Online accounting software maker Xero is now integrated with the time tracking and invoicing product Harvest, allowing its users the ability to utilize time and expense functions within Xero.

Microsoft Dynamics Master VAR SBS Group has added Pennsylvania-based Dynamics NAV reseller Sentinel Technology Group to its partner network, effectively expanding the SBS Eastern Region.

A recent survey conducted by Columbia Business School professors found, among other things, that in order to move the adoption of XBRL forward, development should be overseen by technologists and not accountants and regulators.

Financial close software maker Blackline Systems has formed a strategic alliance with professional services firm The Goetzman Group to bring software and financial and accounting services to large organizations – particularly in the Southern California region.

QuickBooks-integrated inventory controls provider Fishbowl has released its Fishbowl Inventory 2013 with integrated UPS shipping, providing customers with the ability to process and ship orders from within Fishbowl Inventory.

Sage North America and NetSuite partner SWK Technologies has acquired the Sage business partner accounts of Dallas-based Point Solutions, retaining several personnel and approximately 20 accounts.

Trends, transactions and talk of the future of accounting and consulting are what's news this week. Here's my recap of it all and of course my two cents.

Microsoft Dynamics and SAP ByDesign partner FMT Consultants has partnered with Dynamics ISV partner Integrity Data to provide Dynamics GP clients and prospects with integrated workflow and notification applications.

XCM's Kim Hogan and Intacct's channel leader Taylor Macdonald urge practitioners, resellers, and even vendors to pay closer attention to what goes in to hiring and taking on new business rather than just the beginning and the end result.

Executive hiring at cloud ERP and financial software provider Acumatica continues with the appointment of Oleg Shaikhatarov as its new vice president of software engineering.

CCH’s ProSystem fx Mobile App is now available for free download in time for tax season, allowing users to connect with client databases, view files and publish documents to clients’ portals with their iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

Cloud-based bill payment and invoicing service Bill.com is now integrated expense management provider Expensify to provide users an improved method of managing expense reports.

Professional services search firm ExpertBids has released its 2012 tax Webpage designed to help small and medium sized businesses across the United States find the right tax accountant free of charge.

Cloud-based business analytics provider Adaptive Planning has hired former SAP executive Carolee Gearhart as its vice president of global channels and partners.

Red Wing Software has created a report tool within its CenterPoint Payroll Software designed to track employee status for the upcoming Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requirement that employers with 50 or more full time employers must offer health coverage.

In case you missed it, this past week was packed with accounting-related technology vendor news so here's a roundup and a few insights about each one, plus a few thoughts on some current trends.

CPA and vice president of product strategy at CPA2Biz Greg LaFollette describes how competing cloud vendors can and should work together to help drive CPA adoption.

Accounting and enterprise resource planning product maker Deltek Inc. today released its new Deltek Maconomy Public Accounting Solution, an ERP system purpose-built for CPA firms.

CCH has enhanced its Global Integrator software for multinational corporations with improved currency conversion and audit trail features.

After serving four years at Sage North America, vice president of channel sales Tom Miller is set to retire at the end of March, with no immediate plans to replace him.