Religion
Related: About this forumReligion-driven IT to be $40 billion opportunity by 2017: Gartner
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/ites/religion-driven-it-to-be-40-billion-opportunity-by-2017-gartner/articleshow/17115123.cms6 NOV, 2012, 04.47PM IST, ET BUREAU
BANGALORE: Religion-driven information technology will generate more than $40 billion (about Rs 2,19,000 crore) in software and service opportunities by 2017, according to technology research firm Gartner.
"Religion has a great influence on high-growth regions such as Latin America, Africa, the Arab world and South Asia, thus compelling new entrants and incumbent IT providers to seek new opportunities with religious entities," said Asheesh Raina, principal research analyst at Gartner.
"Direct IT spending by religious groups is small compared with the influence of religion on the IT spending of other industries and enterprises."
He said that there is an increase in the number of people visiting religious places, such as temples and shrines during hajj and other pilgrimages. Also, t he high religiosity index in emerging markets, IT becoming mainstream, and increased spend on religion due to economic development will all lead to a gradual shift toward religion-driven IT.
more at link
dimbear
(6,271 posts)which comes from Satan, and what is technology, which comes from God.
Well, at any rate, do your good deed today and don't tell any Amish people what makes Ipods work.
jeepnstein
(2,631 posts)I prefer to work with small churches on limited budgets. You'd be surprised at what some of them are wanting these days.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)With the rise of the "nones", I think churches that invest in this are going to be much more interesting and satisfying to younger people.
jeepnstein
(2,631 posts)They want internet connectivity. Guest wireless access is highly valued so that people who use their smart phones as their pocket Bibles have full function. They want song lyrics projected. I also have had nothing but great things to say about getting a CCLI Song Select subscription. I'm always looking for good projectors. It seems like most of the young guys want WordPress for a web site. Oh, and phone systems are always a topic.
A basic system with OpenLP, a projector, a wireless access point, firewall/router, cabling, Song Select, and maybe some web work is about it. Lots of preachers are using iPads these days as well. We're also seeing folks interested in streaming video of their services on the internet or making them available for future reference. Some folks prefer Media Shout or Pro Presenter but the cost of ownership versus OpenLP makes lots of people think twice. Many congregations have folks who know a little bit about all of this but they can't make it all work and they usually make it a frightful looking mess. Clean installs that don't call attention to themselves are where it's at. No different than any other part of the market.
I did a conversion for a Catholic church from a spread sheet to Quick Books a while back. Never again. That's time off my life that is just never coming back. Stay out of the financial end of it. There be dragons over there.
cbayer
(146,218 posts)jeepnstein
(2,631 posts)We're just well-paid day laborers.