10 steps to a digital practice in the cloud

Content: Chapter 1: The Nature of the Digital Practice Model and the Benefits to You and Your Firm 1   The Digital Practice Value Proposition 2    Key Challenges for Today   s CPA Firm and Technology   s Role 3    Staffing 3    Regulation 4    Firm Succession 4    Technology 5    Key Trends in CPA Technology 5    Cloud Computing (aka SaaS) 6    Mobile Computing 6    Client Portals 7    ExtendedWorkflows 7    Benefits of the Digital Practice Model 8    Quality of Client Service 8    Stronger Client Relationships 8    Do MoreWith Less Effort 9    Enhance the Overall Value of Your Firm 9    Chapter 2: The 10 Steps to a Digital Practice 11    Strategic View of IT Model 12    Infrastructure 12    Software Applications 13    Business Processes 13    Staff and Clients 13    The 10 Steps 15    Chapter 3: Infrastructure 19    Infrastructure Defined 20    Traditional On-Premise Model 21    Managed Service Model 22    Data Center Hosting Model    aka IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) 24    SaaS Model 25    Security in the Cloud26    Chapter 4: Broadband 29    Broadband Defined 30    Measuring Bandwidth 30    Broadband Requirements 31    Data Communication Service 31    Modem 31    Router 32    Wireless Access Point 32    Firewall 32    Wired VersusWireless 32    Wired Service Options 33    DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) 33    Tier 1   5 (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) 33    Cable 33    Fiber Optic 34    Wireless Service Options 34    Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) 34    Cellular (3G, 4G) 34    WiMAX (Worldwide    Interoperability for    Microwave Access) 35    Satellite 35    How to Determine What You Need 35    The Number of Users Working in Your Office 35    Number and Type of Cloud Applications 36    Size and Type of Data Transmitted 36    Upload Versus Download Speed 36    Thick Client Versus Thin Client 37    Phone System 37    Where to Get Your Broadband 38    Telephone Company 38    Cable 38    Cellular 38    Regional 39    Recommendations 39    Contact Vendors 39    Main Communications Network 40    Back-up Communications Network 40    Two Alternative Approaches 40    Broadband to Go 41    Hotspots 42    Chapter 5: The CPA Technology Toolkit 43    Desktop Computer Versus Laptop 44    Recommended Desktop and Laptop Configuration 45    Multiple Monitors 47    Selecting Monitors and Accessories 48    Touch Screen Monitors 49    Windows(R) 7 50    Windows(R) 8 52    Microsoft(R) Office 52    Microsoft Office From the Cloud 53    Google Apps    54    Adobe(R) Acrobat(R) 54    Web Conferencing System 55    Smartphones and Tablets 58    Smartphones 59    Picking Your Platform and Device 60    Android    61    Apple iOS 61    Windows 62    Chapter 6: Scanning Solutions 63    Centralized Versus Distributed Scanning 64    Alternative Scanning Devices 65    Scanner Features 68    Advanced Document Processing Software for Tax Preparation 69    Workflow Integration 70    Front End Scanning  71    Mid-Point Scanning 71    Back End Scanning 72    Chapter 7: Document and File Management Systems 73    Metadata 101 74    Capture 75    Process 77    Store 77    Disseminate 78    The Big Picture 79    DMS Implementation Best Practices 79    Chapter 8: Trial Balance Working Paper Software 81    Features Review 83    Trial Balance 83    Journal Entries 83    Financial Statements 83    Working Paper Binder 84    Engagement Management 84    Review Notes 84    Tax Software Bridge 84    Accounting Software Bridge 85    Solutions Overview 85    Chapter 9: Client Portals   Gateway to the Future 87    Security 89    Task Automation 89    ExtendedWorkflows 89    Innovative Services 90    Developing Your Portal Strategy 90    Stage 1:Document and File Exchange 91    Stage 2:Workflow Integration 92    Stage 3: Aggregation and Single Sign-on 93    Stage 4: Third Party Cloud Applications 93    Portal Deployment Checklist 94    Chapter 10: Workflow Software 99    Process Mapping 101    Scheduling and Task Assignment 101    Dynamic Rules 102    Document and File Binder 102    Review Note Tracking 102    Electronic Forms, Checklists, and Routing Sheets 102    E-mail Alerts 102    Management Reports 103    Chapter 11: Cloud-Based Client Accounting System 105    It Is Time for a Change 106    Inefficiencies With the Traditional Client Accounting Model 107    Much Improved Service With the Cloud Accounting Model 107    The Opportunity 108    The Economic Model 109    Chapter 12: Security and Disaster Recovery 111    Data Security Strategies 112    Data Encryption 112    Password Policy 115    Cloud Computing 116    Secure Data Transmission 117    Antivirus Software 118    Firewalls 119    Mobile Computing Security 119    Data Backup 120    Disaster Recovery Protection 120    Chapter 13: Developing and Implementing Your Technology Plan 123    What Do I Do Now? 124    How Do I Approach the Process? 124    Strategy 124    Education 127    Analysis 127    Execution 129    Assessment 129    Chapter 14: Case Studies 131    Clark Nuber P.S.: Leveraging Confirmation Software to Streamline the Audit Process 132    Juravel & Company, LLC: Client Portals 133    Krueger & Associates, P.A.: Leveraging a Cloud-Based Client Accounting Solution and Other Portal Applications 135    Schlabig & Associates Ltd.: Outsourcing IT Infrastructure to a Data Center Hosting Service 136    Appendix A: Sample Tax Services Process Review 139    Appendix B: Glossary 145    Appendix C: Resource Center 149    Appendix D: AICPA SOC References and Resources 159    Appendix E: Reporting on Controls at a Cloud Computing Service Organization 165