Cloud-based corporate performance management software provider Host Analytics has launched Host Analytics Business Analytics, a new business intelligence toolkit designed to give finance departments a complete understanding of their business drivers.

After over a week of speculation, Sage partner SWK Technologies has signed a letter of intent to acquire the assets of Hightower Inc., a Chicago-based Sage business and development partner, including Hightower’s customers and all intellectual property.

QuickBooks add-on publisher Flagship Technologies has unveiled FormCalc for QuickBooks, providing across-column calculations and column totals on invoices, estimates, purchase orders and other QuickBooks forms.

Vertex has introduced a new “address cleansing service” for its sales tax software.

SaaS ERP software provider Acumatica has released version 3.0 of its flagship product, which contains project accounting, automated inter-company transfers, and several features requested by hundreds of customers.

IMGCAP(1)]Organizations globally have incredible technology needs.

The phrase “consumerization of IT” could not be used enough by Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner and Dynamics president Kirill Tatarinov, as they claim this is the largest driving force behind their product directions over the foreseeable future, particularly the business applications in its Dynamics line.

One of the hottest IT trends promoted by vendors such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft is cloud computing.

SaaS-based sales tax automation service provider Avalara has added certifications for Microsoft Dynamics AX and NAV to its AvaTax Web-based sales tax tool.

Financial Web application and database software company NetWorth Services has released 8949 Verifier, a Web-based application designed to allows tax professionals to examine their clients’ 8949 forms instantly for accuracy prior to filing them with the IRS.

Technology consultancy Arxis Technology has formed Arxis Cloud Solutions, a new division focused on implementation of its SaaS product offerings and education about them.

Cloud-based financial planning and reporting technology provider Adaptive Planning has secured $22 million in new venture financing, which will be earmarked for global expansion, product development and channel growth.

Information security, remote access, and control and use of mobile devices will have the greatest impact on CPAs’ technology initiatives over the next 12 months, according to the American Institute of CPAs’ 2012 Top Technology Initiatives Survey.

Web-based membership management software developer is forming a U.S. partner network, aimed at a select number of CPAs and accounting and traditional enterprise resource planning software resellers.

Cloud accounting and financial technology provider FinancialForce.com has released FinancialForce Accounting Spring ’12, with enhancements designed to address the key concerns of financial managers, including financial reporting, implementation speed and reporting efficiency.

SAP AG is now offering SAP Business One OnDemand, which will allow partners to host the enterprise resource planning software and target smaller companies.

CCH has reorganized its publishing groups, creating and eliminating several positions at the accounting and tax research and software provider, while focusing more on the company's mobile technology development.

Only months after announcing a re-branding strategy for all of its products, Sage North America is now moving forward with plans to offer customers subscription pricing on all mid-market enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management products, a move the company claims will offer partners and customers more revenue and pricing options, respectively.

News coming from Sage North America later today regarding new plans for product and partner pricing is already riling the channel, as it is expected to have a negative impact on their margins and possible consolidation efforts.

H&R Block has released a tax prep and electronic filing app for Google Android-based smartphones and tablets.