Articles: How to Choose Software

Idealware articles, like those in our Few Good Tools series, give nonprofits concise, critical information on the software choices available for specific organizational functions and goals. We compare software options, offer real life examples and case studies, and give you the tools to make the right decision based on your specific needs.

Articles: How to Choose Software

  • Greening Your IT Through Your Software Choices
    By David Deal, for the Green IT Consortium,
    November 2009

    Computers and servers can consume a tremendous amount of natural resources.  David Deal and the Green IT Consortium take a look the software that can help you reduce your environmental footprint.

  • Selecting Software on a Shoestring
    By Laura Quinn,
    December 2008

    If you need an inexpensive software tool that’s not particularly strategic for your organization, traditional software selection techniques can seem awfully complicated. Here’s a simplified six-step process that can help when you just need to make a simple choice quickly.

  • Open Source vs. Vendor-Provided Software: Comparing Them Side by Side
    By Jeff Walpole,
    November 2008

    Open source software applications are becoming an increasingly viable alternative to vendor provided commercial software. Jeff Walpole explores the differences between these types of software, and the pros and cons of each alternative.

  • The Truth About Hosted Software Packages
    By Laura S. Quinn,
    November 2008

    Should you consider hosted or Software As a Service software applications for your nonprofit? There are a lot of conflicting and often inaccurate messages out there: They're not secure! Use them – they'll replace your IT staff! Perhaps they'll change your life… or perhaps they're evil. What's the truth? We investigate.

  • The Perfect Fit: A Guide to Evaluating and Purchasing Major Software Systems

    By Peter Campbell,
    September 2008

    A major software package shouldn't be chosen lightly. In this detailed guide, Peter Campbell walks through how to find software options, evaluate them, make a good decision, and then purchase the system in a way that protects you.

  • The True Costs of Free and Low-Cost Software
    By Michelle Murrain,
    January 2008

    Acquiring software for very little money — or even getting it for free! — can feel great. Yet is that bargain really a bargain? Learn how to assess whether that affordable software package is a great deal or a lemon.

  • XML, API, CSV, SOAP! Understanding the Alphabet Soup of Data Exchange

    By Peter S. Campbell,
    October 2007

    Let’s say you have two different software packages, and you’d like them to be able to share data. What would be involved? Can you link them so they exchange data automatically? And what do all those acronyms mean? Peter Campbell explains.

  • Idealware: Vendors as Allies: How to Evaluate Viability, Service, and Commitment
    By Steve Heye and Steve Lancman,
    July 2007

    When you’re using enterprise software to help run your organization, the software vendor becomes a key ally – and the right relationship may be as important as features or price. Steve Lancman and Steve Heye recommend methods for comparing the intangible aspects of vendor services.

  • Retooling the eNonprofit: Expanding the Options for Integrated Online Software

    By Michael Stein,
    January 2007

    New integrated online software tools lead to more possibilities for nonprofits. How do you choose?   Internet strategist Michael Stein describes what's available and offers some considerations when choosing tools that can help with emailing, online donations, advocacy online, and more.

Articles: How to Choose Software

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