When Technology isn’t Meeting Needs

The team members at the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC) frequently work away from the office, travel, and collaborate on projects. Their technology needed to be updated, so they engaged Tech Networks of Boston to upgrade their infrastructure including computers, phones, and their wireless network. With a new plan in place, MACDC was able to increase staff productivity and reduce their costs for supporting their team.

“I don’t believe many people work for nonprofits because they love operations or IT. You’re likely here because there’s a driver within you…that wants to contribute to our world that exceeds earning a wage for your efforts. But a nonprofit is a complex system that requires solid operations to run smoothly so it can achieve its mission.” – John Fitterer, Director of Operations

Good Tech Leads to Better Work
Before they began working with Tech Networks, MACDC leadership sat down and evaluated their needs, problems, and what they hoped to achieve. TNB was able to determine which tools would work best for MACDC. A cloud-based environment would help team members work collaboratively, provide better backup solutions, and integrate with their existing workflows and processes. Tech Networks of Boston began phasing in these upgrades and changes to provide minimal disruption, addressing needs with their hardware and productivity tools.

Over the course of two years, Tech Networks of Boston worked with MACDC to provide ongoing support services and to complete larger IT projects. Migrating to the cloud allowed MACDC to decommission an aging server and increase data storage and security. An infrastructure upgrade provided better internet access throughout their office, moving their phone system allowed for increased mobility and reduced phone bills, and upgrading their conference room’s technology gave them the ability to host better meetings. TNB also helped to create a device management plan, assisted with purchasing new computers, and provided input on file management and permissions.

Result
MACDC’s infrastructure upgrades have prepared them for the future. Their staff were well prepared to shift to fully remote work and they saved valuable time, energy, and money during the transition.

The phased approach to upgrading gave their leadership and staff the time needed to think critically about what was and wasn’t working and how to work with TNB to solve those problems.

This strategic planning and partnership also allowed every team member to feel included in and comfortable with the changes in technology. With Tech Networks of Boston supporting the IT infrastructure, MACDC could spend more time on their work and less time worrying about technology hiccups.