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.

After a few minutes spent looking around the conference held for reseller’s of Intuit’s QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions, the question seemed obvious. “Where’s the Sage reception?” I asked.It didn’t take long at the conference, held earlier this week in Dallas, to see a number of faces that are familiar from the Sage reselling world. Many of them are already displaying the fact they carry QBES on their Web sites.

Sage Software has updated its FAS fixed assets software with new reporting and tax features that reflect the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed in 2002. Six years later, subject companies are still in the process of trying to comply with its provisions. Add in the fact that other countries are implementing similar financial regulations, some of which U.S. companies operating in those countries are subject to, and it’s easy to see why SOX compliance is still a hot issue.While it seems like everyone is still arguing about implementation issues and which companies should be subject to which provisions, the main effect of Sarbanes-Oxley is to move the ultimate responsibility for the accuracy of financial reports from the outside auditor to the company’s management. “The accountant cooked the books!” is no longer acceptable. The company has to have sufficient internal controls and procedures to detect if the books are being cooked. Under Section 302, management has to certify the appropriateness and fairness of the financial statements, regardless of what an external auditor reports.

VRAKAS/BLUM BUYS CLIFTON GUNDERSON’S SAGE PRACTICEVrakas/Blum Computer Consulting has acquired the clients and employees of Clifton Gunderson’s Wisconsin Sage practice.