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Computer Purchasing Guidelines

What are the Computer Purchasing Guidelines? Computer Purchasing Program Software Purchasing Program 2000 White Paper Series

Technology purchasing is so much more than buying computers ...

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. 

Before purchasing resources, it is critical that each organization examine its current capabilities and future vision in order to develop a technology plan which will meet its short- and long-term needs. 

It is essential that the plans incorporate the following: 

	Computers appropriate to each user's needs;
	Standardized software throughout the organization (e.g., Microsoft Office);
	Essential peripherals, such as printers, multi-function units, and scanners;
	Appropriate networking;
	Connectivity;
	A disaster-ready back-up system;
	Training for all users;
	Technical support;
	Policies for use; and
	An on-going funding plan (incorporating software upgrades and a 3-5 year hardware replacement plan) to cover expenses as the organization's technology and connectivity needs grow.

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

The Computer Purchasing Guidelines for Non-Profit Organizations covers these topics in detail and is available in the 2000 White Paper Series. (Click here for an order form.) For more information, contact Project Connect at 330-762-5627 or . 

What are the Computer Purchasing Guidelines? Computer Purchasing Program Software Purchasing Program 2000 White Paper Series

Computer Purchasing Program ...

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

What are the Computer Purchasing Guidelines? Computer Purchasing Program Software Purchasing Program 2000 White Paper Series

Software purchasing options ...

The Project Connect Advisory Council recommends that non-profits standardize on Microsoft Office Professional for the following reasons: 

	Microsoft Office Professional contains a comprehensive set of programs which can meet the computing needs of non-profits:  Outlook (e-mail, calendar, contact tracking, etc.)  Word (word processing, mail merges, basic newsletters, etc.)  PowerPoint (presentations)  Excel (spreadsheets, charts, and data analysis tools)  Access (databases)  Publisher (desktop publishing)  For website development, add Microsoft FrontPage  For organization charts, add Microsoft Visio Standard  For virus protection, add McAfee (stand-alone systems) or NAI Total Virus for Networks.
	The components (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) work well with each other, simplifying data transfer from one program to another.
	The Office suite is widely used among non-profits, which expedites file-sharing among organizations.
	Project Connect offers extensive training in Microsoft Office software.

Microsoft Software Purchase Options for Non-Profits 

	Complete a grant application for Microsoft's Giving Program:  If your organization is within the Great Lakes Region, visit www.microsoft.com/greatlakes/giving.htm.  Otherwise, visit www.microsoft.com/giving.
	Purchase the software from discount vendors such as CompUSA or www.buy.com:  ~$485 for each initial Microsoft Office 2000 Professional version (licensing discounts begin after 5th software purchase)  ~$275 for each upgrade from Office 95-97  ~$125 for each initial FrontPage 2000
	If you need 11 copies or less: Purchase the software from CompuMentor (www.compumentor.org) (political organizations, k-12 schools, or religious organizations not eligible) $55 for the initial Microsoft Office 2000 Professional  $25 for up to 10 single-user licenses  $40 for FrontPage 2000
	If you need 5 or more copies, purchase the software from a Microsoft Open Charity Reseller, such as Provantage (www.provantage.com/scripts/go.dll/-s/fc_msoc) or CDW (call an account representative at 800-800-4239, extensions 78068 or 78072 or 78066):  Buy a license (5-user minimum) of Office Professional 2000 for $55.98 (e.g., $279.90 for 5 users; $559.80 for 10 users).  No maximum allowances (agencies can order hundreds of licenses).  When new staff are added, agencies can purchase single-license copies at the open license rate for a 2-year period (which can be renewed as long as the program continues).  Unlike the CompuMentor program, religious organizations are eligible.  After you have received the confirmation letter with the authorization numbers, call Microsoft at 800-248-0655 and order the CD disks with the software on it. (Cost is $23 per disk.) After you get the CD(s), call Microsoft at 888-652-2342 to register the media get the product number so that you can install the software.

What are the Computer Purchasing Guidelines? Computer Purchasing Program Software Purchasing Program 2000 White Paper Series

For nonprofit execs: How was 2001? Take our short survey!
Project Connect Membership Program & Services List of Training Classes Training Calendar Electronic Newsletter Area Training Organizations Online Resources	Project Connect Members Food Pantry Computerization Pilot Project Complete Our Survey About Project Connect Advisory Council Links to Other Websites 1999 Needs Assessment Survey	Technology Standards for Non-Profit Organizations Computer Purchasing Guidelines White Paper Series Curricula Subscription Program Impact of Sept 11 Philanthropy on Local Nonprofit Contributions - October Report
Project Connect is partially funded by the GAR Foundation and the Verizon Foundation. If you would like to support our efforts, please contact Jacquie Skrzypiec, Project Manager, at 330-315-1335 or .