Community-based organizations face some unique challenges in managing information.
Typically, the information system of a community-based organization needs to:
Assist the organization's payroll, office productivity, etc.
Handle community data, both public and confidential.
Many people may contribute to the system design and operation, for example:
Community members and leadership.
Management of the organization.
Operators of the information.
Funders of the organization.
Various levels of government (municipal, state, provincial, federal).
These "stakeholders" can have different agendas or opposing goals, which must be reconciled in the process of system development.
The ownership, control, access and possession of confidential information are policies that must be defined at all levels.
Community information can be considered as asset with value, like cash. Without clear policies, this asset can be wasted, lost or misappropriated.
instaNET meets the challenges instaNET Services bases all its work on these principles:
information systems and technology must serve all constituencies, within the community, and outside in the broader community.
All issues must be handled with respect for diversity in ethnicity, culture and politics, and inclusivity of all stakeholders.
Issues of security, privacy, and confidentiality receive the highest priority in all situations.