Webinar Recap and Recording: August 20th

We’re back! After a short summer break, our webinar series returned with a fresh session: AI Without Headaches: Using AI Tools Effectively.

This session was all about helping mission-driven organizations stay ahead in a fast-changing tech landscape—without the overwhelm.



Here’s what we unpacked together:

✨ How AI can support nonprofits without adding extra headaches

✨ Simple, real-world use cases like summarizing reports, drafting emails, and organizing content for social impact work

✨ Clear steps to weave AI into daily workflows in ways that are smart, secure, and time-saving

Watch the Recording

Modernizing Nonprofit Tech Without Losing Legacy Systems

Many nonprofits still depend on donor databases, finance tools, and case management systems running on aging servers. These systems are essential—but they can limit remote work, increase security risks, and drive up costs.

Virtual desktops like Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Amazon WorkSpaces let you move those applications to the cloud—secure, reliable, and accessible anywhere.

Highlights:

• Doing nothing costs more: security gaps + hidden infrastructure expenses
• Flexible setups: shared or dedicated desktops
• Migration steps: assess → design → pilot → train
• Save costs with autoscaling, shutdown schedules, optimized storage
• Choose Azure or AWS based on workflow, licensing, and integrations



Cloud-hosted legacy systems = safer data, easier access for staff, and readiness for future upgrades.

👉 We’d love to hear from you:

• Which legacy systems does your nonprofit rely on most?
• What challenges do you face moving them to the cloud?

Click Here to Read the Full Article

New on LinkedIn: A Simple Framework For Smarter Tech Projects

In our latest video, we break down one powerful tip for any tech initiative: use a clear framework to guide the process. Whether you’re launching a new platform, upgrading infrastructure, or rolling out AI tools, a framework keeps everyone aligned, clarifies goals, and helps you avoid costly detours.



📽️ Watch the video on LinkedIn and share it with your team—a quick, practical way to set your next project up for success.

Watch the Video

Team Spotlight: Celebrating 14 Years With Dan Pham!

This month, we’re proud to celebrate Dan Pham’s 14-year anniversary with Varsity! With deep expertise in IT support, technology implementation, and strategic consulting, Dan has been a driving force behind many impactful client initiatives—strengthening security, streamlining operations, and shaping sustainable tech roadmaps.

As Principal Consultant, he partners with clients on long-term IT strategies, budgets, and projects that align technology with business growth. Outside of work, Dan enjoys exploring the Bay Area food scene, traveling, and DJing—a creative outlet that occasionally lands him behind the decks at local San Francisco spots.



Dan embodies the curiosity, excellence, and collaboration that define Varsity. Please join us in congratulating him on this incredible milestone!

"Their on-site IT technicians are not only highly skilled but also approachable and efficient in resolving any technical issues we encounter. Whether it’s day-to-day troubleshooting or long-term IT planning, Varsity Technologies has always delivered with professionalism and expertise."

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We Asked, You Answered

In our latest LinkedIn poll, we asked: “Which AI tool would make the biggest impact on your team's productivity?”

Top responses included:

• ChatGPT
• Microsoft / M365 Copilot
• Claude (Anthropic)
• Otter.ai (transcriptions)

Click on the link to find out which one won – and let us know if you agree. We’re using your feedback to shape future resources and training sessions. Got more to share? We’d love to hear it.

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We'd Love Your Input

If there’s something you’d like to see covered in future newsletters or if there's a team member you’re curious to learn more about - just reply and let us know. Your feedback helps shape what we share.



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