Accounting Technology articles from May 2003

Accounting Technology archives from May 2003

Group B gets top grades. (Editor's Note).(Editorial)
May 1, 2003... The hottest thing in the technology market may not be any new three-letter acronym representing the latest hardware, software, or communications platforms. It could be a well-seasoned group of accounting firms. The Group B firms (or as...

Helping the needy.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... It used to be that needs analysis was a major part of the reselling and consulting process. Then pure selling took over. Guess what? Needs analysis is back, says Senior Editor Richard McCausland. In "Scoping the Deal," he details how...

Street talk: reader views.(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2003... Do you believe that Microsoft has a long-term commitment to selling accounting software through Value-added Resellers? Based on our experience, they do. The account management structure is a little thin, so I have not had much contact on...

Editor's note. (Special Report: Accountants Media Group).(Editorial)
May 1, 2003... This year's Special Report on the "Accountant's Guide to the Internet" is bigger than ever. In fact, each year, it gets larger and larger. Maybe it's because as Henry David Thoreau once said, "Men have become the tools of their tools."...

Growing information. (Special Report: Accountants Media Group).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The Internet has blossomed. Or is that an understatement? More and more accountants are using the wide reaching grasp of the Internet for a plethora of matters, whether it be research, accessing application service providers, or simply wanting...

Sample useful resources. (Special Report: Accountants Media Group).
May 1, 2003... To sample the following resources, simply go online to www.webcpa.com, click on "Resources" and then "Links." Practice Management Accountant City For a fee, Accountant City will provide you with a ready-made Web site, complete...

Finding liability money. (Special Report: Accountants Media Group).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Financial Circuit (Campbell, Calif.) has just introduced "MoneyFind," a liability management tool for advisors that uncovers funds in liabilities that can then be reallocated to assets. For each possible scenario, "MoneyFind" searches in...

Some useful government sites. (Special Report: Accountants Media Group).(Editorial)
May 1, 2003... www.census.gov Everything you need to know about an American census www.fedstats.gov The gateway to statistics from more than 100 U.S. federal agencies www.firstgov.com The official government gateway for citizens,...

Accountant's Office[R] Online. (Accountants World).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.AccountantsOffice.com Take your practice to the next level and join thousands of accounting professionals who are using Accountant's Office Online, the fully customizable website and secure online office, to acquire new business,...

AICPA Insurance Programs.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.cpai.com The AICPA Insurance Programs strive to make cpai.com a valuable daily tool for the CPA firm as well as for the individual CPA. The site offers current information about the Accounting Industry and resources including: *...

CCH incorporated: a WoltersKluwer Company.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... tax.cchgroup.com Your single source for the best tax, accounting and audit information and software solutions. Unmatched Product Selection * A comprehensive catalog of products, in an easy-to-use online environment. * Access...

Creative Solutions.
May 1, 2003... CreativeSolutions.com Visit Creative Solutions' website to see our comprehensive line of technologically advanced, fully integrated tax, accounting, client accounting, and practice management software, including web-based services designed...

ProSeries.com.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... proseries.com It's easy to obtain everything you need for a smooth, productive tax season. The ProSeries Web site (www.proseries.com) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week! Order and download ProSeries products online. ...

Lacerte software.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.lacertesoftware.com Lacerte: The First Name in Tax Software The Lacerte Web site offers easy access to valuable product information, service and support, and links to other valuable sites. Here, you'll find details on the entire...

PASSOnline.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.passonline.com PASSOnline has been a provider of CPE for CPAs and other financial professionals since 1990 specializing in accounting, ethics and taxation education. Whether you are a sole practitioner, a top accounting firm employee...

WebCPA: the site for tax and accounting professionals.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... When its fast and easy for you to get the news you need, there's more time for you to run your life and business your way. * Our all new Web Site, www.WebCPA.com, gives you access to all this and more: * daily newswire that reflects...

Chinsky forms firm. (Practice Development News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Mark Chinsky, a New Jersey reseller whose former firm was acquired by ePartners, has launched a new effort in the accounting software industry, Clients First Business Solutions, based in Short Hills, N.J. Chinsky operated On-Track...

FR tech group changes name. (Practice Development News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The technology group of Follmer Rudzewicz Advisors, based in Southfield, Mich., has changed its name to Centerprise Technology Advisors. Because Follmer Rudzewicz Advisors is part of Centerprise Advisors, the tech unit's name change...

Ciarleglio leaves Aston. (Practice Development News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Bruce D. Ciarleglio, who served as vice president of sales and marketing, has left his job with Aston Business Solutions after four years of running the reseller's sales efforts in the United States. Ciarleglio, based in LaJolla, Calif.,...

Immediatech sets var program. (Practice Development News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Immediatech, which makes document management systems, has established a program through which accounting firms can sell its GoFileRoom document outsourcing service to their clients. Co-founder Joe Harpaz says the Englewood Cliffs,...

IDT Consulting forms. (Practice Development News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... IDT Consulting, an Itasca, Ill.-based reseller, has been formed to handle the Microsoft Great Plains and Microsoft CRM lines. The company, which grew out of its sister Integrated Document Technologies, also bundles together ERM, CRM, and...

Cohn nabs Videre. (Practice Development News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... J.H. Cohn, a Roseland, N.J.-based CPA firm, has absorbed the Videre Group of nearby Parsippany, a move that is expected to boost Cohn's technology business. Videre's CEO, David Talesnick, has become president of Cohn Consulting. The merger...

Amex builds SAP channel. (Practice Development News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... American Express Tax and Business Services will build a reseller channel for the SAP Business One software line, launched in March in the United States after an earlier introduction in other countries. Amex will also work as a developer,...

AGI starts var effort. (Practice Development News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Groupe AGI, a Canadian company with a headquarters in the United Stales in Clearwater, Fla., has started a value-added reseller program to recruit firms to sell its Abak software line. The company's product line includes three editions of...

MBS gets new sales group. (Accounting News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Sales and marketing operations for Microsoft Business Solutions have been dramatically restructured through the creation of a new worldwide group called Small and Mid-market Solutions & Partners. SMS&P is headed by Orlando Ayala. Don...

Epicor CFO leaves. (Accounting News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Epicor Software's chief financial officer, Lee Kim, who had served in that position since October 1999, has resigned. Irvine, Calif-based Epicor predicted it would have a replacement named by the time Kim left. The announcement followed a...

MYOB profits up. (Accounting News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... MYOB, the company that markets Macintosh and PC-based accounting software in the United States, saw worldwide income rise 3 percent on a 20 percent rise in revenue for 2002. The Americas Region operations lost nearly $52,000, down from...

Damgaard founder retires. (Accounting News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Preben Damgaard, one of the brothers who founded the former Damgaard software company, will retire from his job with Microsoft Business Solutions next month. Damgaard came to MBS, where he is vice president, European Middle East and Africa...

Ellison steps out. (Accounting News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Oracle chairman Larry Ellison, who owns NetLedger, has handed over the chairmanship of that company to Evan Goldberg, former CEO. Goldberg also holds the title of chief technology officer. Zach Nelson, who had been president and chief...

Blackbaud spurs developers. (Accounting News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Blackbaud, which makes accounting and fundraising software for not-for-profit organizations, has begun to assemble a developer network for its Financial Edge product line. Developers receive a software development toolkit to enable them to...

BVision offers SDK. (Accounting News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Softline Business Vision has introduced a software development kit as a key element in launching its first formal developer partner program. The SDK provides the tools with which third-party developers can integrate their products with the...

Accpac picks AS2. (Accounting News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Accpac International has added the ability to exchange electronic trading documents to its Accpac Exchange system by expanding its licensing of Cyclone AS2 connections. The Pleasanton, Calif.-based accounting software company says the new...

Best buys KTS. (Accounting News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Best Software has acquired KTS, a Toronto-based manufacturer of fundraising solutions for philanthropic organizations, such as United Way and Jewish Federation. KTS will become part of Best's Nonprofit and Government Division. Division...

McKinstry chairs wk. (Tax & Financial Planning News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Nancy McKinstry, who has risen through the ranks at CCH, will be named chair of that company's executive board in September. McKinstry, age 44, replaces Rob Pieterse, who is stepping down. She joined the board in June 2001. Previously CEO...

Thomson buys Elite. (Tax & Financial Planning News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The Thomson Corp. will buy Elite Information Group, which makes practice management software, in a cash deal for $14 a share, valued at about $122 million. Los Angeles-based Elite will report to Brian Hall, president and CEO of Thomson...

Paychex nabs InterPay. (Tax & Financial Planning News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Paychex expects to add $50 million to its annual revenue through the acquisition of payroll processor InterPay for $150 million in cash. The deal comes on Paychex's purchase of Advantage Payroll for $240 million earlier this year. Paychex...

Stock drop costs Bennett. (Tax & Financial Planning News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... A roughly 12-point drop in Intuit's stock in March cost president Steve Bennett around $190,000 when he sold shares following the plunge. Bennett sold 17,532 shares for $39.02 each, for gross proceeds of $684,098 on March 27, according to...

Intuit buys own stock. (Tax & Financial Planning News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Intuit plans to buy $500 million of its shares over the next three years, a move announced after the company's stock took a beating following its prediction that 2003 results will be lower than previously expected. The stock price dropped...

CCH inks tax pay plan. (Tax & Financial Planning News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... CCH has reached an agreement with Official Payments Corp. that will enable clients of CCH customers to pay taxes to state and federal governments via credit cards. Services offered by Official Payments, a subsidiary of Tier Technologies,...

CSI drops SBM plan. (Tax & Financial Planning News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Creative Solutions and Microsoft have given up on an alliance through which users of CSI's NetClient portals would gain access to Microsoft's Small Business Manager. Greg LaFollette, vice president of product development for Dexter,...

Scoping the deal.
May 1, 2003... It was the kickoff, after all, so why not have a referee--zebra shirt and all? What made his presence a little startling was that this was no gridiron match, but day one of a week-long working conference to detail how Tamlin Software...

Outsourcing tax prep is in, in, in: firms are able to grow their practice without increasing staff.
May 1, 2003... Can outsourcing tax return preparation save a firm and its clients money? You do the math. Richardson, Texas-based Henry Held & Reilly found that after processing 80 returns via outsourced services, the firm spent 400 less hours preparing those...

Low-cost apps for the disk and diskless: apps give users of software a wide range of choices.
May 1, 2003... Good accounting doesn't change much, but accounting software does. Disk-based accounting software for small and midrange businesses has come a long way since the early 1980s. Many old standards are still around, but the market has been...

Spanish ayes: ?software para usuarios de habla Hispana? Sl.
May 1, 2003... The stats speak pretty persuasively for themselves. As of last July, Hispanics have become the largest minority group in the United States, at 37 million strong or 13 percent of the population, according to the Census Bureau. In tandem...

Web Services: equal to the hype? Some valuable functions loom for accounting pros.
May 1, 2003... Sometimes it's hard to keep up with the acronyms. At this point, you may think that SOAP is something you wash with, that n-tier comes after in-tier and before 0-tier, and that the XML was a sports league that didn't survive. Okay, so XML...

Tax Action Bulletins. (New Products).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... PPC's twice-monthly Practitioners Tax Action Bulletins, which keep subscribers up-to-date on federal tax law changes with guidance, can be delivered in paper or online versions. Bulletins tell subscribers how to respond to change, and give...

Traverse Manufacturing. (New Products).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Traverse version 10 combines four manufacturing applications--Bill of Materials, Routing and Resources, Production, and Material Requirements Planning into a full suite. Bill of Materials features detailed routing, multiple routing...

Project Management. (New Products).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The Project Management module for Version 11 of Dexter & Chaney's ForeFront Construction Management Software bridges the gap between accounting staff and project managers by providing a standardized process for managing workflow. Project...

Business Standard Edition. (New Products).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Business Standard Edition, a customizable accounting system, provides customizable searches, enhanced security, credit card purchases reconciliation, and recurring general ledger adjustments. Enhancements include an improved backorder...

Bardahl Formula Calculator. (New Products).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The Bardahl Formula Calculator program reduces the time needed to use the Bardahl Formula by computing both the Peak and Average methods. Users can first look at the Bardahl Formula using the Average method and then switch to the Peak...

Advanced Partner Center. (New Products).(from NetLedger)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The Advanced Partner Center gives businesses that uses partners to sell the ability to address the challenges of partner relationship management. The Center, part of NetSuite, provides all parties with real-time access to information....

Abra Suite 7.1. (New Products).(from Best Software)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Abra Suite adds Abra Secure Query, secure data reporting tools, and a library of more than 100 standardized Crystal Reports in version 7.1 of the Best Software offering. The Secure Query Tool facilitates HR, payroll, benefits...

Collection Systems. (New Products).(from Syspro)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Syspro's Collection System automates debt collection by identifying overdue invoices, assigning or reassigning invoices to designated collectors, and monitoring debt collection efforts. It also retains account collection history, tracking the...

Ceridian HR. (New Products).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Businesses with up to 350 employees can access HR administration and payroll processing services via Ceridians integrated Web-based platform, which presents them with human resource data, a single point of contact for service and reporting for...

BizfinityPro 7.0. (New Products).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The Distribution Manager in the Distribution Suite in Bizfinity 7.0 features sales order processing, purchase order processing, and inventory management for online and offline orders. It also has support for such features as enhanced price...

Elite Enterprise 3.3. (New Products).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Unicode, the universal character set available in Elite Enterprise 3.3, supports all languages, allowing multi-language and multi-country firms to operate from a single database. The data warehouse is kept current via regular updates...

NaviPlan. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The new long-term care component in NaviPlan Extended, a cash flow-based application, and NaviPlan Standard analyze a clients financial needs and the effect on net worth should they enter into long-term care. Available in version 8, the...

UA PoS. (New Products).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The Point of Sale module for UA Business Software provides a Windows-based application for retail management for large retailers that integrates with UA Business Software Accounting. Available for UA 6.5 XP Professional, Enterprise, and...

Annual Reports. (New Products).(Understanding Corporate Annual Reports: A User's Guide)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Understanding Corporate Annual Reports: A User's Guide, explains the regulatory environment surrounding annual reports, providing a detailed review of how to read reports correctly. The guide examines a variety of types of financial...

BothWorlds: taking it to the streets. (Channels).
May 1, 2003... BothWorlds Software is taking it to the streets by introducing a reseller channel to handle its ImagineTime time and billing software. "The reseller channel is more of a complimentary way to further increase our sales with a...

CrossLink Tax Software. (Internet Directory).
May 1, 2003... www.petzent.com CrossLink Professional Tax Software offers user-friendly products that fully integrate Tax Preparation, Electronic Filing & Financial Services. For a FREE copy of CrossLink software, visit our web site or call (800)...

Financial MicroSystems. (Internet Directory).
May 1, 2003... www. clientledgersystem.com Financial MicroSystems, Inc, otters innovative client write-up software designed to meet the needs of CPA's and accounting professionals. Client Ledger System[TM] software easily accommodates a growing practice...

New Horizon Technologies. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.planguru.net Expand your business advisory services with PlanGuru, the most complete business planning system available. Projections, cash flow analysis, benchmarking and performance measurement. For free trial visit our website....

Drake Software. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.drake-software.com Complete 1040,1041, 1065, 1120,11 20S tax preparation software for the tax professional. Check out package options, sales and demo information.

Genovation, Inc. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.genovation.com Universal keypads for notebook computers. Genovation offers a dynamic variety of numeric keypads for notebook and desktop computers. For more information call (800) 822-4333.

Phoenix Phive Software Corporation. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.phoenixphive.com Everything you need for your payroll and 1099 processing: software, checks, MICR supplies and W-2 and 1099 forms. Download a free demo or call 1 (877) 601-1555.

Database Creations, Inc. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.accessaccountingsolutions.com Customizable accounting software for Microsoft Access - includes source code! Exchange data with other Office applications. As good as the $20k packages at 1/20th the cost. FREE trial version - visit our...

MicroMash CPE and exam reviews. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.MicroMash.com MicroMash offers over 100 CPE courses with the ultimate flexibility and portability. Download your selection; take a course over the Internet; have a disk delivered to your door! Visit our web site and preview Capital...

WebCPA. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.webcpa.com WebCPA is the premiere Internet resource for tax and accounting professionals. WebCPA offers you the profession's only source for daily news written exclusively by accounting editors.

ProSystem fx Site Builder. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Build a professional web site with ProSystem fx Site Builder and provide clients 24/7 access to financial information and tools, including CCH's Premium Content and Tax Notebook online tax organizer. Take a FREE Test Drive!

ProSystem fx. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.prosystemfx.com The ProSystem fx Office is an award-winning suite of integrated tax and accounting software from CCH. Visit our web site for product information, demos, free downloads, and more, or call us at 1 (800) PFX-9998.

STFB Inc. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.stfb.com Web-Based and Client/Server Accounting Systems with Source Code Included for Visual Basic, Access, SQL Server, JavaScript & More! Visit STFB Inc. at http:/www.stfb.com

Accounting Technology. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.accountingtechnology.com AccountingTechnology.com treats readers to articles from the premier publication covering the accountant's world of technology tools. It addresses the use of technology within an accounting practice; and...

Accounting Today. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.accountingtoday.com A news staple of the profession since 1987, Accounting Today is recognized as the newspaper of record for the nation's tax and accounting community.

Practical Accountant. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.practicalaccountant.com Practical Accountant is the technical how-to magazine for the growth-minded local and regional tax and accounting firm. Using feature stories and case studies, Practical Accountant provides comprehensive...

Joseph Maffia: hooked on Linux. (Accounting Technologist).
May 1, 2003... Joseph Maffia knows a bargain when he spots one, and in his enthusiastic opinion, Linux is one good deal. Maffia became hooked on Linux--the "free" operating system that has steadily accumulated applications support worldwide in a...

Pathways to growth. (From the Editor).(Brief Article)(Editorial)
May 1, 2003... Technology consulting practices can build their businesses in two very prominent ways: By adding new services to sell to existing clients, or by acquiring rival firms in order to add their customers. This edition of Accounting Today...

Get the growth you pay for: one reseller's journey into expansion by acquisition. (Acquisitions).
May 1, 2003... The fastest way to grow in technology consulting is often by buying a rival practice. Here's an insider's viewpoint on how to look for a firm to buy, how to price the deal and, most important, how to work with your new clients after the sale is...

Hurdles and opportunities: building a niche practice includes plenty of both. (Specialized Practices).
May 1, 2003... Accounting software resellers adding specialized niche practices face almost as many hurdles as opportunities--or so say consulting professionals with successful technology-related niches. While niche practices offer the opportunity to add...

Accounting Technology. (Internet Directory).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... www.accountingtechnology.com AccountingTechnology.com treats readers to articles from the premier publication covering the accountant's world of technology tools.

Prospects--or suspects? The perils and pitfalls of building a niche practice. (Niche Nightmares).(Industry Overview)
May 1, 2003... Industry experts claim that by focusing services on smaller niche markets, technology consultants can achieve unbelievable riches. But once you clear away the smoke and mirrors, how does this magnificent promise measure up? For two years I...

1040 Review. (Tax Planning & Review).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Reader Service No. 101 1040 Review works alongside your tax prep software to identify numerous tax planning ideas and compliance issues based on the return. Compare your client's deductions to national averages for their business code and...

Engagement Solution [TM]. (Paperless Engagement Software).
May 1, 2003... Reader Service No. 102 Engagement Solution [TM]--a comprehensive engagement management system designed to handle your most complex engagements from start to finish, and is the ideal tool to move your firm easily into paperless processing....

ProSeries. (Payroll).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Reader Service No. 103 ProSeries can save you time and makes preparing tax returns easier with features, calculations and menus that help to eliminate specific headaches. Plus, the ProSeries product line includes a wide variety of helpful...