KPMG will acquire the analytical applications company Link Analytics LLC, with the intent of expanding the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm’s data and analytics capabilities.

Launching a payroll practice does not have to be overwhelming, in fact if the right business model is adopted, starting a payroll venture can happen faster than one might think…and with far less stress.

Ernst & Young has purchased the U.S. tax preparation and court accounting outsourcing businesses of Thomson Reuters, which includes approximately 175 employees.

H&R Block has improved the user interface for its online and iPad tax preparation software.

Anyone working with mobile documents is looking for more ways to easily print them, and Android device users are increasingly looking to Cloud Print for that singular purpose.

Open Systems Inc. has made available and integrated inventory tool for its Traverse Not-For-Profit product, designed to allow nonprofit organizations to keep track of products and merchandise, whether in-store, on-the-road, or online.

A few key additions came in the cloud accounting arena along with a couple of noteworthy tech consultant moves amounting to a pretty busy week, even with the holidays around the corner.

Gem Accounts has released of two new versions -- one designed for small to midsized enterprises and another delivered free of cost for “micro” and small businesses.

Cloud workflow management software maker XCM Solutions has created an offering designed for firms with less than 20 employees that can be deployed in less than two weeks.

SaaS and on premises CRM provider Commerce Corp. has joined with partner channel-focused business development agency Phoenix Fire Inc. to help grow its global channel network, which includes ERP resellers.

Top Sage partner and VAR 100 firm ISM has joined the Acumatica channel, just weeks after divesting the majority of its Sage 500 ERP practice.

Fresno, Calif.-based nonprofit accounting software company Aplos Software announced it will host a series of free webinars for nonprofits about year-end accounting procedures and how to prepare for the new year.

IT security expert Alan Heyman believes accounting firms are repositories of personal information and, as such, have become targets for criminal hackers; they are like an auto accident waiting to happen.

SAP AG today announced new capabilities for its SAP Business ByDesign product, which leverage SAP HANA, mobile and cloud technologies and added global versions.

BAASS Business Solutions Inc. has formed a strategic alliance with Southeast Computer Solutions Inc., designed primarily to aid growth in its Sage ERP X3 business.

The Information Technology Alliance introduced nine new members to its roster of CPA firms, consultants and vendors, which were highlighted by Intuit, online accounts payable and receivables company Bill.com, and top CPA firm Armanino.

Xero has officially released an integrated payroll offering as part of its cloud accounting platform, just months after announcing a beta version.

Sage North America has officially released Sage One Accountant Edition, an accountant-centric version of its online accounting software for small businesses and the first from the publisher designed specifically for accountants..

Nonprofit-focused accounting software maker Serenic Corporation is now offering free trials of Serenic Navigator Express, a cloud-based version of the company’s flagship accounting product designed to track multiple funds, manage expenses against budgets, and produce timely, accurate reports.

The reasons to begin conversations with both current and potential clients with an emphasis on report writers are more compelling than ever, particularly as this technology has become more available and easier for small businesses to use and deploy.