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Discusses the opportunity open for accounting firms that package and sell their intellectual property. Observation that the best means an accounting firm can use to capture its intellectual property and commercialize it is software; Expertise of David Smith, former managing partner of PKF, in developing and selling software that enhanced Solution 6's range of products for accountants; Suggestion of entering joint ventures with other companies as an alternative way of meeting the capital costs of software development.

Presents information on the `Boot Camp' accounting program from Results Accountants' Systems (RAS) of Brisbane, Queensland. Paul Dunn and his presentation style; Cost of the boot camps; Their success in the United States and Britain; Need to find presenters as good as Dunn and Ric Payne to grow; Software developed by the company. INSET: `Never go down the mine' turned out good advice..

Presents the final article in a series of three on small-practice accounting firms profitability. New technology enabling wider and better services for clients; Adding graphics to reports; Problems with accounting software and specific programs; Comments from accountants; Statistics on how bigger firms make money. INSETS: E-mail traps.;Working by clockwork..

The article narrates how Australian small business accounting software provider MYOB is gearing up to take its systems to the computing cloud and the social media world despite the fact that most of Australia's businesses still do their accounting manually. It says that the company is implementing the shift in anticipation of a time when the technology will be adopted. It adds that MYOB considers this move as part of its commitment to support small businesses.

The article focuses on the use of the web-based accounting software as a service (SaaS) which is expected to change the delivery of accounting services and costs in the accounting industry in Australia. It mentions that the software offers the most cost-effective way to enhance the accounting services of small and micro businesses. It adds that the software can help improve the data security in the accounting industry like when transferring data from the customer to the accountant.

The article discusses the development of the Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) in Australia. It cites that XBRL is a standard for defining and exchanging business information in extensible markup language (XML)-based format. It explores the standard's functions as wells as its impact on the accountancy profession and other businesses. Moreover, it is noted that the federal government would run a trial for XBRL in 2008 as a preparation of its adoption of the standard.

Discusses how problems in running an accounting practice can often be solved by an outsider skilled in finding ways to use existing software better. Services offered by Best Practice Solutions; Advice from technology consultants Ron Drost and Janette Munday; Step-by-step plan prepared by Munday to overcome the technology problems experienced by a firm.

Focuses on accounting-software firm MYOB's efforts to persuade accountants to stay with its products in Australia. Problems with MYOB Tax; Failure of accountants to get through to MYOB's customer support; Firm's struggle to find support staff with the right qualifications and experience.

Presents information on the merger of accountancy software house Ceedata Systems Pty. Ltd. and the practice consultants Results Accountants Systems (RAS) in Australia. The companies to form a new organization, Xlon; How the merger is a smaller version of those occurring in the United States; Advantages of the merger; Comments from executives at RAS; Needless complexities involved in forming only an alliance; The market for accounting software.

Presents information on Australian accounting consultancy Perks & Associates and their software program Focus for Results. Comments from founder Greg Perks; Details on the structure of the firm; How the software output could create more referrals from lawyers since it makes the needs of clients explicit.

Reports on the problems facing Pratt Industries group credit controller Peter Lloyd following Platinum Software Corp.'s decision to stop supporting the software chosen by Pratt for Lloyd's accounts-receivable system implementation project. Platinum's advertisements featuring Lloyd; Aim of the system; Problems with the old system; Statements from Lloyd.

The article offers news briefs related to the economy of Australia. Chartered accountant PKF International Ltd. warns smaller and private businesses to check their carbon dioxide exposures and advises them to comply with the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act. Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recovers 313 million U.S. dollars from tax liabilities and penalties for 2008. The QuickBooks Online accounting software from Reckon Ltd. was already available in the market.

The article features MYOB, the fifth placer in "BRW" magazine's list of the top five listed Australian information technology companies. MYOB, which offers accounting software, earned $17.3 million in the year ended June 30, 2006 with a staff of 1,200. It was founded in 1991 by Craig Winkler and has grown to a firm that owns 65 percent of the small business accounting software in the Australian market.

The article reports that the accountancy software company MYOB has announced a $182.3 million revenue in 2006, which represents a 13 percent compared to 2005. Its competitor Reckon posted a nine percent increase in revenue to $45 million. However, Reckon was more profitable than MYOB in the year to December 31, 2006.

The article discusses the findings of a study revealing that many accounting firms in Australia are not planning to change accounting software providers despite having some problems. Out of 75 respondents, only 19% said they had changed software providers. Only 12% said they were planning a change. Companies said that changing software providers can be difficult.

Reports on the launching of Australian accounting software company, MYOB Ltd.'s product called MoneyController, in partnership with Macquarie Bank. Features of the MYOB product; Terms of the agreement between the software company and Macquarie.

Reports on the release of the QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions, an accounting software. Comparison with the rival software MYOB; Difference from QuickBooks Pro; Software marketing.

Introduces the accounting practice management software MYOB's Accountants Office 6.0. Benefits to users.

Reports on the claim of accounting firm H& R Block that an updated version of a software from MYOB caused a decline in productivity and earnings during the 2001-2002 tax season. Overview of the tax-consulting business of the company; Reaction of MYOB to the allegations of H&R Block; Forecast on earnings and productivity for the 2002-2003 tax season.

Reports that last-minute changes to the goods and services tax legislation are causing chaos for Australian companies trying to set up compliant accounting systems. Payment for software upgrades; Costs entailed by training staff and documenting changes to the system; Need to be aware of idiosyncrasies of different systems.

Reports on the impact of the pending introduction of a goods and services tax (GST) in Australia on the sale of accounting and tax software. Competition between MYOB and Quicken; Trends in the marketing strategies of both companies.

Presents information on accounting in Australia as of July 27, 1998. Arthur Andersen boosting its global business-consulting arm, previously overshadowed by troubles with Andersen Consulting; Andrew Geddes to join Results Accountants' Systems; Former Solution 6 executives forming a firm known as APS to introduce a practice-management software suite.

Presents information on Australian accounting firm Arthur Andersen's software project that integrates the firm's auditing with risk management consulting. How the program was developed; Comments from Australian national assurance partner Mark Korda; Korda's demonstration of the program; Comments from Tim Mainprize of FAI Insurance on the performance of the program.

Reports on the release of Quicken and Quickbooks, an accounting software on CD-ROM, by Intuit company. Features of accounting software; Incorporation of user guide along with software; Modification of software for the Australian markets; Inclusions of inventory management in package; Plans for update of Quickbooks, a bookkeeping software.

Describes the accounting software Lincoln Indicators developed by accountant Merv Lincoln which measures a company's level of financial risk. Combining and weighing seven key accounting ratios to create a single risk figure; How the software has helped ICI; Citing of the importance of efficient debtor management; Organizations using Lincoln; Development of the software.