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Published by
The K2 Enterprises Team
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JULY 2009 |
Greetings!
In this month's K2 Tech Update we explore SaaS data security and compliance with Steven Ladd, CEO of Copanion, Inc. Steven lays out seven critical questions you must consider when selecting a SaaS vendor.
You'll also find technology tips for QuickBooks, Excel, and Outlook, along with a few news stories we thought were important.
We hope you find this issue timely, relevant, and useful. Let us know what you would like to see in future issues.
The K2 Team | |
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Understanding QuickBooks' New External Accountant User Feature
New in QuickBooks 2009 Pro and higher is the
ability to specify a user as an External Accountant User. This new feature is designed for those
in public accounting who are logging on to their clients' data files and who
are seeking a greater level of security for both themselves and their clients.
Use Scenario Manager To Save "What Ifs" In Excel
Scenario Manager is a long-standing, little-used feature in
Excel that can save you time and frustration when performing what-if analysis.
Used to store various sets of assumptions - or scenarios - Scenario Manager makes obsolete the common practice of
storing multiple versions of the same workbook, each with a different filename,
when attempting to save different sets of assumptions for future recall.
Need Directions?
Let Outlook Show You the Way
One of the least-known features in Microsoft
Outlook is the program's capability of displaying a map, showing the
location of a Contact.
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K2 Technology Tips Videos Now Available Online
Free Video Tips Available for all to View
K2 Enterprises is pleased to announce the availability of a
continuing series of free technology-centric video tips. Since January of this year, the staff
at K2 Enterprises has been creating and publishing on YouTube series of video
tips focusing on practical applications of technology. Tips related to Excel,
Word, Outlook, and QuickBooks are among the topics covered so far. To date, the
response to this free service has been terrific, with over 2,000 views of these
videos recorded.
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Protecting Client Data and Maintaining Compliance in an Emerging SaaS World
Seven Critical Questions to Consider with SasS Vendors
By Steven Ladd, CEO, Copanion, Inc.
As the tax and accounting profession continues its transition to SaaS (Software as a Service), client data is moving outside the walls of firms and into the "cloud." For many, this raises concerns over data security and compliance-concerns that tend to overshadow the power, convenience, and cost-effectiveness of SaaS applications. The reality is that data security, specifically, has been a long-time concern within the tax and accounting profession-hindering the mass adoption of SaaS. The bigger reality is that data security is not wholly reliant on the application itself, but rather on the vendor's internal controls for handling the data.
Fully aware of the profession's concerns, leading SaaS vendors are taking the extra big steps necessary to ensure security of client data and help firms comply with rapidly changing mandates.
Seven Critical Questions:
1. Does the vendor publish a Privacy Policy?
2. In addition to publishing the Privacy Policy, have the vendor's privacy practices and enforcement been validated by a credible, qualifed third-party?
3. What is the process for data encryption while in transit to and from the SasS vendor's data center?
4. Is data housed and processed in a SAS-70 Type II data center?
5. Has the vendor completed a SAS-70 Type II audit?
6. Does the vendor use a third-party entity to consistently test and certify against security vulnerability?
7. Do vendor processes comply with IRC 7216?
>> Read the full article
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 Google Enters the Operating System Battle
Even though the release of Microsoft Windows 7 is scheduled
for October 22, Google has decided to enter
the operating system battle by releasing the Google Chrome Operating System. First
reported on Google's
official blog, the Google Chrome OS will initially target the burgeoning
netbook market and availability is expected in the second quarter of 2010.
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 Apple Announces the New iPhone 3G S -- The Fastest, Most Powerful iPhone Yet
One June 8, Apple introduced the
new iPhone 3G S, the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, packed
with new features including improved speed and performance, longer battery
life, a high-quality 3 megapixel autofocus camera, easy to use video recording,
and hands free voice control. iPhone 3G S includes the new iPhone OS
3.0, with over 100 new features such as Cut, Copy and Paste, MMS,
Spotlight Search, landscape keyboard and more.
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K2 Seminars
Continuing Professional Education
for Accountants and Financial ProfessionalsK2 Enterprises offers continuing professional education seminars
and conference sessions to accounting and finance professionals
throughout the U.S.
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About K2 Tech Update
K2 Tech Update
is published by K2 Enterprises
and features technology and
productivity news, information,
and tips for accounting and financial
professionals.
Keep up with the latest news and information
regarding Accounting and Finance Technology today!
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| © 2009 K2 Enterprises | All rights reserved |
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