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Great timing!  Google just launched two-factor authentication for every Google account. Absolutely something administrators should use for organizations; and something worth enabling for all users, as well. Nice! Andy

FYI, Google just released Google Map Maker for the U.S.

Google has a new "Google for Nonprofits" program that offers discounted and free tools, apps and other resources. They even have the opportunity to get grants for up to $10,000 a month in advertising through using Google Adwords. They have created online resouces like educational videos and case studies to help nonprofits.

I'm sure you already do this, but in case not... Google Docs for collaborative notetaking.

This article announces the entry of cloud connect toolbars. Google is using Google docs to get access to more information and are offering some organization in return. The expected benefits of adding the toolbar are explained.

After seeing the tragedy that has hit Japan, I found this story to be useful as a great example of how tech can really affect people's lives. Google has provided a system where you can search the name of a person in Japan and find out about their status in the country after the earthquake. This tool is so important for government to use during a national disaster because it allows families, no matter where they are across the globe, to better find out what has happened to their loved ones after such a tragedy. Governments or non profits such as the American Red Cross can use this technology in all types of different relief effort circumstances when a number of people somewhere in the world have been the victim of such a disaster.

Google helps out non profits with more than just free internet services.  They also offer grants to help with technology usage.

This is a video for Google Art, which uses the same technology as Streetview to give virtual tours of museums across the world. This allows for the museums to further their reach to those that cannot make the trip to see the exhibits in person.

This is an application that google offers. It helps promote non profit organizations. The ad pops up on the right side of the screen when someone is surfing the web.

Simply fill in the provided online form, then click "Generate the URL", and Google's free tool does it automatically, in the correct format, for you. You don't have to be up on all of the technical background details behind doing this, just use this handy tool.

Open APIs (application programming interfaces) are VERY important to look for when considering cloud-based solutions. Think about the implications for nonprofits selecting an online solution... would you want one with an API or not? (BTW... take a look at the APIs for both Google Apps online and Microsoft Office365 online. Let me know what you find.)

This is the video I showed during the 1/31 class re: APIs. (Cards vs. Candyland)

It is increasingly apparent that finding the perfect cloud platform is a lot like getting married. The perfect partner if hard to find. Yes there are 5 major players as of today that include Google, Oracle, Microsoft, Amazon but even they aren't identical in this field. A better bargain might be found with one of these baby clouds so it appears to be worth the look. All of the usual IT issues are what will last, what's next and how much did that cost? The clouds are coming no matter what though....

An example of two volunteer-based organizations merging together for mutual benefits, and to maximize their ability to serve their client base. Taking the best of both worlds and combining them should create synergy.