Recent technological advances have put alumni-development computer systems within reach of most colleges and universities. Options, including the types of hardware available, the many ways to match an office's needs to your hardware, and the types of software available are discussed. (MLW)

Applying prospect research techniques to donors on the college or university annual fund rolls can be effective without high cost. Simple segmenting can be done by manipulating existing computer files, as illustrated by the experience of a number of institutions. Using commercial analysis services can also be cost effective. (MSE)

The spreadsheet can be a powerful tool in marketing. Using a spreadsheet and admissions data, models can be built for: periodic reports of admission status, projections of the size and quality of the incoming class, and long-term recruitment strategy. (MLW)

A discussion of college alumni surveys considers the kinds of information that are most helpful to the institution in fund raising, including names and preferred forms of address, significant others, demographics, Social Security numbers, occupational information, and income and net worth. (MSE)