NOSI Letter of Inquiry
Last modified: January 14, 2003
Background
Currently, nonprofits spend a sizeable sum on software purchases, both for specialized software, such as an organizational database or group calendar program, and for general-use software such as Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Office. While some groups rely on regular software donations to limit license fees, this option is not available to religious or political organizations. And even organizations that do benefit from donations have no guarantee that both the donation program and their own donation request will be renewed in future years.
The corporate world has understood the limitations of licensed software for years. Many Global 2000 companies have turned to the alternative known as 'open source' software. These large companies, as well as leading technology vendors, have realized that by tapping into and supporting this free software movement, they can provide higher quality software at a lower total cost.
This development is a potential gold mine for nonprofit organizations. Some foundations and organizations are already seeing the benefits of open source software. For example, a key recommendation of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy's report 'Beyond Access: Ending the Organizational Divide' is the support of nonprofit use of open source software. In addition, a session on open source software was one of the best-attended sessions at the Circuit Riders Roundup Conference of nonprofit technology assistance providers in April 2002.
However, most nonprofits are still unfamiliar with open source software. Every nonprofit must decide on a case-by-case basis whether open source software is appropriate for their needs. Yet, a lack of information hinders their ability to make informed decisions. Unless we begin educating board members, managers, and technology staff about the open source alternative, their options are limited by default.
NOSI’s Program
Therefore, NOSI is developing an integrated program to educate nonprofit board members, managers, and technology staff about the pro's and con's of open source software. This program includes fourprojects. We will:
- Conduct a total cost of ownership (TCO) Study to determine the total cost of Linux versus Microsoft Windows at comparable nonprofit organizations using each;
- Based on the results of the TCO study, choose a handful of organizations to pilot linux on both the server and desktop; document the process;
- Develop Open Source Workshop curricula and conduct a series of pilot workshops to educate nonprofit board members, managers, and technology staff about the pro’s and con’s of open source software;
- Give nonprofit managers and end-users hands-on access to try open source software by hosting the Open Source Cyber Café at nonprofit sector conferences. The Café successfully debuted at the 2002 Circuit Riders Roundup in Orlando, FL and was enthusiastically asked back for their 2003 gathering.
The program will target the following constituencies:
- Non-technical management staff - This audience includes managers and executive directors with limited technical skills. It is important to reach the technology folks and the people in decision-making power. For this constituency, the focus will be on the big picture, the overall concepts of open software, and relevant management issues, rather than implementation details.
- Technical staff - We will target the professionals currently servicing nonprofit organizations with materials and workshops to help them leverage their current knowledge of proprietary software and to learn to implement open source software.
- End users - We will provide non-technical end users with demonstrations of open source via the Cyber Cafe, preparing them for future use of open source software.
By the end of the project, our goal is to:
- Draft and disseminate via the Internet two TCO white papers (for each of the first two constituencies) and a set of accompanying case studies;
- Successfully implement and document the installation of linux in three organizations chosen based on the TCO white paper research process.
- Hold pilot workshops in New York and Washington, with one workshop in each city for non-technical management staff and one targeting technical staff;
- Based on the pilot workshops, draft and disseminate via the Internet a download-able training package that includes a full curriculum and set of workshop materials for each of the three constituencies that can be used and adapted by other trainers;
- Pursue additional funding for a national series of workshops;
- Hold the Open Source Cyber Café at four or more nonprofit conferences.
Partnerships
In the spirit of open source, the project is a collaborative effort with each project partner bringing unique expertise and resources to the table (see below for descriptions of project partners). A part-time NOSI staff person will coordinate partner activities to ensure prompt and successful project completion.
To conduct the TCO Study, we will engage a consulting firm with experience in both conducting TCO studies for new software implementations and working with nonprofit organizations. We have started discussions with KMG, Inc., a consulting firm based in Washington, DC that meets these requirements. They have also expressed a willingness to provide their services at a discount given the nature of the project. In addition, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has agreed to donate IT staff time to the TCO project, as part of its ongoing evaluation of using Linux at its Locals.
The partnerships we will enter into to complete installation of linux in three pilot organizations will depend on the organizations chosen, with special emphasis on finding consultants local to the organizations chosen. The training project will rely on partnerships with three nonprofit organizations: Media Jumpstart (based in New York), Technology Works for Good (based in Washington D.C.), and the Organizers' Collaborative (based in Cambridge, MA). In addition, we will work closely with Dr. Michelle Murrain, and independent technology consultant for nonprofit organizations.
Finally, the Open Source Cyber Café has from its inception been a partnership between NOSI and the Legal Services Corporation’s Technology Network. This partnership will continue, thereby leveraging LSTechNet’s IT staff resources.
Nonprofits have a lot of catch-up to do before they are in a position to make decisions about whether open source software is appropriate. By researching other organizations’ experiences, developing a curriculum and series of workshops, and raising awareness of the open source alternative, we are confident that we can help get them there.
Sincerely,
Reuben Silvers
NOSI Project Lead
Member, NOSI Steering Committee
Jamie McClelland
Media Jumpstart
Chair, NOSI Fundraising Committee
