This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Pie in the Sky Benefits of cloud-based services grounded in savings, accessibility,


security and reliability are very real for student transporters WRITTEN BY ERIC WOOLSON


T


here’s nothing pie-in-the-sky about the benefits that cloud- based services can provide to transportation districts and


contractors, providers and a growing number of users agree. For example, a collection of case


studies from Tyler Technologies’ Versa- trans group offers a snapshot of diverse solutions offered by service providers. Cloud services, or hosted databases


that allow clients to access and share information via the Internet, are en- abling the fast-growing New Caney (Texas) Independent School District to manage its soaring student popu- lation while automating and stream- lining its outdated routing system. Boston Public Schools is using the cloud to simplify early dismissal days for its 125 school campuses. Bemidji Areas Schools in northeastern Min- nesota is creating Internet access for students on long-distance trips. Other industry leaders offer their


own success stories, too. Yet, STN’s latest survey shows only 32.1 percent of respondents said they are utilizing cloud computing and file sharing. Tat compares 58.3 percent who don’t use the technology and almost 10 percent who say they lack a solid understanding of it. Antonio Civitella, president and


CEO of Transfinder, says those per- centages accurately describe the mix of new clients signing on with the Schenectady, N.Y., routing-software


£ Cloud storage, a database housed by a third-party technology provider and is accessible anywhere and whenever a secure Internet is available, is reinventing how school districts and student transporters work, communicate and analyze their operations. But industry acceptance of the technology remains low, according to a recent reader survey.


62 School Transportation News September 2013


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