Below is a link to an interesting brief discusion and then blog about the time and financial challenges non-profit organizations face in terms of technology.  There is a brief overview of different approaches and their benefits and disadvantages.  For example you can use free open source software but then you have to take the time to learn it if you don't already know it.  You can store all of your data on the internet but then if you are in the field or in developing countries you've got to have access to the internet. 

 

http://www.socialedge.org/discussions/marketing-communication/tech-solutions-on-a-shoestring

 

Sarah 2/20/08

 

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This article is interesting from another angle....many times start-ups and non-profits come to a cross-road in the infancy stages of their business. That is, do they continue to rely upon "free" technology (like the examples mentioned in the above article), personal email accounts, etc. or do they take the plunge into doling out the financial resouces to take their business to the next level? Unfortunately, in the business world, perception is reality...just like in any other environment. And the bottom line is that if a business is not perceived as an established business (i.e. their own domain name, email addresses, letterhead, etc.) then their business opportunities will suffer. It's definitely a vicious cycle because organizations should approach their financial investments wisely, but sometimes their revenues may not run parallel to their business needs in the beginning stages.

 

G. Feldmann, 2/24/08