Those who remember the concern over Year 2000—that when the clock struck Jan. 1 that year, computers would freeze, airplanes would crash and the world as we knew it would end, remember that a lot of that stuff didn’t happen and many people found that accounting software that worked on Dec. 31, 1999 still worked just fine.

Portals are an increasingly convenient and secure way of exchanging documents with clients.

The biggest obstacle for firms that have attempted to go paperless has been the resistance to a cultural change, according to Roger Mongeon, co-vice president of sales and marketing of document management provider Doc.It.

SAGE UPGRADES FIXED ASSETS

The recent news about the economy is not as significant as how you react to it in determining your future. CPAs are the most trusted business advisors, and clients look to them for leadership, relationships and creativity. They also look to you for confidence, direction and new capabilities.

Thomson Reuters’ Tax & Accounting business said it is offering single sign-on integration for its GoSystem Tax ES tax software and GoFileRoom ES document management software.

Bill.com has added QuickBooks synchronization and workflow features to the latest version of its eponymous service.

Document management systems can reduce invoice cycle times, boost productivity and cut exposure to fraud, among many other benefits.

While there was a minor flurry of fixed asset activity surrounding the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 and its depreciation and tax impact on businesses, the major focus in fixed asset software packages for 2008 continues to be in the areas of audit and compliance.The goal continues to be a melding of asset inventory, construction-in-process accounting and asset accounting into a cohesive and coherent application, but increasingly the demands of faster, easier and more sophisticated audit support are also garnering attention.

QUICKBOOKS OPENS TO IPHONE AND BLACKBERRYIntuit has added mobile access to its QuickBooks Online service via the Apple iPhone and RIM BlackBerry. The Web-based version of the company's small-business accounting software now has more than 130,000 small businesses as subscribers, and allows smartphone users to check their current bank and credit card balances; track accounts receivable and accounts payable; find vendor, employee and customer contact information; and run balance-sheet and profit-and-loss reports.

Exploiting technology to create new business value now trumps efficiency as the chief focus of information technology. Leadership and governance of IT in your firm must change in order to exploit new opportunities.The printing press changed the world, as did the telephone. We are currently in the middle of the Internet evolution. What worked five years ago no longer keeps up with client demands and internal requirements.

The Power of One is a phrase that has been used by many vendors, the most recent Sage Software when it was promoting its Sage Elite program, which is designed to encourage accounting software resellers to carry only Sage financial products.

Doc.It released the latest version of its document management and archiving software, Doc.It Suite 3.0, at the 3rd Annual Accountants Technology Conference.

Bolstered by a measured, but steady adoption of collaboration technology tools, practitioners have the ability to access documents via simultaneous but controlled access, enabling them to work in real time while eliminating redundant files and tasks.

XCM Solutions released XCM Version 6.0, the latest version of its workflow management software, at the 3rd Annual Accountants Technology Conference.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has made it clear through its recently proposed rules that XBRL, or the Extensible Business Reporting Language, will be mandatory for all filers beginning in 2009.The SEC's rules will kick in for about 500 of the largest filers (those defined as having a public float of $5 billion) when they report for years ending after Dec. 15, 2008. In the second year, all other large domestic filers with a float of over $75 million would need to file. By 2011, all public companies that file in accordance with U.S. GAAP would be subject to the same reporting requirements.

INTUIT REFINES ITS SMALL BUSINESS STRATEGYIntuit has said that it will begin offering new online services for small businesses using QuickBooks software as part of its "Connected Services" strategy.

Most firms agree on the importance of documenting a strategic plan, but few have plans that are easily communicated and integrated with technology, human resources, succession, training/learning and other plans. Having a plan for its own sake is not the goal. Accountability and execution differentiate great firms from those that are just maintaining the status quo. Not every firm wants to grow, but growth is indeed the lifeblood of a firm.While strategic planning is about the big picture, overall planning requires much more depth. Focus and ongoing improvement are critical to a firm's success. Partners are often the problem - as well as the key - to success. If partners don't buy in to the firm's vision and make a commitment to be held accountable, its leadership as a whole will be easily frustrated and ignore the planning process.

Accounting Technology has opened the process for selecting its 2008 Pacesetters. The selection is open to organizations that sell midmarket accounting software.

Copanion released the latest version of its GruntWorx tax document automation system.