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A must for any non-profit needing to survive the technology and internet age!!
The Project Connect
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:
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The Purpose of a Technology Plan
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The Components of a Technology Plan
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Putting a Technology Plan Together
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Budgeting for Technology
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Executing a Technology Plan
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Practical Suggestions, Issues and Common Pitfalls
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Appendix 1 & Business Strategy Overview
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Appendix 2 & Current State Assessment
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Appendix 3 & Future Vision & Guiding Principles
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Appendix 4 & The Tech Plan
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To order the Project Connect 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:
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Why Connectivity?
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Connectivity Options
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Suggested Criteria for ISP Selection
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NE Ohio Provider Options
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What Does It Mean?
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Website Options
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Additional Support
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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.
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Criteria
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Bright.Net |
ACORN |
RoadRunner |
APK.NET |
USALogin |
Raex |
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$120 for full-year of dial-up internet access. |
No charge for web hosting, internet access, or e-mail. |
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20% discount. Cost for one computer (1-3 year contract): $244 set-up plus $55.95 per month. Includes 5 MB website (www.neo.rr. com/ ~agency) & 5 e-mail addresses ([email protected]). Total cost: $671.40 per year + $244 set-up).
Additional computers: $99 set-up plus $39.95 each per month. ($479.40 per year +$99 installation).
$250 new domain name registration (www.agency. com); $150 to transfer existing domain name.
Each block of 5 e-mails per domain name: $9.95 per month + $50 set-up.
Total cost for internet access, domain-specific website, and 5 domain-specific e-mail addresses: $790.90 per year plus $643 set-up.
*No additional phone line required.
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$180/year for dial up access, 1 e-mail mailbox, 5 MB website. 1-time $20 set-up fee. Additional mailboxes: $60/year each. Domain name e-mail: $50 per year + 1-time $50 set-up.
Total package, including 3 domain name e-mails: $330 plus $70 1-time set-up.
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$227.40 per year for dial-up access and 3-4 e-mail mailboxes. $479.50 for web hosting.
Total: $706.90 per year.
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$129.50 per year dial-up service, 5 MB website (www.raex.com/ ~agency), & 5 e-mail mailboxes ([email protected] raex.com).
Upgrade option: $240 per year for 20 MB website (www.agency.com), and 5 e-mail aliases ([email protected] agency.com).
$50 for domain web hosting set-up. Total Upgrade costs: $369.50 per year + $50 1-time fee.
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| Unlimited internet access |
Yes |
No--2 hours per day |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Expandable e-mail system |
Yes |
Yes ([email protected] acorn.org) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Control over website look |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Responsive to inquiries |
Yes |
Yes |
Proposal submitted 2 months after deadline |
Referred us to their website |
Yes |
Yes |
| Strong, experienced technical knowledge |
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Yes |
Support phones manned 8 AM-6 PM M-F. After- hours emergency service 6-8 PM M-F, 8 AM-5 PM Sat, 10 AM-3:00 Sun. All other times, representatives are paged. |
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Yes, references said this was a strength; available 8 AM - 8 PM, sometimes until 11 PM |
| Sufficient staff to meet participants' needs |
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10 technical support employees |
| Service reliability |
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System & services monitored 24X7. References report stable service with very few downtime periods. |
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| Stable company to ensure long-term relationship |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Started 1999 |
Since May 1995 |
| Experience with FrontPage extensions support |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
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Yes--over 800 FrontPage sites |
| Good references from customers |
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Some customers reported slow/runaround technical support, slow response to redirect requests, etc. Others report excellent, responsive service. |
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Excellent reports from references: Christine Galvin of Galvin Design; James Moseley of PCC Airfiols; and Melanie Schilling of TEC Communications |
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Chris Mahovic
877-716-0762 |
Ann
Hutchinson
330-643-9142 |
Joe
Distelhorst
330-630-6436 |
Stacey
Demantis
216-241-7166 |
Jeff
Satterfield
330-666-7897 |
Jerry
Blaine
888-604-4638 |
Go back to the list of topics.
To order the Project Connect 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:
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Serving More People with Less Effort
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Developing a Technology Plan
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Hardware Recommendations
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Monitors
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Laptop Computers
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Hardware Upgrades
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Used Computers
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Refurbished Computers
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Brand-Name vs. Generic
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Vendors
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Software Recommendations
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Software Upgrades
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Installing Software
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Microsoft Software Purchase Options for Non-Profits
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Essential Peripherals
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Printers è Scanners
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Multi-Function Units
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PDA's
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Networking
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What Can a Network Do?
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Evaluating a Network Design
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System Server Software
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Network Infrastructure
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Wiring
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The Bottom Line
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Connectivity
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Disaster-Ready Back-Up System
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Training for All Users
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Technical Support
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Preventative Maintenance
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Policies for Use
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On-Going Funding Plan
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Attachment 1: Technology Plan Worksheet
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Attachment 2: Special Pricing for Project Connect Participants
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Attachment 3: Sample Internet & E-Mail Acceptable Use Policy
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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.
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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
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Amos Data Systems
Contact: Gary Amos
1530 West Market St
Akron, OH 44313
330-836-3132
www.amosdata.com
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Microcenter, Inc.
Contact: Chuck Hutchinson
Eastgate Shopping Center
1349 S.O.M. Center Road
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
440-449-7000
www.microcenter.com
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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:
To order the Project Connect White Paper Series, click here.
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Project Connect is partially funded by the GAR Foundation, the Akron Community Foundation, the Knight Foundation, the Cleveland Foundation, the Sisler McFawn Foundation, Northern Ohio Golf Charities, Community Technology Fund of Ohio, and the Verizon Foundation. If you would like to support our efforts, please contact Jacquie Skrzypiec, Project Manager, at 330-315-1335 or .
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