Idealware: Comparing Lower-Cost Online Integrated Applications
December 20th, 2007 at 03:30pm Under NEWS
Idealware has published an overview report that will help smaller organizations looking for online service providers who can offer a full range of integrated services such as online donations, email management, membership database, and manage event registrations.
The report reviews service packages provided by 8 leading companies: Wild Apricot,eTapestry, GivenGain, MemberClicks, Z2 Systems Neon, Democracy in Action, Network for Good, and CitySoft, and considers some of the benefits that integrated systems can provide.
“Because all of these functionalities are wrapped up together into one package, there’s no need to synch up the data between different components. For instance, all of an organization’s online donors are stored automatically in the donor-database side, and are easily available for emailing. These online integrated packages can provide a compelling alternative to locally installed applications and custom software — especially for organizations that haven’t already made a sizable investment in constituent software and have a fairly common set of needs.”
> Read Comparing Lower-Cost Online Integrated Applications here
Following close on Kintera’s open platform release a few days ago, Convio has launched its own ‘open’ service: Convio Open, which will allow a wide range of partners to connect their own specialized services into Convio’s web-based membership and advocacy system. Using Convio’s open API, software developers will be able to build bridges that connect their programs directly into Convio’s system, allowing their custom extensions to be integrated into the Convio system, and for data to be exchanged directly (i.e. record updates, etc.). 
Kintera took the wrappings off it’s anticipated Kintera Connect open application platform today, announcing a range of industry partners who have participated in the development of the first wave of 3rd party integrated tools for the Kintera Sphere platform. The roster includes application partners offering plug-in tools such as CRM, call center, data/analytics, fundraising and mobile/social networking tools. 
Another step taken by Google into the nonprofit world by launching a program allowing nonprofits to sign up for their own YouTube channel and host their own videos, public service announcements. calls to action and more. Additionally, the channels will allow non-profits to use Google Checkout to collect donations without being charged any fees. 
Google seems to be getting interested in the multi-billion dollar nonprofit sector with the announcement of a special suite online donation processing tools for nonprofits. Google Checkout for Non-Profits gives access to Google Checkout e-commerce system, and builds in specific tools for creating and publishing online donation buttons, plus a set of API functions for integrating data with internal donor-management systems. Google is offering this whole system for free (0% commission + $0 transaction fee) until the end of 2008. 
Another installment in Techsoup’s series of handy quick overviews of online services for nonprofits - this time looking at the technology options and choices for handling online event registrations.
MailHarbor is an easy-to-use Web 2.0 email marketing application designed for small businesses, associations, and non-profits. Building contact lists, creating email campaigns, and tracking results are just a few clicks away.
An article in the recent NonProfit Times technobuzz newsletter addresses the impact of online fundraising tools, including ASP services, on traditional fundraising event management.