The Progressive Accountant Tech Tips

Dumb Down Your Smart Phone

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:39:55 +0100

Dumb down your smartphone? Why would you do such a thing? Modern man has achieved much in recent history. One of man's major achievements as of late, for the lack of better terms, is creating the cure for boredom. That's right - boredom.

Technology Adds More to Your Life

Mon, 14 May 2012 05:25:24 +0100

You are all involved with technology and likely track new products and services on a regular basis. Consequently, my focus is to discuss new technology products can provide benefits for our advancing 24 hour Work-Life wheel. How you choose to draw boundaries between work and life is a conversation that you should have with many. Here are a few products that can be effectively used for what you do and where you do it.

Confusion over Hosted Licensing

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:14:57 +0100

There is a lot of confusion in the market when it comes to the cloud and hosting and software licensing. Particularly with new mobile devices adding to the mix, software developers are recognizing that the additional machine licenses they used to sell aren't being purchased any longer.

Taming Social Media

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 05:18:01 +0100

Anyone who has had a social media account hijacked knows that these popular services are not tremendously secure. Multiply that times the number of employees at an organization and social media can represent a sizable security headache for any organization.

Products Worth Your Review Time

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:48:48 +0100

It is no secret that technology products and services are coming out in an accelerated pace. The good news is that many of these devices actually are functional and need to be considered for how they can be integrated within our work and personal lives. Most of us are traveling through 2012 with very thin boundaries between work and personal.

Reveal Search Ranking Criteria

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:16:08 +0100

The worst game on the Internet has nothing to do with gambling or video. It is the game website owners play in trying to guess how the major search engine companies calculate their rankings - what factors reward a page and what factors penalize it in displaying the results of a search. It is this process that makes a page more prominent or hard to find.

Running a Tech Business? Easy with the Right Tools

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:56:07 +0100

In the 1970's my dad developed and sold accounting software. Frankly, it wasn't that good. Back in those days, there were no PCs. No QuickBooks. No Microsoft Office. Not even a Starbucks. Small companies did things manually and larger companies used mainframes, mostly built by IBM.

CES 2012 - Products & Services & Apps, Oh, My

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:07:20 +0100

There are lots of events that happen once and only once every year: Holidays like Thanksgiving, Birthdays like yours, and Sports like the Super Bowl. The Consumer Electronics Show almost falls within the once and only once category.

Get Found and Go Places With Google Places

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:38:14 +0100

Could your practice use more customers? If so, think Google Places. Google reports that 97 percent of consumers today search for local businesses online, so having a virtual presence in our digital age is essential. Google Places brings potential customers and local businesses together first online, then in the real world. It's a savvy way for businesses to be found in today's competitive marketplace.

Megatrends to Shape Business Strategy

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:51:15 +0100

It's that time of year when business and IT pundits alike peer into their crystal balls, and tell you what's ahead for 2012 and beyond. But the number of predictions and the resulting advice that emerge each year can be overwhelming at best, and confusing at worst. This year we're going to try to do the heavy lifting for you. Rather than create yet another list of predictions, we've decided to integrate our predictions with those from leading media, analyst, research, and consulting firms-including Gartner, Aberdeen, Forrester, McKinsey, and major IT trade publications. We want to put key information about major trends at your fingertips, and help you start thinking about what your organization needs to do to prepare.

Managing Your Mobile Devices

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:54:06 +0100

In the 1980s, the typical portable computer weighed 30 pounds. Things have changed. Smartphones are required part of everyone's professional mobile toolkit. Tablet computing devices are either in use or on the way. The weights are decreasing and allow us to move a little easier with less weight lifting pull-ups.

Planning: A Path To Innovation

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:19:51 +0100

The importance of agile planning, and the tools and techniques required to keep your business on the move is something we can't write about enough. Limiting planning to an annual exercise adds risk, because there's simply no way to anticipate and accommodate the wild market peaks and valleys businesses face today. But the need to embrace agile planning doesn't invalidate the need for an annual plan. If anything, the annual plan takes on more importance. It remains the fundamental strategy for the year, establishing the mission, goals, desired outcomes, measurement benchmarks, and specific actions for components of the organization.

Three Pillars of Data Security

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:14:27 +0100

Among the many institutions affected by internet threats, accounting institutions are especially vulnerable to threats such as viruses, hacking and malware. Since theft is often the goal of these attacks, accounting institutions are particularly susceptible to legal action resulting from fraudulent bank activity directly related to malicious external exploits.

Make Your IT Budget Seem Huge

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 03:10:35 +0100

Here's a business strategy that should be familiar to every reader. When business is good, you invest in IT to improve the company's operations, service levels, and competitiveness. When business is bad, you freeze or cut the IT spend.

Excel Productivity Tips You'll Use Often

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:22:04 +0100

Spending lots of time working on Excel spreadsheets is a normal part of a typical workday for most of us. Often, it's a big part of that day. Streamlining your work in Excel, eliminating time-consuming problems and making your worksheets available to others quickly and easily can save some of that time. Here are six tips that are guaranteed to save time and help avoid problems in Excel 2007 and 2010.

The Cloud and Old Computers: A Perfect Match

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:39:35 +0100

The legacy computer system at your small- to mid-sized business is old. The cloud and web-based computing are new. Will the two make nice together? For many small businesses considering a move to cloud computing, the question is a paradox that has stymied the transition.

Tablet Computers and the CPA - Really

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:59:52 +0100

"The Tablets are Coming, the Tablets are Coming" is being considered as a movie to be released in 2012. It is not yet cast, but casting calls for the part of Steve Jobs have already been sent out to talent agencies. If you are thin, and can fit into slim jeans, call your agent. If you wear round glasses and look like a college undergraduate, try for the Bill Gates role. A lot of extras will be needed to appear as a GUI look-alike.

Getting the Most Out of Dashboards

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:07:46 +0100

Performance management dashboards are a hot topic. That's because dashboards have evolved into something much more powerful than what we knew just five years ago. They are no longer simply a collection of static images spit out by spreadsheets and tools. Today's business dashboards are powered by dynamic business management software and business intelligence platforms. The difference can be seen immediately and all the way down to your bottom line.

Leveraging Technology Tools

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:33:09 +0100

Leverage and accounting firms go hand in hand. This is a statement most partners intimately understand, as it's their paychecks that are dramatically impacted, positively or negatively, by the firm getting the leverage equation right. While many of us grasp the staff leverage concept, we rarely understand how to properly leverage other aspects of our business effectively. That said, the chief tool in each of our offices is technology.

Chromebook to Revolutionize the Industry?

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 02:49:06 +0100

Isn't technology great when you simply push the power button and it's instantly ready for you to be productive? If you agree, then you have experienced the euphoria that results from the synergy of human and machine interaction. However, if you disagree, it is most likely due to a kink in the system anywhere between your fingertips and the Cloud. Fortunately, Google has introduced a product called the Chromebook that will move us one step closer to seamlessly integrating technology into our lives.

Google Apps is Smart for Business

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 01:56:30 +0100

The mobile life, especially for professionals, is required. The frequency of communicating within any of the hours on any of the seven days is increasing. Working from distant locations such as another city or state has increased. So, whether communicating is with staff, client, family, friends or contacts, mobile technologies are already in use and more is on the way.

The Cost of the Cloud

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:31:42 +0100

Cost is a persistent mis-perception about cloud computing. Is the cloud more or less expensive? Just as would-be users fear limited functionality, perceived security vulnerabilities, or even have a basic fear of the unknown, some people believe that software as a service costs more than buying and running a server in-house. This perception often prevents likely users from pursuing a cloud solution.

Selecting the Right Smartphone

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:06:07 +0100

Smartphones have evolved almost continuously since their introduction in 1993. Designed to be the top end of the cellular device scale, they are distinguished from feature phones by their more substantial computing power, the array of third-party applications available for them, and the speed of their operating systems for functions such as video and web browsing.

Six Technologies That Don't Work

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:30:27 +0100

Decades since the introduction of personal computing there are still too many business technologies that don't work. Oh, the hardware and software firms will tell you that they do. But they still don't get it. For example, go to Microsoft's support site and type in "Microsoft Word Error" (leave out the quotes). I did this and got 2,380,000 results. Is this indicative of something working?

The Insecurities of Email

Thu, 12 May 2011 05:30:02 +0100

Email has been around a long time and has evolved into a mission-critical resource to deliver documents and communicate with clients. It's the default for most businesses-convenient, easy, and mature-and has all but replaced time-consuming faxing and manual delivery of documents. However, while email has been a trusted delivery tool for years-is it safe?

Eleven Cool Mobile Apps to Consider

Sun, 01 May 2011 23:02:27 +0100

Last month, we featured five cool web apps for running your firm that were highly recommended by your accounting colleagues. This month, we’re going to stay on the productivity app beat and take a look at the mobile device space. Why mobile? It’s The Age of the Connected Accountant. We asked Rick Telberg, president and CEO of Bay Street Group, the provider of CPA Trendlines research, for his thoughts and research on mobile productivity for CPAs.

Video Delivers Your Message

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:44:10 +0100

Communicating began with sounds - roars, chirps, grunts and so on. Early Homo sapiens did a lot of grunting but started communicating in more detail with pictures on cave walls. Ever since, pictures have been an important means of communicating messages, ideas, and entertainment.

How Secure Is Cloud Computing?

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 03:30:57 +0100

Technology pop quiz for business owners: What's more secure?
A. Data stored in redundant back-up server installations (or "the cloud"), automatically updated and maintained, in a facility secured from outside threats. Or B. Data stored or backed up to an on-site tape or flash drive, whenever the company's controller or non-IT back-office staffer remembers to do it - then left in the drive? For many, the answer in theory is A, but in practice, it's B.

Cool Web Apps for Your Firm

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 22:25:24 +0100

You've probably noticed that most new software is now developed for the web rather than the desktop. This actually isn't a trend; instead, I expect web-developed software to become the norm, and perhaps even accelerate, in the years ahead.This is driven by several key factors:

Tablets, Take 2: Enter iPad 2

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:57:14 +0100

There may be a few folks who still believe that tablets come from the pharmacy. They are not paying attention. As accountants pay attention a lot - here is some data to use as part of your review of the tablet world. On March 9, 2009, AAPL was $83/share. On March 9, 2011, AAPL is $352/share. Whether you are an Apple fan, Apple hater or just do not care, Apple products continue to make a significant impact on how people use computing and technology. The introduction of the iPad 2 Tablet was covered by every category of news service, blogger, even Steven Colbert. All accountants need to consider why or why not the Tablet has a place in their technology world.

Tech "Toys" for Tax Season Distraction

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 03:10:22 +0100

It sure is a busy, heads down time of year. Taxes, Audits, Business Planning are all on the agenda between January 2 and April 18. With all that is on to be done lists, it is important to recognize what it means that April is coming. For example:

• April 1 - MLB Season opens
• April 4 - NCAA March Madness ends
• April 10 - NHL regular season ends
• April 13 - NBA regular season ends
• April 28 - NFL Draft captivates prime time
• April 29 - Prince William gets married
• Other - Post Tax Season Vacation; My wife's birthday

PDF Best Practice Resolutions for 2011

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:20:52 +0100

New Year resolutions are often easy to make and even easier to break, but this year PDF users worldwide can make resolutions worth sticking to. As tech enthusiasts try to follow better computing practices for 2011, Nitro PDF Software (www.nitropdf.com) provides easy-to-follow, helpful tips and products for a pain-free year of PDF usage.

Mobile Apps Are Everywhere

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:22:38 +0100

App is arguably the leading new word of the 21st century - so far. Just like the movie favorite, Cracker Jacks, the more we get the more we want. The public's demands for more apps are being answered in very large numbers. The appification of your entire universe has already been active for the past few years. It is your choice to stay on board the Apps express, get on board now, or watch the train leave the station without you.

The Pre-Season Tech Checklist

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 20:54:18 +0100

During the holidays, any accounting firm worth working for is taking a short break to celebrate its employees, its clients, the adventures of the year and the joys of friends and family. But after the celebration are over and firms will begin to ramp up for the tax and early audit seasons that begin in January. And sometime before those seasons begin, there are a few checklist items that will help them to be smoother.

Mobile: A World with No Off Switch

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:14:11 +0100

The work day of my CPA father had a start time, a stop time and a lunch hour (except during tax season). He commuted from the suburbs to the city. While traveling, he read a newspaper, read a book, did some office work or slept. Sure, there were occasional phone calls at night. However, the office was the nucleus of all work including the delivery of paper everything - tax returns, 14 column audit worksheets, correspondence and hand written notes. My father died in 2000 without ever placing his fingers on a computer or cell phone. Today, the office location is wherever we are.

The State of the Spam Address: Still Serious

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:44:47 +0100

Just so nobody misses the point - there's no evidence that the incidence of spam and malware being generated is improving. "What we have seen is a significant uptick in the area of malware related to the expanded use of social networking sites. Although we are isolating the malware, it blows my mind how significant it has become," says Jim Bourke, principal with Red Bank, N.J.-based WithumSmith+Brown.

Not Enough Backup? But Many Tools

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:40:33 +0100

Usually editors don't get so directly involved in a story. But as a cautionary tale about backing up data, it's difficult to avoid what happened with one home computer with a problem and the Dell attempts to solve it that ended up erasing every data file on the hard drive.

Look, No Wires! Do You See A Net?

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:14:23 +0100
The rope is cut, the tether is gone, let loose the bow lines and sail into the cloud computer whenever and wherever you choose to go. It is nearing the end of 2010 and you are already using various wire free products- cell phones, smart phones, laptops, tablets, etc - along with the wireless connecting services in almost every retail, wholesale, commercial, charitable and governmental location.

Death by PowerPoint

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 19:43:04 +0100
How many times have you sat through a seminar or conference presentation that was totally boring? Chances are, PowerPoint had a lot to do with the cause of your frustration. Whether you're presenting to an audience of 100 or at a one-on-one prospect meeting, you can use PowerPoint to help get your "point" across. This technology works quite well, even in smaller venues, but can be quite deadly if used the wrong way.

Making Your Email Private and Secure

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:38:30 +0100
In the vast number of technology advancements over the last 10 to 20 years, which one has done more for almost-immediate communications than email? Yet, tens of millions of messages are sent every day without much concern about the security and availability associated with very private information.

Tweets Be Gone

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 05:47:37 +0100

Using Twitter is a good idea, even for accountants. There are a few tools that will enhance your use of this shorthand messaging system. For example, there are times when you want to delete old tweets. This is accomplished by logging in to your Twitter account and deleting one at a time. When deleting one or two, this is easy. When you want to change the focus of a twitter and instead of tweeting about debits, you want to tweet about credits, there could be hundreds or even thousands of old tweets that need to be erased.

Top Tech Questions for Penny Pinchers: Part 2

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:28:12 +0100

The last time we looked at five questions that penny pinchers ask before spending their hard earned cash on technology that probably won't do everything they're hyped to do. Here are five more.

Boogie Is Not Just a Dance

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:08:18 +0100

There continues to be talk and lots of wishes for a paperless office. There are many software programs, such as: OneNote, Sticky Notes, and EverNote. These all work well when you have the computer on. Sharing these notes takes a little more effort. Leaving notes on the refrigerator requires clips to hold paper scraps or write-on boards or cork bulletin boards with stick pins.

Top Tech Question for Penny Pinchers: Part 1

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:57:27 +0100

Stuff that doesn’t work – that’s what most technology is. Printers that stop printing. Applications that don’t do what they promised. Computers that freeze up. Thank God Microsoft doesn’t build airplanes or we’d have 747’s dropping out of the sky like flies. Unfortunately, when a relied-on piece of technology, either software or hardware, goes bad it can cripple a small business and cost you a lot of unnecessary money. A good penny pincher will ask himself some hard questions before buying any new technology. Here are few….

Apps is a Noun - Location

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:31:46 +0100

You can run, you can hide. However, if you are willing, you andanyone else can discover where you are at any time. You can see this capability in action on any episode of the multicity hits like CSI and NCIS.Just to be clear, to be located requires your GPS device to be on and within range of a cellular or wireless signal. When you want to really hide, turn off the device or leave home without it. You can also give your device to someone else, so when the CSI investigator locates the device, it will not be you that has been located.

App is a Noun - Search

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:40:32 +0100

The current storehouse of iPhone Apps is climbing past 225,000. Mix in the Android and Microsoft Windows platforms and the Apps numbers will grow exponentially for a very long time. My previous article identified categories of applications that are being used and will be used by the accounting community. In this article, the application focus is SEARCH. There may be a few cave dwellers somewhere that have not used search to discover a word definition, a restaurant, or some federal or state law statutory requirements. Readers of The Progressive Accountant know that search is an integrated feature of the publication. TPA provides search to locate an article by title, by a specific category, or by a specific writer.

A Look at Scanning Essentials

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:56:29 +0100

Multi-function devices that can scan in color are great. But a tip to firms that use them: do yourself a favor and turn off the color when you scan. That's the advice of Howard Brown, chief technology officer of Doc-it, a document management software company, as he covered a number of tips regarding the topic of best practices in scanning documents.

Best Practices for Putting Spam in its Place

Sat, 22 May 2010 03:51:00 +0100
For those of us using email ten to fifteen years ago when the concept was still relatively new, no one envisioned that Unsolicited Commercial Email (UCE) or Spam as it is more commonly referred to would be something most Internet users would grow to hate. In the early days of email, it was fun to forward around stuff that had questionable value and we didn’t think anything of doing this. Almost anything that we received which we thought was neat/fun/cool, we would forward to all our friends for the laugh value.

Smart is an Adjective, App is a Noun

Tue, 18 May 2010 03:33:17 +0100

It will never end. The “it” is the never ending delivery of smart, smarter and smartest phones along with the even larger supply of good, better and best Apps. How many phones and how many apps are necessary for you? This question can only be answered in terms of what you can afford. The better question is one of the oldest questions of all, reengineered for 2010, which comes first the better app or the smarter phone?

Disaster Planning Tips from a Katrina Veteran

Mon, 10 May 2010 14:33:54 +0100

It will soon be five years since Charles Coe's accounting firm office in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans was left in a pile of rubble by Hurricane Katrina, whose effects are still seen in the barren landscape of the city's Ninth Ward. Coe learned a lot about dealing with doing business during a natural disaster. And asked about the lessons, he gave a list that omitted many of the usual cautions about disaster planning and recovery.