Altai Systems AMS Review 2025 | Microsoft Dynamics Platform

Altai Systems AMS Software Review for Association Executives: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Power

Note: This analysis of Altai Systems has been updated from our initial 2020 summary with the latest information as of 2025, highlighting recent developments such as their acquisition by N. Harris Computer Corporation.

For association execs diving into the wild and wacky world of AMS options, figuring out if a Microsoft Dynamics 365-based solution is your organization’s perfect match is like trying to find the right pair of socks in a drawer full of mismatched ones—it's going to take some serious digging. Luckily, this thorough review is here to help, offering a no-nonsense look at Altai Systems—a platform that’s carved out its own quirky niche by tapping into one of the planet’s most beefed-up enterprise technology ecosystems.

Summary of the Altai CRM Software

Altai Systems is an association management software platform built entirely within Microsoft Dynamics 365, designed to serve mid-sized to large membership-based organizations [1]. According to the company's official positioning, Altai's AMS Platform helps associations modernize operations, empower members, automate processes, and scale with confidence.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, Altai Systems employs between 11-50 team members who specialize in CRM, AMS, Association Management Solutions, Membership Management, and Microsoft Dynamics CRM Development  [1]. The company experienced a significant milestone in September 2024 when Altai Systems was acquired by N. Harris Computer [2], positioning the platform for expanded resources and long-term stability within a larger software corporation.

What sets Altai apart from traditional AMS vendors is its configuration-first approach within the Dynamics 365 ecosystem. Instead of developing an independent system, Altai has developed association-specific features that integrate with Microsoft's enterprise platform. This provides access to Microsoft's significant research and development efforts, which reportedly amount to over $5 billion annually in the CRM platform [3].

The Purpose Statement of the Altai Software

According to Altai's core mission statement, they exist to help associations build stronger relationships with their members, maximize revenue, and improve organizational efficiency by centralizing data and opening associations up to powerful reporting capabilities [1]. The company emphasizes transformation through insight and empowerment, freeing association staff from manual tasks to focus on strategic member engagement.

The vendor's stated philosophy centers on configuration over customization—meaning they prioritize using native Microsoft Dynamics 365 tools to adapt the system to client needs rather than writing custom code that could complicate future upgrades. This approach reflects a belief that associations benefit most when they can leverage enterprise-grade technology without the traditional enterprise-level complexity and cost barriers.

What Makes Altai Systems a Fit for the Association Market and Unique

Several characteristics position Altai Systems distinctively within the AMS landscape:

Microsoft Ecosystem Integration: Unlike competitors who build on Salesforce or proprietary platforms, Altai is built within Microsoft Dynamics 365, giving associations complete access to Artificial Intelligence, Business Intelligence, customer journeys, workflows, and more [3]. This means organizations already invested in Microsoft tools (Office 365, Teams, SharePoint, Power BI) gain seamless interoperability.

Configuration Flexibility: The Altai solution is unique in that it does not lock the customer into a predefined solution; as an association's needs and requirements change, the application can be configured to meet those needs using tools available in Microsoft Dynamics without requiring custom programming [4]. This architectural approach offers significant advantages for organizations with complex or evolving business processes.

CMS-Agnostic Member Portal: Altai offers the only AMS-based web portal that is CMS agnostic  [4], meaning associations can maintain their existing content management system rather than being forced onto a vendor's proprietary website platform—a flexibility rarely found in the marketplace.

Enterprise-Grade Foundation: By building on Dynamics 365 rather than creating proprietary architecture, Altai clients benefit from Microsoft's continuous platform improvements, security updates, and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning without waiting for vendor-specific development cycles.

Think of it this way: If most AMS vendors are like custom home builders who construct everything from the foundation up (and you're responsible when the foundation needs updating), Altai is more like a high-end renovation specialist who transforms a luxury condominium (Microsoft Dynamics 365) into your dream home. The building management company (Microsoft) handles the plumbing, electrical systems, and structural maintenance while Altai focuses on making the space perfect for your association's unique needs.

Functional Goals of the Altai AMS Software

Based on documentation from the vendor's platform overview and public resources, Altai Systems delivers functionality across these core association management areas [5]:

• CRM & Record Management: Thorough management of constituent relationships encompasses members, donors, contacts, prospects, and organizational connections, complete with a full interaction history and engagement tracking.

• Membership & Group Management: Support for a variety of membership structures, such as individual and organizational members, chapters, sections, committees, and special interest groups, with adaptable membership types and levels.

• Committee Management: Tools to organize committee meetings, track tasks and assignments, manage documents, and facilitate collaboration among volunteer leaders.

• Event Management: Planning, promotion, registration, and execution capabilities for conferences, webinars, local chapter meetings, and various association events with integrated payment processing.

• Financial Management: Budget tracking, transaction management, accounts receivable, revenue recognition, and integration capabilities with general ledger systems for both cash and accrual accounting.

• Certification Management: Member certification tracking, continuing education unit (CEU) management, renewal workflows, and credential verification.

• Awards & Nominations: Systems for managing award programs, nomination processes, judging workflows, and recognition activities.

• Document Management: Centralized storage and organization for association documents, member resources, committee files, and organizational knowledge bases.

• Data & Analytics: Dashboards, queries, and reporting capabilities leveraging Power BI for comprehensive insights into membership behavior, financial performance, and program effectiveness.

• Member Portal: Self-service capabilities allowing members to update profiles, pay dues, access resources, register for events, and manage their relationship with the association through web-based portals integrated with existing websites.

• Marketing & Engagement: Dynamic segmentation, targeted campaign management, email marketing integration, and member journey tracking to enhance communication effectiveness.

The platform focuses on automating repetitive tasks, managing approval process workflows, and utilizing business intelligence to support data-driven decision-making. These capabilities are especially beneficial for mid-sized and larger associations handling complex operations.

Where Does Altai Systems Fit in the Market

Within the SmartThoughts Tier Classification Framework [6], Altai Systems positions primarily as a Tier I (Enterprise) and likely on the higher end of a Tier II (Mid-Market) solution. This classification reflects several key characteristics:

The tier system, originally developed by SmartThoughts over a decade ago and refined through hundreds of software selection projects, helps associations understand which solutions align with different organizational sizes, complexity requirements, and resource capabilities [6].

Tier I Enterprise Characteristics: Altai demonstrates typical enterprise AMS features, such as a sophisticated database architecture, extensive API capabilities for integration, advanced analytics and reporting via Power BI, significant configuration flexibility, and professional services for setup, training, and business process consulting. Tier I solutions are generally designed for large national membership-based organizations with operating budgets starting at $5 million, offering comprehensive and sophisticated systems with flexible and robust core databases [6].

Tier II Mid-Market Positioning: Altai also serves the upper end of the mid-market effectively. Tier II solutions target mid-size associations with operating budgets of $3.5 million or more, focusing on core member databases and member portals with strong membership functions and greater depth in billing, events, and e-commerce [6]. Altai's configuration approach makes it accessible to organizations in this tier who need customization capabilities without full enterprise complexity.

Ideal Client Profile: Altai explicitly states their platform is not suitable for every association, and they seek organizations committed to team engagement, a culture of collaboration, strong leadership backing, and most critically, commitment to the Microsoft ecosystem—what they call being "all in" with Microsoft tools [1].

The vendor seeks clients who are enthusiastic about "learning how to fish," which implies they desire organizations willing to invest in training and empowering their teams to manage the platform on their own, rather than relying continuously on vendor support [1].

Comparable Systems: Within similar market segments, Altai competes most directly with:

• Nimble AMS: Also built on an enterprise platform (Salesforce) rather than proprietary architecture, serving similarly sized organizations seeking enterprise-grade technology

• Fonteva: Another Salesforce-based alternative popular among professional and trade associations

The distinguishing factor is Altai's pure focus on Microsoft's ecosystem—organizations already invested in Microsoft technologies or planning that direction find Altai's approach strategically aligned, while those preferring Salesforce or vendor-independent solutions would naturally gravitate toward alternatives.

The Investment Costs of Altai Systems

Altai Systems does not publish standard pricing publicly, as costs vary significantly based on organizational size, complexity, required functionality, implementation scope, and support levels. According to third-party sources, Altai Systems enterprise association management solutions typically have starting prices around $50,000 Altai Systems - Smyte [7], though this should be viewed as a general baseline rather than definitive pricing.

Cost components typically include:

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 licensing (billed by Microsoft based on user counts and license types)

• Altai association-specific application licensing

• Implementation and configuration services

• Data migration and conversion

• Training and onboarding

• Ongoing support (with different tiers from base support included in licenses to premium 24-hour access)

The total cost of ownership should be evaluated over multiple years, considering that Altai strives to keep all clients customization-free, ensuring that software upgrades are included within existing licensing fees rather than requiring additional fees for maintaining customizations [8].

In the end, it is recommended to contact the software vendor directly for the latest pricing information. Investment conversations should include discussion of your specific organizational needs, user counts, functional requirements, implementation timeline, and support preferences to receive accurate cost projections.

Peer Reviews and Unique Feature Insights for Altai

Synthesizing reviews from verified sources reveals both strengths and considerations:

Positive Feedback Themes:

A career-long association professional notes that

"Altai System's CRM platform is easy to use, highly customizable and makes it easy to create new revenue models," specifically highlighting that "service is one area where Altai really shines" with the ability to connect directly with project managers [8].

Another client described their experience as

"very pleasant" from "contract negotiation through implementation to post-go-live support," emphasizing that "every Altai staff we have worked with was extremely professional and helpful" and "very responsive to all the questions we have" [8].

An organization replacing their legacy iMIS system appreciated that

"unlike the iMIS 'steel box', Altai takes advantage of all" the flexibility of Microsoft CRM [8], highlighting the platform's adaptability compared to more rigid traditional AMS architectures.

For rapid implementations, one association working under a sixty-day timeline found

"Altai was accommodating but also understood the urgency," successfully completing an aggressive go-live schedule [8].

Considerations and Concerns:

Limited public reviews on major platforms like G2, Capterra, and Software Advice make comprehensive peer assessment challenging—a common pattern for enterprise-focused vendors whose clients tend to be fewer in number but larger in scale and whose sales cycles involve direct relationship building rather than high-volume digital marketing.

Employee reviews on Glassdoor present mixed perspectives. Some employees describe "excellent place to learn and advance your professional growth" with "competitive compensation, flexible work schedule" and opportunities to "learn new technologies" [9].

However, concerns included "no career paths, reviews, chance for upward movement or raises," "total chaos" with "no project plans and high employee turnover," and challenges that "still feels like a startup when by all rights should be a medium-sized established company" [9]. It's important to note these reviews predate the 2024 acquisition by Harris Computer, which may address some organizational growing pains through increased resources and structure.

The relative scarcity of extensive peer reviews reflects Altai's positioning in the enterprise/mid-market segment, where selection processes typically involve extensive demonstrations, reference calls, and relationship development rather than reliance on aggregated online reviews. Prospective clients should plan to request specific client references in comparable situations to their own organization.

Analyst Expert Analysis and Reasoning by SmartThoughts

Several observations emerge from a comprehensive analysis of Altai Systems within the broader AMS marketplace:

Strategic Positioning Strengths: Altai's Microsoft-first approach represents both a significant advantage and a selective filter. Organizations already committed to Microsoft technologies gain tremendous value from unified ecosystems, seamless data integration, and reduced technology complexity. The configuration-over-customization philosophy aligns well with associations seeking flexibility without the perpetual upgrade headaches that plague heavily customized systems. This is not a "one-size-fits-all" platform—it's specifically designed for organizations ready to embrace the Microsoft way of working.

The CRM Foundation Reality: Association executives must recognize that Altai Systems functions primarily as a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform with additional association-specific features, rather than being a purpose-built Association Management System (AMS). This distinction is significant because traditional CRM systems, even comprehensive ones like Microsoft Dynamics 365, are primarily designed for sales, marketing, and customer service workflows in commercial enterprises, rather than the unique operational needs of membership organizations.

Although Altai has effectively integrated features specific to associations—such as membership types, dues cycles, committee management, and certification tracking—the core data model, terminology, and system logic still reflect its CRM origins. Organizations considering Altai should anticipate a greater investment in configuration, training staff to adopt CRM paradigms, and potentially navigating limitations when association business processes do not align seamlessly with CRM structures.

This is not inherently negative, as CRM platforms provide robust relationship tracking, powerful automation, and enterprise-grade scalability. However, it does mean that associations may require stronger technical resources or consulting partnerships to effectively utilize the platform, compared to purpose-built AMS solutions that inherently cater to the specific needs of associations.

Market Timing and Evolution: With more than 18 years of experience serving associations and founders who have over 25 years in the association community, Altai offers valuable institutional knowledge crucial for converting association business processes into technology. The acquisition by Harris Computer Corporation in 2024 may help alleviate some of the historical challenges highlighted in previous employee feedback, offering capital, infrastructure, and organizational maturity that can enhance resources and stability for clients.

The Microsoft Dynamics 365 Advantage: Building on an enterprise platform means Altai clients benefit from innovations developed by one of the world's largest software companies. Artificial intelligence capabilities, advanced analytics through Power BI, business process automation through Power Automate, and continuous security enhancements come standard—features that would require years of development and massive investment for standalone AMS vendors to replicate. However, this also means organizations inherit Microsoft's complexity, licensing structures, and update cycles.

Implementation Philosophy Considerations: Altai's clear preference for clients "eager to learn how to fish" reflects an implementation philosophy focused on training and empowerment rather than fostering long-term dependency [1]. This strategy benefits organizations with existing technical skills or a desire to build them, but it may not be ideal for associations that prefer extensive, continuous vendor support. The configuration-first approach demands that clients (or their consultants) comprehend Dynamics 365 capabilities to fully utilize the platform.

Ideal Fit Assessment: Altai Systems represents an optimal choice for:

• Mid-sized to large associations (operating budgets $3.5M and above) with complex business processes

• Organizations already using Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint, or other Microsoft products

• Associations with IT staff or consultant relationships capable of managing Dynamics 365 configurations

• Entities prioritizing enterprise-grade technology with scalability for future growth

• Organizations willing to invest in staff training and platform mastery

Conversely, Altai may present challenges for:

• Smaller associations under $1M operating budgets seeking simpler, all-in-one solutions

• Organizations without a Microsoft ecosystem commitment or a strong preference for alternatives

• Associations requiring extensive vendor hand-holding for basic system management

• Entities lacking technical resources to leverage Dynamics 365 capabilities

Looking Forward: The acquisition by Harris Computer provides promising indicators for Altai's future development trajectory. Harris Computer specializes in vertical market software acquisitions and maintains a track record of providing acquired companies with resources while preserving their domain expertise. For prospective clients, this suggests improved stability, potentially expanded development capacity, and long-term viability—important factors when selecting technology platforms meant to serve associations for a decade or more. However, as with any acquisition, organizational changes may affect relationships, support models, or product direction, making careful due diligence about post-acquisition plans advisable.

The product roadmap and senior leadership stability deserve inquiry during the evaluation process, as recent acquisitions sometimes bring beneficial resources but can also introduce uncertainty during transition periods. Prospective clients should ask direct questions about how the Harris Computer acquisition impacts ongoing support, product development priorities, pricing structures, and the implementation team composition.

For verified Association Executives not currently working with a consultant, we invite you to schedule a complimentary evaluation conversation to explore whether Altai Systems aligns with your organization's specific needs. Our objective analysis, developed through hundreds of AMS selection projects, helps association leaders make informed software decisions without vendor bias. We also offer comprehensive Smart

Reports providing deeper analysis of Altai Systems alongside comparative insights into alternative solutions appropriate for your tier and requirements. Contact SmartThoughts to learn how our software selection services can reduce risk and accelerate your path to the right-fit AMS solution. Visit our software selection services page to begin the conversation.

Sources Cited:

[1] Altai Systems Official Website. (2025). https://www.altaisystems.com/

[2] PitchBook. (2024). Altai Systems Company Profile. https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/142003-27

[3] SourceForge. (2025). Altai Systems Reviews. https://sourceforge.net/software/product/Altai-Systems/

[4] Capterra. (2025). Altai Systems Pricing, Alternatives & More. https://www.capterra.com/p/143133/Altai-Systems/

[5] Altai Systems. (2024). AMS Platform Features. https://www.altaisystems.com/ams-platform/

[6] SmartThoughts LLC. (2024). Membership Software Tiers: Where Do You Fit? https://www.smartthoughts.net/post/membership-software-tiers-where-do-you-fit

[7] Smyte. (2024). Altai Systems Overview. https://smyte.com/software/altai-systems/

[8] Altai Systems. (2022). Why Altai - Client Testimonials. https://www.altaisystems.com/why-altai/

[9] Glassdoor. (2025). Altai Systems Reviews. https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Altai-Systems-Reviews-E2149314.htm