TechBridge provides resources and guidance to help non-profits develop technology plans and leverage technology to better achieve their missions. An effective technology plan can help non-profits increase efficiencies, manage budgets, build online communities, and protect their organizations. TechBridge recommends that technology plans include assessments of current resources and needs, defined projects with costs and timelines, and considerations for implementation and ongoing maintenance and support.

1. Bridging the Technology gap TechBridge, Inc www.techbridge.org

3. Improve communications with stakeholders

4. Increase operating efficienciesSource: Techbridge

5. Why have a Technology Plan? A Technology Plan is a strategy document that helps you think through what your IT needs are and how they can be achieved with the resources that you have. Source: Techbridge

6. Why have a technology plan? A well thought out plan can help you: Increase efficiency in your daily operations Manage your budget and spend money more effectively Build an online community and boost fundraising efforts Give donors more confidence in your organization and provide an element of sustainability. Avoid crisis by reducing the chance of lost data and capabilities Protect your organization from outside threats Source: Techbridge

7. Getting Started Technology planning is a process (7 things you need to know) Establish leadership and support for your technology plan. Assess your current resources – www.techatlas.org Define your needs Explore solutions- here’s where you may need a technical consultant. Put your plan in writing Develop a funding strategy - 70/30 rule: for every dollar budgeted for technology, 30 cents goes towards hardware and software purchases and the remaining 70 cents for training and support. Implement a plan and timeline Source: Techbridge

8. Basic Components of a Technology plan Include a summary of the current state of your technology then provide an overview of how technology will further your organization’s mission. The body of the plan should include descriptions of the technology projects you plan to undertake. Source: Techbridge

9. Basic Components of a technology plan Each project should contain the following information: Description Benefits – useful in raising funds Tasks – helps with a timeline Cost Budget – is it practical? Timeline – phases and deadlines Source: Techbridge

11. Workstations/Servers/Printers (hardware)- take inventory

12. Network Infrastructure diagram - see below:Source: Techbridge

13. Focus areas Internet Connectivity- How fast is your connection? There are several free tools you can use! http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ Remote Access- Can your employees access files while at home or on the road? Email – Do you have the ability to share calendars? Backup/Disaster Recovery – what happens if your server fails? How quickly can you recover your data? Intranet – How do your employees share information and collaborate? Applications/Software – Does it meet your needs? Source: Techbridge

14. Virus Protection Consider a corporate Anti-Virus solution that Centrally manages corporate network devices: Servers, desktops, laptops, and mobile devices are all susceptible to attack Detects virus, trojans, malware, and spyware: replicate & spread, unauthorized access, information gathering Automates scanning and removal processes: scheduled scans, automated detection and removal without user interaction Combines hardware and software solutions: Website Filters, E-mail SPAM and Virus Prevention, network firewalls Source: TechBridge

15. Some Security issues for 2010 Anti Virus is NOT enough – Companies such as Norton Anti-virus are using technologies that evaluate the reputations of the files and applications running on your PC. Social Engineering - is the act of manipulating people into performing actions or divulging confidential information, rather than by breaking in or using technical hacking techniques. Attackers are going directly after the end user by tricking them into downloading malware or divulging sensitive information. I.e.: Rogue security software vendors. Social Networking Sites – Adjust Facebook privacy settings to help protect your identity Read the Facebook Guide to Privacy Think carefully about who you allow to become your friend Show "limited friends" a cut-down version of your profile Disable options, then open them one by one as it makes sense. Social networking third-party apps. Windows 7 will come in the crosshairs of attackers – Be sure your organization keeps security patches up to date with ANY new Operating System. URL-shortening services – be mindful of the source when you click on shortened links via Twitter. Source: www.internetnews.com/www.sophos.com

16. Secure your wireless connection Use encryption Use a password Don’t broadcast the name of your network Use MAC address filtering- this forces the network to reject any device it does not recognize. Make sure your computers are properly secured with anti-virus, security patches and a firewall to protect your org from malware-based connections. Source: www.sophos.com

17. Anti-virus policy Introduce an anti-virus policy Produce a policy for safe computing and distribute it to all staff. Make sure every employee has read and understood the policy, and that they know who to speak to, if they have any questions. Such a policy could include: A ban on downloading executables and documents directly from the internet. A ban on running unsolicited executables/documents/spreadsheets within the organization. A ban on playing computer games or using screensavers which did not come with the operating system. An IT checking and approval system for executables that arrive via email from the outside world. Locking down workstation to prevent users from downloading programs. Source: www.sophos.com

18. IT Project Implementation Designate a point person Break projects into tasks Assign responsibilities Establish a timeline – set milestones Evaluate your success – On time? On budget? Meet your needs? Is it being used? Update your technology plan- should be a living breathing document Source: TechBridge

19. Things to consider Training – Technology that is implemented and not used is useless! How will you care for your new technology? Who will do regular maintenance to prevent problems? Consider 3rd party support. Sometimes going the cheapest route doesn’t yield good short-term results. Source:

20. Resources Techsoup- donated and discounted hardware and software. www.techsoup.org Sophos - www.sophos.com – Download the 2010 security report. Tech Atlas- FREE online Tech Assessment and planning tool www.techatlas.org Find Tech Grants- www.techfoundation.org FREE Online Training for Microsoft Office 03/07- http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/ Source: TechBridge