Providing Information Technology Leadership to 2-1-1 Orange County During a Critical Juncture
TechMD understands that nonprofit organizations may need focused leadership during times of technological transition. The following scenario illustrates how TechMD is providing precisely this type of leadership to a local nonprofit organization.
Challenges:
- Information technology service provider unable to handle organization’s growth
- Information technology leadership needed to coordinate significant overhaul of company’s information technology system
Solution:
Results:
- Ability to efficiently and effectively handle organization’s growth as it pertains to information technology
- Successfully coordinated management of a $300,000 technology grant from the County of Orange
- A company with technological expertise that also understands the nonprofit sector
- A relationship built on trust
In 2006, 2-1-1 Orange County—the organization which provides comprehensive health and human services information to individuals calling the ‘2-1-1’ number—was facing a critical turning point. The organization was growing by leaps and bounds— yet the team providing information technology (IT) services wasn’t prepared to keep up with its growth.
After going out to bid, 2-1-1 Orange County found a trusted IT partner in TechMD.
“The management team at 2-1-1 spoke with a number of vendors, but felt an immediate connection with TechMD,” explains Executive Director Angie Baur. “Not only did TechMD have the technological skills required to handle our growth, but the company also understood the nonprofit sector.”
In addition to handling 2-1-1 Orange County’s day-to-day IT maintenance requirements, TechMD was soon asked to coordinate a much larger project: coordination of a $300,000-plus technology grant from the County of Orange. The grant funded a significant upgrade of the agency’s IT and telecommunications systems, including its ability to maintain operations during times of disaster, when its services are needed most.
TechMD began with a comprehensive audit of 2-1-1’s current IT and telecommunications system. TechMD staff then developed a detailed plan, recommending the upgrade of 2-1-1’s phone, computer, and database infrastructure. The plan also recommended building in a redundant, ‘back-up’ system so that the agency could recover quickly during a state of emergency. The audit and plan were completed in just four months, with TechMD then implementing the project.
“I’ve been delighted to refer TechMD to a number of other agencies—when you’re satisfied with and trust a vendor, you want to spread the word!” states Angie. “It’s important to have a vendor you can trust with your information technology services. We have complete trust in TechMD and each member of its staff.”