Considerations on Cloud Computing for CPAs

Ralph Awad

One service that is changing the landscape of business and information technology in significant and far-reaching ways is cloud computing. Cloud computing is an efficient, on-demand service that uses the Internet and central servers to store and access information remotely. It has been around for many years, but has gained visibility recently through applications called integrators. Cloud computing ties each component together to allow users to go from ordering cloud space to using the space in less than one hour. CCH, the developer of the ProSystem Suite of accounting software, is making headway in the world of cloud computing; it continues to work toward using the cloud to house CCH products. Other accounting-related programs, such as QuickBooks, Peachtree, and BNA, can conceivably be hosted in the cloud as well. This article will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of cloud computing and how it can be useful to CPA firms and their clients.