Your operating system may have holes that viruses can get through; hackers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to compromise data; and, even simple mistakes can lead to costly damage to organization data and systems.  GroundWork group and The Huntington National Bank teamed up to develop and launch a new service offering to address these and other information security issues nonprofits face.

GroundWork group's new Vulnerability Assessment and advancement process will help nonprofits secure their data and computer infrastructures for a price they can afford.  Implementation of the recommended improvements will ensure nonprofit data meets the technology industry standards for the Three Pillars of Information Security: Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability and delivers long-term benefits:

• High-level data and network security at an affordable price
• Increased awareness of the importance of information security
• Reduced liability as sensitive information is protected
• Prevention of costly security incidents
• Business continuity protected
• Prevention of damage to your reputation
• Peace of mind that data and networks are more secure from possible compromise

Local nonprofits recognize the value of this new service, "Having a vulnerability assessment performed by GroundWork group allowed us to confirm that our practices are functioning well and our environment is secure, while identifying some areas we can improve to enhance our IT system integrity," said Barbara Poppe, Executive Director of the Community Shelter Board. 

Organizations walk away from the Vulnerability Assessment with these key items:

• Policies and procedures templates for an effective network security policy
• Report on the current state of the organization's computer network security
• Comprehensive view of effectiveness of current security practices
• Prioritized list of recommended actions for improvement

In addition to the assessment, GroundWork group IT specialists can help to implement the recommendations to bring nonprofit information up to the same high-level protection in use among the corporate and government sectors. 

"With the ever-changing risks and regulatory requirements that are presented to companies today, The Huntington takes Information Security very seriously," said Tammy Moskites, Vice President and IT Security Officer with The Huntington National Bank.  "We are proud to work with GroundWork group and offer our expertise to help bring quality IT Security to the nonprofit sector." 

Microsoft Corporation generously contributed software, servers and licensing valued at over $175,000 to GroundWork group to help us in our efforts to strengthen the impact of Columbus-area nonprofit organizations through the use of technology.  We are putting the donations to immediate use to enhance our technology services for nonprofits: IT In A Box Managed Services, Technology and Network Assessments, Technical Support, Website Development, Infrastructure Management and more.

"This Microsoft contribution increases our capacity to meet the technology needs of our nonprofit customers," said John Hrusovsky, GroundWork group CEO.  "Statewide, nonprofits will benefit as we can expand our delivery to more organizations."

"Microsoft is delighted to support the amazing and wide-reaching work of the GroundWork group," said Marietta Davis, General Manager, Microsoft Heartland District.  By renewing their commitment to GroundWork group, Microsoft has added to a donations program that has surpassed half a million dollars over the past two years.  Microsoft contributions have helped GroundWork group to leverage additional software donations and cash grants as we aim to boost the technical capabilities of the nonprofit sector.

Less than a decade ago, nonprofit organizations in the Columbus area identified "technology" as the number one barrier to capacity-building.  GroundWork group was formed to meet that need.  Today most nonprofits have computers and use networks.  GroundWork group is working with over 140 nonprofits in Central Ohio, helping organizations leverage technology to enhance their ability to conduct their core missions.  We assist in the development of strategic technology plans, teach classes on use of equipment and software, develop nonprofit leaders, train nonprofit staff and volunteers on the effective use of technology resources and provide sound technology consultation.  GroundWork group helps nonprofits streamline operations, reducing administrative overhead and turning more budget dollars toward direct services.  A key factor in the success of GroundWork group's initiatives is cost.

Nonprofit organizations continue to consider mergers and formal partnerships as part of the natural business cycle, whether to reduce costs, to expand the scope and reach of services or to eliminate duplication of services.  Organizations typically seek professional assistance with the organizational, legal and financial aspects of mergers, yet they overlook the need for help with combining the technology environments of the entities. GroundWork group recognized this need and developed our Mergers & Acquisitions Technology Services to help facilitate a smooth transition from an operational perspective: before the merger, technology due diligence and throughout the merger, technology integration.

Technology needs consideration in all mergers and acquisitions.  GroundWork group's new offering cost-effectively manages the merger of the technology infrastructure before, during and after the merger.  Organizational needs addressed include:

1. Technology Due Diligence.  Pre-merger, GroundWork group will evaluate the compatibility of the different technology environments, determine the necessary steps to bring the environments together, conduct preliminary technology updates and help plan the new organization's "go-to-market" strategy.
   
2. Integrate the Technology Infrastructure.  During and post-merger, GroundWork group will manage and perform all tasks to integrate the technology environments, which may include:
   • Phone lines and relationships with phone service provider(s)
   • Internet service and relationships with provider(s)
   • Location of servers, assessing infrastructures and considering possible multiple locations
   • Application review
   • Data merge: clients, donors, volunteers, employees and vendors
   • Merge/purge of integrated mailing lists and other databases
   • Physical location: assessment of adequacy of phone lines and data lines and the work necessary to make phone and data capabilities suitable
   • Security of data during and after merger process
   • Assist with strategic technology planning of new organization, including policies, procedures and documentation
   • Updating and integrating hardware, software and licensing
   • Website development or redesign
   • Streamlining operations
   • Design, development and launch of new organization's technical infrastructure
   • Continuation of technology needs throughout merger process, providing for uninterrupted services and ensuring access to data
   • Technical support throughout merger process and beyond
   • Any additional tasks identified by GroundWork group or the organizations merging

Contact GroundWork group to discuss the technology side of mergers, acquisitions and other formal partnerships.  We can also recommend legal, financial and other consultants to assist in your process.  Email info@groundworkgroup.org or call 614-884-7780, ext. 101.

GroundWork group will roll out, in April, our new Education Offering called The Value of Information Technology to Nonprofit Organizations: A Board Member's Guide.  We developed the course in conjunction with IBM.  It is a two-hour course for non technology professionals that either sit on nonprofit boards or are involved with boards.  The course is designed to help the volunteers understand the basic concepts of technology and how they can be applied into the nonprofit community.  This course will be another GroundWork group Education offering that we hope will further educate the community about the importance and value of IT for nonprofit organizations.  Watch your emails for more information as well as our website www.groundworkgroup.org.

Social Networking: Internet Society, Legal Questions and More
Wednesday, April 1 - 8:30 a.m. to Noon
SERS Building, 300 E. Broad St., O’Keefe Conference Room, Columbus, 43215

United Way of Central Ohio, GroundWork group and the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations are teaming up to present a half day workshop covering social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, organizational policy and legal issues associated with social networking.

• What is social networking?
• How do you create and participate in a social networking site?
• Legal Risks: What your organization needs to know surrounding social networking and creating policy.

Presenters: Ben Blanquera, Director of Application, Progressive Medical; Sandy Blanquera, President & Catalyst, Blanquera Consulting; and, Lisa Kathumbi, Attorney, Bricker & Eckler.
Cost: $40 for GroundWork group and OANO members; $50 for nonmembers. Price includes breakfast.
Space if filling up!  Register now:  Click Here

Business Productivity Classes - Microsoft Office
Monday, April 13 - Microsoft Excel 2003 Level 1, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
                                 - Microsoft Word 2003 Level 1, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Platform Labs, 1275 Kinnear Rd., Columbus, 43212
NOTICE THIS IS A NEW DATE FROM PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT.

Beginner Microsoft Excel 2003 - Level 1, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m..  Does using Excel give you butterflies?  Not any more.  Our beginner Excel 2003 course is a simple, hands-on approach to learning all the Excel basics.  Learn how to manipulate worksheets; work with data; create simple formulas; format worksheets; use relative, absolute, mixed and 3D references; sort data effectively; create basic charts; and, save and print Excel workbooks.

Beginner Microsoft Word 2003 - Level 1, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Most of us are self-taught and only use 1/10 the capability.  In this course, learn the most common, efficient ways to make Word work for you.  Learn how to set up Word; work with text; create, remove and modify bulleted/numbered text; use headers and footers effectively; create and format tables; convert tables; use readability statistics; insert graphics; and, use special features of Word 2003.

Cost for each session: $30 for Full Members; $40 for Associate Members; $50 for Non-Members.
Please RSVP to Brenda Grosse: bgrosse@groundworkgroup.org or 614-884-7780, Ext. 101.

Nonprofit IT Forum - Topic TBA
Tuesday, April 14 - Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Jewish Family Services, 1070 College Ave., Columbus, 43209

Additional information coming to your email soon!  Lunch will be provided courtesy of the Tony R. Wells Foundation.

Please RSVP to Brenda Grosse: bgrosse@groundworkgroup.org 614-884-7780, ext. 101.

Stretching the IT Dollar
Tuesday, April 28 - Noon to 4:00 p.m.
United Way of Central Ohio, 360 S. Third St., Room 136-138, Columbus, 43215
DUE TO HIGH DEMAND, WE WILL BE OFFERING THIS WORKSHOP QUARTERLY!

Every nonprofit is doing their best to stretch their dollars within every budget category.  John Hrusovsky, CEO of GroundWork group, will go through a step-by-step process, giving you ideas on making an immediate impact on your current technology dollars.  Discuss spending recommendations; gather ideas on projected IT budgeting; evaluate your current IT practices; and, interact with other nonprofit professionals to share ideas on leveraging technology.

Cost: $40 for Full Members; $50 for Associate Members; $60 for Non-Members.  Price includes lunch.
Please RSVP by April 24, to Brenda Grosse: bgrosse@groundworkgroup.org or 614-884-7780, ext. 101.

SAVE THE DATE! GroundWork group fourth Annual Conference, Friday, October 2, 2009 at the Fawcett Center on The Ohio State University campus.  More details to follow.