At times we couldn't get his attention when we needed it most. Everyone has a responsibility for the integrity of the network by adhering to agreed-upon procedures. New employees get trained in these procedures as part of their orientation. Much has transpired in the five years since the Community School of Music and Arts began its quest for technology. It has better aggregate data about its student population, and its fund development information is better organized and more easily accessed.
Technology is a big investment.
Michael Cummins, chief financial officer, championed this change in philosophy because the group's semi-customized software programs required too much outside expertise to implement changes and the M.I.S. staff was spending too much time troubleshooting software problems. Three of the sites have now converted to a Windows platform and all 150 employees use Microsoft Office on their desktops, as well as other standard programs. Most nonprofit agencies can buy standard software products that will do at least 90 percent of what they want done. You may need to wait for an enhancement you want, but mass-merchandised software has been tested for reliable performance and offers good flexibility. The Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose had been operating with its original 1990 technology, and it was time for a change.