I've seen a couple good articles recently on the role of accounting professionals as technology advisers. I thought they made some very good points and wanted to highlight some things here. First off, it's very true that small businesses look to their bookkeeper or CPA for help with technology issues. If you're a certified Quickbooks Advisor you should be able to fix everything else right? By being able to fix those other issues you establish "stickiness" with your client. Your value as a trusted advisor simply goes up. So what do you need to be aware of to help provide the best technological advice to your client? I'm going to highlight a few big trends right now so that you can be an expert for your client.
1. Cloud Computing - Everyone's talking about moving to the Cloud even the Federal Government. Your Mom and Pop business however will have no idea what the Cloud is. So how do you explain it? In one sentence, your information lives on these servers over there and you can access them from everywhere. Simply put, it's not scary and it saves you money.
2. Security - This one goes hand in hand with Cloud Computing. The classic question, how do I know my e-mail, files, information et cetera is safe? You're going to confuse them when you say it's in a SAS 70 Type ii certified server. What's more dangerous to them are the links they click from phishing e-mails. Their data is safe on a SAS 70 particularly because it's not being moved from place to place on a CD or thumb drive. Make sure you warn them of the danger of phishing scams that come in the form of e-mails, text messages et cetera. If there's a link that you don't trust, don't click it.
3. Social Media - Get 'em signed up and get their brand out there. The least that it does it make you think of your business in a new dimension. The worst, you find it boring and don't want to do it anymore. Trying out Social Media won't hurt anyone.
4. Saas, PaaS and are two big acronyms floating around right now. What do they mean? SaaS - Software As A Service. It means software available for use online, that's it. It's used by the end user to access their software/data. PaaS - Platform As A Service - bundle up a bunch of SaaS apps on a platform and you've got you're PaaS. Expect some SaaS questions not so many PaaS questions.
5. Google - Know thy google information. Suggest it as a search engine. Seriously, some people still use what I'll call "unsophisticated" search engines. What's in a search engine? The algorithm.
I do realize that these are the very bare bone basics of what you need to know. Please feel free to comment below and help fill this post in a little more. I'm curious what clients are asking for of accounting professionals.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
What does SaaS and the Cloud mean to accounting professionals?
In my last blog I talked about why software companies are moving to the Cloud. In this blog post will talk about what it means to your business. Let's go through the pros and cons of moving to the cloud.
The pros -
1. Lower technology costs - No in house server will save you time and money. Additionally, no tech team to worry about.
2. Updated software - Your software when using SaaS and the Cloud is always up to date. Especially if you're using a hosted application you never have to worry about updating it.
3. Customization - This is coming but the ability to download applications to customize your SaaS software.
4. Safe and Secure Data - The data on the Cloud is much safer than in your office which is at risk for both environmental and break in damage. The servers supporting SaaS and data are also mirrored so that if something were to happen the facility would be back up in seconds.
The cons -
1. Unusable old software - Some of your old software that you enjoyed using is going to be rendered useless by updates. Either that or you'll have to pay to play. Need some tech support for your DOS application, fuggetaboutit.
2. Must have internet - All the cool applications that you download to interact with software? They won't work without a high speed internet connection. Same thing with SaaS and the Cloud in the first place. In other words, if you haven't…switch over from dial-up.
3. You're part of the wave of the future - Not that it's a con, but if you're not into being on the forefront then don't do it. There is something to be said for waiting for technology to be perfected before jumping in.
There you have it! The pros and cons of moving to Cloud Computing. In our next blog post will be discussing the time frame of adaptation of new technologies as it applies to our current conversation. In other words, how long will it be until SaaS technology becomes mainstream.
The pros -
1. Lower technology costs - No in house server will save you time and money. Additionally, no tech team to worry about.
2. Updated software - Your software when using SaaS and the Cloud is always up to date. Especially if you're using a hosted application you never have to worry about updating it.
3. Customization - This is coming but the ability to download applications to customize your SaaS software.
4. Safe and Secure Data - The data on the Cloud is much safer than in your office which is at risk for both environmental and break in damage. The servers supporting SaaS and data are also mirrored so that if something were to happen the facility would be back up in seconds.
The cons -
1. Unusable old software - Some of your old software that you enjoyed using is going to be rendered useless by updates. Either that or you'll have to pay to play. Need some tech support for your DOS application, fuggetaboutit.
2. Must have internet - All the cool applications that you download to interact with software? They won't work without a high speed internet connection. Same thing with SaaS and the Cloud in the first place. In other words, if you haven't…switch over from dial-up.
3. You're part of the wave of the future - Not that it's a con, but if you're not into being on the forefront then don't do it. There is something to be said for waiting for technology to be perfected before jumping in.
There you have it! The pros and cons of moving to Cloud Computing. In our next blog post will be discussing the time frame of adaptation of new technologies as it applies to our current conversation. In other words, how long will it be until SaaS technology becomes mainstream.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Quick video on how LinkedCPA's File Manager and how Team Member/Task Management works. http://bit.ly/3Teq63
7 Website Questions
The evolution of websites has been rapid over the past two decades. From AOL sites to Geocities having a website has become a necessity for many small businesses. Advertising on the web is like putting your billboard out on the highway. It needs to be up before anyone sees it. There are several companies that specialize specifically in CPA websites. The truth is that websites can be built and maintained for a lot less than you'll be charged through one of these. Companies that specialize in websites for CPA's take advantage of the fact that many CPA's don't know how much it actually costs to maintain or build a website. In most instances you're paying $600-$1200 a year for many services that are free or obtained for relatively low amounts while still remaining high in quality. Before you go buy a website ask yourself a few questions.
1. What do you want and need?
- You need to have a good idea of what your looking for in a website before you go shopping for your domain name and site.
2. Will the site be a brochure or will it be interactive?
- Will your site just contain information on who you are and what you offer? Do you want a site that's more interactive? Most accounting and bookkeeping professionals get excited about the idea of a very interactive site but really don't have a need for it.
3. What do clients want and need?
- Think of your current and potential clients. What would make their lives better? What will attract people to your firm after viewing your website? Think about this step carefully, who are you trying to attract?
4. What do you need on your site?
- Do you need e-commerce set-up i.e. a shopping cart, credit card processing, or any add-ons to your site? Generally CPA firms do not need these features. Their websites are simply advertising for their firm and making potential clients feel comfortable contacting them.
5. What is your budget for your website?
- Go in with a set amount in mind. Have an idea of what your expecting to spend in technology costs for your firm before you start. It's very easy to hire a programmer who decides to run wild with things you don't need or want.
6. Should I just hire the local kid or neighbor?
- It's very possible to get web design very cheap. The problem is that when something needs to be updated no one knows how or that person is very slow. Be very careful in making sure that choose a company that you can keep on retainer for a low price. Some companies will do 1 hour a month and allow you to roll over the hours each month. Basically allowing you to do updates a few times a year as need be. But ask yourself, how often do I update my advertising brochures? Websites don't need to be updated all the time if they're kept simple and concise. Which leads us to the next point, can you update it yourself?
7. Can I do it myself?
- A CMS or Content Management System allows you to do all website updating yourself. If you can type on Microsoft Word there's no doubt you can design your own website. Templates for designing a website can be found at www.godaddy.com (they also host your domain name) and even at Intuit http://www.intuit.com/website-building-software/. What many offices do is assign a member of their staff to be in charge of website updates. As long as the website is simple the problem is solved.
Remember that with a website you usually pay for what you get. If you're paying $60-$200 a month you should expect A LOT of service. If you're paying just for web hosting through godaddy.com you should expect to design your own website and not be paying someone else to do it. You should also expect the level of service to be commiserate with the amount of time you put into it.
Special Thanks to http://www.7designavenue.com for some of the information above.
1. What do you want and need?
- You need to have a good idea of what your looking for in a website before you go shopping for your domain name and site.
2. Will the site be a brochure or will it be interactive?
- Will your site just contain information on who you are and what you offer? Do you want a site that's more interactive? Most accounting and bookkeeping professionals get excited about the idea of a very interactive site but really don't have a need for it.
3. What do clients want and need?
- Think of your current and potential clients. What would make their lives better? What will attract people to your firm after viewing your website? Think about this step carefully, who are you trying to attract?
4. What do you need on your site?
- Do you need e-commerce set-up i.e. a shopping cart, credit card processing, or any add-ons to your site? Generally CPA firms do not need these features. Their websites are simply advertising for their firm and making potential clients feel comfortable contacting them.
5. What is your budget for your website?
- Go in with a set amount in mind. Have an idea of what your expecting to spend in technology costs for your firm before you start. It's very easy to hire a programmer who decides to run wild with things you don't need or want.
6. Should I just hire the local kid or neighbor?
- It's very possible to get web design very cheap. The problem is that when something needs to be updated no one knows how or that person is very slow. Be very careful in making sure that choose a company that you can keep on retainer for a low price. Some companies will do 1 hour a month and allow you to roll over the hours each month. Basically allowing you to do updates a few times a year as need be. But ask yourself, how often do I update my advertising brochures? Websites don't need to be updated all the time if they're kept simple and concise. Which leads us to the next point, can you update it yourself?
7. Can I do it myself?
- A CMS or Content Management System allows you to do all website updating yourself. If you can type on Microsoft Word there's no doubt you can design your own website. Templates for designing a website can be found at www.godaddy.com (they also host your domain name) and even at Intuit http://www.intuit.com/website-building-software/. What many offices do is assign a member of their staff to be in charge of website updates. As long as the website is simple the problem is solved.
Remember that with a website you usually pay for what you get. If you're paying $60-$200 a month you should expect A LOT of service. If you're paying just for web hosting through godaddy.com you should expect to design your own website and not be paying someone else to do it. You should also expect the level of service to be commiserate with the amount of time you put into it.
Special Thanks to http://www.7designavenue.com for some of the information above.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Why are we really moving to SaaS and Cloud Computing?
If you're an accountant interested in the latest in technology you've no doubt heard all of the hullaballoo surrounding SaaS and Cloud Computing. Why is their such a big stink about moving to the Cloud? The answer is really quite simple. Consider what a friend from Adobe recently told me, for every copy of Adobe CS4 sold in China there are 5 books purchased on how to use it. It's become too easy to find registration codes and have a pirated version of the software that you never paid for. This means that software companies are losing billions of dollars a year. In addition, if you buy a copy of software you really like and never want to upgrade to the next version the software company also loses. How is their value added for the software company? The revenue stream that helps fund development and innovation is gone. This means that software bought at the store is quickly going by the way side. Software in a box is a dead for software companies. The only real way to turn software back into a revenue generating tool is to move it to the web. Charge for the software OR allow free download/use through a browser. You're now paying for a subscription to the software and it does not reside on your actual desktop. Of course, the option to install on your desktop will be available but you won't have the full functionality of that piece of software. Now where's the value added? Here's where it gets really exciting. Software is going to end up being simple yet robust. What happens now is the option to "tweek" the software the way you want it. You can download various applications that will pull or import data from your application. (see my post from 10/8/09).
In our next blog we'll be talking about the pros and cons of SaaS and Cloud Computing.
In our next blog we'll be talking about the pros and cons of SaaS and Cloud Computing.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Quickbooks 2010: The Rise of the IPP
With the release of Quickbooks 2010 a not so well kept secret is out. If you've already installed the program I'm sure you noticed the Intuit Marketplace. The Intuit Marketplace brings adynamic to Quickbooks that will result in a sea change for users. So what's the big deal?
Intuit has been quietly developing their Partner Platform and Federated App Engine for quite some time. I shouldn't say quietly, developers are well aware of what's been happening. Those who have not heard of it yet are the ones who are going to benefit the most. Here's why it's important, developers now have the ability to program in various languages and then launch through the Intuit Partner Platform.
Translated into CPA speak "it means that there's now a lot of people who can build things for exactly what you need". Soon you will design your own Quickbooks experience. The application marketplace is clearly aimed at building off the success of Salesforce's Force.com offering and with over 4 million users the market is ripe for the picking. Applications will be developed specifically for problems facing Quickbooks users everyday. Think of an issue and like the iPhone commercial Intuit will be able to say "hey, we've got an app for that". Unless of course you're looking for the "Making Clients Timely" app which has been under intense development but remains unfinished.
Right now the offerings on the Intuit Marketplace remain relatively meager but that's all going to change. In fact, I suspect that the entire Quickbooks UX (user experience) is about to change. It seems that Quickbooks 2010 is just a taste of what's to come. In another two years Quickbooks will probably be completely SaaS and literally customizable. Quickbooks will become an intensely personal experience i.e. you will download the apps and create your own Intuit experience. You have to admit that the potential here is pretty crazy. Developers are certainly excited but I have not seen much excitement from the Quickbooks community as of yet.
I think we need to give this one time as it's going to evolve as customer needs are met and realized.
Intuit has been quietly developing their Partner Platform and Federated App Engine for quite some time. I shouldn't say quietly, developers are well aware of what's been happening. Those who have not heard of it yet are the ones who are going to benefit the most. Here's why it's important, developers now have the ability to program in various languages and then launch through the Intuit Partner Platform.
Translated into CPA speak "it means that there's now a lot of people who can build things for exactly what you need". Soon you will design your own Quickbooks experience. The application marketplace is clearly aimed at building off the success of Salesforce's Force.com offering and with over 4 million users the market is ripe for the picking. Applications will be developed specifically for problems facing Quickbooks users everyday. Think of an issue and like the iPhone commercial Intuit will be able to say "hey, we've got an app for that". Unless of course you're looking for the "Making Clients Timely" app which has been under intense development but remains unfinished.
Right now the offerings on the Intuit Marketplace remain relatively meager but that's all going to change. In fact, I suspect that the entire Quickbooks UX (user experience) is about to change. It seems that Quickbooks 2010 is just a taste of what's to come. In another two years Quickbooks will probably be completely SaaS and literally customizable. Quickbooks will become an intensely personal experience i.e. you will download the apps and create your own Intuit experience. You have to admit that the potential here is pretty crazy. Developers are certainly excited but I have not seen much excitement from the Quickbooks community as of yet.
I think we need to give this one time as it's going to evolve as customer needs are met and realized.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Midwest Accounting Show in Review
After spending a few days talking to CPA's from across the spectrum I think I've learned a few things. I couldn't believe the diversity of opinions on the internet while at the event. I was told by one person that he "didn't trust the internet". I am amazed that in 2009 there are still people who refuse to go online. Unfortunately, he will never read this blog post. I was even told by someone else that LinkedCPA is behind the times. The great majority of people though seemed to think of us as right in the middle. We're pushing the envelope with Cloud Computing literally as fast as we can. The great part is, everything feels like you're on your desktop. I realize that the new term du jour is SaaS. Everyone is blogging and twittering about it but how far off are we? We are at least a few years away...and considering there are people still using DOS applications (as I learned in Chicago) I don't think we'll have a a full transfer anytime soon. The future is exciting, netbooks are going off the shelves quickly and with SaaS it makes a lot of sense. But the accounting world is not one to be swayed by fancy tech gadgets. A calculator is a calculator and if it ain't broke, why fix it? It seems that a great divide exists between the older generation of accountants and the new. I'm curious to see how the next decade will go.
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