* CPA2BIZ ACHIEVES FIRST-TIME PROFITABILITY: CPA2Biz, the online marketing and technology portal for the American Institute of CPAs, posted year-end net income of $150,000 for the period ended July 31 - its first-ever profit since its inception just over four years ago. CPA2Biz executives said that the first-time profits were fueled by a combination of strong growth and a reduction in last year's depreciation expenses, which had hit $4 million. The portal had reported a loss of $3.14 million for its previous fiscal year. Revenue climbed nearly 8 percent, to $14.3 million, versus the year-ago results."Through focus and solid execution, we've been able to grow our customer base and revenues, while maintaining an appropriate cost structure moving the company to profitability," said CPA2Biz chief executive Erik Asgeirsson, in a statement.
The portal features such services as CPE and conferences, as well as payroll and banking via its Business Solutions Program.
* QUICKBOOKS UNVEILS NEWEST ENTERPRISE APPLICATION: Intuit's QuickBooks, a developer of business software, unveiled QuickBooks Enterprise Solution 6.0, the newest release of its mid-market application.
The new release is built with a SQL database, open access and more inventory capabilities, among 23 new enhancements.
Version 6.0 is built on Sybase's iAnywhere embedded database, which allows a maximum of 15 concurrent users. The new database also offers open database connectivity, a universal data access standard that enables databases from other providers to exchange information more easily.
QuickBooks also said that the latest version has enhanced inventory capabilities, automating tasks for product-based businesses like manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers. One inventory feature, Available-to-Promise, was demonstrated as a reporting capability for pulling data from all modules in the application to show what inventory is committed, which products are in need and what is on order.
The new patent-pending tool allows users to create "what-if" scenarios for maximum sales revenue by adjusting which sales orders to fulfill and which ones to put on hold.
For more information, go to www.qbes.com.
* iCODE CHANGES NAME TO EVEREST SOFTWARE: iCode Inc., a provider of business application software for small and midsized businesses, announced that it has changed its name to Everest Software Inc.
The name change represents the company's commitment to providing customers with the ability to manage and view their entire business, from the storefront to the back office, in real-time. The Web site will now be www.everestsoftwareinc.com.
"Changing the company name represents another milestone for us as we continue to gain market share, and broaden our product offering in the wholesale/distribution and retail markets," said president and chief executive James E. McGowan, in a statement.
McGowan said that Everest's tagline, "Unparalleled View of Your Business," better conveyed the software provider's ability to offer a suite of software applications, including accounting, inventory management, order management and fulfillment, e-commerce, CRM, and point-of-sale transactions.
* SAGE TIMBERLINE OFFICE 2005 UNVEILED: Sage Software unveiled Sage Timberline Office Suite 2005, the latest version of its financial and operations software for the construction and real estate industry. New features include a quick launch capability from the desktop; a new Sage Information Center; more accounting features; better reconciliation tools and reports; enhancements to the estimating totals window; and a commitment change order feature for customers.
The quick launch capability allows users to load their customer management, general ledger, payroll or property management modules from their desktop. The Sage Information Center sends news on software announcements, product news, tips and techniques, and information on training and support.
First released in 2002, Sage Timberline is targeted at small and midsized businesses. For more information, visit www.sagetimberlineoffice.com.
