The diagram above depicts how we utilize Cloud Computing within Framework Staff operations.
As a non-profit operating in several timezones, we quickly recognized the need to have accessible, collaborative documents available to our staff and volunteers regardless of their location.  In order to be agile, expand the Timeraiser program, and further develop Civic Footprint, we need the ability to share and edit documents from anywhere. Like many non-profit organizations, we operate within a limit budget, changing staff models and shifting technologies.  How do you build a strong organizational core when some or all of your organization's knowledge can leave with a staff member? It can also be extremely challenging to invest in new technologies, software languages and social media tools without full-time support and maintenance of these technologies.

Using Google Applications and Salesforce.com, we can keep up to date records of our contacts, plan and execute projects, and collaborate on documents and website development. We connect the work built in Google Applications with our external Social Media tools; primarily Facebook, Twitter and our Blog.  We also produce unique information and e-learning videos that are posted to YouTube and promoted through Twitter. Although the ratio of Software as a Service to Desktop Software applications is 33:4, we do utilize and appreciate Desktop Software applications on occasion.

We have looked closely at the possibilities and flexibility that a cloud computing model offers over a traditional server-based model, and have concluded that cloud computing suits the needs of our organization best. Please explore the full document for a deeper understanding of how we reached this conclusion, which includes a comparison of the the pros / cons and an analysis of Cloud Computing versus a Virtual Private Network (VPN).