D.I.S.C. meets on an annual basis to share information regarding their networks and what other arch/dioceses are doing for their internet connections and software needs. This is the organization that was able to obtain the special pricing for Norton’s Anti-Virus.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans is an active member in D.I.S.C. Last year’s conference took place in St. Petersburg, Florida. At the conference I came across quite a bit of information from several vendors that I think may be helpful to our parishes, schools and offices.
One of the services I came across is offered by a company by the name of Envision Consulting. This is a company that deals with direct sales of Blackbaud Software, management accounting systems consulting, complete implementation services (install, set-up, and configure all Blackbaud modules) as well as data conversions.
Another company I had encountered is called ACS Technologies. This company offers a School Suite that help make administrative tasks easier. This package can handle grading, reporting, tuition billing, payroll and scheduling. It also has a Financial Suite that is capable of managing and integrating all financial information, identify and maximize revenue sources, reduce expenses, automate key functions, and navigate complex IRS and FASB requirements.
Another service that I thought the schools would be interested in Student Information Systems. This software program electronically collects student information and is a database application designed for use by Learning Programs with multiple users. The application is web-based, teachers, students parents and administrators may track vital information from their homes, school or wherever Internet access is available. The site is protected by a series of security layers employing distinct user names and enable only specific individual to retrieve their private information according to the rights of their password. Some of the features of this software are: student record keeping, grade book for students &Teachers, reports, contact management, ad hoc reports, event scheduling, planner applications for teachers, calendars and homework planners for students. One of the other features is called a Continual Learning Plan that offers teachers and students the ability to create and maintain continual learning plans including creating Academic, Vocational/Career, Transitional, and Personal/Social Goals. The name of the company is ChurchWerks.
Church Data Master plus is a comprehensive church management software for growing ministries of all sizes. This software allows the parish to keep track of personal/family profiles, generate reports, mailing labels, track attendance, visitation records, enter and track contributions, income and pledge analysis reporting and a whole lot more.
Parish Soft offers many solutions for schools and religious education programs. Some of the features that the software offers includes printing registration forms, setting up class rosters, editing school calendars, schedule catechists, update student records, manage tuition payments, set up class sessions, view family details and a whole lot more.
If anyone is interested in any of these vendors or software packages, please feel free to contact me at isd@archdiocese-no.org or 504 596-3064 and I will send you additional information on the company and software that is available.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans is hosting the D.I.S.C. Conference in June, 2006. One of the main agendas for this annual gathering is to find outside vendors and software that fits our needs as an arch/diocese. There are no hard sales at this conference.
The vendor’s display areas would be open to the employees of the parishes, schools and offices of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Houma-Thibodaux Dioceses.
If you have any suggestions on types of software or hardware that you would like to see at this conference including vendors, please contact me at 504 596-3064, via email at isd@archdiocese-no.org or fax 504 566-9718.