But as versatile as today's technology is, it's easy to forget that it was the spreadsheet that lifted computers out of the realm of fancy toys for the early adopters of this new desktop technology, and turned the personal computer into an invaluable business tool.

IMGCAP(1)][IMGCAP(2)]In the wake of the scandal involving alleged phone and email hacking by News Corporation, many tax and accounting professionals are invariably questioning the security of their own client communications.

CCH has introduced an on-premise version of its document management software, ProSystem fx Document, in addition to the Web-based version.

Time and expense tracking software-maker OfficeTime today unveiled iPhone and iPad versions of its flagship application and celebrating by giving away a free iPad 2.

The Forensic Technology Services of Big Four Firm KPMG has launched an enhanced data analysis tool accompanied by a new white paper that outlines the cash management and cost benefits of using electronic discovery software, to improve data analysis and document defensibility for corporate legal departments and law firms.

Verizon Wireless and Intuit Inc. have formed a strategic alliance to give all small businesses the ability to process credit card payments on smart phones and tablets by offering Intuit’s GoPayment app and credit card reader in Verizon Wireless’ 2,300 retail stores and business-to-business sales channels.

LBMC Technologies, the technology consultancy for Top 100 accounting firm Lattimore, Black, Morgan, & Cain, has joined the Intacct partner program as a reseller.

Epicor Software Corporation today unveiled Epicor Express, the on-demand version of the Epicor enterprise resource planning product designed specifically for growing distributors.

Thomson Reuters released its 2011 Sales Tax Holiday Report, researched by its multidisciplinary professionals in tax law, accounting and audit.

Intuit Inc. has restructured its accountant-focused QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program, which will now incorporate a three-tiered structure with access to more benefits for members to increase their knowledge of QuickBooks and other Intuit small business solutions through Intuit's certification process.

Private equity firm Bain Capital has signed a deal to purchase Australian accounting software company MYOB for about $1.3 billion, beating out offers from UK’s Sage Group and private equity giant Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.

Web-based audit confirmation services provider Capital Confirmation Inc. has released a mobile app of its Confirmation.com service.

The Receivables Exchange (TRE), the online marketplace for the sale and purchase of receivables, has released a receivables financing application for NetSuite’s SuiteCloud Computing Platform.

The world’s top three financial accounting software vendors in 2010, based on worldwide revenue, were SAP, Oracle and Sage, accounting for 30.3 percent of the market total, according to a recent IDC report.

Intuit Inc. expects net income per share to rise by as much as 24 percent for fiscal year 2012.

Accounting and advisory services firm Marcum LLP has selected Deltek Maconomy to provide enterprise resource planning across its practice to streamline internal processes.

Online accounting software publisher Kashoo Inc. has released Kashoo Accounting, a stand-alone accounting app for the iPad.

Cloud-based enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management software provider Acumatica has released the latest version of its flagship product.

Cougar Mountain Software has released CMS Professional 2012, the latest version of the company’s accounting software.

IMGCAP(1)]Accountants handle sensitive client information on a daily basis.