Provides advice on buying alumni-development software, focusing on getting the necessary buy-in from staff and superiors, assessing existing policies and procedures, developing a realistic budget, writing a thorough request for proposals (RFP), assessing RFPs objectively, watching the demo with skepticism, evaluating what is shown, checking…

Provides a tabular listing of alumni-development software produced or sold by 56 companies. Each listing includes the vendor name, address, contact name, telephone number, electronic mail address, World Wide Web site, software name, price range, system requirements, standard reports, reporting tools, number of installed sites, and client type.…

Offers a descriptive table of software that helps higher education institutions orchestrate events. Information includes vendor, contact, software, price, database engine/server platform, specific features, and client type. (EV)

Six college and university alumni and development professionals comment on problems and potential of computer software for program administration. They look at current problems with software, discuss capabilities they would like to have, and make predictions for the future of software abilities, hardware uses, sales, and other issues. (MSE)

A directory lists computer software vendors offering software useful in administering college alumni and development programs. Listings include client/server system vendors and minicomputer and mainframe system vendors. Each listing contains the vendor name and address, contact person, software title(s), cost, hardware requirements, and client…

Offers a descriptive table of databases that help higher education institutions orchestrate advancement operations. Information includes vendor, contact, software, price, database engine/server platform, recommended reporting tools, record capacity, and client type. (EV)

A chart of 40 alumni-development database systems provides information on vendor/Web site, address, contact/phone, software name, price range, minimum suggested workstation/suggested server, standard reports/reporting tools, minimum/maximum record capacity, and number of installed sites/client type. (DB)

Advances in World Wide Web design software, photo compact disk images, print-screening processes, and four- and six-color printing can make the work of campus publications easier, cheaper, and more attractive, but also have potential pitfalls. A preview of the latest innovations, with advantages and disadvantages noted, is offered here. (MSE)

Syracuse University's use of a personal computer to keep track of alumni reunion registration is described. They can take reservations over the phone, produce lists of returning alumni according to different categories, give catering current meal counts, keep track of special requests, and write personalized confirmation letters. (MLW)

This article provides basic information about nine computer software systems designed for contacting prospective donors by telephone: (1) CRC Data Systems; (2) Digisoft Computers; (3) EIS International; (4) Information Management Associates; (5) MoonFire; (6) National Systems; (7) The Pacific Group; (8) TelDirect International; and (9) TeleSystems…

Three important trends in desktop publishing include (1) use of multiple media in presentation of information; (2) networking; and (3) "hot links" (integrated file-exchange formats). It is also important for college publications professionals to be familiar with sources of information about technological change and to be able to sort out the…

Techniques for enhancing a computer-based presentation are outlined, including selection of an appropriate laptop computer, considerations in choosing presentation software, and factors in selection and use of a liquid crystal display (LCD) projector. Information is given on five currently available presentation programs. (MSE)

The use of desktop publishing at schools, colleges, and universities is described. The advantages include: shorter turnaround, reduced costs, more control and capability, and more fun. However, rapid change and quick obsolescence are inevitable. (MLW)

Development software has been on the market for 15 to 20 years. Vendors offer outstanding software, but the software must be right for the environment and needs of each office. Software should be able to be used by the entire staff including the manager, not just the technical staff. (MLW)

Stewardship is seen as an essential part of the fund-raising cycle of identification, cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and looking after the gift. Sometimes referred to as donor relations, stewardship covers the entire relationship between a donor and the institution. (MLW)