Issue: #40

 Fall 2018


Attitudes towards "The Cloud"

Back in 2011, we did a survey in the newsletter to gauge people's attitude toward the Cloud.  At that time, we were considering developing a new version of CIMS, but we were unsure about how our clients would feel about their cemetery data being stored somewhere else. In addition, at that time, "the cloud" was not as prevalent as it is now, with it frequently being mentioned in commercials or other advertisements. A few weeks ago, we asked the exact same questions again to see how attitudes had changed. 
 
In 2011, when we first asked the question, under 50% of respondents answered that they liked the idea of being able to back up their information in the Cloud. 37% reported that they either weren't sure how they felt or needed more information, and nearly 20% answered that they would like to keep their software and data stored locally. At the time, we were a bit nervous about these numbers, but we felt that they were favorable enough for us to move forward with the development of a "cloud-based" product.
 
In the seven years since our last survey, it is clear that opinions have shifted. Now, nearly 75% of respondents answered favorably when asked about the Cloud, only 20% responded "maybe" or "not sure," and only 5% answered that they'd prefer to keep everything stored locally. That is a huge shift. In fact, there are a number of clients who indicated in 2011 that they wanted to keep their data stored locally, but today have moved their records to CIMS Cloud. 
 
This trend is echoed in the number of cemeteries that have moved to the cloud. In 2011, when we administered the first survey, the number of cemeteries on the cloud was zero. Now, in 2018, there are 274 cemeteries using CIMS Cloud!!
 
Amazon Web Services Summit
For all clients that use CIMS Cloud or CIMS Light Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the company that that hosts the cemetery maps and data. To ensure that Ramaker is best utilizing the features and functionality of AWS, Curtis Paul and Nathan Cavanagh went to the AWS Summit in Chicago a few weeks ago.  

They were able to attend classes on mobile app development, server infrastructure and API to better enhance mobile offerings. The keynote address was from the Amazon Chief Innovation Officer, Stephan Orban, and it was great to hear about the fun new technology that Amazon will bring to the Marketplace.

They also learned some of the general trends in technology, such as Capital One going all-in on the cloud and GE migrating more than 9,000 workloads to AWS. These movements to the cloud will reduce data center footprints and save Capital One and GE money. It was great to see these huge companies using the same technology that Ramaker applies to hundreds of cemeteries all over the country.

Nathan and Curtis really enjoyed attending the summit, and we look forward to continuing to offer our clients the most up-to-date technology possible. Below are some pictures they snapped from the event.




In This Issue
Attitudes towards "The Cloud"
Amazon Web Services Summit
New Office Space in New Jersey
Interesting CIMS Statistic
CIMS Survey WINNER!
 

New Office Space in New Jersey
 
Earlier this year, Ramaker opened a new Office in Woodcliff Lake, NJ to better serve our clients in the east. There currently are five employees in the division, and Debbie Gotthart is available to assist CIMS customers. We are so excited to assist our clients from our new location!

 

Interesting CIMS Statistic
 
For CIMS Desktop & CIMS Cloud implementations, Ramaker has mapped over 
8,000
  acres of cemetery!
 

CIMS Survey WINNER!

The winner of the $50 Amazon gift card is: 

Nancy Marchionda from Mt. Olivet Catholic Church in Aliquippa, PA!

If you haven't yet, you can still fill out the survey. We are going through all the answers and will be in touch shortly!
 

Want more information on how you can move to CIMS Cloud?

Check out our 
webinars here. 

 
 
Cemetery Information Management System (CIMS) is a product of:
855 Community Drive | Sauk City, WI 53583
800-332-7532 | cims@ramaker.com