REVIEWS

Boutique Work Style Payroll
Make Payroll A Profitable Part Of Your Accounting Practice
By Isaac M. O'Bannon, Technology Editor
This review of Boutique Work Style Payroll programs looks at systems geared more toward professional accountants who don't necessarily consider payroll a key component of their business model, but still have the need to process payrolls for a few clients, at least periodically. Such professionals are often called upon to perform after-the-fact payrolls, as well as “live” runs, and also need to assist their clients with compliance issues and third-party payments.

Client Write-Up
On A Formula For Success & Avoiding False Confidence
By Mark Weinstein, CPA
The objective of write-up programs is to take client data and create (general ledger) books, trial balances, financial statements and databases. Clients have unique information needs. Program flexibility assures the practitioner that they will be able to (generally) meet the unique demands of each client engagement. Whether the practitioner bills by the hour or by the job, the write-up software program of choice should enable the practitioner. Productivity begets productivity. We see this every day in practice, as we remember how long a client service engagement used to take from start to finish.

Mid-Range Accounting
By Isaac M. O'Bannon, Technology Editor
Mid-range accounting software products range from core module systems that provide more advanced accounting strength than off-the-shelf programs, to products that are essentially Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for these entities, providing integrated management of each component of their business cycle. This review of mid-range accounting products takes a look at systems available to these businesses, from online hosted applications that require no IT setup, to traditional programs and one that offers a choice between the two. Some of the programs are sold by module, a few are offered as all-inclusive packages. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to the needs of a growing business. Instead, these entrepreneurs and the financial professionals who serve them must find the system that most closely meets the business' financial and procedural needs

SPECIAL FEATURE

Back to the Future Again
Episode IV — The Return of the Time-Sharers
A review of NComputing's PC Expanion Network Terminal
By Michael Simon Bodner, Ph.D.
A new upstart from NComputing, Inc. called PC Expanion has arrived on the scene. They have produced a device that is in effect a Personal Time-Sharing Terminal. Since the modern PCs are so powerful (thanks to Moore 's Law and WinTel marketing prowess), it turns out that they really are severely underutilized. NComputing has built a device that will allow you to attach up to 10 users to ONE PC. Each user needs a PC Expanion box, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse and a LAN connection. With this setup, each user can run separate applications on the host PC, effectively time-sharing the computing resource.

PIP
The Accidental Accountant
By Isaac M. O'Bannon, Technology Editor
This feature highlights a different firm in each issue that has taken the Productivity Survey. The firm shares its stories and the practices that work, and those that don't. We hope you'll see your firm in these pages … or at least a firm very much like yours.

COLUMN HIGHLIGHTS
Accountant Tech-Talk CRM For Everyone By Brent Goodfellow, CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT If your firm already implements the CRM principles outlined in this article, good for you. If not, now may be the time to begin. Mr. Goodfellow discusses how CRM can help you provide a greater level of client service.	From The Trenches: Real-life solutions for real-life accountants Your Accounting Software Should Have Business Management & Analytics By Randy Johnston Have you recommended that your clients upgrade their systems to include this new capability? Have you seen enough of what is available to know what to recommend? Have you thought about how you can apply this in your practice? Mr. Johnston takes a look at how some products are filling this niche.
The QuickBooks Advisor Accessing Client Data Remotely: Getting In Front Of The Data By Doug Sleeter If you've ever had to work with client data located somewhere other than on your local PC, you've probably had several questions about how to streamline the process of “getting in front of the data.” Mr. Sleeter takes a fresh look at what options are available today.	Final Thoughts The New Kids on the Block By Gregory L. LaFollette, CPA.CITP, Executive Editor Mr. LaFollette highlights what's happening in the accounting technology vendor market, why it's happening, and, most importantly, why it WILL matter to you. At least eventually.
Marketing Hot Spot Your Technology ‘Image' Is Critical In Recruiting! Perception often dictates the final decision! By Bob Lewis Mr. Lewis outlines some basic steps to make sure that you're portraying the right technology “image” for your firm.	Tricks & Tips Go, Go Gadgets By Isaac M. O'Bannon, Technology Editor There are some cool new things out there that could have a direct benefit to accountants and other similar professionals. Mr. O'Bannon outlines a few of them.
The Bleeding Edge Sirius Stuff By Dave McClure Mr. McClure weighs in on satellite radio.	Are you interested in reviewing products for this magazine? If so, please contact Managing Editor Melody Wrinkle by e-mail or at 800-456-0864

MEDIA INFORMATION

No matter what your current marketing plan, custom reprints enhance your efforts. Among other applications, reprints are excellent tools for marketing presentations, trade shows and media kits. To discuss details on how you may obtain reprint information contact: Mary Mullen Cygnus Reprint Services Phone: 405-275-3100 ext. 104 Advertisers: Plan to include this magazine or our website in your media schedule. To request a copy of the The CPA Technology Advisor media kit, click here . To request online advertising information, contact: Susan Douglas by e-mail or at 405-275-3100 ext. 103. The CPA Technology Advisor & The NSA Technology Advisor. 110 North Bell, Suite 300 , Shawnee, OK 74801 Phone: (405) 275-3100 or Fax: (405) 275-3101