Convio CEO Shares Nonprofit Technology Insight at RMPI

Leading Software-as-a-Service Provider for Nonprofits Shares Vision for Future; Discusses Benefits of Open Standards for the Sector

Austin, Texas (September 26, 2008) —

Gene Austin, Convio's Chief Executive Officer, addressed fundraising professionals at the Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute (RMPI) this morning, about how the Internet has moved beyond a communication channel becoming the most cost-effective and flexible way for nonprofits to use technology to more efficiently and effectively manage their organization. Austin shared insight into Convio's work with nonprofit and advocacy organizations across America to bring more than 60 million people into greater levels of engagement via the Internet and how adoption of open technologies, the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model and innovation is helping nonprofits focus on their mission rather than technology infrastructure.

During his presentation, Austin shared his insight into the changing landscape of nonprofit technology. Ubiquitous applications such as Facebook and YouTube that did not exist just five short years ago have enabled nonprofits to reach, engage and inspire more people than ever. Because of the rate of innovation in the world around them, nonprofits are focused on applications built on the SaaS-model and other open platforms that better position them to more efficiently and effectively manage their organizations as well as meet the needs and the wants of the modern constituent. These open, service-oriented architectures make it easier for different software and applications to connect and are critical to the future of nonprofit organizations.

"What is clear is that in this technological era nonprofits need to be agile, social and connected if they expect to mobilize and inspire people, and achieve their mission," said Austin. "The adoption of the SaaS model for online fundraising, advocacy and marketing continues to be the growth engine for many nonprofit organizations. We are also seeing that beyond a communications channel the Internet is the most cost-effective and flexible way for nonprofits to use technology to manage their organization and turn ideas into actions that support their mission."

Addressing the audience, Austin shared how Convio's clients have reached and engaged new constituents through organizing campaigns that leverage the collaborative nature of the Internet, by focusing on a compelling user experience and integrating online and offline channels. He also shared how they are using the company's new SaaS-based constituent relationship management system, Common Ground™ to more simply manage relationships and resources. He provided insight into how the SaaS-model removes the hassles and headaches of legacy systems so nonprofits can focus on their mission rather than their IT infrastructure.

Austin called on the legacy technology vendors to adopt open standards and provide application programming interfaces (APIs) freely to organizations so that nonprofits could choose the applications and solutions that meet their unique needs.

"Embracing open technologies and supporting technology standards that provide freedom and flexibility to organizations allows them to choose the best software for their unique needs and tie together applications with organizational scenarios to extend the horizons of the organization," added Austin. "During an economic period when nonprofits are striving for more efficiency and effectiveness than ever, the legacy vendors continue to lock them out of technologies and solutions by keeping their systems closed, while saddling organizations with on-going maintenance and upgrade costs. But the leadership in the nonprofit community and the SaaS model are changing that — the rapid adoption of technologies such as Convio are providing simplicity, flexibility and choice — a better way."

About Convio

Convio is the leading provider of on-demand constituent relationship management (CRM) software and services that give nonprofit organizations a better way to inspire and mobilize people to support their organization. The company's online marketing suite offers integrated software for fundraising, advocacy, events, email marketing and web content management, and its Convio Common Ground™ CRM system helps organizations efficiently track and manage all interactions with supporters. All Convio products are delivered through the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model and are backed by a portfolio of best-in-class consulting and support services and a network of partners who provide value-added services and applications focused on the unique needs of nonprofit organizations.

Convio clients include nonprofit organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Associations and Faith-based organizations around the world such as American Red Cross, American Diabetes Association, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Humane Society of the United States, Easter Seals, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Sierra Club, and National Public Radio. For more information, please visit www.convio.com

Press Contact:
Karoline McLaughlin
Director, Corporate Communications
Convio, Inc.
kmclaughlin@convio.com
512-652-7865