Worksheet 3.3:  Identify your ICT Platforms

Gordon A. Gow

Worksheet 3.3: Identify your ICT Platforms

Once you have decided on a technology acquisition strategy, the next step is to identify the range of choices available within that category. ICT platforms are constantly changing, with new ones appearing frequently and other disappearing from the market.

Working with your group members, complete the sections of table that include some of the more common ICT platforms.

Strategy 1: Use What You Have

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ICT Platform	Toolset	Key Features	Pricing Plan
Google
Facebook
WhatsApp
Skype
Twitter
Instagram

Strategy 2: Choose a Free Platform

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ICT Platform	Toolset	Key Features	Pricing Plan
mFisheries	geomapping SMS photo-sharing content repository podcast	Android app (currently listed as ‘unreleased’) suite of tools (‘modules’) for small scale fishers SOS communications with GPS data through SMS at-sea tracking and logging alert notification by user group weather updates camera tool some modules require registration last update Jan. 2018	Free
Namdevco-SMS	SMS	Any mobile phone price notification by commodity using keyword user pays SMS charge for receiving messages	Free
AgriMaps	geomapping content repository	Android app GPS-based mapping feature land profile and crop recommendation content last update July 2016	Free
AgriPrice	content repository notification	Android app price tracking of crops Google sign in required for notifications last update July 2016	Free
AgriExpense	database calculator	Android app online data backup Excel export of data multiple device sync last update Apr. 2017	Free
CABI Plantwise	content repository search tool	Android app on-demand factsheets browse by crop, by problem, by country ‘practical and safe advice for tackling crop problems’ expert information last update Jan. 6, 2018	Free
SR-Market	member directory search tool rating tool notification	Android app virtual market/forum for the small ruminants industry interaction takes place externally from the app last update Oct. 2016	Free
SR-Learn	content repository member directory notification;	Android app e-learning platform for farmers in sheep and goat industry connects to users existing CARDI account last update Oct. 2016

Strategy 3: Choose a Commercial Platform/Free or Upgrade

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ICT Platform	Toolset	Key Features	Pricing Plan
FrontlineSMS	SMS database API integration analytics	Desktop platform with mobile app can be used without internet connection SMS notifications for individuals or groups auto-forward to email contact database scheduling keyword interactivity database import/export 3^rd party API integration custom workflows (cost)	Free with tiered monthly subscription above 250 messages month
Textit	SMS IVR database API integration analytics	Desktop platform with mobile app SMS notifications for individuals or groups IVR tool design workflows with visual interface keyword interactivity scheduling contact database database import/export 3^rd party API integration	Free 1000 messaging credits; purchase additional credits $20/$40/$140
Ushahidi	geomapping SMS search tool photo sharing notification visualization tool API integration	Desktop platform with mobile app (Android, iPhone) crowdmapping platform data management features 3^rd party app integration notifications by email submissions by SMS or mobile app tagging and rating of content database import/export(?)	Free basic; $99/mo or $499/mo for additional features
Slack	messaging group messaging content repository search tool document editor file sharing photo sharing notification API integration	Desktop platform with mobile app (Android, iPhone) team communication and collaboration private or group messaging file sharing and collaboration advanced archive and search features 3^rd party app integration	Free basic; $8-15/per user per month depending on features