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Tech trends, products and developments
Sales Tax Made Simple
QuickBooks users can now automatically calculate sales tax for each transaction, for any of the more than 8,000 North American sales tax jurisdictions, using Avalara’s new edition of AvaTax ST™ for QuickBooks Pro, Premier and Enterprise Edition 2004-2005 by Intuit (INTU). This Web-based, on-demand service also automatically creates previously labor-intensive reports and tax returns. With small businesses facing the constant challenge of minimizing operational tasks to focus on the bottom line, and state taxing authorities taxing more and different kinds of transactions than ever before, AvaTax ST for QuickBooks provides a long-needed service at a price that fits the budget of even the smallest business.
QuickBooks users can order the service for as low as $9.95 per month with per-transaction and activation fee, or with transactions-included packages starting at $29.95 monthly, plus activation fee.
For further information, visit www.avalara.com.
The Microsoft - CPA Connection
Microsoft is preparing for the launch of a new small-business accounting application, available as a stand-alone edition or as part of the Microsoft Office Small Business Management Edition 2006 bundle.
To inspire interest in the new Office Small Business Accounting offering, the Microsoft Professional Accountants Network will be launched to provide CPAs with technical support, continuing education and networking resources. The Network will have two membership tiers: a free level and a $300 a year option, which will provide additional technical support and free access to various Microsoft products and services. As an added incentive, Microsoft is offering CPAs free prerelease copies of its new software, via website sign up at www.microsoft.com.
SME Messaging Protection
The Proofpoint Messaging Security Gateway X-Series offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) effective defense against spam, viruses and other message-related threats. The series combines an enterprise-class MTA with anti-spam, anti-virus and content-filtering capabilities in an easy-to-deploy, high-performance application, designed specifically for enterprises with 500 mailboxes or less. The series offers 100-percent Web-based administration, more than 40 real-time, graphical reports that provide complete insight into the email system, and easy to understand end-user reports and controls. Proofpoint will provide a 30-day, money-back guarantee, and promises installation in minutes.
For further information, visit www.proofpoint.com.
Xerox Takes the Edge
In its biggest office product launch in two years, Xerox Corporation recently introduced 24 new digital products, software and services that target a $60 billion market opportunity and serve businesses small to large. The offerings—which include office multifunction systems, printers, digital copiers and software, as well as IT services designed to track, analyze and optimize office devices—solidify Xerox’s office line as one of the broadest and most comprehensive in the industry, serving every segment of the business market. Xerox also announced a capability that allows office customers to manage Xerox network devices alongside Hewlett-Packard (HP) products through peripheral management software. The new plug-ins for HP Web Jetadmin software, based on open standards and developed in conjunction with HP, enable customers to manage Xerox printers with a mixed set of office equipment brands and accessories.
For specific product information, visit www.xerox.com.