xCatalyst

Pros: ESX customizes the implementation for each customer to meet their specific needs. They are always available to discuss new ideas and solutions as the organization's needs change over time. The various modules allow the association to run most of its operations from one central database, including memberships, events, donations, electronic mailings, and website. Users can log in to manage their own information and access members-only benefits. Downtime is pretty much non-existent. ESX uses a ticket system to keep track of support requests, and the staff are easily reachable.

Cons: Because the system is an all-in-one system, it may be a little clunky as you work to make it fit your needs without doing all-out customizations. The custom reporting is robust but complicated. A WYSIWYG editor is available for people without much HTML experience, but web folks will probably find it frustrating and will work outside of it as much as possible. Low priority support tickets can get pushed to the bottom of the queue and take a long time to be resolved.

Overall: Our organization has used xCatalyst for over 10 years. We did some custom programming at the very beginning, and it has served us well. We've been able to partner with ESX to roll out new features for our members over time, as well as modify existing features as needs have changed. The support team has always been responsive, and working with them has been a great experience.

Pros: xCatalyst works well overall. There are some quirks, but for the money, it works very well. We've had very few issues, and when we have, they are quick to help us.

Cons: It isn't perfect, but there are workarounds that allow us to get what we need. It does lack some features of much more expensive programs, but does great for the price.

Overall: Overall very good - again - for what we pay. It's not a Cadillac, but it does what we need, and well.

Pros: - Includes initial setup and staff training
- Has specialized add-on modules to the content management system like eCommerce for courses or eCommerce for items.
- Not a new company or system, so you get assurance of product quality and company stability
- Easy to work with all areas of their staff - sales to technical to support
- Fair pricing

Cons: - Takes a little time to learn all the areas of the add-on eCommerce for courses module, but they include some staff training, so not an issue

Overall: We switched from an old manual website with a dynamic database driven course catalog. We wanted to switch to a website application that was both a content management system as well as an eCommerce system to sell training courses. xCatalyst does both with an add on course catalog/class registration module. They have other add on modules to the base CMS system as well.

They give a personal touch and support with any issues we've run into. They took the time to listen to all our needs during the sign up and install/deployment phases. If you want a good CMS with additional add on modules like eCommerce for products or courses, they are a great company to work with. You can tell they care and it reminds me why I love to work with small to medium sized companies. They've also been around a long time, so that is reassuring. Last, their pricing is fair and acceptable.

Highly recommend if you are looking to move to a content management system that gets ongoing updates and support. You can decide how much website management you wish to do or not - they'll take on webmaster duties for additional fee. They are overall just great to work with, from initial contact to ongoing website support and maintenance. They help through every stage of startup or any issues.

HIGHLY recommend.

Pros: Quick response time. Always there when you're in a bind! They make changes throughout the year to make it as easy as possible for the user. The staff is patient and extremely helpful!

Cons: NONE. I am not a computer guy. When I got this job, I was most concerned about learning this new software-database system. They provided an excellent training program for me and a customer service rep who always answered my questions. No cons for me.

Overall: Highly recommend using them. Have used them for 10+ years! Their employees stay with the company long-term, which is rare to find. They always get back to me right away, which is so nice nowadays!