The inevitable march towards SAAS for everything continues…

Do you bank online? Do you use your smartphone to do it? If not, why not? Of course, Bluedog's own software-as-a-service (SAAS) offering, Workbench, provides knowledge workers with valuable tools for collaboration. But every commercial entity has to deal with money, and on-line accounting is a natural niche to address. Over at Outright, Inc., bookkeeping has been taken to a new level -- and small business bookkeepers should check it out. Outright provides a tool (much like Mint, but geared towards small- to medium enterprises SMEs) for consolidation of finances and accounting services. Regular and accurate bookkeeping enables a business to sustain itself, and expand. Without double-entry magic, one may run the risk of hitting a cash flow crunch, wasting funds, and overlooking opportunities to expand. When devising or revising an approach to bookkeeping, remember that the purpose of bookkeeping is to help manage the business and to enable tax agencies (and verdict providers) to evaluate business activity. If accounting practices achieve these objectives, it should be as simple as possible. Naturally, a SAAS approach facilitates this.

While some bookkeeping functions are best delegated to a CPA, it is important to keep your hands on, and retain an understanding of the health of the business by reviewing the books frequently. While an accountant or bookkeeper can free resources up to concentrate on expanding the business, understanding where inflows and outflows go will keep the the pulse of the enterprise out in front.

Federal IT Reform - on track, thanks to Cloud efforts

Over at Government CIO Magazine, read my thoughts on how the cloud has contributed to successes in Federal IT reform. Obviously, data center consolidation reduces expenditures. But some agencies' utilization of the Cloud has yielded surprising reductions in cost. Government CIO

How ERP and Lean Can Work Together

Enterprise resource planning software is the lynchpin in corralling and centralizing important data in a business's transaction processing. The role of manufacturing and distribution software in supply chain management solutions is growing in impact as businesses attempt to respond faster to market conditions during these difficult economic times. I've been reviewing offerings from TGI (http://www.tgiltd.com/) that could be a radical step forward, when paired with Lean Production. Lean manufacturing aims to eliminate components and processes, whether that is excess stock, inventory, excess parts or handling, or labor. Using ERP software automation to improve operational efficiency makes perfect sense when implementing process improvement. What I've witnessed is that, for Japanese companies, ERP software is more prevalent at the top of a lean process, especially in industries such as car manufacturing (Honda) or consumer electronics (Sony). Japanese companies are less likely to face the need to rebuild ERP software or even MRP systems to support new manufacturing techniques -- something businesses world-wide could emulate to find cost savings and other efficiencies.

Just out of college? Want to make a difference? Want a job? Apply Here

One-Year Green Position for Young People Rock Creek Conservancy has the opportunity to serve as a host organization for a Chesapeake Conservation Corps participant. The Chesapeake Bay Trust Conservation Corps program provides service learning opportunities and green job training for young adults (age 18-25) through environmental and energy conservation projects. The initiative pairs participants with organizations for hands-on environmental, leadership, and technical training opportunities for a one-year term of service to begin in late August 2012. There are a variety of options for on-the-ground environmental restoration and conservation projects in communities throughout Maryland. But we think one of the best opportunities is right here. Rock Creek Conservancy currently has a terrific Corps volunteer whose term ends in August, and we would love to have another one begin a one-year term of service in August 2012. The volunteer would receive a stipend from the Chesapeake Bay Trust to spend the year with us helping to build our neighborhood-based stewardship program to protect Rock Creek. Click here for more information. Interested applicants should apply directly through the Chesapeake Bay Trust by following instructions at www.cbtrust.org/chesapeakeconservationcorps. The application deadline is May 14, 2012. Applicants interested in a position with Rock Creek Conservancy should send also send a resume and cover letter to info@rockcreekconservancy.org. Thank you for help getting the word out about this wonderful program! Warmest regards, Beth Mullin Executive Director

The US federal government Cloud Computing Initiative

The Federal Cloud Computing Initiative (FCCI) will deliver improvements in federal IT, but before it does so agencies must first overcome a number of key challenges. Chief among them is security. To address this issue, the FedRAMP program is providing a framework for agencies to test and certify cloud computing vendors – but what will remain the responsibility of the agency? With shrinking budgets and growing IT needs, the federal government has identified data center consolidation as a top priority. Launched in February 2010, the Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative (FDCCI) seeks to deliver on the promise of a more integrated IT infrastructure. With inventory complete and initial consolidation plans submitted, agencies are now preparing for the next steps. Some critical concerns facing agency compliance include the challenges of governance, culture, and funding.

http://ctovision.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Federal-Cloud-Computing-Strategy1.pdf

- TT/Bd

Discovery flies over Washington DC on decommissioning

Another milestone in air-space history -- the Discovery comes to the museum annex at Dulles (IAD). Get outside and watch the overflight.

"Space Shuttle Discovery to Fly Over Goddard En Route to Virginia 
On Tuesday, April 17, bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets to the Goddard Mall (grass area in front of Building 8) at 10:00 a.m. for a celebration of human spaceflight as we watch Space Shuttle Discovery fly over Goddard’s Greenbelt campus. The flight is contingent upon weather, so check the Center-wide e-mail that will be disseminated the morning of Tuesday, April 17 for confirmation of the event and additional event details. The flyover is expected to occur by 11:00 a.m. " 

E-book Pricing Subject of US Dept of Justice investigation

The US DoJ is pursuing Apple and book publishers regarding collusion in setting eBook prices. Details at BBC.