Frequently Asked Questions

• How long has Innovative Mentoring Software been used?  How many other organizations are using it?
  Used successfully since 2002, 19 mentoring programs are currently using and benefiting from the software.  Visit our testimonials page to see what they have to say about it!
  
  
• What is the system's up-time?
  Greater than 99%
  
  
• What are the technical specifications?
  Since our Innovative Mentoring Software is web-based, the only you need to have are a PC with Internet Explorer 6.0 or greater.  Your data is encrypted and secure with a 128-bit SSL secure certificate, the same encryption used for online banking and shopping.  High-Speed Internet is recommended.
  
  
• What is the set up time?
  Your database is ready 2 weeks from receipt of a signed agreement letter.   There is a one-time set-up per computer that takes approximately 5 minutes. 
  
  
• What is the average size of the mentoring organizations that use the software?  Is there a limit to the number of matches that the software supports?
  On average, our clients have 3-5 full-time staff.  There is no limit to the number of matches that you can create in the software.  We want you to have as many matches as possible!
  
  
• Can I access the database on a Macintosh (Apple) computer?
  At this time, the Innovative Mentoring Software requires a Microsoft Internet Explorer and therefore can not be used on an Apple computer
  
  
• Define system security
  • 128-bit encryption (SSL industry standard), the same used in online banking and shopping websites
  • Each staff member will have a username and password assigned to them (eliminates risk of personal information in passwords that could be guessed like children’s or pet’s names)
  • Session time-outs so that if a staff member steps away from the computer and doesn’t remember to close the database, the database will automatically log out after a certain time period, preventing unauthorized use of the database.
  • Specific database address will not be made public
  • Professional hosting with the latest security updates
  
  
• What are the hours of support?
  Normal business hours for support (Mon-Friday, 9-5 EST).  Non-business hour support available for emergencies or special situations (international clients, etc).
  
  
• What is the range of custom options available?
  In the standard package you can add, modify, and delete custom categories for individuals, children, and organizations.  The categories are automatically available for flexible reporting. 
  
  Additionally, certain data fields in the software are “combo” boxes, which allow you to assign new field options at any time or select from the existing list. 
  
  The options for custom-developed changes (at an additional cost) is unlimited and includes adding additional data collection fields, integrating the database with online data collection forms such as program outcome surveys or potential mentor forms, and other custom features.
  
  
• What is the range of generic reports available with the standard package?
  Flexible Reporting
  Limitless possibilities for reporting using the comprehensive search & reporting section of the database.  Specify criteria to get the information you are looking for. 
  
  Samples:
  • Number of matched, waiting, or prospective volunteers or kids (any combination: matched kids only, matched volunteers only, waiting kids only, matched kids aged 14-15, matched boys, matched male volunteer, waiting male volunteers, matched and waiting volunteers, matched and waiting kids, etc.,)
  • Number of matched kids from a particular school or case worker
  • Matches that have lasted a specified time period
  
  Flexible reports are formatted for print layout and come with:
  • a results count
  • basic information related to the subjects in the report (name, address, phone, email)
  • Links to the specific records of the report subjects
  
  Flexible reports can also be exported to Microsoft Excel.
  
  Formalized online reports:
  • Match performance
  • Birthdays of volunteer, kids, or both
  • Individual donations
  • Annual increases and decreases of donations
  
  
•  Can we get custom reports?
  Yes!  We can provide custom reports for you.  See cost information below.
  
  Additionally, if you have a staff person or volunteer who is trained in Microsoft Access, you can create your own custom reports and queries at any time.  Called the “Custom Queries” module, there is a $150 one-time fee that includes training on using the module.
  
  
• What is the cost of developing a custom report?
  $150 one-time set up fee to allow all future custom reports  (Custom Queries Module).
  
  Estimate of $150 per report.  You provide a “mock-up” of the requested report in Microsoft Word or Excel format.  We create the report including professional print formatting, and you can run the report using live data at any time.
  
  
• What are their browser specifications?  Do they require Java or  Active X?
  Internet Explorer 6.0 on a Windows PC with Java Script and Active X enabled for database site only (one-time set-up procedure per computer.)
  
  
• What underlying system is the software built on?
  Microsoft Access. 
  
  
• How long has Innovative Technology Solutions (the Innovative Mentoring Software parent company) been in business?
  Custom software development for Fortune 500 and mid-sized businesses since 1996; addition of products and services for non-profit and government organizations (75% mentoring) in 2001.