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Choosing A New (Or Your First) ASP
Choosing the appropriate Web-based application service provider (ASP) can be an arduous yet necessary task for any nonprofit. Even the smallest organizations are incorporating technology into their operations, and the trend is more likely to grow than the reverse.
At the same, an organization's mission can be enhanced if it makes the right connection and hampered if it makes the wrong one.
Andy Wolber, executive director at NPower Michigan, offered several considerations during a recent conference for anyone planning to look for a Web-based ASP.
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They are:
- Does the software meet your needs? Consider how online systems integrate with other systems used.
- Do all staff who need the software have reliable access to a computer and a high-speed Internet connection?
- If/when you decide to change service providers, can you get your data in a standard format? You don't want to be locked in to one vendor.
- Are current customers of the vendor happy? Visit and discuss with staff at similar organizations about their experiences.
- How financially stable is the company? Investigate the number of customers a company has, as well as its profitability and track record. While there are no guarantees, profitable companies that have been around for several years and have a sizable customer base are more likely to remain in business than a venture capital-funded startup that has few employees.
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This article is from NPT TechnoBuzz, a publication of The NonProfit Times.
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