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.

Australia-based job management software maker simPRO Software has purchased a 30 percent stake in Gem Accounts publisher Gem Software Solutions, with plans to aid the product’s global rollout including its recent foray into the U.S. market.

Paychex Inc. has a new SaaS platform to provide human resource administrators with all Paychex services accessible in one place.

The phrase “You don’t know what you don’t know” very accurately describes the business of accounting software for the practitioner and the provider or vendor. The reality is, most of us neither have the time nor the inclination to figure out just what it is we don’t know.

In its ongoing battle against Intuit and QuickBooks in particular, Xero is now offering a free service to help convert QuickBooks data directly into its cloud accounting solution.

New presidents, new products; overall the past week was all about the vendors topping the news and as ever I’m pleased to offer my take.

Epicor Software Corp. has named Joseph L. Cowan president and chief executive, replacing Pervez Qureshi who is stepping down to pursue new opportunities according to the company.