Snow Leopard Needed

To really sync Exchange (Email, Contacts and Calendar) with Mac OS computers we need them to be running Snow Leopard i.e. Mac OS 10.6.x  Cost of the 10.6 upgrade is $29 if you were at 10.5.  Not sure if it is more if your OS X install is too old.

Once that is installed much like iPhone/iPod Touch OS 3.x it just works like magic.

Configuration Gyrations on WP Mu

So it has taken the better part of two days to get things on the server straightened out.  The original install was quick but flawed and we needed the tech support folks at the hosting service to really understand the problem/s.

By the end of the day today they had gotten it 90% of the way there and then after I was busy tweaking -- some plug-in busted and is causing a minor issue.  I need c-panel access to the server as my only way to do anything is through the WP Mu Admin side -- and both to edit bad *.php files and also to manually upload and troubleshoot some themes and plug-ins.

Went ahead and had to purchase access to MP Mu Dev site for 3 months/$159 which gave me access to several new pay plug-ins one of which we really needed to get the "Blog Network" side of things running. They also offer tech support and advice live and on forums in addition to the plug-ins and templates.

I also went ahead and spent $65 to license the "Grace" template as the starting point of St. A's site.  It is traditional but it seems to fit closest to the aesthetics and the functionality we are looking for in a template.  It should do until we get a real design done by a designer.

So there are 4 unresolved issues in with the Alchemy tech support and hopefully those will be solved ASAP tomorrow so I can get Grace installed and I can get working on getting content and information into and organized on the new site.

Another 8x8 issue -- Outbound Caller ID

If we want all outbound calls to show the same caller ID it takes 5 days for that change -- option hidden under Account Info.  Otherwise it will show the name associated with an extension.

Phone number was ported, last minute fixes to autoattendant

So we went with a very minimal message to start with separating the individual boxes.  When Fr. Williams returns we need to go through the matrix I setup and decide what the rules are.  However, it is functional now with very few options.  Had to go back and add a hidden key for getting to VM remotely.  I also had to find the "if no button is pressed" forward to which is at the bottom of the list of Press X in the autoattendant configuration and looks identical to the number press options - just at the bottom of the list.

I had to go in to record a temporary message for Fr. Williams as he is out of town.

Spent part of the day dealing with voicemail / autoattendants

I helped configure a rudimentary autoattendant setup so that when AT&T releases the church's main line people won't go into thin air.  I wrote a more complex set of behaviors/logic but need the Rector around to work through the logic/steps.

I also had to be in the office to answer the verification calls for the broadcast voice mail providers so it shows the proper office number in the caller id.

Met with Diocese today..

Met with both Cannon Michael Barlow and Jim Forsyth today to talk about the work I've been doing.  The vendors/options I've selected and how that work may dovetail well in the work of Congregational Development/Missions and/or with other churches nearby in Oakland to do the phase 1 pilot project.  I need to come back with a specific workplan/propal so they can react to that as they were generally agreeable and understand the needs very well.  I will work on that over the next week and try and schedule a follow-up/demo for soon after that.

Broadcast VM Providers

DialMyCalls.com (-20% non-Profit Discount)

Cost	Number Of Credits	Price Per Credit
$10.00	140 Credits	7¢ Per Credit
$25.00	380 Credits	6.5¢ Per Credit
$50.00	825 Credits	6¢ Per Credit
$100.00	1800 Credits	5.5¢ Per Credit
$250.00	5000 Credits	5¢ Per Credit
$500.00	11,100 Credits	4.5¢ Per Credit

==========================

http://www.onecallnow.com/Religious/unlimited-monthly.aspx?vw=1

phone numbers in your calling list		silver plans monthly pricing	sign up now!		gold plans monthly pricing	sign up now!
25		$6.99	sign up »		$12.90	sign up »
50		$13.99	sign up »		$22.90	sign up »
75		$23.99	sign up »		$34.90	sign up »
100		$33.99	sign up »		$44.90	sign up »
150		$43.99	sign up »		$54.90	sign up »
200		$53.99	sign up »		$64.90	sign up »
250		$63.99	sign up »		$74.90	sign up »
300		$73.99	sign up »		$84.90	sign up »
400		$83.99	sign up »		$94.90	sign up »
500		$93.99	sign up »		$104.90	sign up »

=============================

CallFire

$0.035/per call/minute

==============================

http://phonevite.com/help/freevspremium.php

$0.05/per call 2 minutes max.

Fun with Mu

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Communications Configuration

As the communications systems are either very ridged or very loose at this church it makes it tough to implement tools like email distribution lists, web site and configure things like the phone system.  Sometimes there are very ridged lines and committee/s oversight that only a few people know about, other times it is adhoc or the Vestry who oversee but they only meet once per month normally.  In developing a communications plan and simplifying the process for certain things like approving use of Church facilities by groups inside the church --  we need an online system that can function and handle facilities scheduling.

I created an org chart to try and make sure organizations fell under the right hierarchy but really need to have it blessed and get some additional feedback so I can help make sure I configure things to help facilitate better communications.

I did create a distribution "Action List" that send to the Vestry Ex-Com, Judy and for the short term myself so that we can clear out and take to a point of resolution long standing complaints/issues/ideas people in the church have so we can track them to resolution which in many cases will be the "why" we can't or are not able to move forward but in an official response.  My hope is that this will help clear the deck of baggage so that we can help people begin to move forward.

Update

It took 3 hours to complete uninstall all Office related products from the secretary's PC and reinstall Office 2003 without Outlook and then Outlook 2007 from Comcast and get it installed. -- it took several reboots between each uninstall and reinstall    Machine booted fastest with no Office apps installed.

First launch was still 2-3 minutes for Outlook to open and sat at not responding.  I had to go into the control pane; then mail to delete the previous files/location by removing the profile.  Create a new profile.  Finally it did respond and I was able finish configuration but it took another 5-10 minutes.  Once that was done exited/closed and restarted and it came up quickly.

None of the above would have been requires except there was a bad install of Office XP/2002 and/or Office Publisher separately that was creating problems especially on a Windows VISTA PC.  The PC itself has 2GB RAM and a fair processor so this sloooooooooooooowness was software based.

I switched the DNS servers for the LAN connection to Google 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 and that seemed to also help.

I still need to install the 8x8 plugin for Outlook and lastly configure the autologin script I found which will help get it opened faster as well.

I'd been thinking along these lines for a bit...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jose-antonio-vargas/jumo-chris-hughes-faceboo_b_503720.html

Need to see where this project is really at.

Another day, another system

The 8x8 phone system is now partially configured.  All the extensions are up and running and Fr. Williams iPhone has the 8x8 app running on it.  We need to continue to configure the ring groups, auto attendant and then record the VMs.  We need to finish configuring it and record the outgoing announcements then it will be ready.

The office PC continues to be problematic that yes it is "newer" but it really is bottom of the barrel in terms of spec and especially since it is running Vista -- it seems dog slow.  Turning all the bells off -- it has been running better until I tried to install Outlook 2007.  It continues to "fail install" but Outlook is there and working but VERY slow to load.  However being very slow to start makes it frustrating as Judy's normal method has been to open / close email vs. leave it running for the day.

To fix, I need the install disc for the version of Office currently installed so we can uninstall and I ran reinstall without Outlook 200X and then install Outlook 2007 again fresh -- hopefully that fixes the problem.

We really need at least a second PC in the office so that Judy or the volunteer or even the Rector if he does not have his Mac can connect.

I spent a few minutes tooling around with Wordpress Mu to now understand you do not make changes to the root blog - deactivate or delete.  Also had issues that some setting in my Chrome browser is keeping me from being able to log in properly -- it just reloads the sign-in page.  Firefox works ok but need to get to the bottom of this one.

More CBT / LMS Tool Info

http://www.edutools.info/item_list.jsp?pj=4

Things are rolling

Last Friday the install of the new Internet Connection went in.  Friday afternoon and again on Saturday installed and cabled (temporarily cabled) up the new VOIP phone system and to move the router out of Fr. Williams room to put it near the copier.

Friday night and Saturday day I spent organizing and converting us over to hosted Exchange that came with the service and getting the details to Fr. Williams on configuring his iPhone and webmail.

Sunday tested out uStream on the network from Trinity including both broadcast and broadcast/record.
Yesterday I got the order in for the new phone system and configuration is scheduled for Wed @ 10AM + Got new dedicated server to run WordPress Mu selected and Alchemy has just completed the setup of the server.  I also sent all the information across to a potential graphic designer to get the Easter Campaign going as well as broader discussion on St. A's for work at a later date.  Also had further discussions with Fellowship One -- it would seem to be the best vendor for our needs for now to replace ACS need to walk Fr. Williams through what that means.

Today looking into Moodle and LMS again.  Wordpress and Fellowship One work.  Follow up with Graphic Designer and Sign/Banner issues.  Look at vendor for broadcast VM.

Tomorrow. Setting up the phone system and starting the number porting process with AT&T.

Moving project management over to Many Moons

As several of these projects move from research and ideation into planning and because I'm juggling so many different balls simultaneous --- moving over to ManyMoon.com to handle task management and next steps for implementation.  Trying to keep this blog going as well because of the existing "tagging" and ability more easily share/track thoughts vs. tasks.

Peter

Bulk Mail H*ll -- Can someone

http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/getstarted/bulkMail.htm

What is Bulk Mail? Is it Right for You?

The term "bulk mail" refers to larger quantities of mail prepared for mailing at reduced postage. In Business Mail 101, the term "bulk mail" means commercial First-Class Mail and advertising mail (called "Standard Mail" by the Postal Service). Commercial prices are available for other classes of mail, too. The Postal Service uses the terms "bulk" and "presorted" interchangeably.

Bulk prices are discounted from "single-piece". "Single-piece" means that you pay the full postage price; when you put a stamp on a letter, you're paying the single-piece postage. Many mailers pay single-piece postage even though they are doing large mailings. Why? Because they don’t want to do any extra preparation work—they don’t have the time, or it’s just not cost effective for their business. Business Mail 101 will help you make smart choices about your own mail to determine if commercial prices are right for you.

What Are Commercial Prices?

The Postal Service offers discounts for bulk mailings because you do some of the work that otherwise would have to be done by the Postal Service (for example, sorting the mail by ZIP Code or transporting the mail to a different postal facility). Everyone benefits from this "work-sharing." Mailers make an investment in time and technology, and the Postal Service’s costs are reduced and you pay less postage.

In order to mail at commercial prices, you need to:

  Get a mailing permit (permission to mail) and pay an annual mailing fee.
Pay postage using one of several convenient methods: precanceled stamps, postage meter, or permit imprint.
Make smart choices about the size, shape, and weight of your mailpiece.
Ensure that your addresses are accurate.
Presort the mailpieces (separate or sort your mail by ZIP Code).
Take your mail to the Post Office where you hold your mailing permit.


The choices you make can result in significant postage savings. Click here for a discussion about the postage prices you'll pay.

Minimum Quantities for a Bulk Business Mailing

To qualify for certain postage discounts, you must mail a minimum number of pieces:

  500 pieces for First-Class Mail.
200 pieces (or 50 pounds of mail) for Standard Mail.
50 pieces for Parcel Select.
300 pieces for Presorted or Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter.
300 pieces for Library Mail.
300 pieces for Media Mail (formerly called "book rate").

=======================================================================

Current Pricing:

First Class
Letter & Large Postcard - $0.44
Postcard (Small) - $0.28

First Class Commercial/Business:

Letter & Large Postcard - $0.335 (Automation + Zip5)

Postcard (Small) - $0.205 (Automation + Zip5)

Letter & Large Postcard - $0.414 (Presort + Zip5)

Postcard (Small) - $0.245 (Presort + Zip5)

Standard Mail Nonprofit
LETTERS—CARRIER ROUTE & AUTOMATION
No Entry Discount - Saturation - Carrier Route - $0.110
DSCF - Saturation - Carrier Route - $0.067

LETTERS - NONAUTOMATION
No Entry Discount - Machinable - AADC - $0.155
DSCF - Machinable - AADC - $0.112
No Entry Discount - Nonmachinable - 5-Digit - $0.229
DSCF - Nonmachinable - 5-Digit - $0.186



=======================================================================



--Applying for a MAILING permit is different from applying for nonprofit mailing privileges. If you are a nonprofit mailer, first decide how you want to pay postage. Then apply for your mailing permit. Then apply for nonprofit mailing privileges. A postal employee can help you make sure you're taking the right steps in the right order.

=======================================================================

Definitions:

Automation–Compatible Mail - Mail that is prepared according to USPS standards so it can be scanned and processed by automated mail processing equipment such as a barcode sorter.


Presort - The process by which a mailer prepares mail so that it is sorted to the finest extent required by the standards for the price claimed. Generally, presort is performed sequentially, from the lowest (finest) level to the highest level, to those destinations specified by standard and is completed at each level before the next level is prepared. Not all presort levels are applicable to all mailings.

Presorted First-Class Mailing - A nonautomation category for a mailing that consists of at least 500 addressed mailpieces and is sorted and prepared according to USPS standards. This mail does not bear a barcode.

Presorted Mail - A form of mail preparation, required to bypass certain postal operations, in which the mailer groups pieces in a mailing by ZIP Code or by carrier route or carrier walk sequence (or other USPS–recommended separation).

Presorted Prices - A discounted price. In exchange for this lower postage price, mailers must sort their mail into containers based on the ZIP Code destinations on the mail.




=======================================================================

Mail Rate calculator:
http://dbcalc.usps.gov/CalculatorSetPage.aspx

Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail allows nonprofit organizations to save even more for bulk mailings weighing less than 16 ounces. All you have to do is sort mailpieces to the individual carrier routes within a 5-digit ZIP Code™.

Standard Mail requires a minimum of 200 pieces or 50 pounds per mailing. It can not be used for sending personal correspondence, handwritten or typewritten letters, or bills and statements of account. Prices are based on weight, shape, preparation, and entry. Automation prices are lower than nonautomation prices.

-------------------

http://pe.usps.gov/text/qsg300/Q240b.htm

Applying for a Permit Imprint

---------------------

http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/postage/applyPermit.htm


How to Apply for a Permit Imprint

1). Download a copy of Form 3615, Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile. Copies are available from your local business mail entry unit or Post Office.

2). Take your completed Form 3615 to your local business mail entry unit or Post Office.
Tip: Most permit imprint numbers are given out through the main post office in your area, which may not be the place where you’ll take your mail. Before heading out, call your local Post Office and ask where you need to take your application. Use the Post Office locator to find phone numbers and addresses.

3). At the post office, submit your Form 3615 and pay the permit imprint application fee ($185). This fee covers the costs of setting up an account in your organization’s name. This is a one-time only fee, and it is separate from the annual mailing fee.


----------------

http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/postage/permitImprint.htm


Permit Imprint

Permit imprint is the most popular and convenient way to pay for postage, especially for high volume mailings. Instead of using precanceled stamps or a postage meter, the mailer prints postage information in the upper right corner of the mailpiece. This postage block is called an "indicia." Here’s a sample of what a permit imprint indicia looks like. The indicia is printed onto each mailpiece.

To use permit imprint, you set up a postage account (called an "advance deposit account") at the Post Office where you’ll be depositing your mail. When you bring your mailing to the Post Office the total postage is deducted from your account. It’s like having a checking account at the Post Office.


------------------

http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/postage/precanceled.htm

Precanceled Stamps


Precanceled stamps are special stamps that come in small denominations and are specifically for Presorted First-Class Mail and Standard Mail mailings. Mailers apply these special stamps to envelopes at a lower postage price (say, 10 cents) and pay the difference when they drop off the mail at the Post Office. The business mail entry unit clerk can help you fill out your postage statement to calculate how much you still owe. You can pay that difference with a check, a meter strip, or through a postage account.

Precanceled stamps are available in four denominations:

25 cents for Presorted First-Class Mail only
15 cents for Presorted First-Class Postcards only
10 cents for Regular Standard Mail only
5 cents for Nonprofit Standard Mail only




-------------------

http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/postage/precanceledPermit.htm


How to Apply For a Permit to Use Precanceled Stamps

Get a copy of Form 3615, Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile. Copies are available from your business mail entry unit or local Post Office.
2. Fill out Form 3615. Check the box that says "Precanceled Stamp Authorization."

3. Turn in the completed Form 3615 at your local business mail entry unit or Post Office. There is no application fee to get a permit to use precanceled stamps. Before heading out, call your local Post Office and ask where you need to take your application. Use the Post Office locator to find phone numbers and addresses. You don’t need to fill out a new form, and there is no fee to amend Form 3615.


--------------------

http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/postage/tipsPrecanceled.htm


Tips for Using Precanceled Stamps

Use these tips to mail successfully with precanceled stamps:

  Some mailers believe that envelopes with stamps get noticed and opened before other pieces of mail. You can use that to your advantage by using precanceled stamps to send your promotional messages.
Using precanceled stamps on your mail is an easy way to get started with bulk mail. Many first-time mailers use precanceled stamps.
Precanceled stamps come preprinted with the required rate markings. First-Class Mail precanceled stamps say "PRESORTED FIRST-CLASS." Standard Mail precanceled stamps say "PRSRT STD" or "NONPROFIT ORG."
Postage Statement: When preparing your mail, use the "postage affixed" postage statement (because you’ve already put some postage (but not all of it) on your mailpiece). The postage statement will help you figure out how much postage you still owe when you drop off your mail at the post office.
Your mailpiece MUST have a complete domestic return address, preferably in the upper left corner.
Some mailers establish an advance deposit account to pay the postage they still owe on their precanceled stamp mailings.
Mailpieces bearing precanceled stamps must be brought to the post office where you hold your permit. They CANNOT be dropped in a collection box or given to a carrier.
There are self-adhesive precanceled stamps.



=======================================================================

http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/misc/nonprofitApplication.htm


How to Apply for Authorization to Mail at Nonprofit Rates

Get a copy of Form 3624, Application to Mail at Nonprofit Standard Mail Rates. The form also is available from your postmaster or local business mail entry unit.
     Form 3624, Application to Mail at Nonprofit Standard Mail Rates.
Fill out Form 3624. Lines 1-8 and Lines 10-17 are self-explanatory. For Line 9, check the category (ONLY ONE) under which you are applying.
Required documentation. You must submit some documentation with your application to support your claim for nonprofit rates:
Formative papers—e.g., articles of incorporation, constitution, or charter.
IRS letter of exemption from payment of federal income tax.
Other evidence of nonprofit status—e.g., a financial statement prepared by an independent auditor substantiating organization’s nonprofit status (statement must include balance sheets, notes, etc.).
......

http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/postage/annualMailingFee.htm


Annual Mailing Fee

Regardless of the method of postage payment you chose, if you mail in bulk you must pay an annual mailing fee (sometimes called a "bulk mailing fee"). This fee is separate from any other application fees or account deposits. You can pay via cash or check at the Post Office or BMEU. There is no special form to fill out.

Paying the annual mailing fee gives you permission to mail a certain class of mail from a certain postal facility for 365 days. For instance, you would need two different permits to mail First-Class Mail and Standard Mail bulk mailings from the same office.

You cannot mail in bulk until you pay your annual mailing fee.

-----

http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/postage/mailingPermit.htm


Mailing Permit

A mailing permit is permission to use a certain postage payment method for bulk and discounted mailings. Instructions for applying for a mailing permit are included under each method of payment.

There is no fee to apply for a permit to mail with precanceled stamps or a postage meter.

There is a fee to apply for a permit to mail with permit imprint. This one-time only fee pays for setting up your permit imprint account. The permit imprint application fee is due when you turn in your application for a permit imprint.

You must hold a permit and pay an annual mailing fee at every Post Office where you want to enter and pay for your mail.

-----

http://pe.usps.com/text/qsg300/Q703.htm


Eligibility Overview (703.1.0)

Only qualified political committees, voting registration officials, and organizations that meet specific standards for qualified nonprofit organizations and that have received specific authorization from the USPS may mail eligible matter at the Nonprofit Standard Mail prices. Except for previously accepted mailings being deposited under a plant-verified drop shipment program (705.15.0), nonprofit mailings presented for USPS acceptance must include a properly prepared mailing statement bearing the national authorization number of the approved nonprofit organization. Pieces mailed at the Nonprofit Standard Mail prices must meet the general standards for Standard Mail (243.2.0 for letters, 343.2.0 for flats, 443.2.0 for parcels) and the standards specific to any other discount or price claimed.

Qualified organization: the organization is not organized for profit, and none of its net income inures to the benefit of any private stockholder or individual. Types of organizations that may qualify (703.1.2): religious, educational, scientific, philanthropic, agricultural, labor, veterans, and fraternal. Voting registration officials and national and state political committees may be qualified without regard to their nonprofit status.

Ineligible nonprofit organizations (703.1.4): service, social, and hobby clubs; citizens' and civic improvement associations; state, county, and municipal governments are generally not eligible.

......

Credit Card Processor Discussion Goes to Finance Committee

Vestry assigned it to the Finance Committee to come back with a recommendation next month.  Need to talk with Don White on it.

Medical ID Tag & Monitoring Service

Looking into the options that exist and if any of the major players would be interested in my "denominational" solution -- that would help call a priest, notify family, have medical directives on file, allergies/other pertinent medical info, pet information, end of life giving, etc.

Polycom Speaker Phones

http://poly.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/16823/Polycom-SoundStation-Expandable.html

For Trinity -- trying to see how compatible the Polycom's VOIP is to 8x8's service but always could just use the analog version and plug into an adapter.

8x8 VOIP Details

Update on the details:

• 2 Day turn around from order submission to enable and configure the inital account/s
• 4 Day turn around if we needed/wanted new equipment (we have some so this is not needed)
• 5-7 day turn around for number porting by AT&T

1) Is Barbados and Nevis & St. Kitts included in the International Long Distance for unlimited or at what are those rates?  (We have a mission connected to them).

SEE BELOW - http://www.8x8.com/Resources/Tools/InternationalRates.aspx

2) You've got 4 lines + 1 virtual here -- probably need to talk again on our current setup + fax and make sure we're covered and I understand if we need additional virtual numbers.

Auto-attendant is the virtual number and it will map to the current mainline number.

3) Is there any limit on the length of an outgoing voicemail message/box i.e. so people can hear our whole calendar for the upcoming week, etc.

Not that important -- we can have up to 27 attendants/groups i.e. press 1 to x.  Same price for 1 or multiple.

4) This quote included the automated attendant right?

Yes it is the 4.99/month.

Barbados - All_other_prefixes 1246- $0.21

Barbados - Mobile_&_premium 1246-23 $0.25

Barbados - Mobile_&_premium 1246-24 $0.25

Barbados - Mobile_&_premium 1246-25 $0.25

Barbados - Mobile_&_premium 1246-26 $0.25

Barbados - Mobile_&_premium 1246-45 $0.25

Barbados - Mobile_&_premium 1246-52 $0.25

Barbados - Mobile_&_premium 1246-82 $0.25

St. Kitts - All_other_prefixes 1869- $0.23

St. Kitts-Info 1869-555 $0.19