“KinActVio” becomes “KinVio?”

We often joke about the similarities between the three main software vendors. When nonprofits ask us for a recommendation, “Flip a coin and pick one,” is our flippant reply. We even coined the word “KinActVio” from their three names.

It’s not about the technology, we say. Except it is, this time. At least the news yesterday was, on a merger of two major online fundraising technology providers. Convio, Inc. is to acquire GetActive Software, Inc. Convio says it plans to leverage GetActive's expertise in advocacy, its content management platform, as well as the company's services operation based in Washington, D.C.

The nonprofit technology world is vulnerable just like rest of the business world, to changes, mergers and acquisitions. And nonprofit clients of both companies, of competitor companies, of none of the above companies, are reasonably making their own sense of what the implications are for this change. A client of ours, who uses Kintera, asked us today: “How will this affect Kintera? Do you think they will disappear due to the competition? Or receive more clients?” They could do both. We wish we knew.

It’s too early to know the impact for the sector long term. In the short term we see visions of FAQ lists for both clientele entitled “what’s going to change with …” It sounds like they want to merge some of GetActive’s strengths into Convio. This means major retraining for all 1400 Convio/GetActive clients. Let’s face it, neither system is exactly intuitive to use right now. The strain on nonprofit personnel, already short-staffed in most shops, will grow.

Fear change? It’s human. But change is inevitable (except from a vending machine). So here’s something constant. Apart from this news, it isn’t about the technology. Having an Internet Strategic Plan that uses the technology, in conjunction with other existing tools and resources at your organization, is the M.O. for fundraising success.

If you don’t have an Internet Strategic Plan, there’s no better time to build one. Contact NPA today.