Using the shared IT service, each organization has an IT specialist visiting them regularly– whether they have problems or not. When there are no problems, regular maintenance of hardware and software, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), research, and longer term IT solutions is performed or developed for your individual needs, and emergency support is always only a phone call away.

Given the nature of the work, there is no “typical” day in the life of the shared professional. The IT specialist, through careful training, develops a routine which usually allows him to visit 2 to 3 organizations a day. At one, he may be leading a committee meeting on videoconferencing and soliciting feedback on the pros and cons of such a venture; on his next visit, he may find a computer that has smoke coming out of the back and requires an immediate replacement of the power cord; on his next stop, he may deal with complex security issues that are affecting the entire network and causing it to work improperly, and on a final stop, he may meet with the Pastor to determine the components of a proper disaster recovery plan. Throughout the day, he places and receives a wide variety of calls related to future appointments, emergencies and how-to fixes, advice on software usage, and connecting outside vendors to specific nonprofits. Evenings are generally consumed with routine business needs and planning. Each day is indeed hectic, but is also rewarding since it is task driven, and accomplishments, or at least progress, can be seen on most every front almost every day.

IT specialists associated with InSource often have expectations for themselves that are far above the expectations of any nonprofit with which they are associated. Somehow, these differing expectations, and differing needs, all work together to form a solution that is very efficient and highly effective.

IT Services and Support Provided By InSource

• Professional, regular, ongoing, in-person technical support

• Professional, emergency technical support during normal business hours

• Full assessment of your technology position and capabilities

• Development of written, measurable objectives specific to your organization

• Long term IT strategies

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) recommendations

• Research for any technology problem or issue

• Routine maintenance, servicing and system “cleaning”

• Problem solving in advance of breakdowns

• Staff and volunteer training when you need it (one-on-one or group)

• Computer repair

• PC Networking

• Recommendations for integrating hardware and software

• Hardware and software installation (whether you get the item or he does)

• Shared office product installation and support (i.e., shared printers, scanners, etc.)

• Support to integrate additional technology with outside vendors (i.e., phone system, internet providers, high volume copiers)

• Security recommendations, including Internet and networking usage and levels of access.

• New Server installation (additional costs)

 What’s Not Provided By InSource

·         Costs for purchasing additional hardware and software that you decide you need

·         Costs associated with outside vendors already existing or that you decide you need

·         Travel expenses when required (i.e, gas, tolls, parking)