Microsoft Windows Azure Powers Blackbaud Mobile App

Microsoft Windows Azure Powers Blackbaud Mobile App

Nonprofits can now quickly and easily gain remote access to mission-critical data

CHARLESTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Blackbaud (BLKB) today announced the use of Microsoft's Windows Azure cloud services to connect The Raiser's Edge mobile app to on-premises instances of the company's flagship Raiser's Edge donor management software. One of the first companies to adopt the Windows Azure Service Bus, Blackbaud now makes it easy for nonprofit professionals that want easy access to data from their mobile devices.

"I'm very excited about the doors the mobile application opens in terms of mobility with our constituent data," said Chris Kennedy, International Mission Board development officer. "The impetus for development officers' success is their ability to be in front of constituents, not a computer. As mobile access to constituent data increases, so go excuses for neglecting face-to-face contact. This tool could not have come soon enough."

Nonprofits use information from The Raiser's Edge for a variety of tasks, including fundraising appeals and supporter engagement. The ability to access this information via a mobile device is helping nonprofits become more efficient and focused on achieving their missions.

"Mobile device users need access to on-premises data and assets. By taking advantage of Windows Azure Service Bus, Blackbaud enables large and small organizations to cost effectively access The Raiser's Edge through the cloud," said Karri Alexion-Tiernan Microsoft's Windows Azure director of marketing. "We're pleased that Blackbaud is using Windows Azure to serve their customers."

With 15,000 users, The Raiser's Edge mobile application is quickly emerging as an important tool for nonprofit professionals to manage critical information while on the go. To easily, safely and securely connect the mobile app to The Raiser's Edge, Blackbaud uses the Windows Azure Service Bus, reducing the cost and complexity of traditional connectivity solutions that require additional hardware, software and IT expertise. The end result is a simple experience for the user when accessing vital information through a mobile device in a matter of seconds.

"We are delivering seamless integration between disparate systems - some in the cloud and some not. Even five years ago, this would have been too costly and complicated for many of our clients," said Mary Beth Westmoreland, Blackbaud's vice president of engineering. "Cloud services like Windows Azure help support nonprofits in spending less time managing technology and more time on their missions."

About Blackbaud

Serving the nonprofit and education sectors for 30 years, Blackbaud (NAS: BLKB) combines technology and expertise to help organizations achieve their missions. Blackbaud works with more than 28,000 customers in over 60 countries that support higher education, healthcare, human services, arts and culture, faith, the environment, independent K-12 education, animal welfare and other charitable causes. The company offers a full spectrum of cloud-based and on-premise software solutions and related services for organizations of all sizes including: fundraising, eMarketing, advocacy, constituent relationship management (CRM), financial management, payment services, analytics and vertical-specific solutions. Using Blackbaud technology, these organizations raise more than $100 billion each year. Recognized as a top company by Forbes, InformationWeek, and Software Magazine and honored by Best Places to Work, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks related to our dividend policy and share repurchase program, including potential limitations on our ability to grow and the possibility that we might discontinue payment of dividends; risks relating to restrictions imposed by the credit facility; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

Media Contact
Blackbaud, Inc.
Melanie Mathos, 843-216-6200 x3307
media@blackbaud.com

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