Convio Introduces Partner Authorization Program for Nonprofit Service and Technology Providers

New Program Expands Partner Opportunities Around Growing Demand for Convio Software; Nonprofits Get Choice with Consistent, High-Quality Service

San Francisco (April 27, 2009) —

Convio, Inc. — the leading provider of on-demand constituent relationship management software and services to nonprofit organizations — at NTEN’s Nonprofit Technology Conference today announced the official launch of the Convio Solution Provider (CSP) program for companies wanting to deploy Convio software and provide related services. This new program represents Convio's ongoing commitment to provide its clients with access to consistent, high-quality consulting and implementation services around Convio products.

“As our clients are increasingly successful and the demand for Convio software continues to grow, partners are playing an ever larger role in their success,” said Gene Austin, chief executive officer for Convio. “It’s important that our clients receive consistent, high-quality service whether they work with us or with a Convio-recommended partner. This program ensures a tighter bond with our partners and provides them with the same insight on the implementation methodology, best practices, and advanced product training that we make available to our own services team.”

To become a Convio Solution Provider, companies must have at least one employee authorized by attending training and passing an exam for the products they wish to service. Authorization ensures that CSPs have the experience, knowledge and expertise required to help Convio clients reach their goals and make the most of their investment in Convio. Authorization also allows Convio clients to choose from companies that are committed to the same high standards and quality they expect from Convio.

Convio Solution Providers can be authorized on Convio Online Marketing products, Common Ground™ CRM or both. Five companies focused on the nonprofit sector — Cathexis, Causeway, Charity Dynamics, Event360, and Firefly Partners — have signed up to become charter members of the CSP program specializing in Convio Online Marketing products.
 
“We’re finding that nonprofits are investing more heavily in their online software and services than ever before while demanding choice and flexibility in whom they work with,” said Donna Wilkins, president, Charity Dynamics. ”The authorization program helps us take advantage of this shift by giving us greater expertise around Convio’s tools and the techniques that will make our clients even more successful online. It is clear to us, our clients, and the sector that Convio cares about our mutual success.”
 
Partners authorized on the Common Ground product currently include ACF Solutions, Astadia, Heller Consulting, Idealist Consulting, NFP Technologies, and NPower.

“Our clients appreciate that we’re an authorized Solution Partner on Common Ground,” said Keith Heller, principal of Heller Consulting. “It gives clients peace of mind to know we’ve been formally trained and have access to the same information and updates that the Convio staff has. For us, authorization provides an opportunity to grow our business as Convio’s expanding base of clients choose the best partners for their needs. In the end, everyone wins.”

Education and testing help to ensure CSPs have the expertise to provide the highest quality, most consistent service and support available around strategy and deployment of Convio software. Authorized partners also provide post-deployment services and consulting.

“Being able to choose from a group of authorized partners gives nonprofits the flexibility they need to work with strategy and technology providers that best meet their needs and interests,” explained Dave Smith, Executive Director for The Hill Country Ride for AIDS.  “Not only can we get the Convio product expertise that we require, we also can leverage the openness of today's ideas, applications and technologies without being locked into a single vendor or approach.”

Organizations interested in learning more about the program or interested in registering for the Convio Solution Provider program can visit www.convio.com/partners.

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 CRM system, Convio Common Ground™, 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® and Sierra Club. For more information, please visit www.convio.com

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