Introducing Kairos: A New Era of Case Management for Nonprofits
Why Kairos, Why Now? Nonprofits have long struggled with fragmented systems, manual processes, and limited access to enterprise-grade technology. Kairos changes that. Built on Microsoft Azure and designed specifically for nonprofits, Kairos offers: Streamlined Case Management: From intake to closure, every step is digitized and intuitive Data-Driven Insights: Real-time dashboards and analytics help teams make smarter decisions. Custom Workflows: Tailored to the unique needs of each organization, not the other way around. Collaboration at Scale: Seamless coordination across departments, partners, and service providers. And it’s not just theory. During the recent soft launch, over 70 Urban Leaguers from 30 affiliates joined a live demo led by the Urban League of Broward County's own Daela Holness, showcasing how Kairos is already transforming service delivery. Built by the Community, for the Community This isn’t a top-down tech deployment. It’s a co-creation effort led by voices from across the nonprofit ecosystem. Our team recognized a critical need: nonprofits must own their data. Through deep conversations with nonprofit leaders and frontline staff, we envisioned a system that wouldn’t just manage cases—but empower entire organizations. Kairos was designed to serve every department, every program, and every team—so they can serve their communities faster, smarter, and more collaboratively. With Kairos, nonprofits can track families and services across programs, not in silos. That’s why we call it an impact management system—not just case management. It’s about seeing the full picture, breaking down barriers, and building stronger, more connected communities. What’s Next? This blog is just the beginning. We have published a series of deep dives into the technologies powering Kairos—from Azure services and Power BI dashboards to secure document management. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a technologist, or a curious changemaker, there’s something here for you. Explore the Series Below is a link to over 20 blogs that will talks about the tech behind Kairos and how it fits into the broader nonprofit tech landscape. If you are just getting started in understanding technology, these will explain resources required for the application especially if you're considering the deployable model. Kairos IMS Blog Resources Take a look at the Kairos website to learn more.Setting Up Azure SQL Database for Nonprofits and Small Businesses
At the heart of this post is Kairos IMS, an innovative Impact Management System designed to empower human-serving nonprofits and social impact organizations. Co-developed by the Urban League of Broward County and our trusted technology partner, Impactful, Kairos IMS reduces administrative burdens, enhances holistic care, and enables organizations to leverage data for increased agility and seamless service delivery. In this blog series, we’ll take a closer look at the powerful technologies that fuel Kairos IMS, from Azure services to security frameworks, offering insight into how modern infrastructure supports mission-driven impact. Click here to learn more. Azure SQL Database offers nonprofits and small businesses a scalable, cost-effective, and secure solution for managing data. Following up from our previous blog that compared Azure SQL Databases and Azure SQL Servers, this guide dives deeper into setting up Azure SQL Database while ensuring you feel confident every step of the way. Step-by-Step Instructions to Set Up Azure SQL Database Step 1: Log in to the Azure Portal Begin by logging into the Azure Portal. If you don’t already have an account, you can sign up for a free tier offering $200 in credits, making it an excellent starting point for nonprofits and small businesses. Step 2: Create a New SQL Database 1. In the Azure Portal dashboard, locate the search bar at the top. 2. Type "SQL Database" and select the corresponding service. 3. Click "Create" to start the setup process. Step 3: Configure Database Basics "Resource Group": Create a new resource group or use an existing one. Resource groups help organize related resources. "Database Name": Choose a descriptive name for your database. "Server": If you don’t have an existing Azure SQL Server, create one here. Specify the server name, admin login, and password. "Compute Tier": For small businesses and nonprofits, consider starting with the “Basic” or “General Purpose” tier for cost-efficiency. Step 4: Networking Setup Under the "Networking" tab: Choose "Public endpoint" to allow access via the internet but restrict IP ranges for security. Add your local IP to the firewall settings to connect from your device. On Windows: Open the Command Prompt, type ipconfig, and look for "IPv4 Address" under your active network connection. On Mac: Open System Preferences, go to "Network," select your active connection, and find your IP address listed under "Status." Step 5: Review and Create Once all configurations are complete, review your setup in the "Review + Create" tab. Click "Create" to deploy your Azure SQL Database. Deployment typically takes a few minutes. Best Practices for Security Enable Advanced Threat Protection: This feature helps detect and respond to potential threats in real-time. Use Azure SQL Managed Identity: Avoid embedding credentials in your applications by enabling managed identities for secure access. Encrypt Your Data: Ensure both in-transit and at-rest encryption via Transparent Data Encryption (TDE). Restrict Access: Use virtual network rules and IP restrictions to limit who can access your database. Performance Optimization Tips Choose the Right Pricing Tier: As your organization grows, you can scale up or down based on your performance needs. Leverage Auto-Tuning: Enable automatic performance tuning to optimize query execution plans. Indexing: Regularly monitor and create indexes for frequently queried fields. Monitor with Azure Metrics: Use Azure Monitor to track performance and identify bottlenecks. Common Troubleshooting Tips Connection Issues: Ensure your IP is added to the firewall rules. Slow Queries: Use "Query Performance Insights" to identify and optimize slow queries. Backup and Restore: Regularly back up your data using Azure’s automated backup feature, and test restoration processes. Scaling Concerns: Use the "Scale up" feature to adjust your compute power during peak times. Conclusion Setting up Azure SQL Database is a straightforward and empowering process. By following these steps and applying best practices, nonprofits and small businesses can leverage this powerful tool to manage data effectively, securely, and affordably. Whether you’re new to cloud technology or looking to optimize your current setup, Azure SQL Database provides the scalability and cost-efficiency required to thrive in a digital world. For further research and exploration, you can visit the following resources: Azure SQL Database Documentation - Comprehensive guidance and best practices for setup and usage. Azure SQL Database Pricing - Details on cost structures and tiers. Azure SQL Database Security Overview - Resources on enabling secure database operations. Azure SQL Database Performance Tuning - Insights into optimizing database performance. These links provide a deeper understanding and additional tools to maximize the potential of Azure SQL Database for your organization.What Is an SQL Database? A Beginner's Guide
At the heart of this post is Kairos IMS, an innovative Impact Management System designed to empower human-serving nonprofits and social impact organizations. Co-developed by the Urban League of Broward County and our trusted technology partner, Impactful, Kairos IMS reduces administrative burdens, enhances holistic care, and enables organizations to leverage data for increased agility and seamless service delivery. In this blog series, we’ll take a closer look at the powerful technologies that fuel Kairos IMS, from Azure services to security frameworks, offering insight into how modern infrastructure supports mission-driven impact. Click here to learn more. What Does SQL Stand For? SQL (pronounced "ess-cue-ell" or sometimes "sequel") stands for Structured Query Language. It's a standardized programming language used to manage and manipulate relational databases—a type of database that stores data in tables, similar to a spreadsheet. What Is an SQL Database? An SQL database is any database that uses SQL to query and manage the data it holds. It organizes information into tables, which are made up of rows (records) and columns (fields). These tables can be linked to each other using relationships, making it easy to combine and retrieve related data efficiently. For example, an online store might have: A Customers table (name, email, phone number), An Orders table (order ID, customer ID, product ID), A Products table (product name, price, stock count). With SQL, the business can easily pull reports like “show all orders placed by John Doe” or “list products low in stock.” How Nonprofits Can Use SQL Databases Imagine you're running a youth mentorship program. You could use an SQL database to manage: Participants (name, age, school, enrollment date) Volunteers (contact info, availability, background check status) Sessions (which mentor met with which student, when, and where) With a few SQL queries, you could: Generate a monthly report on how many mentorship hours were logged See which students have missed more than two sessions Pull contact information for all volunteers available on Tuesdays What Can You Do with SQL? SQL allows you to: Create and modify databases and tables Insert, update, and delete records Query data using commands like SELECT, WHERE, and JOIN Set up permissions for who can access or change the data Common SQL Database Systems Several software systems (called Database Management Systems, or DBMS) use SQL. Some popular ones include: MySQL – free and open-source, widely used for websites Microsoft SQL Server – enterprise-level database used by many businesses PostgreSQL – powerful open-source DBMS with advanced features SQLite – lightweight, often used in mobile apps Oracle Database – robust and scalable, commonly used in large corporations Why Are SQL Databases Important? SQL databases are trusted for: Data integrity: ensuring accuracy and consistency Scalability: handling large amounts of data as your needs grow Security: controlling who can view or edit information Reliability: mature systems that are well-tested in real-world use Conclusion SQL databases are the backbone of modern data management. Whether you’re building a website, managing customer records, or running a business, understanding SQL gives you the tools to organize and retrieve your data efficiently. Even a basic knowledge of SQL can open doors in tech, analytics, and beyond. An SQL database can be a game-changer for nonprofits looking to stay organized, demonstrate impact, and scale their operations. Whether you're a grassroots organization just starting out or an established nonprofit ready to modernize your systems, understanding SQL is a smart step toward using data for good.Protecting Your Mission: How Azure’s Point-in-Time Restore Keeps Nonprofit Data Safe
At the heart of this post is Kairos IMS, an innovative Impact Management System designed to empower human-serving nonprofits and social impact organizations. Co-developed by the Urban League of Broward County and our trusted technology partner, Impactful, Kairos IMS reduces administrative burdens, enhances holistic care, and enables organizations to leverage data for increased agility and seamless service delivery. In this blog series, we’ll take a closer look at the powerful technologies that fuel Kairos IMS, from Azure services to security frameworks, offering insight into how modern infrastructure supports mission-driven impact. Click here to learn more. As nonprofits continue to embrace cloud technology to enhance their day-to-day and better serve their communities, protecting critical data becomes more important than ever. Whether it’s donor records, program data, or volunteer tracking, the risk of accidental deletion or corruption is real. That’s why features like Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) in Microsoft Azure play a vital role in ensuring your data stays safe—and your mission stays on track. What Is Point-in-Time Restore? Point-in-Time Restore is a feature in Azure that allows you to recover a database to a specific moment in the past—down to the second. Think of it like hitting "rewind" on your database. Whether it's due to human error, application issues, or malicious activity, PITR provides a safety net by allowing you to restore data to a time before the incident occurred. Services in Azure that support Point-in-Time Restore: Azure SQL Database This is the most common use case. PITR allows you to restore a database to any second within the retention period (up to 35 days by default). Azure Database for PostgreSQL – Single Server Supports PITR with up to 35-day retention. Azure Database for MySQL – Single Server Also supports PITR for recovering from accidental changes. Azure Cosmos DB (with Continuous Backup) PITR is available if you enable continuous backup. You can restore to any point within the past 30 days. What PITR is not available for (as of now): Azure Blob Storage (uses versioning and soft delete instead) Azure Files Azure Virtual Machines (use backup snapshots and recovery services vault) Azure Key Vault or Azure App Services (require other recovery strategies) Why Nonprofits Should Care About PITR Nonprofits often operate with limited IT staff and budgets, making automated and reliable data protection solutions essential. Here’s how PITR benefits your organization: Peace of Mind: Mistakes happen. PITR ensures you can recover from accidental deletions or changes without major downtime. Minimal Disruption: Restore your Azure SQL Database or other supported resources without disrupting other parts of your cloud environment. Compliance Support: If you handle donor information or health records, maintaining recoverability helps with data protection regulations. How Does PITR Work in Azure? Azure automatically creates full database backups every week, differential backups every 12-24 hours, and transaction log backups every 5-10 minutes. With PITR, you can choose any point within your retention period (up to 35 days by default) and restore your data to that exact moment. The restored database is created as a new copy—so you don’t overwrite the existing data unless you choose to. Use Case Example Imagine your nonprofit is using an Azure SQL Database to track volunteer hours. One day, someone accidentally runs a script that deletes an entire table. With PITR, you can restore the database to just before the incident—recovering your data without losing more than a few minutes’ worth of work. Steps to Perform a Point-in-Time Restore Go to the Azure portal and type in SQL Database into the Azure search bar. Navigate to your SQL Database. Click Restore from the toolbar. Select Point-in-time. Choose the desired restore point time. Provide a new name for the restored database. Configure other desired settings, review + create. Select Create. That’s it—Azure takes care of the heavy lifting. Tips for Nonprofits Review retention settings: Ensure your database's PITR retention period aligns with your backup and compliance policies. Test your restores: Regularly verify that you can perform a PITR to reduce surprises during real emergencies. Educate your team: Train staff on best practices for data entry and deletion to reduce the risk of needing restores. Data loss doesn’t have to be catastrophic. Azure’s Point-in-Time Restore is a powerful, low-effort way for nonprofits to stay resilient and mission-focused. It enables you to recover swiftly from setbacks and continue serving your community without unnecessary delays. Happy Restoring!Save Money on Deployment & Migration with Azure Hybrid Benefit
At the heart of this post is Kairos IMS, an innovative Impact Management System designed to empower human-serving nonprofits and social impact organizations. Co-developed by the Urban League of Broward County and our trusted technology partner, Impactful, Kairos IMS reduces administrative burdens, enhances holistic care, and enables organizations to leverage data for increased agility and seamless service delivery. In this blog series, we’ll take a closer look at the powerful technologies that fuel Kairos IMS, from Azure services to security frameworks, offering insight into how modern infrastructure supports mission-driven impact. Click here to learn more. Understand the process of claiming the Azure Hybrid Benefit. Reduce expenses and deploy at a lower cost. This guide will provide information on how to utilize the benefit effectively. How Nonprofits Can Utilize the Azure Hybrid Benefit Nonprofits often face the challenge of operating within tight financial constraints while striving to maximize impact. Balancing essential expenditures with critical investments can become even more complex when considering the adoption or expansion of cloud services. This is where the Azure Hybrid Benefit becomes a significant change, offering nonprofits an exceptional opportunity to optimize their IT budgets without compromising on scalability or performance. By leveraging this benefit, organizations can use their existing licenses for Microsoft software, such as Windows Server and SQL Server, to significantly reduce costs when deploying or migrating workloads to Azure. This not only streamline operations but also unlocks advanced technical capabilities, empowering nonprofits to focus their resources on driving their mission forward. In the following sections, we will delve into the step-by-step process for qualifying and claiming the Azure Hybrid Benefit, along with practical insights on maximizing its potential for nonprofit initiatives. Products & Services eligible for Azure Benefit Windows Server Standard (with active Software Assurance or valid subscription) Windows Server Datacenter (with active Software Assurance or valid subscription) SQL Server (leveraging existing licenses) Virtual Machines (require at least 8 core licenses for Standard or Datacenter per VM) Processor Licenses (equivalent to 16 core licenses) Did You Know? You can save up to 80% with Azure Hybrid Benefit on your workload. You will need to Deploy VMS from Azure Marketplace with the Windows Server images provided. You can convert a virtual machine using Azure Hybrid benefit to Pay-as-you-go for windows servers. If you need to learn more about Software Assurance and Volume Licensing Services Center, please see the following link: microsoft.com/Licensing/servicecenter/default.aspx. How To Qualify Software Assurance is a comprehensive Volume Licensing program. Software Assurance is only available through Volume Licensing and is purchased when you buy or renew a Volume Licensing agreement. This is one of the requirements unless you have an active subscription or Windows Server Standard or Windows Server Datacenter. To qualify for the Azure Hybrid Benefit please see the following: Azure License Windows Server Standard license or subscription with active Software Assurance. Windows Server Datacenter license or subscription with Software Assurance. You will need at least 8 core licenses for either Standard or Datacenter per VM. Processor Licenses are the same as 16 core licenses. With Azure Hybrid Benefit Windows Server and SQL Server customers can save up to 85% over standard pay-as-you go pricing. Use Azure Hybrid Benefit in Azure SQL platform as a service (PaaS) environment. SQL Server 1 to 4 vCPUs exchange: For every 1 core of SQL Server Enterprise Edition, you get 4 vCPUs of SQL Managed Instance or Azure SQL Database general purpose, or 4 vCPUs of SQL Server Standard edition on Azure VMs. Get 180 days of dual-use rights between on-premises and Azure. Usage Rights Windows Server Standard: Used either On-premises or in Azure (Hybrid) You cannot use both at the same time unless you are going to migrate your workloads to Azure. You can keep On-Premises for up to 180 days before you need to migrate to Azure. Windows Server Datacenter: You can simultaneously use Datacenter on both On-premises and in Azure indefinitely with VM licensing. Dedicated Host licenses let you use them both on-premises and in Azure, but only for 180 days after they are assigned to Azure. Unlimited Virtualization This means the right to use any number of Windows Server VMs on a host Windows Server Standard: Unlimited number of VMs hosted Azure with active Software Assurance or subscription for all physical core types. Windows Server Datacenter: Not available Azure Local Licenses Windows Server Datacenter with Enterprise Agreement (EA) with active Software Assurance or Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) subscription One license of Windows Server core license is equivalent to one physical core or Azure Local on servers in the Azure Local cluster. Use Rights License can only be used On-premises or on Azure local. Otherwise, you have 180 days to migrate your servers. Unlimited Virtualization Unlimited number of Windows Server can be deployed on the Azure Local cluster. Remember that each core license equals a physical core on the local cluster. Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) License You will need at least Windows Server 2019 or later or Azure Local Must have one type of License or Subscription Windows Server Standard with Software Assurance or subscription. Windows Server Datacenter with Active Assurance Use Rights It can be used both on On-premises or in Azure. Unlimited Virtualization No: Only on Azure Local or Azure Azure Hybrid Cost Savings Organizations can achieve cost savings by leveraging the Azure Hybrid benefit, which allows them to reduce infrastructure expenses while hosting workloads on Azure. Windows Server VMs: Windows Server licenses are covered. You pay the base rate for the virtual machine. Azure Local: Fees are waived on Windows Server subscriptions and Azure Local host with unlimited virtualization rights. You pay for Azure local hardware, Azure services and workloads. Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): Azure Kubernetes clusters that run on both Azure Local and Windows Server free. However, Careful planning is essential when considering the migration of servers to the cloud. Without a well-thought-out strategy, organizations risk encountering unexpected costs, operational disruptions, and underutilized resources. Price estimations play a pivotal role in this process, allowing nonprofits and other entities to evaluate the total cost of ownership and make informed decisions. Accurate cost forecasting ensures that migration aligns with budgetary constraints while maximizing the value of cloud investments. By comparing pricing options and analyzing potential savings, organizations can identify the most sustainable path forward, ensuring that financial resources are directed toward impactful initiatives rather than unforeseen expenses. Reasons to Consider Cost efficiency: Optimize your budget by reducing hardware maintenance and operational costs. Scalability: Adapt IT infrastructure to meet changing demands without overprovisioning. Enhanced performance: Leverage advanced cloud technologies for better speed and reliability. Security improvements: Benefit from the robust security measures provided by cloud platforms. Focus on mission: Redirect saved resources toward achieving organizational goals. DISCLAIMER: All Azure-related cost estimations are approximate and intended for guidance only. Actual costs may vary depending on regional availability, selected services, and additional features. Users are encouraged to review specific pricing details to ensure alignment with their needs and budgets. Price Estimation & Calculator Portals Azure Hybrid Benefit Savings Calculator: Azure Hybrid Benefit - Hybrid Cost Calculator | Microsoft Azure Azure Windows Virtual Machines Pricing: Pricing - Windows Virtual Machines | Microsoft Azure Azure Kubernetes Services (AKS) Pricing: Azure Kubernetes Service on Azure Local pricing | Microsoft Azure Azure Local Pricing: Azure Local Pricing | Microsoft Azure Limitations Must have Software Assurance for Windows Server Standard or Windows Server Datacenter or you will need a subscription. If your Software Assurance or subscription expires you will need to renew your agreement before you can be eligible. Workloads can be deprovisioned without active subscription or Software insurance. Conclusion We have thoroughly discussed the initiation of Azure Hybrid Benefits. Additionally, we explored how it can provide financial savings during migration to Azure, utilize Azure locally, and select between on-premises or Azure workloads. Organizations can reduce their costs by up to 80%. By staying informed and proactive regarding subscription renewals and deployment options, they can ensure seamless operations and cost-effective solutions tailored to their requirements. It is advisable to delve deeper into these tools and advantages to maximize technological investments. Hyperlinks Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows Server | Microsoft Learn Azure Hybrid Benefit - Hybrid Cost Calculator | Microsoft Azure Volume Licensing Service CenterAzure SQL Database vs SQL Server: Tailored Solutions for Nonprofit Organizations
What is Azure SQL Database? Azure SQL Database is a fully managed cloud-based database service offered by Microsoft. It simplifies the process of managing and maintaining a database by taking care of backups, updates, and scaling automatically. Hosted in the cloud, it offers flexible pricing models that cater to organizations of all sizes, allowing nonprofits to pay only for the resources they use. Key Benefits for Nonprofits Cost-Effectiveness: With Azure SQL Database, there’s no need to invest in expensive hardware or worry about maintenance costs. Nonprofits can allocate those savings to their programs and services. Scalability: As your organization grows, Azure SQL Database scales effortlessly to accommodate increased data demands. Whether you’re managing a small donor database or handling nationwide program analytics, Azure can adapt to your needs. Ease of Management: Azure SQL Database eliminates the need for a dedicated IT team, as Microsoft handles all the technical complexities. This frees up your staff to focus on mission-driven work. Global Accessibility: Being cloud-based means your team can access the database securely from anywhere, enabling collaboration across multiple locations or remote environments. What is SQL Server? SQL Server is an on-premises database management system developed by Microsoft. It provides robust capabilities for organizations that prefer to have full control over their database environment. With SQL Server, nonprofits can manage their data infrastructure independently, tailoring it to their exact needs. Key Benefits for Nonprofits Control and Customization: SQL Server allows nonprofits to have complete control over their database setup, offering the ability to customize configurations to suit their specific requirements. Offline Accessibility: For organizations operating in areas with limited internet connectivity, SQL Server ensures that critical operations can continue uninterrupted. Integration: SQL Server integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft tools and services, enabling nonprofits to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Data Security: By hosting the database on-premises, organizations can implement their own security protocols to safeguard sensitive information. Azure SQL Database vs SQL Server: A Comparative Look To help nonprofit organizations decide between the two, here’s a comparison chart outlining the key features and benefits: Feature Azure SQL Database SQL Server Hosting Cloud-based On-premises Cost Pay-as-you-go pricing model Upfront hardware and licensing costs Scalability Automatic scaling Manual scaling Maintenance Fully managed by Microsoft Requires in-house IT expertise Accessibility Global access via the cloud Local access, limited by infrastructure Security Microsoft-managed security Customizable security protocols Customization Limited due to managed service Highly customizable Which Option is Right for Your Nonprofit? Choosing between Azure SQL Database and SQL Server depends on your organization’s structure, goals, and available resources: If you value flexibility, scalability, and reduced maintenance, Azure SQL Database is an excellent choice. If you prioritize control, offline functionality, and detailed customization, SQL Server might be the better fit. The good news is that both solutions are designed to help nonprofits thrive. Assess your data needs carefully and consult with IT experts to make an informed decision. Looking Ahead In our next blog, we’ll dive deeper into setting up an SQL Database, providing step-by-step guidance tailored specifically for nonprofit organizations. Stay tuned for practical tips and tricks to help you navigate the process with confidence. Conclusion Database management doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive for nonprofit organizations. Whether you opt for Azure SQL Database or SQL Server, both solutions offer unique advantages that can empower your team to work smarter, save costs, and focus on what truly matters—advancing your mission. Take the time to explore your options, and you’ll find the perfect fit for your nonprofit’s data management needs.Integrating Moodle with Power BI: Unlocking Actionable Learning Insights
Introduction Data-driven decision-making is essential for nonprofits that provide online education and training. By integrating Moodle with Power BI, organizations can analyze student engagement, track course performance, and optimize learning outcomes. This guide will walk you through: ✅ Why integrating Moodle with Power BI is beneficial for nonprofits. ✅ Step-by-step instructions on connecting Moodle to Power BI. ✅ Pre-built reports and dashboards you can create. ✅ Troubleshooting common issues. Let’s get started! 🚀 Why Integrate Moodle with Power BI? Moodle provides basic reporting features, but Power BI takes data analysis to the next level with: 📊 Advanced Data Visualization ✔ Interactive dashboards with filters, graphs, and drill-down insights. ✔ Custom reports that combine multiple data sources beyond Moodle. 📈 Deeper Learning Analytics ✔ Track student progress in real-time. ✔ Identify struggling learners before they fall behind. ✔ Measure the impact of nonprofit training programs. 🔗 Seamless Integration with Microsoft 365 ✔ Embed Moodle reports directly in Microsoft Teams for quick access. ✔ Export reports to Excel, PowerPoint, or SharePoint. ✔ Use Power Automate to set up alerts and triggers. How to Connect Moodle with Power BI 1️⃣ Set Up Moodle Data for Power BI Before connecting, you need structured Moodle data that Power BI can analyze. 🔹 Option 1: Use the Moodle Analytics API (Best for live data updates) 🔹 Option 2: Export Moodle Data to a SQL Database (Best for larger datasets) 🔹 Option 3: Use Moodle Plugins like "Power BI Moodle Reporting" (Easiest method for nonprofits) For this guide, we’ll use Option 3 since it’s the simplest way to get Moodle data into Power BI. 2️⃣ Install the Power BI Moodle Reporting Plugin To extract and visualize Moodle data, install the Power BI Moodle Reporting plugin. ✅ Log into Moodle as an Admin ✅ Go to Site Administration > Plugins > Install Plugins ✅ Search for "Power BI Moodle Reporting" and click Install ✅ Configure the plugin with: Database Connection (Moodle’s SQL database) Report Types (Student progress, course analytics, user activity logs) 🔹 Alternative: If you use Azure SQL, you can connect Power BI directly to your Moodle database without this plugin. 3️⃣ Connect Power BI to Moodle Data Now, we’ll bring Moodle data into Power BI. 📥 Import Data from Moodle ✅ Open Power BI Desktop ✅ Click Get Data > Database > MySQL (or Azure SQL, if applicable) ✅ Enter your Moodle database credentials ✅ Select tables like "mdl_course", "mdl_user", "mdl_logstore_standard_log" 🔹 Tip: If you installed the Power BI Moodle Reporting plugin, simply choose "Power BI Service Dataset" as your source! 4️⃣ Create Interactive Moodle Dashboards in Power BI Find a few examples below of reports that can be built using information from Moodle 📌 Dashboard 1: Student Engagement Overview 📊 Metrics to Include: ✔ Number of active vs. inactive learners ✔ Average course completion rates ✔ Top courses by student enrollment 📌 Dashboard 2: Course Performance Analytics 📊 Metrics to Include: ✔ Pass/fail rates per course ✔ Dropout trends over time ✔ Course ratings and feedback 📌 Dashboard 3: Instructor Effectiveness Report 📊 Metrics to Include: ✔ Average time instructors spend grading ✔ Student feedback on instructors ✔ Instructor response time to questions 🔹 Embed Reports in Microsoft Teams: Share Power BI reports inside Teams channels for real-time access. Troubleshooting Common Issues 🚨 Issue 1: Power BI Can’t Connect to Moodle Database ✔ Verify your Moodle database credentials. ✔ Check if your database firewall allows Power BI access. ✔ Try using ODBC drivers for MySQL if the direct connection fails. 🚨 Issue 2: Reports Aren’t Refreshing in Power BI ✔ Enable scheduled refresh in Power BI Service. ✔ Use Azure Data Factory for real-time sync. 🚨 Issue 3: Moodle Data Doesn’t Match Power BI Reports ✔ Ensure your Power BI queries exclude duplicate or test users. ✔ Filter out old/inactive courses that may skew data. Conclusion: Transform Nonprofit Learning with Power BI By integrating Moodle with Power BI, nonprofits can gain deeper insights into their e-learning programs, ensuring better engagement and improved outcomes. 🔹 Nonprofits can now: ✅ Track student progress and intervention needs. ✅ Improve course effectiveness using data-driven decisions. ✅ Share learning insights with stakeholders through interactive reports. 🚀 Ready to try it? Follow this guide, set up the Moodle-Power BI connection, and start visualizing your nonprofit’s impact!Modernizing Legacy Applications in your Nonprofit
In this blog, we’ll explore how nonprofits can modernize their existing applications to enhance security without starting from scratch. By leveraging Microsoft Azure’s powerful tools, organizations can strengthen their defenses, improve performance, and ensure their applications remain secure and scalable for the future. Securing Legacy Applications Without Rebuilding from Scratch For many nonprofits, starting over isn’t an option—they need to secure and modernize the applications they already have. Fortunately, Microsoft Azure provides solutions that help organizations enhance security without requiring a complete rebuild: ✅ Containerization with Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) – Nonprofits can containerize legacy applications and host them in a secure, scalable environment, reducing vulnerabilities without rewriting the entire application. This approach helps keep security updates and compliance requirements in check while maintaining the existing software functionality. ✅ Incremental Modernization with Cloud-Native Services – Instead of a full-scale rebuild, nonprofits can gradually modernize their applications by integrating cloud-native services. This could involve migrating databases to Azure SQL, implementing API-driven architectures, or introducing automation through Azure Logic Apps. This phased approach enhances security, improves performance, and allows for future scalability without disrupting core operations. ✅ Azure SQL Database – Helps nonprofits move from outdated, on-premises databases to a fully managed cloud database, reducing maintenance efforts while improving security, performance, and compliance. ✅ Azure API Management – Allows organizations to connect legacy systems with modern cloud-based services by securely exposing APIs, enabling seamless integration and extended functionality. Understanding Your Options When considering the modernization of legacy applications, there are several strategies that organizations can adopt, each with its own benefits and considerations: Rehost (Lift-and-Shift) This strategy is all about speed and simplicity. It involves moving applications from their current environment to a new one with minimal or no changes to the code. This allows organizations to quickly transition to the cloud without altering the core functionality of their applications. Replatform Replatforming sits between rehosting and refactoring. It requires making some code changes so that applications can take advantage of cloud technologies. This approach allows organizations to benefit from cloud capabilities without needing a complete overhaul of their applications. Refactor (or Repackage) Refactoring focuses on enhancing productivity and speed by making minimal code changes. This strategy ensures that applications can connect easily to a cloud-first environment, optimizing their performance and scalability. Rearchitect For organizations that need enhanced cloud scalability, rearchitecting is the way to go. This approach involves modifying and extending the application's functionality and code to better utilize cloud resources, ensuring improved performance and scalability. Rebuild (or Rewrite) When existing applications have limited functionality or lifespan, rebuilding them using cloud solutions might be necessary. Although this approach requires significant effort, it provides a fresh start with modern capabilities and extended lifespans. Replace If an application no longer meets current or future business needs, even after rebuilding, replacing it with a ready-made solution may be the best option. This approach can be quicker than rebuilding and allows organizations to focus on other priorities. However, it may also pose challenges such as business process interruptions and limitations on future modernization efforts. Nonprofit Considerations Wrapping up, we agree that nonprofits rely on technology to drive their missions, but outdated applications can pose serious security risks. We've covered how organizations don’t have to start from scratch to modernize and secure their systems. By leveraging Microsoft Azure’s powerful tools—like containerization, cloud-native services, and secure database management—nonprofits can enhance security, improve performance, and ensure long-term scalability. Here is one thing to consider: Nonprofits may not have the technical team to assist with these processes, but understanding these strategies is crucial. This knowledge can empower them in conversations with development partners, ensuring they are fully aware and engaged throughout the modernization journey. By being informed, nonprofits can make better decisions, ask the right questions, and collaborate effectively with their partners to achieve their modernization goals. Modernization isn’t just about keeping up with technology; it’s about protecting the trust nonprofits have built with their donors, volunteers, and communities. Whether it’s securing legacy applications or embedding security into new software development through the Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC), taking proactive steps today ensures a more resilient and secure future. On the contrary, for nonprofits that do want to start over from scratch with building new applications, integrating security from the start is essential. Learn more about how SSDLC can strengthen your organization’s software security here: Building Secure Software from the Ground Up: Why It Matters for Nonprofits | Microsoft Community Hub Want to explore nonprofit application modernization further? Check out this guide: What is Application Modernization? | Microsoft Azure.[pt1] Choosing the right Data Storage Source (Generally available) for Azure AI Search
When integrating Azure AI Search into your solutions, choosing the right data storage and data sources is crucial for efficient and scalable indexing. This blog dives into three primary data source connectors for Azure AI Search: Azure Blob Storage, Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL, and Azure SQL Database. Each data source type offers distinct advantages and use cases depending on the structure of your data and the desired search functionality.
