System Architecture

System Architecture describes the structure and design of an organization's IT system, defining how various software solutions are connected and communicate (e.g., bidirectional or unidirectional). System architectures can be built using two different approaches:

• Best-of-Breed (BOB): Individual specialized software solutions for specific tasks (e.g., marketing automation) are connected to a central data hub (single point of truth) via API interfaces.

• Best-of-Suite (BOS): A single integrated platform is used, bringing together all required functions within one system.

An intelligently designed and integrated system architecture is essential for success in digital fundraising. All systems—from donation forms to CRM and email marketing tools—must work together seamlessly, enabling fundraising campaigns to be delivered in a personalized and effective manner. The Best-of-Breed approach is especially recommended for small to medium-sized organizations, as integrated solutions like Salesforce can quickly become costly and lead to a high dependency on a single provider.