Today's Video Interview @ CLA

I rarely get asked to do video interviews.  In fact, today was only the second time!

While at CLA Dallas 2011 I was asked if I'd help Azusa Pacific's online course development team by answering a couple of questions in a video interview.  Are you kidding me?!! Of course!

The two questions were IT related.  Here they are along with a summary of my response:

Q:  What types of internal controls should ministries make sure they have in place related to information technology?

• In addition to current firewall and anti-malware solutions, their networks should be configured to lock accounts after a number of unsuccessful login attempts.   This helps protect against hackers and bots.
• Passwords
• Contrary to popular belief, requiring that passwords be changed every 60-90 days in ministry settings actually lowers security.
• Passwords should be at least 7 characters long and include at least one of each of the following:
• Lowercase letter
• Uppercase letter
• Number
• Common punctuation
• Data should be organized in departmental folders that are only accessible by those with appropriate roles within the organization

Q:  When should an organization consider purchasing new accounting and database software?

• Most ministries change their software for the wrong reasons.  A couple of the most common wrong reasons are:
• The current software doesn't meet 100% of our needs.  The mistake people make is believing there are 100% solutions available.  That is a myth; 100% solutions do not exist.  If you can find one that meets 80%, that's good!
• Regarding the percent of needs not met: if possible, adapt your business practices to close the gap rather than requiring the software to close the gap.  The organization will have a much higher likelihood of being happy with their software.
• The solution is too complex.  Investing in training, which is a lot less expensive than changing software, will likely overcome this issue.
• The two most appropriate reasons to change are:
• The company has gone out of business or has been bought by a company that will no longer support the solution.
• The ministry has come to recognize needs their solution cannot-- and will not within a reasonable time-- meet.  Before pulling this trigger, however, contact the current provider to see if they already meet the need (and you just don't know it) or if they are planning to within a reasonable timeframe.

That was fun!  But was my nose too shiny?