January 26, 2005

Waiting for more counties to bring their public records online? Now, you may not have to. First American's Data Tree subsidiary is putting its database of some 2 billion scanned documents online. Of course, that puts it in direct competition with the counties that already have their public records on the Internet.

We've already witnessed some scuffles around the country as counties finally get their records online and then find them selves competing with some of the real estate information providers that they've been selling data to for years. Well, not really selling, in every case. These are "public" records, after all. Anyone with a laptop and a lot of time can go down to the courthouse and pull up a chair in the vault and start making copies. This humble reporter used to do that for a title company in his home town, too many years ago to admit.

Will County Recorders find that they have to change the way they provide access to public records as they realize they are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on new systems designed to make these records available online? We're already hearing rumors of jurisdictions that are trying to limit access to paper records in favor of electronic versions. Exciting times are ahead, for sure.

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January 25, 2005 : Microsoft behind the curtain?

Ken Robb, managing partner for Pittsburgh-based Citadel Technology Services responds to yesterday's blog with:

"Seems like Microsoft is trying to introduce the same concept that has been around for a while, a la Sun's Java Web Start. While not opposed to this, MS has a way of pushing you to use their technologies rather than those that you prefer."

A while back, one of my stock questions for technology firms was: Java shop or Microsoft shop? For a while, there was quite a division between those who thought J2EE provided the best development tools and those that were sold on .NET. More and more, I kept hearing people (sounding somewhat resigned) tell me they were Microsoft shops. Even innovators find out eventually that it's often easier to use what everyone else is using.

At any rate, Ken, your point is well taken. Thanks for the feedback.

We last wrote about Citadel earlier this month when it launched a new vendor management solution.

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January 24, 2005

Wouldn't you know it? Just when we get everyone off the thick client and into the concept of the thin client someone comes along with a whole new client. In this case, they're calling it the smart client, and it actually looks pretty cool.

Today's exclusive story is provided by the guys over at Dynatek. I was up at their user's conference a couple of years ago and was very impressed with the way their customers show up and participate in the event. And they don't just come for the free snacks between sessions. These folks asked the tough questions and really pitched in to help their competitors utilize the technology more effectively.

Today, Michael Hammond talks about changing the way the software works. While Dynatek made a name for itself with its MORvision LOS, I was pleased to see that Hammond made his comments general and applicable across the industry and not just to loan origination. In fact, that's the only reason I posted the story.

I'll be watching to see if other developers start to take this concept seriously. I've heard rumors already of firms looking for ways to solve the problems that Hammond brings to light. We'll see if they agree with him as to the solution.

Also in today's headlines, TransUnion is expanding its bundled services proposition with more collateral valuation products. The company snapped up Banton Tech a year or so ago and is capitalizing on that acquisition and its own experience as a credit information provider. Dr. Stan Banton is still working hard for the company, I'm told, which constitutes a real ace up their sleeve.

Got an e-mail from Tony Stewart, director of data strategies at Basis100, reminding us about the upcoming NPRRA-REIPA joint conference. It's coming up April 13-16 in San Diego. Check out the website for more information. We were on hand for last year's event and learned a lot while meeting some great people. It's a good conference that could be worth your time, so check it out.

And the next issue of RETI will hit your desks tomorrow (if it's not already there). I hope you enjoy it and take advantage of the e-mail address that we print in each and every issue to tell us what you think.

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