Ever feel like tech people are speaking another language?

“Tenants” “Shared environments”… Yeah, me too. Half the time it’s just jargon for something really simple, they just don’t bother to translate.

That’s why I love using analogies. My trusty Lego one still works for different CRMs. Everyone knows Lego (and if they don’t, well… I don’t trust them). The point is: if you explain tech using something people actually get, suddenly it’s not scary anymore.

So let’s tackle some of those confusing phrases you might’ve heard – back to: tenants and shared environments.

“We are in shared environments.” Excuse me, what?

Ever asked, “Can I change this in my CRM?” and got the reply, “Well, you’re a tenant,” or “No, you’re in a shared environment.”

Said with such authority, like you should nod along, except you’ve no idea what it actually means.

Here’s the simple version:

Your CRM is a big office block.

• Your organisation has one office unit.
• Inside your office, you can do what you like. Shuffle the desks, paint the walls, stick up a giant motivational poster of a cat – go wild.
• Step outside though? Different story. You can’t redecorate the lobby or knock down the stairs because everyone needs those.

That’s what “tenant” means: you control your unit, not the whole building.

And no, you can’t just wander into someone else’s office either (unless they invite you in).

Why can’t I just change stuff?

Because it depends on the CRM.

• In Raiser’s Edge, you get more flexibility – relabel fields, turn off bits you don’t use.
• In Donorfy, not so much.

But this isn’t a design flaw, it’s the whole point. It keeps things stable, affordable, and stops the “building” falling down just because Bob on the second floor decided the lifts were unnecessary.

But hang on, is my data safe?

Yes. Totally. The walls between offices are solid. Your neighbour’s data won’t sneak into your CRM, and yours won’t go wandering either. What you get is security and a system that doesn’t cost the earth.

So next time…

When someone drops the whole “shared environment” or “tenant” line, you’ll know what’s what – and you won’t embarrass yourself asking if pets are allowed. 🐾