Bernard Harris Publishing.Value-driven Internet Internet Publicly accessible computer network connecting many smaller networks from around the world. It grew out of a U.S. Defense Department program called ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), established in 1969 with connections between computers at the strategy: cultivating community online For decades, associations have brought together thousands of members, providing news and services and establishing themselves as the leading experts for the industries they serve. But just as the Internet has changed the rules of commerce, it has changed the competitive landscape in the association marketplace. Most associations are utilizing Internet technology to achieve their communication goals and increase their reach to their membership. But pioneering associations are leading their members through the strategic use of Internet technology, while gaining maximum competitive advantage. Associations are in a better position than ever to increase their visibility and strengthen their mission by taking advantage of innovative technology to cultivate cul·ti·vate tr.v. cul·ti·vat·ed, cul·ti·vat·ing, cul·ti·vates 1. a. To improve and prepare (land), as by plowing or fertilizing, for raising crops; till. b. active, online communities and solidify so·lid·i·fy v. so·lid·i·fied, so·lid·i·fy·ing, so·lid·i·fies v.tr. 1. To make solid, compact, or hard. 2. To make strong or united. v.intr. their position within their respective industries. Associations possess considerable assets that offer significant advantages over newer competitors, including a large, paid membership base; dedicated staff; industry experience; and, most importantly Adv. 1. most importantly - above and beyond all other consideration; "above all, you must be independent" above all, most especially , a well-established brand. The challenges however to achieving success as the primary, online information hub for members include time, resources, expertise, and manpower. That is why associations are best served by outsourcing (1) Contracting with outside consultants, software houses or service bureaus to perform systems analysis, programming and datacenter operations. Contrast with insourcing. See netsourcing, ASP, SSP and facilities management. their strategic online community development initiatives to third-party experts. Outsourcing the development of an online community provides additional industry expertise, additional resources, a faster time to market, and a reduction in development costs. With the help of an established, full-service solutions provider, an association can effectively cultivate a virtual community that offers the same benefits of a traditional, realworld community (news and information, mentoring and networking, training and professional development, career resources) along with added benefits the Internet brings (sharing of ideas and information among geographically dispersed dis·perse v. dis·persed, dis·pers·ing, dis·pers·es v.tr. 1. a. To drive off or scatter in different directions: The police dispersed the crowd. b. constituents). Harris Publishing, for example, has been in the business of helping associations build, reinforce, and maintain affinity bonds for nearly 40 years. During that time, Harris has never wavered in its commitment to provide the very best quality, resources, and services to the professionals it supports. Extending this commitment to the Internet, Harris has formed a division dedicated to providing member organizations and association professionals with a suite of Internet solutions to meet their current and future online needs. Harris Internet Services consists of a team of professionals with an aggregate of 250-plus years of Internet experience. Harris' technical expertise offers the association complete flexibility with integrating proven and tested online community products and tools, into a branded online offering. The following is a sample of the solutions provided by Harris Internet Services: * Online Community--Closed for the association's members only, featuring a pre-populated online directory with search functionality, career services, permanent e-mail, personal Web pages, moderated chat, message boards, and more. * Customized Web integration and development services for strategic online positioning. * Portal "Start Page"--A place where an association's members can start their day, aggregating news and services from more than 100 different sources, together with links and news from the association itself. * E-commerce e-commerce, commerce conducted over the Internet, most often via the World Wide Web. E-commerce can apply to purchases made through the Web or to business-to-business activities such as inventory transfers. Enabling--Collect dues, sell tickets to events, or sell publications and merchandise, with real-time credit-card authentication (1) Verifying the integrity of a transmitted message. See message integrity, e-mail authentication and MAC. (2) Verifying the identity of a user logging into a network. and authorization The right or permission to use a system resource; the process of granting access. See access control. . * Online Shopping Mall--Members can shop from many of their favorite stores while receiving member-only discounts on the merchandise they want. When considering an Internet solutions provider, consider companies that not only understand the needs of member-based associations, but can also help manage the online community data, integrate your Web-based services, and translate information into useful and compelling online offerings. Ask tough questions and demand good answers. Know the extent of their Internet expertise and their experience with affinity groups A special interest group. This is a marketing term for a group of people with similar interests. . Considering the competitive nature of association member retention and involvement and the challenges of facilitating interaction in the midst Adv. 1. in the midst - the middle or central part or point; "in the midst of the forest"; "could he walk out in the midst of his piece?" midmost of restrictions on time and resources, there is no better time than right now to execute a plan for building a solid Web presence. To succeed, chief executives must make an Internet strategy an imperative for the association. Associations need to take the first step today to stake a claim for the surfing surfing, sport of gliding toward the shore on a breaking wave. Surfers originally used long, cumbersome wooden boards but now ride lightweight synthetic boards that allow a greater degree of maneuverability. habits of members. To find out more about how Harris Internet Services can help your association succeed online. |
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