The American Institute of CPAs and its CPA2Biz subsidiary have struck a deal with accounting software developer Intacct to market “cloud computing” services to CPA firms.

Cloud computing is an outgrowth of the trend toward Web-based applications that don’t require the software to be run on the user’s own computer. The alliance promises to help CPA firms and small and midsized businesses adopt cloud computing to improve their financial performance. As part of the deal, Intacct and CPA2Biz will also co-develop a new version of Intacct’s on-demand financial management and accounting applications specifically for CPA firms and their clients that includes unique content from the AICPA.

“A major force like the AICPA throwing their weight behind this, not just their brand but their outreach, makes a significant statement about the evolution of Internet-based tools,” said Intacct president and CEO Mike Braun.

Under the agreement, the AICPA and CPA2Biz have named Intacct as their preferred provider of financial applications. CPA2Biz has also been named the preferred distributor of Intacct to the CPA profession.

The AICPA and CPA2Biz will make content such as financial best practices, business guidance, benchmarks and industry templates available from within Intacct’s financial applications.

Intacct and CPA2Biz are also co-developing a new version of Intacct that will allow CPA firms to work together collaboratively with their clients. The new co-developed product will only be available through the CPA profession. AICPA members will be eligible to receive discounts on all of Intacct’s financial management and accounting applications, and market the products to their clients.

For more information, visit www.intacct.com and www.cpa2biz.com.