Recent articles by Ellen Perlman from governing.com http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=87483642 Ellen Perlman was a GOVERNING staff writer and technology columnist. Graphic Details http://www.governing.com/topics/technology/Graphic-Details.html A data-rich Web site that displays GIS-generated maps is now an essential tool for cities seeking to recruit new business. Crazy Cool in L.A. http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/Crazy-Cool-in-LA.html A fire department taps into microblogging to keep itself on top of situations. Powering Their Way Up http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/Powering-Their-Way-Up.html CIOs pushed to become cabinet-level appointees -- but it doesn't always work out. To Serve, Virtually http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/To-Serve-Virtually.html Packing multiple applications on a single server can save big bucks. The Wisdom of Crowds http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/The-Wisdom-of-Crowds.html A CIO looks to the public to take city data and turn them into quick, nimble and useful software programs. The Texas Ten-Step http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/The-Texas-Ten-Step.html When a state tries to merge data centers from all its agencies, it's in for a bumpy ride -- and a very long one. The Power Switch http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/The-Power-Switch.html The emerging topic for state CIOs is how to reconfigure desktops and computing practices to save energy. The Safety Gap http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/The-Safety-Gap.html To protect the children they serve, child welfare caseworkers need high-tech connections between field and office. To Catch a Thief http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/To-Catch-a-Thief.html High-level data analysis is helping police spot crimes -- sometimes before they happen. Going Viral http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/Going-Viral.html The video a state or locality puts up on YouTube doesn't have to be wacky, but it helps. 311 Potholes http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/311-Potholes.html Consolidating call centers is proving to be a boon to cities, but the roll-outs are rough. This Little Light of Mine http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/This-Little-Light-of.html Many cities have been switching to the efficiencies of as-needed lighting, thanks to their computer programmers. The Snake Within http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/The-Snake-Within.html There are ways to spot an employee with an eye on bringing down the network. Lighten Up on Language http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/Lighten-Up-on-Language.html It's awfully hard to get legislators or the public excited about an IT program when the words that describe it sound like gibberish. Bloggerly Love http://www.governing.com/columns/tech-talk/Bloggerly-Love.html Techies and their interactive tools may be the way to lure tourists to local fairs and state parks.