In this corner, we have the heavyweights: traditional office software like Microsoft Office or OpenOffice.org. These nearly ubiquitous desktop tools provide feature-rich, popular ways to support word processing and spreadsheets and to create and share presentations.

In the other corner, we have the upstart contenders. Over the last few years, online office software like Google, Zoho, and ThinkFree have matured into reliable tools to create, manage, and collaborate on these same types of office documents — all on the Web. Instead of installing software, these tools let you access and edit your files online.
Complete Article


Do You Need New Donor Management Software?   (Added: 5/9/09)
from Idealware

Idealware and NTEN, with the support of NPower, are thrilled to announce our new Consumers Guide to Low Cost Donor Management Systems. Looking for an affordable fundraising system? Start here!
Complete Article (Free Registration Required)


Make Faxing as Easy as Email with New MyFax Donation  (Added: 4/28/09)
from TechSoup

Thanks to a new partnership between TechSoup and Protus, the provider of MyFax, you can now save money while making faxing easier by requesting a donation of their MyFax Internet fax service.

With MyFax, you can send and receive faxes using any email account, allowing you to stay in touch anytime and anywhere Internet service is available. In addition, it helps you avoid the cost of a fax machine and supplies, fax server, or dedicated fax line. MyFax's security features can also help you meet HIPAA and Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.

Place your request today for a one-year subscription to the MyFax internet fax service, made possible thanks to a generous donation from Protus. This product, which has a retail value of $120, is available for a $25 admin fee through TechSoup.
Description


Creating a Technology Advisory Committee at Your Nonprofit   (Added: 4/3/09)
from TechSoup

Have you ever tackled a big project on your own only to find yourself confused and flailing, wishing you had someone to turn to for advice? If so, you know firsthand the importance of an advisory committee.

Why Create a Technology Advisory Committee?

There's a lot you don't know about technology
No one person can keep track of it all, so even if you're tech-savvy, listening to other techies can inform you about what's possible, what isn't and what the real costs are.

There are things you don't know about your constituents
Clients, board members, donors, and volunteers have needs and concerns that change constantly. Ask them what they want from a technology and what they want from your organization.

There are things you don't know about your colleagues
What are their successes and frustrations with technology? What tools, training and support services do they need?

You need evangelists
The members of your tech team will communicate your technology vision to colleagues, board members, volunteers and other constituents.
Complete Article with Links


Google Apps - Part 2
Getting Started with Google Apps Webinar

The recording of our Get Started with Google Apps Webinar is now online.

Hosted by Josh Feinberg of VerticalResponse and Austin Wang of Google, this Webinar focused on how to:

- Use Google docs, calendars, and sites alongside VerticalResponse.
- Collaborate with coworkers on email newsletter content.
- Create and host a site with Google Apps
- Develop a list of your most valuable customers / donors - it's easy to do with Google Apps!

Learn more about all the features in Google Apps and how you can use them to effectively manage your organization.
Complete Article


Google Apps
Google innovation. Powerful solutions. Zero investment.

With Google Apps' free communication, collaboration and publishing tools, including email accounts on your organization's domain (like staff@your-nonprofit.org), your entire non-profit organization can share information and ideas more easily. And now that registered non-profits qualify for Google Apps Education Edition, you'll have access to Google's premium product and support offerings at no additional cost.

With the Education Edition, your non-profit organization can:

- Decrease its total cost of ownership
- Get up and running quickly, even if it doesn't have a dedicated IT staff
- Offer staff and devoted volunteers the very latest innovation from Google, on its domain
Complete Article


TechSoup Stock
Resources to help your nonprofit solve its technology problems from TechSoup

TechSoup Stock is an online product donation service that connects nonprofits with technology product donations from more than twenty leading providers. All products are available either for donation, or for prices that are deeply discounted just for nonprofits.

We currently serve U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Canadian nonprofits and charitable organizations, and libraries.
Information on the TechSoup Stock Program


Quickie Technology Assessment

This is a Basic Technology Assessment site....you answer the questions and then review the recommendations.

The site is part of the TechAtlas program developed by NPower. This is a good introduction to the full-blown TechAtlas assessment application. Easy and quick...give it a try!
Basic Technology Assessment


What are some key nonprofit Internet and technology resources? Take a look at: Resources