This document summarizes several free and low-cost online tools that can be used for NGO development projects and project administration, with a focus on ICT for Development. It provides brief introductions and demonstrations of tools like Google Docs, Doodle, Yammer, IncSpark, Facebook closed groups, and 37Signals/Ta-Da Lists. It also lists some things to consider when working online, such as terms of service, privacy policies, costs, server locations, applicable laws, reliability of startup companies, data security, and confidentiality.

1. Free / low-cost tools for NGO development projects and project administration in particular ICT for Development, 3.3.2011 Kaisa Kolari / POWWE'R ry

2. Content of the Presentation Short introductions and demo on different tools Google Docs Doodle Yammer Incspark Facebook (closed groups) 37Signals -> Ta-Da Lists Things to consider when working online

3. Google Docs – Creating and Sharing Documents Online Service for creating and sharing work online and accessing documents from anywhere Basic functions free of charge, upgraded functions and apps subject to a fee Company based in California, USA but possible disputes from Scandinavian users settled according to British legislation www.docs.google.com

4. Doodle – Tool for Scheduling Events and Creating Polls Service for creating polls and scheduling events / meetings Basic functions free of charge, upgraded functions subject to a fee www.doodle.com Example: http://doodle.com/qksdr72reuc75zmv?newDesign=false

5. Yammer – Social Network for Organisations Social network service for communication within organisations or between organisation's members Company email required for joining company network Users can post updates, polls, links, attachments etc. Groups (within network) or communities (open to other networks) Basic functions free of charge, upgraded admin rights subject to a fee Company based in San Francisco (CA), USA www.yammer.com

6. IncSpark – Finnish Social Network Start-Up Internal social network for organisations Access by invitation to any email address Users can post updates, links, attachments - more functions under development (service launched in December 2010) Basic functions free, in the future upgraded admin most likely subject to a fee Company based in Finland, server located in the EU www.incspark.com

7. Facebook – Closed groups for project communications Social network service for individuals and companies Groups creator may invite members or users can request access Users can post updates, documents, links, pictures etc. Free of charge Company based in California, USA www.facebook.com

8. 37signals -> Ta-Da Lists Web-based apps for collaboration, sharing information and making decisions Certain functions free or charge, others subject to a fee Company based in Chicago (IL) USA www.37signals.com -> Ta-Da Lists: Online to-do lists http://tadalist.com/

9. Things to consider when working online (1) What are the terms and conditions of the service? What about their privacy policy? Which functions are free of charge, which subject to a fee? Are there any ”hidden” costs? Where is the company / server located? Which laws are applicable?

10. Things to consider when working online (2) Is the service provider a start-up company? Can you rely on their services to be stable, reliable and continuous? What if something goes wrong? Whose responsbility is it to make sure there's a backup of the work done? What groundrules need to be laid down with regard to data security and confidential information?

11. Questions? Comments? POWWE'R ry - Proud of Who We Are www.powwer.org www.thequeenofhearts.fi Kaisa Kolari [email_address]