What's in our next system release

The CRIII release and how it affects iT4C volunteers

We'll be rolling out the first phase of the 2007 upgrades (we call them CRIII) to our system soon (the wise project manager doesn't advertise deadlines unless under duress!). Most of the changes relate to how our administrator and project definers use the system which is their daily "tool of the trade" but some will be visible improvements for volunteers. Here they are - with our own CR reference numbers -

• Many iT4C volunteers are busy IT professionals who find it hard to find time for pro bono work. But some opportunities (Work Packages) need no more than a phone call or an hour or two of time so even the busiest of us can help. The upgrade will allow for opportunities to be marked as "short tasks" and many of these will also be "virtual" (working remotely from the charity). We hope this will help you to get simple jobs done quickly, contributing small but vital amounts of expertise. So, if you don't have the time for a major project you can still get involved. (CR11).
  
  
• Lots of opportunities (Work Packages) don't need hands-on access or face to face working - this means you can help a charity anywhere in the UK. We already have "virtual"  opportunities but we use the "region" to identify this. Virtual will become a separate category so that, for example, you will be able to see that an opportunity can be virtual but the charity is actually in North West England. This means that you can search for "virtual"  opportunities or by region, or both (CR23).
  
  
• We'll be asking for more information about volunteers such as qualifications and age range. Useful information for us if you would not mind adding it to your My Account details. None of this information is mandatory (CR29)
  
  
• We will improve the layout and design of the website - including making the links you use to interact with us to more easy to reach - this may be delayed to the second release

Please let us know what you think and tell us how else we might improve the system or any other aspect of our service. You know what all the old sales people say "If you like what we do, tell your friends, if you don't, tell us!"

John Davies john@wcit.org.uk