Top 10 External Articles of 2006

Each month in our eNewsletter, we round up what we think are the most interesting articles and news stories related to choosing software. Through the magic of click-through-tracking, we can see what you clicked on.

What were the most popular non-Idealware articles of 2006 (by the percentage of those who opened who clicked on the article)? It's an interesting list. Can I get another drumroll...

Google Launches Online Calendar (Google)
In their continuing effort to win a record for releasing the highest number of useful tools in the shortest amount of time, Google just launched an online calendar. It includes RSVP functionality and looks like an interesting option for both individual schedules and organizational event calendars.

10 Ways Nonprofits Can Use Blogs (NetSquared)
Great lists – with tons of examples – that cut through the hype and explain how blogs are actually useful to nonprofits

PR 2.0 Essentials (Shift Communications)
I know, I know, it's another one - but a good one. How you can use RSS, Blogs, tagging, podcasts, wikis, and social bookmarking and more to promote your organization.

No Charity Cases: Forbes on the big nonprofit software companies (Forbes)
Forbes covers the profitability and business model of Blackbaud, Convio, and Kintera.

Online Interaction Tool Tour (Full Circle Associates)
A terrific, detailed look at the different types of online interaction and collaboration tools available, why you’d want to use them, tool providers, and examples.

Resources and Tips for Conducting Online Surveys (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
A detailed look at online survey tools in two parts, with an overview of available tools, tips on how to choose, and case studies.

Skype launches free conference calling for up to 100 people (Skype)
Skype, the VOIP phone service, has launched a “Skypecasting” service, which allows free public conference calls for groups of up to 100 people.

Content Management Problems and Open Source Solutions (Optaros)
This extensive whitepaper gives an overview of 15 open source content management systems (CMSs) categorized by business need. It assumes a strong knowledge of the CMS area, but is a useful starting point even if you don't have a lot of background.

Managing the Complexity of Content Management (Boxes and Arrows)
A great article from the business world about the steps involved in implementing a content management system.

Examples of Nonprofits Using Emerging Technology (NetSquared)
CompuMentor’s NetSquared project is collecting case studies and examples of nonprofits making interesting uses of internet technology. There are more than 150 posted so far.