In the world of accounting and ERP there was simply no bigger news this week than SAP discontinuing its Business ByDesign product and I plan to explain more about it, what it means and what it doesn’t.

NetSuite announced the addition of five new firms to its Solution Provider Program, the largest of which is long-time Microsoft Dynamics partner and VAR 100 firm The TM Group.

NetSuite Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire human capital management solutions provider TribeHR, with the intent of creating an integrated cloud ERP and HCM software suite for small and midsized businesses.

After reports surfaced about the discontinuation of SAP Business ByDesign, the company confirmed it is “slowing development” of the cloud ERP product in favor of developing a cloud platform for SMEs.

While the offer of up to a 30 percent reduction in some cloud service provider fees may sound attractive, firms need to consider the risks that may be at play here and ask the right questions.

Sales tax management software maker TaxJar has released TaxJar Pro, an automated local sales tax reporting tool designed specifically for accountants who serve eCommerce clients with accounts on Amazon, Shopify, eBay, Etsy and PayPal.

German business weekly Wirtschaftswoche has reported that SAP plans to stop development of its SMB-focused cloud ERP product Business ByDesign, stating that existing customers will be still able to continue using it.

The Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters has introduced new bi-directional integration between its Accounting CS Payroll software and the Time Rack time, attendance, and human resources product.

People by nature are curious, emotional and often gullible. That mix can be toxic when trying to keep a tight rein on information security. IT risk and security expert David Barton explains the steps you can take at your firm to help your people stay more secure.

There was lots of vendor and consultant news over the past week, but overall we want to know what’s up with all the funding going into cloud accounting software, and where exactly does Intuit factor in?

Sage, Epicor and Intacct partner e2b teknologies has released Anytime Collect 2014, the latest version if its flagship accounts receivable management software which now features a browser-based design, improved communication workflow, redesigned screens and new icons.

New York-based Justworks has officially launched its online payroll and benefits platform, Justworks.com designed for new businesses to manage payroll and offer large-company benefits while ensuring legal compliance.

Intacct is now integrated with Salesforce Identity, which delivers identity services to any app, on any device and centrally managed through the Salesforce platform.

Cloud-based nonprofit financial product maker Aplos Software is expanding its distribution channels, making its software available on Amazon as well as launching a reseller program targeting bookkeepers and accountants.

Former Microsoft Dynamics channel sales executive David Warner has joined Intacct as its new channel executive, south central region.

Nonprofit accounting software maker Abila has renamed its product line to further enforce its brand name, including changing its signature fund accounting software to Abila MIP Fund Accounting.

New Zealand-based cloud accounting software developer Xero has raised $150 million in a new round of funding aimed at unseating Intuit as the small business accounting software leader.

Xero announced that it has raised $150 million to fund expansion in the United States and essentially help it compete against its primary rival Intuit and its QuickBooks product.

There is no question that technology is changing the accounting profession and the one-two punch of the cloud and mobile technology creates greater efficiencies and capabilities for CPAs and their clients.

Paychex has purchased a minority stake in and formed a strategic alliance with cloud accounting software provider Kashoo.