Guide on Cloud Computing

In a book “10 Steps to a Digital Practice in the Cloud: New Levels of CPA Firm Workflow Efficiency” published by the American Institute of CPAs, the authors describe the 10 steps for getting a digital practice up and running:

• Get the right technology infrastructure to leverage the cloud.
• Provision enough Internet bandwidth, both wired and wireless, to operate effectively.
• Select the right mix of desktops, laptops, mobile devices and software to function in a productive, effective way.
• Install the right scanning systems to aid the shift to a paperless office. 
• Deploy a document management system to maximize efficiency with digital records.
• Use trial balance working paper software, if the firm performs many of these engagements.
• Transform the firm’s Web site into a full-fledged client portal.
• Maximize productivity with workflow software.
• Offer clients cloud-based accounting systems.
• Have the right plan and tools in place to ensure data security and speedy disaster recovery.

Read full article “Guide on Cloud Computing” at accounting.pettir.com

Microsoft's Hotmail Rebrands to Outlook

Microsoft gave its email service Hotmail a complete overhaul on Tuesday, rebranding the portal as Outlook.com. The new Outlook is pretty, refreshing, and chock full of useful features.

The renovated service boasts a minimalist interface that borrows heavily from the tile-driven design of Windows 8. Facebook Chat and Skype's industry-leading video calls will be built into Outlook, and users can open Microsoft Office files directly in web versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Unlike Gmail, Microsoft promises that it won't scan your inbox for keywords to deliver you targeted ads.

Microsoft makes it easy to switch from Gmail to Outlook, which has the ability to easily forward a Gmail account's inbox to Outlook.com with a few simple clicks. In other words, you can use Outlook's interface with your Gmail address.