Posts Tagged ‘Managing IT’
Managing Security vs Controlling Users
Computers and data networks are vulnerable, and wise IT Directors establish policies to protect them. They are guided by their research and experience in protecting these systems that contain valuable and sensitive data. But many go further than necessary, and without ever intending to, frustrate their staff. So let’s talk about some ‘best practices’ ministry security strategies.
Read MoreLayers of Protection
We are all masters of risk management! You may not have thought of yourself that way, but it’s true! You began learning how to manage risk when your parents taught you that you shouldn’t touch something hot because it would burn you. In elementary school you learned to avoid the school bully because any encounter with him or her could hurt. So all through our lives we’ve learned how to manage risk. And, as risk managers, we need various layers of protection from those things that could hurt our ministry’s computer systems.
Read MoreWhat’s Different about Business Continuity?
Many of us in IT focus on the quality of our system backup– or, at least we intend to. System backups are essential, but are they enough? What if the process of recovering from a disaster will be lengthy? Like with Katrina? Or 9/11? That’s when we’ll need more than a disaster recovery strategy. We’ll need a business continuity strategy.
Read MoreComputer Security
It’s not a matter of if a computer will crash, but when. Thus it’s important to protect computer systems from problems that will arise.
Read MoreWise Shopping
In a unique way, we in ministry are stewards of the resources of God’s kingdom. This demands our best efforts at making every dollar count. One way church leaders can spend ministry dollars with confidence— especially in the area of computers and technology— is by adopting a carefully formulated purchasing strategy.
Read MoreWhy Are My System Support Costs So High?
Our team has had the privilege of working on hundreds of ministry networks around the country. We are often appalled at the high support costs our clients paid with their prior engineering/support firm. There are usually three reasons ministries pay more than they should, let’s identify them to help you avoid unnecessary support fees.
Read MoreComputer First Aid Kit?
Most organizations have an undocumented disaster recovery plan that has never been tested. As many ministries learned in last year’s hurricane season, waiting until the disaster hits is the worst time to test your system.
Read MoreAverting An IT Disaster
In light of recent events many stories and articles are circulating about the need for disaster preparedness. Many of us are in areas prone to at least one form of natural disaster. What are the facts? How do we prepare? Possibly the hardest question to answer– what will it cost?
Read MoreChanging Your System or Software? What Should You Expect?
When churches change computer systems or software, they’re often surprised at the enormity of the task. The time and costs often run over budget, and the transition often leaves a trail of unmet expectations. With a little understanding of the process and some preplanning, however, these unmet expectations can be minimized and even avoided.
Read MoreWhen Is It Time To Change Your System or Software?
Ministries change computer systems and software for a variety of reasons. Some of these are good, and some are wasteful. What are some of the “right” reasons to change?
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