Posts by dipak
How To Avoid a Bad Church Network
Many disagree about the best way to design church computer networks. Someone once said that if you ask three network engineers how to build a network you’ll get four answers! But is there a way to tell if a design strategy makes sense? I think so.
Read MoreThe Ups & Downs of Network Cable
Churches are about program, not administration. During church site development projects we focus on program-related needs— auditorium, classrooms, etc— that’s only natural. We look ahead with vision to meet our growing needs in these areas. What often gets left behind is a balanced look at our growing administrative needs. One of those is setting our campuses up for data communications— our network. Networks run best when their infrastructure is solid. Let’s look at a few network cable issues worth keeping in mind as we plan our new site.
Read MoreQuit Sending Me Viruses!
Are you tired of getting those emails too? Most people don’t realize that modern viruses are able to spoof the From email address. That means you may not have been the source of the virus you’ve just been told you sent.
Read MoreTraining– A Simple Strategy That Really Works!
Many ministries ask our firm to evaluate their use of computer technology and make recommendations. Part of our process includes interviewing team members and asking a wide range of questions. One of the needs they consistently express is the need to learn more about how to use the tools they already have. They want to be efficient and effective, and they’re sure that training would help. We call training the most neglected component of ministry computer systems. There is a simple strategy we saw in place at one client that costs little, is easy to accomplish, and produces great results. And doing it will help your ministry accomplish more, in less time, and for less!
Read More9 Ways for IT to Bless Your Ministry
We’re learning to change our game face as IT professionals, finding new ways to serve our teams and reduce our intimidation factor. With that in mind, here are some ideas that can help.
Read MoreThe Latest in Evangelistic Trends: International Arms Trafficking!
Some time ago an article caught my eye about folks going to jail because they took computers outside of the U.S. The problem was that, because of computer processor capabilities and the built-in cryptographic capabilities of common off-the-shelf software, it violated Export Administration Regulations. The article went on to describe the maximum fines and penalties associated with the export of these items: $1,000,000 plus 10 years in jail for each criminal violation, or $500,000 plus a 3-year export ban for each civil violation. A few days later a colleague who works for an international ministry told me he had just sent software updates to their overseas field offices. Click— the light went on. I told him about the article I had just read which applied to the software technology he just sent overseas. We were both shocked as we discussed the impact these regulations could have on similar international ministries.
Read MoreIT Needs A Facelift!
Technology touches every aspect of ministry today. It’s also a major portion of ministry budgets. In fact, it enables those in ministry to do more and to do it more effectively. The surprising thing, though, is that most ministry teams are kind of scared of us! Can we talk here?
Read MoreHandling IT Emergencies
Some networks live in a constant state of panic. They go from one emergency to another, sometimes with little time to catch one’s breath. Other networks seem to run without error, needing only to be restarted because of scheduled maintenance. Regardless of where you are in the network stability continuum, emergencies can hit and you need to have a plan… just in case.
Read MoreTransportation Alternatives
Many churches have vehicle fleets. They facilitate ministry, neighborhood outreach, and are often overseen by a volunteer; so they’re reasonably inexpensive. But the hidden costs due to recent law changes and potential litigation suggest we might be wise stewards to rethink this facet of our ministry.
Read MoreMBS’ Genesis
The beginning of Ministry Business Services (MBS) was prayer. At every step, God has been the One calling the shots. Let me tell you how it all began.
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