Kintera and Convio Open Up

Until recently, most commercial donor databases and CRM systems were "closed." Data could be imported and exported, but it wasn't easy for another database, or a Web site, to share the same data.

In 2006, NTEN hosted what they called "The Great Open API Debate" to discuss this issue (the audio is archived here). This is starting to change, thanks to customer demand and competition from open-source tools and proprietary but open systems like Salesforce.com. Open systems allow organizations to use their data in new ways, like real-time maps and performance "dashboards;" self-service Web sites for clients, members, and donors; and databases that can talk to each other without human intervention.

Now, on the heels of Kintera's announcement of Kintera Connect, Convio has announced its open-database initiative called Convio Open.

Kintera Connect vs. Convio Open

"Kintera Connect and Convio Open] are both worth having a look at, especially if you are considering either implementing a Web application platform, or if you are a consultant type looking for ways to integrate data for your clients," writes Michelle Murrain in her blog Zen and the Art of Nonprofit Technology, which compares the two APIs.

Some highlights from Murrain's roundup:

Kintera Connect: "Allows you to access 16 entities within the Kintera application, including lots of data about contacts, plus data about appointments and tasks"; "Goes a long way to help organizations be freed from yet another data silo, and they are free."

Convio Open: "Has three components, APIs, Database Connectors, and Extensions.... Database Connectors are specific tools to help people connect Convio and specific apps, including Blackbaud’s Raiser’s edge, and … Salesforce! Extensions are ways to connect the Convio app to other Web 2.0 apps out there. They’ve got this great Facebook application — basically a template that allows an organization to create their own Facebook app. Extensions also include the pantheon of Web 2.0 gods: Flickr, RSS, Google, etc. Convio’s APIs and Extensions are free, but the Database connectors have consulting costs associated with them."

"Bottom line?" Murrain writes, "Kintera takes some important steps to open up their application. Convio takes more, bigger steps that appear to eclipse what Kintera has done. But I think time will tell."

..........................................................