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.

Intuit plans to provide free electronic filing for its TurboTax desktop software products for individuals for tax year 2008, in response to a request from Congress and the Internal Revenue Service.

Accounting firms measure their success, not by what is billed, but by what's collected.

AccountMate released its AccountMate 7 for LAN software with more than 200 enhancements.

Host Analytics introduced the latest version of its financial and corporate performance management software.

Accounting firms measure their success, not by what is billed, but by what's collected.

Intacct has partnered with QuickArrow to offer online software that combines project management, resource management, financial management and accounting.

Accounting firms measure their success, not by what is billed, but by what's collected.

SpeedTax said its Web-based sales tax management service would soon be integrated with Intuit's QuickBooks Enterprise, Pro and Premier editions.

Accounting firms measure their success, not by what is billed, but by what's collected.

CCH and OpenPages have signed an agreement to integrate OpenPages Financial Controls Management software with CCH's TeamMate audit management system.