New York (Jan. 6, 2004) -- Information security technologies such as firewalls, anti-virus software, and password protectors once again topped the American Institute of CPAs’ list of technologies that will have the most influence on business in 2004.
The annual AICPA Top 10 Technologies survey found that an organization’s ability to protect its information systems from internal and external threats is still the No. 1 technology-related priority.
The survey also revealed that anti-spam, digital optimization (or paperless office), and database and application integration technologies -- all new to this year’s list -- earned top rankings. Privacy technologies, however, have apparently become less important and did not make this year’s list.
Some of the older issues including wireless technologies and disaster recovery planning are still relevant, though there’s been a shift in their importance. Wireless technologies are now at No. 5 in the 2004 rankings and disaster recovery planning moved down a notch to No. 6.
The survey also explored emerging technologies, which may not have current commercial impact, but are expected to affect businesses and individuals in the next two or three years. These technologies include ID/authentication, radio frequency identification, 3G wireless, simple object access protocol, and autonomic computers.
For more information on the 14-year-old Top 10 Technologies survey, go to the information technology center on
-- WebCPA staff
