Project Connect  
2000 White Paper Series

A must for any non-profit needing to survive 
the technology and internet age!!

The Project Connect 
2000 White Paper Series

Includes:

Developing a Technology Plan 
Internet Service Guidelines for Non-Profit Organizations 
Computer Purchasing Guidelines for Non-Profit Organizations

Packaged and tabbed in a labeled notebook!!

Only $50 plus $5.00 shipping/handling.

To order, click here. 

Questions? Contact Project Connect at 330-762-5627 or . 

Developing a Technology Plan

Before purchasing resources, it is critical that the organization examine its current capabilities and future vision in order to develop a technology plan which will meet its short- and long-term needs. Jack Janoso, Chief Information Officer of Sharon Regional Health System and a former member of the Project Connect Advisory Committee, has written an extensive white paper detailing how to create and implement a technology plan.

Topics include:

	The Purpose of a Technology Plan
	The Components of a Technology Plan
	Putting a Technology Plan Together  Budgeting for Technology
	Executing a Technology Plan
	Practical Suggestions, Issues and Common Pitfalls     Appendix 1 & Business Strategy Overview  Appendix 2 & Current State Assessment  Appendix 3 & Future Vision & Guiding Principles  Appendix 4 & The Tech Plan

To order the Project Connect 2000 White Paper Series, click here.   

Internet Service Guidelines 
for Non-Profit Organizations

According to the Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network, non-profits throughout the country have discovered that technology and connectivity directly and positively impact the efficiency of service delivery. With the proper tools, training, and support system, these organizations can serve more people with less effort. 

Opportunities to achieve the mission of non-profit organizations in a more effective and efficient way abound for those non-profit agencies that are technology savvy. Communication with clients, donors, funders, other service providers and the community at large is enhanced by its use. In addition, agencies can enhance their mission fulfillment through connectivity.

In early 1999, Project Connect surveyed non-profit organizations throughout Summit County. The results reflected what other regional technology initiatives throughout the country have discovered: Many non-profit organizations wanted internet and e-mail services, but they did not understand what is required for these services and what they should consider when deciding upon providers. Others were not happy with the service they had because it was either too much or too little. 

This paper addresses these needs by identifying the connectivity options available, the selection criteria developed by the Project Connect Advisory Council, and the results of a request for proposal distributed to area providers.

Topics include:

	Why Connectivity?
	Connectivity Options
	Suggested Criteria for ISP Selection
	NE Ohio Provider Options
	What Does It Mean?
	Website Options
	Additional Support

Project Connect has negotiated these rates with area providers . This is not intended to be a complete list of providers. We have included in this list only those companies which were recommended by advisory council members and Project Connect participants and which were responsive to our request for proposal. Project Connect does not endorse any organization; this is for information only. Please use this only as guidelines.

Go back to the list of topics.

To order the Project Connect 2000 White Paper Series, click here. 

Computer Purchasing Guidelines 
for Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations can better serve their mission when they use technology and connectivity to increase efficiency and improve communications among their clients, other non-profit agencies, and the general community.  

The Resources Sub-Committee of the Project Connect Advisory Council has developed these guidelines to assist non-profit organizations obtain the most appropriate, cost-effective resources to fulfill this purpose.

Topics include:

	Serving More People with Less Effort
	Developing a Technology Plan
	Hardware Recommendations  Monitors  Laptop Computers  Hardware Upgrades  Used Computers  Refurbished Computers  Brand-Name vs. Generic  Vendors
	Software Recommendations Software Upgrades  Installing Software Microsoft Software Purchase Options for Non-Profits
	Essential Peripherals  Printers è Scanners  Multi-Function Units  PDA's
	Networking What Can a Network Do?  Evaluating a Network Design  System Server Software  Network Infrastructure  Wiring  The Bottom Line
	Connectivity
	Disaster-Ready Back-Up System
	Training for All Users
	Technical Support
	Preventative Maintenance
	Policies for Use
	On-Going Funding Plan     Attachment 1: Technology Plan Worksheet  Attachment 2: Special Pricing for Project Connect Participants  Attachment 3: Sample Internet & E-Mail Acceptable Use Policy

As part of our Computer Purchasing Guidelines for Non-Profit Organizations, these vendors have agreed to offer special pricing for computer equipment. 

To participate in this program, you must identify your organization as a participant of Project Connect and have a 501(c)(3) determination letter. 

These vendors have been screened for service and support. Project Connect cannot guarantee or warrant their services; however, other participants have highly recommended them.

If you are a vendor who would like to participate in this program, please contact Project Connect at 330-762-5627. Recommendations from 3 non-profit organizations are required for participation.

	BCG Systems, Inc.  Contact: Mark Goodson  1735 Merriman Rd  Akron, OH 44313  330-864-4816  www.bcgsys.com Special Project Connect Pricing: http://bcgsys.neo.rr.com/projectconnect/pricelist.htm
	Amos Data Systems  Contact: Gary Amos  1530 West Market St  Akron, OH 44313  330-836-3132  www.amosdata.com
	Microcenter, Inc.  Contact: Chuck Hutchinson  Eastgate Shopping Center  1349 S.O.M. Center Road  Mayfield Heights, OH 44124  440-449-7000  www.microcenter.com
	For United Way Affiliated Agencies Only:  IBM, Inc.  800-426-7235 x4147  www.ibm.com/shop/ibmdeals/uwa

There are also reputable internet-based vendor websites recommended by participants:

	www.buy.com
	www.pcnation.com
	www.pricewatch.com

To order the Project Connect 2000 White Paper Series, click here. 

Project Connect Membership Program & Services Training Calendar Electronic Newsletter Online Resources	Complete Our 2001 Survey About Project Connect Advisory Council Links to Other Websites 1999 Needs Assessment Survey	Technology Standards for Non-Profit Organizations Computer Purchasing Guidelines 2000 White Paper Series

Info Line, Inc. " 474 Grant St " Akron OH  44311 " 330-762-5627 " 330-253-1137 Fax
Copyright 2000 Info Line, Inc., Akron, OH  44311
All rights reserved.