Idealware seminars are designed to give you the tactical advice you need to make software decisions. They include all the candid advice and product comparisons of the reports and articles on which they are based, but offer plenty of extra guidance and insights straight from the author.

Each is just $40, and all you need is an internet connection and a phone line to participate.

Comparing Open Source CMSs: Joomla, Drupal, and Plone

THIS THURS! Feb 21st, 1:00 - 2:30 EST

Open source content management systems (CMS) are particularly attractive to the nonprofit community because of their cost-efficiency, but what do these systems actually do? And what are the differences between the most common CMSs? We'll compare Joomla, Drupal, and Plone for typical nonprofit needs, and then experts in each of the systems - Ryan Ozimek, David Geilhufe, and Patrick Shaw - will demo the systems and answer your questions.Read more or register >

10 Common Mistakes in Choosing Donor Databases

Thurs, Feb 28th, 1:00 - 2:30 EST.

How do you choose a donor database that will support successful fundraising? The software is only half the story. Fundraising technology strategist Robert Weiner will walk through ten common mistakes that can prevent you from selecting the right database and managing it effectively.  Read more or register>

Getting Started with Online Donations
Thurs, March 6th, 1:00 - 2:30 EST

What online donation tools are available? How do they work? How do you know which one is right for your organization? We answer these questions, and discuss some of the specific tools that are available, such as Network for Good, PayPay, Click & Pledge, Groundspring DonateNow, eTapestry, MemberClicks, AuctionPay, and more. Read more or register >

Tools to Manage a Website Without Technical Skills

(Introduction to Content Management Systems)

Thurs, March 13th, 1:00 - 2:30 EST

There are a number of solid and affordable options to track your volunteers, donors, partners, and other constituents. How should you choose? We'll walk through everything you need to know to pick the right database for your organization, and consider the pros and cons of commonly used databases such as GiftWorks, Metrix, eTapestry, Salesforce, DonorPerfect, and Democracy In Action. Read more or register>

View more information and more seminars >

Want all the information for half the price?  Check out our recordings of previous seminars>

Here are some of the best posts and resources from the Idealware blog last month.

Should You Podcast? (Idealware)
Some thoughts on the types of organizations for whom podcasting is likely to be useful

Web Sites in United States that List Online Volunteer Opportunities (MacDonald Youth Services)
A long, annotated list of the US websites that allow you to post volunteer opportunites. The directory also includes sites that are availabe to organizations in other countries

Universities' Use of Web 2.0 Software (Supporting Advancement)
Interesting results from an informal survey of what universities are doing, and would like to do, with Web 2.0 software like blogging, social networking, podcasting, and more.

Determining Your Social Network Needs (TechSoup)
Beth Kanter offers a great look at your options for getting involved with social networking sites

Eight Secrets of Effective Online Networking (TechSoup)
Beth Kanter's follow-up article, looking at tips and tricks to use social networking sites effectively

Google Apps Adds E-mail Security and Compliance (Small Business Computing)
Google Apps integrates it's purchase of Postini with new security and archiving functionality for Google email

R and Other Free Statistical Analysis Software (Idealware)
Some useful resources for those looking for low cost statstical analysis tools

PayPal Tutorial and Promotion (PayPal)
PayPal targets nonprofit online donations with new tutorials and an offer of a $50 donation to those who recieve $500 or more

Tracking "Ladder of Engagement" Organizing With Salesforce (ONE/Northwest)
A look at how ONE/Northwest has modelled a common method for converting constituents to more and more enagaged supports - interesting for the philosophy as well as the discussion of Salesforce

Ask Idealware: How to Find Hosting for a Video Heavy Website (Idealware)
Michael Hoffman from See3 Communications walks through some considerations for hosting video