The Mifos community provides MFIs and IT specialists with the support they need to evaluate and implement Mifos. Software developers can find the information they need to participate in product development on the Developers page.

Specifically, the Mifos community can help you with the following:

• Decide if Mifos is right for you
• Choose a Mifos Specialist
• Find potential MFI adopters
• Communicate with others in the community

Deciding if Mifos is right for you. Both MFIs exploring the possibility of deploying Mifos and potential Mifos Specialists should start with a general overview of the Mifos product.  It is important for MFIs to make sure the Mifos product is right for them, and for Mifos Specialists to figure out whether they have the appropriate skill set for assisting MFIs with the deployment of Mifos. Specialists should also learn more about the Mifos open-source technology when making this evaluation.

Understand what a Mifos deployment entails.

Choosing a Mifos Specialist. Mifos deployment requires the expertise of a Mifos Specialist, who is key to the success of the project. Mifos expertise is needed to implement the software, determine whether the software needs customization, and to provide system administrative and ongoing technical support. Mifos deployment Specialists should be skilled project managers with experience working at client sites. They need to have prior experience in the microfinance industry, with an understanding of policies, data needs, and reporting requirements. They need to have previous experience in system migration, system administration, and technical support. They should understand open source processes and protocols. These requirements are described in greater detail in the Knowledge Center underneath Selecting a Mifos Specialist.

MFIs can search for a suitable Mifos Specialist in the community directory. Because the community is in its early stages, you may not find a Specialist in your region. For this reason, we also encourage you to create a profile in the directory, so that the community is aware of your needs and interests.

Discover how to find a Mifos Specialist in your region.

Finding potential microfinance institution adopters. As Mifos Specialists, you can use the directory to search out MFIs in need of your services, using the marketing materials provided to pitch your skills. But most importantly, it is critical that your register yourselves in the directory, so that MFIs know that IT professionals with Mifos experience exist in their region. Your expertise in Mifos and in microfinance provides you with a new business opportunity, and the Mifos community directory provides you with the marketplace.

Learn more about the role of a Mifos Specialist.

Communicating with others in the community. Mifos.org provides the following tools that interested parties can use to exchange ideas and information about Mifos:

• Developer listserv. For both ongoing and first-time developers, this is where you can get oriented with Mifos and find out what’s happening regarding development and the resolution of issues.

• Developer's Wiki. An open collaboration space where developers can go to communicate and share ideas regarding ongoing Mifos development.

• Functional listserv. This is where interested parties can discuss Mifos functionality and request new features. You’ll also be able to contribute to the functional specifications as features are developed.

• Knowledge center. The Knowledge center is the centralized document and resources repository for Mifos. Find out here what’s happening with Mifos development and deployment and communicate deployment issues with other MFIs.

• Directory. This is where MFIs and Specialists can connect with one another and then share their experiences as they get more involved with Mifos. Sign up for the directory and complete a profile describing your MFI or your IT business. You’ll register for the mifos.org site at the same time and will be able to edit the appropriate content.

So, join the Mifos community now!