Making Non-Profits More Tech-Savvy: GoodWeave Serves As An Example

How (and why) should non-profits become more tech-savvy? GoodWeave offers an example of how a robust tech-based system can help an organization operate at scale…..

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GoodWeave began the process of building a tech-based system in 1999.  The non-profit worked with Colibri Solutions, a New York-based company, to create a custom database that manages not just their supply chain and inspection data but also their communications, website, fundraising and financial information.

“We’re a tiny staff with a huge mission,” says Smith, referring to a network of 45 personnel in three countries.  The technology, she says, has been “instrumental in our successes in stopping child exploitation.” 

Despite its affection for technology, GoodWeave does not have a full-time technologist on staff — a common theme in the social space where lack of funding and high salaries in the private sector make non-profits less competitive.

If she wasn’t using Filemaker, what would she be using to manage all that data? “Probably Excel spreadsheets.”

Read more of the article here

7 lessons every tech startup should learn

A lot can happen in the early days of a tech startup that can make or break a company's success. Here are seven ways to get through those initial struggles:

  • Criticism. When meeting with venture capitalists looking for initial funding, company's will often get criticism from people who want to pass. Learn from it. Know what you need to work on for your next pitch.
  • Look ahead. When creating a new product, don't look at what's currently popular and make another version of that. Unless a company can add something genuinely revolutionary to an existing product category, they should try to create the next big product category.
  • Selectivity. A lot of people will offer you advice along the way. Know whose to take and whose not to.
  • Balance. When building your initial team, hire people who complement each other, both in terms of personality and skill. Identify gaps in experience or knowledge among existing employees and hire to fill them.
  • Long-term. When building out a company, think ahead. Initially, keep trying to raise money even if you've already met your needs. Keep business relationships strong. Investors who initially passed may look to get in down the line. 
  • Forget the competition. Don't be reactionary. If your competitor found success in one area, don't follow them. Lead. Create a new success and let them chase you. 
  • Market. Just having a strong concept isn't enough to get noticed. Get the word out there. Whether through internal resources or an external team, make marketing a priority. 

If you have recently created your own tech startup and are in need of new custom database software, be sure to contact Kyo Logic today! Take a look at the rest of our website to learn more about the different services we offer.

3 ways to increase productivity at your tech startup

If you are working to build a successful tech startup, there are many different aspects you will have to keep track of. Launching a new company is no easy task, and it will take all of your mental energy and concentration in order to create something sustainable that will make you proud.

That is why you will want your day to be as productive as possible, as each minute should spent building to something bigger and better. You can make your day easier, and also more productive, by cutting back on the unnecessary things that tend to fill up the day.

Here are a few ways to remain as productive as possible:

  • Don't over schedule meetings: If something can be decided quickly without the need of time meeting, take that route instead. Filling up the day with unnecessary meetings will give you less time to actually get work done.
  • Limit your email replies: There is nothing that will suck up more of your time than replying to the many emails you receive throughout the day. Be on the lookout for those that absolutely need responses, but reduce the time spent on those that are less important.
  • Take necessary personal time: While this might seem counterintuitive, it is essential that you take time throughout the day to grab lunch or take a break from the work. This will allow you to mentally and physically recharge, and you will be sharper and more focused as a result.

If you have your own tech startup and are in need of new custom database software, be sure to contact Kyo Logic today! Check out the rest of our website to learn more about the different services and products that we offer to our clients.

3 tips to put your tech startup on the map

If you are in charge of your own tech startup, one of the necessary things you will need to do is get some publicity and build buzz for the company. Tech startups will often live and die by the public relations steps those who are at the top take early on in the business' life.

In the past five years alone, venture capitalists have invested $31.5 billion in startups across over 3,300 deals in Silicon Valley. However, getting the attention of one of these VCs can be a difficult step, which is where the PR and marketing solution will help.

Here are a few tips to help you out:

  • Blog: The first thing you should do is set up a blog where people from the company can write about the services you offer or the products that are currently being developed. This will give readers the chance to get to know your company and what it is all about.
  • Events: Being at major tech events in your area will also be a great way to boost overall visibility. Whether this means going as a spectator or participating in some way, you will need the chance to show off your new startup.
  • Profiles: Social media accounts and profiles will also be crucial. Being able to interact with those who are interested in your tech startup, from VCs to potential customers, can help produce the necessary word of mouth.

If you have recently founded a tech startup and are in need of new custom database software for your company, be sure to contact Kyo Logic today! Check out the rest of our website to learn more about the products that we offer.

What are the main Kyo Logic platforms? [Video]

Hey everybody and welcome back! This time we’ll be discussing the main digital systems used by Kyo Logic.

The central platforms that we use for our customers include FileMaker, SQL, PHP and Ruby. However, you don’t have to use just those platforms if you want your files to be used successfully with our programs. 

We can also integrate any Microsoft products, as long as your digital program is as up to date as possible when you create all of your files.

As always thanks for watching, and be sure to check back here again soon for more helpful FileMaker tips and tricks!

How can Kyo Logic help with web development? [Video]

Hey everybody and welcome back! This time, we’ll be discussing some of our services that can help with more complex digital development.

We offer one-on-one teaching sessions supported by our skilled development team. There are several different areas that these classes target, making it easier for you to further develop your professional web presence.

Using your own work is the best way to see how FileMaker functions and what it can do for you on a regular basis. We believe this focused approach is more effective than generalized classes, and is economical for those who are on a budget.

As always thanks for watching, and be sure to check back here again soon for more helpful FileMaker tips and tricks!

How can Kyo help distribute your mail? [Video]

Hey everybody and welcome back! This time we’ll be looking at how Kyo Logic can help you manage distribute your email.

The worst thing about email is the constant spamming that we are all subjected to from time to time. The great news is, by using Constant Contact or Mail Chimp, you can successfully block any and all spam.

FileMaker has the tools for mail distribution, as long as it is linked to either Constant Contact or Mail Chimp. This will help protect your inbox from potential harm, and make your email campaigns a breeze.

As always thanks for watching, and be sure to check back here again soon for more FileMaker tips and tricks!

Can websites be linked to FileMaker? [Video]

Hey everybody and welcome back! This time, we’ll be taking a look at FileMaker and your professional websites.

For sites that have larger volumes of traffic, we have synchronization tools that can allow the website to use MySQL and other high volume databases. This will allow FileMaker to be able to handle the people that go to your site.

The link that connects your professional website to FileMaker is through remote database protocols that match up to the central FileMaker server.

As always thanks for watching, and be sure to check back here soon for more helpful FileMaker tips!

3 reasons to launch a tech startup in Boston

If you are looking to break into the technology industry, your first thought is likely that you will need to move to California. While Silicon Valley is still a place where technological advancements are made every day, it is not the only location within the country to consider.

In fact, one of the best places you can launch a new tech startup is on the other side of the United States — Boston, Massachusetts. This city is a growing hub of the technology world, so you would be wise to consider this place when you are looking for where to locate.

Here are a few advantages of Boston:

  • Extensive media coverage: Buzz is critical for the growth and success of a young company, especially in the tech world. The good news is there are all kinds of media outlets in and around Boston, including those, such as Fortune, Fast Company and Boston Business Journal, that focus exclusively on business.
  • Funding for companies: Between 2011 and 2014, a total of 722 Massachusetts tech companies were invested in, to the tune of $4.86 billion. If you are looking for investors and venture capital to get your startup running, Massachusetts is certainly the place you want to be.
  • Growing tech sectors: While the city of Boston itself is the most concentrated for tech startups, the activity is not limited within its borders. There is a growing tech world in communities surrounding the city itself, including Somerville, Cambridge and Waltham. There are opportunities all over the greater Boston area!

If you work in the tech industry and are in need of new custom database software for your Boston-based startup, be sure to contact Kyo Logic today!

FileMaker 14 Announcement

New FileMaker 14 Platform speeds business solution development for iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac and the web

FileMaker Platform, marking 30 years, provides faster solution automation, support for mobile browsers and much more

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – May 12, 2015 – FileMaker today announced a new version of its development platform that speeds creation of custom solutions that run on iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac and the web. FileMaker 14 brings point-and-click simplicity to automating business processes, delivering desktop-style application functionality to mobile web browsers and providing productive, engaging experiences on desktops, iOS devices and mobile web browsers.

The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of FileMaker software. FileMaker was the brainchild of a bootstrapped startup founded in Massachusetts by four entrepreneurs intent on creating easy-to-use database software.

“FileMaker 14 is the culmination of 30 years of helping customers exploit the latest platforms – from Mac and Windows then through iOS devices and mobile web browsers today – meeting users’ rising expectations for data accessibility, simplicity and mobility,” said Ryan Rosenberg, vice president of marketing and services for FileMaker, Inc. “With FileMaker 14, creating compelling cross-platform solutions and designing for the times is simpler than ever – even if you’ve never developed any solution before.”

New features in FileMaker 14

FileMaker 14 provides a complete experience for developers, enabling them to unleash their creativity and ingenuity.

  • A Script Workspace speeds automation of common business processes, such as assigning a new task to the employee with the most availability, reordering inventory when stock is low or creating an invoice during a customer meeting. The Script Workspace consolidates the creation, editing and viewing of scripts and calculations, all in one streamlined workspace. Auto-complete, favorites, in-line editing, shortcuts, script step descriptions with in-line Help, automated command-lookup and other features speed development. Even nonprogrammers can use scripting to create custom solutions, with FileMaker’s point-and-click simplicity and contextual guidance.
  • A redesigned FileMaker WebDirect makes it easy to deliver desktop-style interactivity to mobile browsers on tablets. FileMaker WebDirect now supports FileMaker solutions running on the latest tablets. Business users can deliver a next-generation mobile browser experience. The redesigned toolbar automatically adapts to the screen size of users’ browsers on desktops or tablets, with larger tap targets, slide-in menus that dynamically optimize screen real estate, and menus that collapse and expand into logical groups as the screen size changes or the user rotates the device.
  • A Launch Center brings an app-like interface with big, bold icons (no more dialog boxes and pull-down menus) that allow users to visually organize all solutions at a glance. Users can choose from 29 pre-built icons or design custom icons to give solutions a personalized look. The Launch Center works across the entire FileMaker 14 Platform, providing a consistent experience on Windows and Mac with FileMaker Pro, on iPad and iPhone with FileMaker Go, and in a browser with FileMaker WebDirect.
  • An enhanced iOS experience for users, via new scripts that provide more control over how solutions look and run on iPad and iPhone. A newly redesigned iOS 8-style interface in FileMaker Go 14 (a free business app available on the App Store) provides a clean look and consistent user experience. Developers can easily make solutions full screen by using scripts or swiping to hide the user interface. They can lock in portrait or landscape views using the new set-screen orientation, display helpful information when capturing signatures, enable touch keyboards, enable richer text formatting, and use new video and audio playback controls to create self-paced training applications and other innovative solutions.
  • Many new features for FileMaker developers, power users and administrators. FileMaker WebDirect is now up to 25 percent faster when opening most web-optimized layouts. It also has doubled the number of supported concurrent connections (from 50 to 100). Automatic reconnect from FileMaker Pro 14 solutions to FileMaker Server 14 helps users recover quickly from a lost or unreliable network connection. Security enhancements for FileMaker Server Admin Console protect data and solutions through stronger password controls. The new standby server option in FileMaker Server 14 gives experienced administrators higher availability of business data.

FileMaker at 30

FileMaker has shipped more than 20 million copies of FileMaker Platform products, and the FileMaker Go for iPad and iPhone app just surpassed 1.5 million downloads from the App Store. FileMaker software is available in 15 languages and is used worldwide and in virtually every private and public market sector.

FileMaker is backed by a global ecosystem that includes the FileMaker Community, a free online resource with more than 60,000 members; the FileMaker Business Alliance, with more than 1,200 firms, many whose primary business is to offer FileMaker products and consulting services; and the Made for FileMaker site, offering hundreds of third-party commercial products built for the FileMaker software.

Rave reviews from developers and customers

“As a FileMaker trainer, I know a great number of people who want to deploy solutions to iPhones, iPads and the web. Thanks to the Chrome browser support, FileMaker really delivered the goods with version 14. FileMaker WebDirect delivers FileMaker solutions to all these platforms, plus it’s fast and really simple to deploy.”
Richard Carlton, president, Richard Carlton Consulting, a FileMaker Business Alliance Platinum member

“WebDirect is freaking awesome now. FileMaker 14 makes our lives easier and gives us the tools we need to dazzle our customers.”
Joe Scarpetta, CEO and co-owner of The Scarpetta Group, a FileMaker Business Alliance Platinum member

“FileMaker links every part of our business here at Metropolis Studios. A great example of this is the way FileMaker Pro 14 allows us to interact with our audio/visual equipment across the studio. Additionally, the way FileMaker can now be used across all major platforms will be incredibly useful, as we don’t have control over the devices and operating systems our customers use. FileMaker essentially allows us to have more time to concentrate on our clients and that is invaluable.”
Oli Sussat, Director of Marketing, Communications and Technology, Metropolis Studios (Europe’s largest independently owned recording complex based in London)

“Some of my favorite features in FileMaker 14 may seem like small improvements, but they save time on things I do so frequently that the time really adds up. Those features include the ability to insert placeholder text into empty fields and add icons and buttons using either the built-in icons in FileMaker 14 or adding my own. These help my solutions act and feel more like the kinds of applications our employees are used to working with online.”
Michael Perley, CFO, Prodigy Promotions

“With auto-complete, favorites, shortcuts and more, the Script Workspace gives us quicker, smoother development. Developing in FileMaker isn’t my main job, so it’s important that I can evolve our solution quickly. With FileMaker 14, I can make fast changes on the fly and get on with my main job.”
Carson Lind, vice president and production engineer, Annex Medical, Inc.

About FileMaker, Inc.

FileMaker, Inc., an Apple subsidiary, makes software that transforms businesses by enabling users to create and run custom solutions that work seamlessly across iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac and the web. Millions of people worldwide rely on the FileMaker Platform to share information, manage projects, track assets and more.

Customer contact:
800-325-2747
http://www.filemaker.com