Internet fax service MyFax has introduced a new set of services to help small businesses organize and reduce paper consumption through the Intuit App Center.

Microsoft unveiled the latest version of its Office suite of desktop productivity software, including significant updates in familiar applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, as well as a new version of SharePoint.

The Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters has released the latest version of its Sabrix Application Suite of global tax software, with added support for transaction taxes in Brazil.

Epicor Software has unveiled Epicor Express, an on-demand version of its Epicor 9 ERP software, with a focus on job shops and smaller manufacturers.

Sage North America has introduced Sage Exchange, a new secure, cloud-based Payment Card Industry-certified payments system to allow small and midsized businesses and organizations to accept all forms and methods of payment.

AccountantsWorld has revamped its Web site to help clearly delineate its resource portal and destination for its accountant-centric products.

A new study from consulting and market research firm Hurwitz & Associates revealed that over a four-year period, the total cost of ownership for a cloud-based corporate performance management system is as much as 77 percent lower than that of comparable on-premise midmarket CPM systems.

EPICOR RELEASES NEXT-GENERATION ERP SUITE

It was not all that long ago that the thought of doing any kind of accounting, workflow, document management or accounts payable online was met with reservations and security concerns among accountants and their clients.

SOLUTIONS@MBAF AND FAS GROUP JOIN FORCES

1. What products and services do you offer that work with QuickBooks?

There are hundreds and hundreds of applications and solutions that "work with QuickBooks" - many of which were designed specifically to extend the accounting program's functionality - and choosing which ones offer the most value can be difficult. We asked the experts interviewed for this report's cover story to pick some of their favorites; the list below is the result.

"Flying by the seat of your pants," is not a phrase that should refer to how one runs their business. Unfortunately, it seems to describe all too many companies.

Most accountants (particularly partners) complain about wasted time during meetings. I suspect this is because many, if not most, meetings in accounting firms are poorly managed. By improving meetings, your firm can increase performance with a focus on solving issues, rather than just identifying and discussing them. Open discussion is healthy, but resolution is what differentiates high performers.

The management of nonprofit organizations is much more complicated than it was just two years ago.

The Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters has released Checkpoint Learning, a system that combines legislative news, research, testing, and the ability to determine compliance with continuing professional education requirements.

Business management tool developer New Horizon Software Technologies has released PlanGuru Version 12, the latest version of its budgeting, forecasting and planning software for small and midsized businesses and nonprofit organizations.

NetSuite Inc. has partnered with IBM to further connect and integrate their respective cloud solutions, mostly via IBM’s recent acquisition of Cast Iron Systems.

Sage North America has added a new accountant advocate team to augment the services of its existing Sage Accountants Network, focusing on working with and providing services and useful insight to accountants, bookkeepers and CPAs in the network.

CPA2Biz, the marketing arm of the American Institute of CPAs’ products and services, added Web-based accounting workflow management solution provider XCM Solutions to its Trusted Business Advisor Solutions program, which also includes Bill.com, Copanion, Intacct and Paychex.