Sturm of Capsoft.us endorses NKY Chamber Success Award

The NKY Chamber of Commerce Small Business Success Award is one of the most sought after honors in the region.  Chris Sturm discusses when Capsoft won the ward and why it is critical for emerging small businesses to invest the time to participate in the award process.

Pittsville MD revenue collection point of sale in real time

A small office needs to be efficient and the Town of Pittsville MD decided to install GovCollect's real time point of sale cash receipts software.  From the counter the staff can post live payments into the utility, property tax and business license accounts.  This consolidated processing makes balancing fast and easy.  The live posting enables the staff to provide more accurate answers to customer service calls.

GovCollect FAQ

GovCollect FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is GovCollect?
Answer - GovCollect is a municipal revenue collection software solution.  It is made up of core functions shared throughout the software such as security, payment processing, balancing / accounting integration, billing, auditing, adjustment/reversals and then the user is allowed to add specific data modules such as real and personal property taxes, utility billing, business licensing and more.

2. How does GovCollect work?
Answer - For over 10 years we designed and maintained separate municipal revenue software for each type of revenue.  For example utility billing was separate from property taxes.  Our software is very successful and used nationally.  We learned from our customers that their jobs normally reach into each type of revenue so we began to standardize all the processes between the separate products.  For example, a user takes a payment or adjusts a charge the exact same way in all products.  Then we began to combine the applications into a centralized product known as GovCollect.  We combined all the standardized pieces like payment processing and added in all the items unique to our revenue modules.  For example, we incorporated all our utility billing meter reading, deposit processing and move in / move out functionality.  One piece at a time we tested to insure that we had all the great existing features with the benefits of the new combined GovCollect approach.

3. What are the benefits of GovCollect All-in-One design?
Answer - The number one benefit is office efficiency.  With security, a user can access information for a customer about any of that customer's services with the municipality.  Another benefit is data sharing.  With GovCollect's unique Customer and Location attachment, a user can cross reference any activity assigned to a customer and a location.  Imagine easily viewing all revenue activity history and outstanding fees for a customer. Users also enjoy increased collection rates with improved customer service.

4. Do you have to change your existing accounting software that you love?
Answer - No you do not need to change your existing accounting software.  We save our customers thousands of dollars allowing them to use the accounting software they already have and enjoy.  Small users like products like Quickbooks and do not want to change.  Bigger users would be forced to enter a terrible RFP process is they had to change out all their software.  GovCollect interfaces with your accounting software.  You will balance deposit entries and either import a file into your accounting or enter a simple journal entry from your GovCollect balancing reports.


5. Is your operation unique requiring custom software?
Answer - The most common misconception is that a municipality believes their process is unique.  Forms and calculation methods do not make you custom.  The GovCollect parameter driven design allows you to personalize the process to meet your needs without you being on the dreaded "custom island."  GovCollect allows you to successfully personalize.

4. What computer hardware do I need to run GovCollect?
Answer - PC and Network setup can be easy but you should always include your network professional familiar with your current setup.  If you want to install GovCollect in a traditional client/server network design on your equipment then you should reference these minimum specifications.  Govcollect can also be used in the following setup:
A. On a single PC
B. On a virtual server (citrix, vmware, terminal services)
C. Data hosted on GovCollect's server with VPN access from your pc.

5. Can I add new modules at any time?
Answer - Yes you can add new modules as your municipal revenue needs change.  Simply contact us and we will enable the desired module or create a custom module for your operations.

6. Is Tech Support available?
Answer - Yes, support is included.  You have toll free phone support and we can remote into your desktop if you want assistance.  Plus you receive software updates to keep you current with the changing technology in our products and the world.


To learn more visit www.govcollect.com.

GovCollect Hardware Specifications

The following are common hardware specifications for your GovCollect System.  Your desired setup is very important so please read the two types of setups below; GovCollect Data Hosted or Local User Installation.

GovCollect Data Hosted 

GovCollect has a unique web friendly design that allows the user to install the software on any Windows pc desktop XP or greater.  GovCollect will provide the user the application download to be performed on each pc logged in as the administrator.  Then a software or hardware VPN connection is established to the user's data hosted by GovCollect.  This is simple, fast and reliable setup that is very price friendly.

Local User Installation

When the customer wants to install the software on his own servers / workstations, we recommend the following specifications.  All of which are industry standard.  GovCollect can be used in virtual or client server setups.

Specifications

Existing hardware may be used as long as the specifications meet standards and performance is satisfactory to user.

Capital Software Hardware Specifications for User Installation

Server Hardware Recommendations *If running a service such as Terminal services then there should be two servers in place.  The Terminal Server and the Database Server since both are heavy on resources.
Component	System Recommendations
Operating System	Windows Server 2008 (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 Windows Server 2003 (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 Windows XP Professional (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP3 (stand alone) Windows Vista Business (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 (stand alone) Windows 7 (64 bit) Note: The latest service pack is recommended.
SQL Server	SQL Server 2008 (32-bit, 64-bit) - SP1 SQL Server 2005 (32-bit, 64-bit) - SP3
Processor (CPU)*	SQL Server Standard: 2 GHz Pentium-Class equivalent/Xeon or better. Note: Larger networks and databases require faster processors.
Framework	Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or higher Note: Please refer to your SQL Server requirements.
Memory (RAM)	2 GB minimum. More memory may be required for larger databases. Note: Please refer to your SQL Server requirements.
Hard Disk Space	2GB minimum for system and program. Three times additional space is required for the database. Note: Hard Disk Space will need to increase as your database size increases.
Media	CD ROM drive
Connectivity	Internet access using Internet Explorer v5.1 or higher is required in order to use software update functionality.
* A RAID array should be installed and configured as well depending on your tolerance for disk failure. Microsoft recommends that write-caching capabilities of disk controllers be disabled (unless the manufacturer specifically specifies SQL Server database compatibility).
Workstation Hardware Recommendations
Component	System Recommendations
Operating System	Windows Server 2008 (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 Windows Vista Business (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 Windows Server 2003 (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 Windows XP Professional (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP3 Note: The latest service pack is recommended.
Framework	Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or higher
Processor (CPU)*	Windows Server 2008 or 2003: 2 GHz Pentium-Class equivalent/Xeon or better. Windows Vista Business: 2 GHz Pentium-Class equivalent or better. Windows XP Professional: 500 MHz Pentium-Class equivalent or better
System Memory (RAM)	2GB Minimum Note: For systems with larger batch processing needs, 3 GB of memory may be needed.
Disk Space	2GB Minimum Note: More space may be required for document attachment and storage
Video Adapter	Capable of 1024x768 resolution 32-bit color Note: Windows Vista Business: Windows Aero-capable with 128 MB graphics memory.
Printer	Laser printer or inkjet (local or network)
Connectivity	Internet access using Internet Explorer v5.1 or higher is required in order to use software update functionality.
Supported Operating Systems Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 Microsoft Windows Server 2003 (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP3 Microsoft Windows 2000 Server – SP4 Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional – SP4 Note:  The latest service pack is recommended for optimal functionality. Installation on the above Operating Systems on properly configured virtual environments like VMWare, Citrix, and Microsoft Virtual Server is a supported configuration. Supported Database Platforms Microsoft SQL Server 2008 (32-bit and 64-bit) Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (32-bit and 64-bit) Microsoft SQL Server 2000* Note: The latest service pack is recommended for optimal functionality.

Virtual Services Usage

The following recommendations represent the minimum system specifications required to run your Virtual Service, our application hosting solution. Investing in the highest quality equipment and internet service bandwidth possible as well as budgeting for regular upgrades will ensure your solution is running at peak performance. Supported configurations and software are subject to change, so please check back often for the latest recommendations. Thank you!
Workstation Recommendations Minimum System Recommendations (Updated 3/1/2010)
Component	System Recommendations
Terminal Services Client	Remote Desktop Terminal Services Client 6.1
Client Operating System	Windows Server 2008 (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 Windows Vista Business (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 Windows XP Professional (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP3 Note: The latest service pack is recommended.
Bandwidth / Speed	30 kbps per concurrent user
Framework	Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or higher
Remote Connectivity	Broadband (business grade cable modem or DSL)
Supported Operating Systems Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP2 Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit and 64-bit) - SP3 Note: The supported operating systems, with the service packs specified include the Remote Desktop Connection (Terminal Services Client 6.1) that is required.

GovCollect Release generating buzz

For nearly two years, Capital Software has been transforming its municipal tax collection software to service the new direction of municipal collection needs and on 1/1/2012 that new vision will be realized.

GovCollect, all revenue in 1 solution, municipal tax collection product line will be launched.  What makes the GovCollect line exciting is that it offers the following design at a price point affordable for municipalities of 30,000 population and smaller.

Includes

1. The ability to create, track, bill, collect and manage delinquents for any type of revenue.

2. The data seamlessly is available for citizens online for easy payments and research in real time.

3. Features a complete online filing system to enable municipalities to allow customers to file return based fees, attached required documents and pay online from a single source.  

4. Billing statement are integrated with email and online options to reduce printing and improve citizen friendliness.

5. All miscellaneous revenue can be processed at no additional charge to the municipality.

Finally one centralized, affordable system can easily track and audit the entire municipality at a fraction of the price of old legacy systems.

See an overview video at www.govcollect.com to learn more.

http://www.govcollect.com