Technology Articles

Making the decision to seek a new Managed Service Provider (MSP) is rarely easy. For many organizations, the thought alone can stir a sense of unease—after all, technology forms the backbone of daily operations, and switching providers feels akin to performing open-heart surgery on a system that must continue beating without pause. The risks of disruption, the fear of choosing poorly, and the overwhelming volume of decisions that need to be made can leave even the most seasoned executives feeling anxious. Yet, when approached thoughtfully and methodically, the process can become not only manageable but empowering, setting the stage for a stronger, more capable IT environment. This article explores best practices, structured approaches, and key activities that can help make the MSP selection process smoother and more strategic, while also addressing the risks involved and ways to mitigate them.

In today’s fast-paced world, technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, affecting every industry imaginable. From healthcare to finance, manufacturing to education, every sector is finding ways to leverage the latest technological innovations. Yet, in the membership association and professional society sector, there has long been a trend of hesitation when it comes to embracing new technology. This delay in adopting modern tools often leads to continued inefficiencies in the management of organizations and their processes. However, with the rapid emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), many organizations within this space are beginning to recognize the potential value of embracing these technologies, even in their most basic forms. AI offers a variety of benefits that can significantly enhance the operational efficiency and member experience of associations and societies.

In today’s complex digital landscape, IT governance plays a critical role in ensuring that technology investments align with business objectives. One often overlooked yet essential aspect of IT governance is the regular review of software and solution licensing, particularly for long-term and annually recurring renewals such as Microsoft licensing. This process is not merely a financial exercise but a strategic initiative that impacts cost management, operational efficiency, long-term IT success, and the organization’s overall ability to innovate. By conducting systematic reviews of software licenses, IT leaders can optimize expenditures, ensure compliance, and support the organization’s evolving needs. These reviews allow organizations to identify inefficiencies, adjust licensing models to current usage patterns, and avoid unnecessary renewals that drain budgets. Furthermore, effective license management supports IT leaders in making data-driven decisions, fostering financial accountability, and improving resource allocation.

Technology has become an integral part of our lives, shaping the way we work, communicate, and even think. Whether you’re an individual looking for the perfect productivity tool or an organization seeking to implement a transformative solution, the process of selecting the right technology is both an art and a science. Done right, it can lead to innovation, efficiency, and growth. Done wrong, it can result in frustration, wasted resources, and missed opportunities. But how do you ensure you’re making the best choice? The answer lies in a thoughtful and strategic approach to evaluating your options. This article explores the best practices for selecting the right technology, focusing on the importance of understanding needs, evaluating compatibility, and fostering a love for the tools that empower us.

When organizations embark on the journey to adopt new technology solutions—be it an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, a customer relationship management (CRM) platform, or another enterprise-wide tool—there is often a surge of excitement at the start. Individuals across teams look forward to the possibilities: streamlined processes, enhanced data insights, and an overall improvement in how day-to-day work is handled. This enthusiasm frequently emerges during the early stages of discovery and selection, as stakeholders imagine how the chosen solution will positively influence their performance. However, as the project moves beyond the initial phase and into the implementation stage, that anticipation too often diminishes. The reason is rarely due to the software itself, but rather to an innate resistance to altering established workflows and methods of completing tasks. The very change that new technology demands becomes a stumbling block, and rather than taking advantage of the opportunity to improve efficiency, organizations revert to old habits. In doing so, they sabotage the full potential that these solutions offer and risk draining the value of the investment they have made. This article explores why resistance to change can derail technology implementations, how the resulting missed opportunities undermine efficiency, and what steps organizations can take to ensure they make the most of their new systems. In essence, it is a call to embrace the very changes that new technology solutions represent, and to recognize that adapting workflows is not a failure but a step toward excellence and competitive advantage.

As we navigate through 2024 and into 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be a transformative force in the business world. Building upon rapid advancements from previous years, organizations are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance operations, drive innovation, and gain a competitive edge. However, this surge in AI adoption brings both opportunities and challenges. This article delves into what has come of the AI movement in business, explores its future trajectory, examines how it aids and impedes organizations, assesses the benefits and risks, and evaluates whether businesses are truly capitalizing on this technological revolution.

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, organizations are continually seeking new software solutions to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and customer satisfaction. However, the mere adoption of new technology does not guarantee success. A critical factor that often determines the outcome of such initiatives is change management. When organizations fail to embrace change, they risk undermining the potential benefits of the new software, leading to inefficiencies and even project failure. This article explores the importance of change management, the risks associated with neglecting it, the value it brings when properly embraced, and the pivotal role of leadership in fostering acceptance throughout the organization.

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, mission-driven organizations are facing unprecedented challenges. C-suite executives are often caught between the urgent demands of day-to-day operations and the necessity of embracing technology and data to drive strategic growth. As leaders, we understand that the stakes are high—members expect personalized experiences, the board demands data-driven decisions, and staff are stretched thin trying to keep systems running smoothly. Yet, the reality is that without a cohesive strategy that integrates technology and data, achieving transformative outcomes can feel like an impossible task.

For decades, associations and professional societies have leaned heavily on Association Management Systems (AMS) to manage their core functions—membership tracking, event coordination, and educational programming through live events. These systems have been the backbone of organizational operations, ensuring that day-to-day activities run smoothly. However, as the landscape of these organizations has significantly transformed over time, traditional AMS solutions have struggled to keep pace with the evolving needs. In response, a new wave of AMS providers is pivoting towards more flexible, platform-based solutions like Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and Oracle's NetSuite. This shift not only offers enhanced capabilities and configuration but also presents a more affordable and integrative approach for organizations. Additionally, the engagement of third-party consulting firms has emerged as a strategic move to streamline the selection and implementation of these advanced systems.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology has transcended its traditional support role to become a central driver of business strategy and innovation. The Chief Information Officer (CIO), once relegated to managing IT infrastructure, now stands at the forefront of organizational transformation. As businesses grapple with the complexities of digital disruption, the inclusion of the CIO at the executive table has become imperative. This shift ensures that technology is not an afterthought but a core component of the organization's roadmap to success.

In today’s data-driven business environment, the ability to make informed decisions is paramount to the success and sustainability of any organization. One of the most important components of any business system is the data it generates, collects, and manages. Data, in its raw form, is a powerful resource, but its true value is only realized when it is accurate, consistent, and reliable. High-quality data serves as the foundation for effective data-driven decision-making. However, achieving and maintaining this level of data quality does not happen by chance; it requires a proactive approach and a well-structured governance framework. In this article, we will explore the key components to improving the quality of data in organizational systems and delve into the development and implementation of a robust data governance structure that ensures the integrity, security, and utility of data throughout its lifecycle.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a cornerstone of technological advancement, deeply woven into the fabric of our daily lives. From personalized recommendations on streaming platforms to automated customer service solutions, AI’s influence is vast and far-reaching. However, AI was not always the tech-world sensation it is today. Before AI became the buzzword it is, its foundational concepts and applications were already at play, quietly transforming industries and setting the stage for the AI revolution we are witnessing now. This article revisits the pioneering AI technologies and innovations—such as chatbots, predictive analytics, and others—that paved the way for modern AI advancements.

In the era of big data, organizations are constantly seeking efficient and effective ways to store, manage, and analyze their data. The proliferation of data sources and the increasing volume of data have led to the development of various data management solutions, each with its unique characteristics, advantages, and risks. Among these, Data Warehouse, Data Lake, and Data as a Service (DaaS) are prominent options. Understanding the differences between these solutions, their respective benefits and risks, and the factors to consider when choosing the best one for your organization is crucial for maximizing data utility and ensuring informed decision-making.

In today's fast-paced business environment, making well-informed decisions is critical for maintaining a competitive edge. Business Intelligence (BI) has emerged as a vital tool for organizations seeking to harness the power of their data to drive strategic initiatives. However, the effectiveness of BI hinges not only on having sophisticated tools but also on the quality of the data being analyzed. Good data is the cornerstone of reliable BI reporting, while bad data can lead to detrimental outcomes, including misguided decisions and wasted resources. This article explores the importance of good data, its value in effective BI reporting, and the risks associated with bad data.

A year and some change ago I was introduced to the world of associations and the technologies they used. As a first-generation immigrant, I’m not a stranger to foreign things, but this was seemingly different. Almost immediately, I was tossed, headfirst, into the middle of an AMS implementation. I quickly found myself needing to understand the unique needs and day-to-day operations of an association. I recognized first-hand, that not all AMS’s are created equal, and they all have their star performers and supporting casts. A year later and several technology projects later, I am eager to share my insights.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, association executives face the challenge of driving membership growth. This is often accomplished through enhancing marketing effectiveness. To help deliver more effective marketing, and accomplish membership growth, the association must align these goals with technology. This requires a good technology strategy. A well-crafted technology strategy is critical in aligning technological advancements with organizational goals to foster engagement, improve communication, and boost efficiency. A technology strategy is not just a checklist of software to purchase or systems to update; it is a strategic plan that outlines how technology will help achieve the broader goals of your association. It prioritizes initiatives, allocates resources effectively, and sets a timeline for implementation and evaluation. Most importantly, it ensures that every technological investment contributes to enhancing member value and improving marketing outcomes. This article aims to inform on best practices in creating a comprehensive technology strategy.

In recent years, the realm of cloud storage has undergone a significant transformation. Once heralded as a cost-effective and secure solution for data storage, the landscape is now changing. With the rising costs of cloud storage, Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are increasingly shifting their focus from primarily securing data to managing costs and exploring alternative storage solutions. This article delves into the reasons behind this shift, the challenges CIOs face, and the strategies they are adopting to navigate this evolving terrain.

Wiki technology has come a long way since its inception in the mid-1990s. Initially designed as a simple platform for collaborative content creation, wikis have evolved into sophisticated tools that are integral to knowledge management and information sharing in various sectors. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has further propelled this evolution, enabling wikis to transcend their traditional boundaries and offer enhanced capabilities. This article explores the maturation of wiki technology and the pivotal role AI is playing in expanding the functionalities of modern-day wikis.

In today's fast-paced business landscape, organizations are constantly seeking ways to optimize their operations and stay competitive. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have emerged as vital partners in this quest, offering a wide range of services to assist businesses in managing their IT infrastructure, security, and other critical functions. However, choosing the right MSP is no easy task. With an array of options available, it's crucial to evaluate MSPs thoroughly to ensure that they provide the adequate support and management needed. In this article, we will delve into essential considerations for making the best decision, with a particular focus on the reliance of security for the environment.

In the rapidly evolving digital era, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to stay ahead of the curve. One such technological marvel that has recently taken the business world by storm is Virtual Reality (VR). VR, once a far-fetched dream, is now a tangible, influential tool in the corporate domain. This article delves into how VR is reshaping various aspects of today's business, from enhancing customer experiences and training employees to revolutionizing product design and marketing strategies.

Recently, I attended an all-day workshop on AI, where I gained invaluable insights into the most effective uses of AI for associations. The key takeaway was the need for associations to not just adopt AI technologies, but to do so with a strategic and informed approach. This blog post explores the critical aspects of AI implementation in associations, highlighting the importance of defining AI use, educating staff, and keeping pace with evolving AI trends.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), Learning Language Models (LLMs) have emerged as a cornerstone of innovation. These advanced algorithms, capable of understanding, generating, and interacting with human language, are not just technological marvels but also potent tools for businesses seeking to enhance their strategies and operations. This article delves into the intricacies of LLMs, their significance in the AI movement, and practical ways businesses can harness their potential to drive growth and efficiency.

In the ever-evolving landscape of information technology, the role of IT leaders has become increasingly complex and demanding. Among the myriad of responsibilities they shoulder, prioritizing security stands out as a critical and non-negotiable aspect. This article delves into why security should be the top priority for IT leaders, focusing on the protection of organizational assets and the preservation of the organization's reputation.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are increasingly relying on various software applications and systems to streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and stay competitive. However, managing the connectivity and data flow between these disparate systems can be a complex and challenging task. To address this challenge, organizations often turn to integration solutions, such as Integration Gateways and Integration iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) solutions. Understanding the differences between these two approaches and the associated benefits and risks is crucial for making informed decisions about your integration strategy.

In today's digital age, the password is a key to the vault of personal and organizational information. It’s a simple tool, yet carries a significant burden of protecting critical data from unauthorized access. But with the increasing complexity of systems and the number of accounts an average individual has, remembering each unique password becomes an unfeasible task. Enter the password vault, a solution to the overwhelming burden of password management. This article delves into the question: what is a password vault, its significance, the benefits and risks associated with it, and the critical need for organizations to implement them.