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Software Developments, Developers and
Misc Technology

Updated 18/8/08

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Short note on terminology

We use the terms 'software', 'program', 'package' and 'application' fairly interchangeably. Basically this is the bundle of computer files which when brought into life actually produce the results you want (hopefully). An operating system is the underlying 'structure' used by the computer, such as Windows, Apple OS, Unix or DOS. Data is used by programs and increasingly can be moved between them, although the data structure may need to be 'mapped' across.

Software Technology Developments

NB this section was mainly written in 2000. At summer 2005, Open Source is gradually developing in terms of general and sector specific applications, but ASP is only just starting. See Web-based facilities under Internet Services page for current offerings for British groups.

There is great potential for the non-profit community worldwide, although much of the running is American. Take a look at ebase (listed on the membership software page) for what has been achieved with basic technologies. We've looked at two areas: Application Service Providers (ASP) and Open Source Software. The ASP model is where the software programs doing all the real work are held on internet servers and 'rented' out on some basis, rather than being bought and installed on your desktop. It might be possible to develop a tailored system (possibly piecemeal) for a groups of organisations more economically this way, particularly if it makes use of the second element, Open Source ('free' software systems or elements, like Linux).

What is it all about?

The Alliance for Community Technology helped organise a Workshop at Ann Arbor in May 2000 which resulted in a Joint Statement on 'Making Advanced Technology Work for Community-Serving Organizations: The Potential Impact of OSS and ASPs '. A useful reference, and the Appendix (we've reproduced it on our site for ease) is of particular interest in terms of 'where next?'. We also found the Resources Briefing Book (PDF Format, 79k), compiled by graduate students from the University of Michigan School of Information, of interest - it provides a general overview of many of the topics raised at the workshop.

Explaining Open Source and use in the sector

Source from a discussion on UKRiders list, June 06:

Open Source

There are some Open Source developments in England's voluntary sector with ChangeUp money (from late 2005). Try FOSS at VCS as a starting point.

The Nonprofit Open Source Initiative (NOSI) has been created to help facilitate a continuing discussion regarding the role of Open Source software in the Nonprofit sector - links page, messageboard etc. An offshoot is Social Source, which is seeking to put ideas into practice by developing software solutions for example dot.COMM which 'seeks to build a generic, open-source community networking application'.

Creative Commons is wider than open source software, working to create new forms of open copyright.

ASP

The Nonprofit Matrix is 'your online guide to ASP and Portal providers for the nonprofit sector' (American).

See Web Based Services for some current facilities.

Software Development for the Sector

Voluntary organisations in Britain haven't to date (March 2006) collaborated much to develop software for specific sector needs in Britain. The national ICT Hub and other initiatives may gradually change that - keep an eye on ICT Consortium or CITRA sites (Voluntary Sector and ICT page).

Elsewhere, see the NPO Developers list on NTEN (American).

Advice

Free advice in this area can be very costly! Developing software from scratch, or even assessing and implementing existing packages, based on a volunteer's personal approach, often with little or no documentation, can lead to short-term gains but medium to long term disasters. We won't go into the issues here. There are various (almost entirely American) non-profit sites which specialise in this. Start with TechSoup, or ICT Hub Knowledgebase (which is creating British versions of TechSoup items). Also look at Sector Sources on the TechTips page.

Database Planning Workbook is a Word document (272kb) can be downloaded from TechSoup. They also have an article on choosing a membership database.

Miscellaneous Specialist Software

Note: see separate page for web-based systems. For software written for specific types of organisations, check out the appropriate umbrella organisations listed on Helplines/Professional bodies or Areas of Concern.

Care Management Business Professional developed Care Manager in conjunction with Enable Scotland - see case study.

Charity tax reclaim software. Often part of membership software, but also see specific programs listed on our Tax Reclaim page.

Churches and hospices.See the IT for Charities web site for software lists.

Community profiling/appraisals. See Community Resources page.

Contact management As it is often connected we've included this area under membership software, although also see infrastructure/umbrella body section below.

Contract Management Keen Systems has developed a system to manage institutional funding contracts.

Information and Advice

InphoMagic is designed for organisations that have a key role in providing information to people and organisations in their area. However, Brammie Software web site has disappeared, spring 05. Try: phone 01793 536346.

AIMS (Advice & Information Management System) is produced by LASA.

Legal Case Management system for use by not-for-profit legal advice centres. For case follow-ups, including client consultations and court events. Developed as open source, with no cost to download, first release November 04.

For infrastructure or umbrella body

Also see Membership software and Web-based facilities. There are also a number of other databases written for Councils for Voluntary Service in the process of moving from development to wider availability. One such is Merlin, developed for Basingstoke and Deane. See our Local contact page for your nearest CVS, who may know more.

e-Vol from Senior Internet. Developed for use by Welsh sector bodies but available for wider use from August 05. May not yet be any details on their web site, but the contact details are there.

UniServity is dropping its web-based voluntary sector offerings. aimed at voluntary and community sector infrastructure organisations, focusing on the education sector instead.

Volbase A highly configurable database application designed for agencies that need to maintain networks and manage members or affiliates, especially CVSs. It also provides events management, questionnaire, monitoring and CRM functions along with web site integration options. Phone 01509 561652, email: info@volbase.co.uk

Lobbying See Campaign Resources page on this subject for what is happening on email and other facilities.

Volunteer management software - see Volunteer page.

Specialist Software Developers

Also increasingly see Web Site design and development, as this aspect becomes integral to many offerings.