Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Polaris?

A: We know this one! Polaris is a simply powerful, true on-demand platform designed for organizations that want the sophistication of enterprise-class membership management software without the headache of a time-consuming and expensive implementation. Subscription pricing gives you access to 100% web-based software that accommodates the special needs of membership organizations like yours.

Q: How does it work?

A: We’ll spare you the “1s” and “0s” gibberish and cut to the quick: Our innovative Polaris Agile Deployment™ process — otherwise known as PAD — enables us to conduct a thorough needs assessment and rapidly deliver a configured prototype.

Our process is based on the iterative approach employed by Agile software development. That means that you’re involved every step of the way, and we deliver a solution that exceeds expectations. After your system is up and running, our Configuration Dashboard makes system modifications a breeze.

Q: Why is modularity such a good thing?

A: Because Polaris features more than 20 modules, the system has the broad functional capability necessary to address all of your association’s individual needs. This gives you the ability to purchase only the functions you need for now, while making it simple to add more modules at any time.

Q: We don’t have an IT department. Does that mean we have to figure it all out ourselves?

A: Perish the thought! PAD plus the system’s online tutorials and straightforward, intuitive user interface mean you can spend the time otherwise learning .NET 101 doing more important things. Like managing your association.

Once everything’s in place, ARC Solutions’ hosting service ensures:

Q: How much e-commerce does Polaris support?

A: You’ll be able to offer everything from a company store to an online registration center for membership and events. You can charge members’ credit cards or invoice them. In other words, we make it easy for your members to give you their money.

Q: How does Polaris protect the security of my data?

A: You mean besides the army of ninjas? Well, Polaris uses sophisticated cryptographic protocols to ensure data integrity. Industry standard SSL protects intruders from eavesdropping on your web application. And industrial-strength cryptography protects passwords and other sensitive data in the database. A disconnected database server prevents network intrusion attacks. It’s updated daily to ensure that your systems are always secure.

Q: Is Polaris best suited to a certain size of association?

A: Whether you’re small and centralized or large and spread out across the globe, Polaris can quickly and efficiently handle data management and all related functions for your organization.

Q: What are Polaris’ technology features?

A: Polaris is a 100% browser-based system that features:

Q: How do we get files from our old system into Polaris?

A: ARC Solutions will help you develop a robust migration strategy to get all of your data into the new system without missing a beat. Depending on your system, we can import Excel tables, SQL/Informix/Oracle/Sybase databases, CSV (comma separated values) files, and a variety of other formats into your Polaris architecture.

Q: Will we still be able to use our homegrown applications?

A: Absolutely — Polaris can link to any third-party system you’ve already invested in. You’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of a data-integrated membership management software platform while leveraging your existing systems.

Q: What if you don’t have a module for what we want to accomplish?

A: Seems unlikely, but it’s no problem. ARC Solutions can create a brand-new, fully customized module that integrates with other Polaris modules to achieve your specific goals.