Tag Archives: Cloud computing

What is Cloud, in Five Letters

By Black Mountain Software | Published November 16, 2015

cloud-computing-626252_640 copy

How can five letters leave you so confused, like your head’s in the clouds? Well, when you’re talking about something that you can’t see, is indeterminable in size, and exists “in the clouds,” it’s understandable why people are confused by it. So, we’ve broken down the cloud in five letters:
C, L, O, U, D.

An Explanation of the Cloud in Five Letters (CLOUD)

C – Computing. Cloud, or more formally known as “cloud computing,” is the practice of using a network of remote servers, “the cloud,” to store, manage, and/or process data rather than on a local network server or a personal computer’s hard drive. Read more >

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Why More Agencies Are Putting “Cloud First”

By Black Mountain Software | Published May 4, 2015

Ccloud-computing-626252_640 copyloud computing is no longer new innovation, and many offices have implemented cloud computing as an integrated part of their infrastructure. Local, state and federal governments are getting in on the action as well, by implementing “cloud first” policies for software installations. And Black Mountain Software is no exception!

A “cloud first” policy means that the vast majority of software applications will be accessed on the cloud. If the installation cannot be performed from the cloud, then it will be installed locally, but only if cloud is not available, i.e. “cloud installs are preferable.”

The reasoning behind “cloud first” policies is simple: the cloud offers a faster time to market, reduced installation and deployment costs, scalability, enhanced security and disaster recovery, and a reduction in risk. Read more >

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How The Cloud Protects Office Data

By Black Mountain Software | Published January 5, 2015

English: Diagram showing three main types of c...Many organizations and government entities have chosen to store and access their data in the Cloud. But what’s so special about the Cloud?

Well, while most use the Cloud personally for easier access to their data from anywhere, there is also a level of added security that comes with using a Cloud solution for data storage and backups.

Because data stored on the Cloud is accessible to users from any location with internet access, it displaces the traditional server and hard-drive vulnerabilities of data being stored in a single location, making it more secure than data stored on company computers. Read more >

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Why Government is So Quick to Adopt The Cloud

By Black Mountain Software | Published December 29, 2014

English: Cloud ComputingUsually a late adopter, the Government is more commonly associated with “slow and secure” rather than “high tech and new.” But when it comes to the cloud, more and more local governments and municipalities are taking the leap, and cloud is quickly “changing everything in Government IT.”

We ran across an article in Government Technology about local government cloud adoption, and thought it was an interesting—though lengthy—read.

The article discusses how once counties and cities adopt the cloud for one thing (say, the County Appraisers office), the usability, cost-savings, and quickness encourages them to explore other areas where the cloud would be helpful. Read more >

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Just Released: Section Reporting Question Nixed if it Doesn’t Apply

By Black Mountain Software | Published October 6, 2014

Opening and closing question marksHow can we make the lives of utility billing clerks a little easier? This is the question that runs through our minds on the daily. Sometimes, it’s not about making something new, but rather, making something that already exists work a little better. This was the case with one little section reporting question in our Utility Billing program…

Since the beginning of time (okay, really just since Version 2.0130 in the late 1990’s), BMS Utility Billing software has had a screen that requires clerks to answer yes or no (“Would you like to select a section?”) before proceeding with their report run. Read more >

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