When it comes to technology and selecting software providers, it is extremely important to consider the cost of software. Equally important is assessing the true IT costs of your operation. Shopping for software comes with some degree of sticker shock, but if software can offset other IT costs, it might be well worth updating your budget and maybe earning a few extra rewards points/miles on your credit card. Let’s consider one key “must-have” when it comes to choosing software and ensuring a quicker return on investment: Cloud-computing. Below is a quick rundown on what it means to be “in the cloud” and why it is so critical in terms of cost-savings, and adding true value to your business.

I was re-watching Mad Men on Netflix the other night and looking at the portrayal of a 1960s office, with nothing more high-tech than typewriters and phones, I thought to myself, how did anyone get anything done back then? Late in the first season Sterling Cooper did get an Optimus Prime sized copy machine, but no computers, database, internet, software, API’s, etc. in sight. I probably shouldn’t judge productivity in the past while sitting on the couch watching hours of TV, but the thought occurred to me in this Netflix binge that 50 years later, a lot of offices might still be stuck in the past. Since Turkey Day is near, let’s consider how some tech trends fight what “gobbles” up our time at work:

When it comes to technology and selecting software providers, it is extremely important to consider the cost of software. Equally important is assessing the true IT costs of your operation. Shopping for software comes with some degree of sticker shock, but if software can offset other IT costs, it might be well worth updating your budget and maybe earning a few extra rewards points/miles on your credit card. Let’s consider one key “must-have” when it comes to choosing software and ensuring a quicker return on investment: Cloud-computing. Below is a quick rundown on what it means to be “in the cloud” and why it is so critical in terms of cost-savings, and adding true value to your business.

I was re-watching Mad Men on Netflix the other night and looking at the portrayal of a 1960s office, with nothing more high-tech than typewriters and phones, I thought to myself, how did anyone get anything done back then? Late in the first season Sterling Cooper did get an Optimus Prime sized copy machine, but no computers, database, internet, software, API’s, etc. in sight. I probably shouldn’t judge productivity in the past while sitting on the couch watching hours of TV, but the thought occurred to me in this Netflix binge that 50 years later, a lot of offices might still be stuck in the past. Since Turkey Day is near, let’s consider how some tech trends fight what “gobbles” up our time at work:

When it comes to technology and selecting software providers, it is extremely important to consider the cost of software. Equally important is assessing the true IT costs of your operation. Shopping for software comes with some degree of sticker shock, but if software can offset other IT costs, it might be well worth updating your budget and maybe earning a few extra rewards points/miles on your credit card. Let’s consider one key “must-have” when it comes to choosing software and ensuring a quicker return on investment: Cloud-computing. Below is a quick rundown on what it means to be “in the cloud” and why it is so critical in terms of cost-savings, and adding true value to your business.

General trends in technology over the past decade are beginning to have a big impact on HOA management.  Very few software titles catering to the needs of property management were available up until fairly recently.  If you attend conferences technology topics are inevitably on the speaking agenda, and trade show floors are dotted with software vendors (it’s not just landscapers, law firms, and banks filling all those booths anymore).

When it comes to technology and selecting software providers, it is extremely important to consider the cost of software. Equally important is assessing the true IT costs of your operation. Shopping for software comes with some degree of sticker shock, but if software can offset other IT costs, it might be well worth updating your budget and maybe earning a few extra rewards points/miles on your credit card. Let’s consider one key “must-have” when it comes to choosing software and ensuring a quicker return on investment: Cloud-computing. Below is a quick rundown on what it means to be “in the cloud” and why it is so critical in terms of cost-savings, and adding true value to your business.

As the new President takes office and the political chips fall where they may, we have an opportunity to assess what we value personally and for our communities; to focus on what common interests and goals unite us. Our political systems are imperfect and incapable of appeasing every individual, but they operate on the principles of majority rule, checks and balances, common good, and public service. While on a scale that is probably less than “micro” compared to the federal government, our HOAs can be seen as a microcosm of government, operating on these same principles. Let’s explore each of these principles of governance as they pertain to HOAs and their boards of directors: 

Goodbye 2016, it's nice to see you go!  And what better way to close out '16 than look back at some of the top eUnify blog posts from the year:

eLections with eUnify's Online Voting

The season of elections is upon us, bringing with it challenges inherent to neighborhood politics. Changes in dues, reshuffling of the HOA board, and ballot measures to amend governing documents or approve projects all carry the potential for charged emotions and political interest. On top of all that, there are the basic logistics of producing and sending out mailers to homeowners. In order to alleviate some of the headache that comes with elections, online voting is gaining popularity, and rules surrounding online election requirements are being detailed in state legislatures around the country.

General trends in technology over the past decade are beginning to have a big impact on HOA management.  Very few software titles catering to the needs of property management were available up until fairly recently.  If you attend conferences technology topics are inevitably on the speaking agenda, and trade show floors are dotted with software vendors (it’s not just landscapers, law firms, and banks filling all those booths anymore).