, you will quickly learn to use Reachways CM. Reachways CM also has online “Help Topics” to answer any specific questions you may have. Just click the "?" on the page you’re on to find help topics for that page.
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How do I get support when I need it?
If you don’t find the answer to your questions in our online “Help Topics”, then just give us a call or send us an email. Our staff is available to answer your questions during normal business hours of 9:00AM to 8:00PM Eastern time.
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How do I convert my existing data?
When you get started with Reachways, we are able to start entering your contact information via the easy-to-use interface. If you already have a large set of contact information in some other electronic format, we will likely be able to import the information into Reachways, saving you the time and effort of re-keying the data. The import will also eliminate potential data input errors. At your request, our customer support staff will review your data and provide you an estimate of time or cost to complete the data import. After the conversion is completed, we’ll notify you when your Reachways is ready for use by your leadership and volunteer team.
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How much will it cost me to cancel my service if I decide I don't like it?
Nothing! Since Reachways CM is set up as a monthly service, all you have to do is tell us in writing that you want to cancel. You can download your entire data at any time and cancel at any time.
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OK, I'm sold and ready for the first month free trial. How do I get started?
Great! We’re looking forward to hearing from you! You can sign up online, call us at 604.952.0050, or e-mail us at sales@reachways.com .