In the new high-tech world of modern accounting, web based accounting software is something you may see often. Many financial managers are seeing that web based accounting software has some edge over traditional "out of the box" programs, including the lack of a need for user registration, among other considerations. Knowing about some key terms for using and setting up web based accounting software can show decision makers more about why this option is good for a business.

Action Steps for Small Business Accounting Software Success
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hardware/software integration

Integration is making sure that all of the parts of an electronic system work together. This is important in web based accounting, as all applicable programs have to share a lot of information. It's also important to have 'hardware/software' integration -- to make sure that the gear you use can run the software you are choosing.

I recommend: See more on hardware/software integration at OSData.

Microsoft GP

Microsoft GP or 'Great Plains,' now commonly called MS Dynamics, is a popular web based accounting suite with many different tools for aspects of advanced accounting.

I recommend: See more on MS GP at this Microsoft page.

Accounts receivable software

One big part of web based accounting is dealing with AR or 'accounts receivable.' Technology has made it far easier (in some cases) for companies to collect what is due to them. Accounts receivable software has its own critical necessities for helping out in a web based accounting role.

I recommend: See more on AR software at AllBusiness.

Encryption

One part of web based accounting that is very important is security. Encryption helps out with this issue. Encryption is the process of coding data (words and numbers) into something that will not be identifiable to those outside of the user system. Web based accounting programs often utilize this kind of tool to prevent data loss.

I recommend: See more on encryption at WiseGeek.

Firewall

A firewall is a piece of software that 'shields' user activity on a computer from web-based attacks. This kind of solution is often popular for sensitive online work like web based accounting.

I recommend: Find out more about firewalls at WhatIs.

Customer support

Customer support is the process of helping customers use software, including answering questions about technical use and other details. Customer support is important to users of web based accounting software as advanced features may carry a learning curve.

I recommend: See details on the term "customer support" from Webopedia.

When it comes to accounting software, web-based solutions make accounting easy for many businesses by putting the software on the Internet and hosting it elsewhere. Any business can tap in any time from any location and update their records. These software programs are generally more sophisticated than purchased counterparts, with modules for everything from accounts receivable to check writing. They are usually very easy to use so you do not have to have accounting experience. Just fill in the blanks and the software makes the complex calculations for you.

Choose the right web-based accounting program for your business. Check into existing programs that provide everything or use a service that integrates with your present program so you do not duplicate information you already have. Just import your present data into the new program to set up your new system. Choose a service that offers assistance if you do run into an issue. Look at the following and make the best choice for your web-based accounting package:

1. Choose web-based accounting software for your business needs.

2. Pick web-based accounting systems that integrate with your existing programs.

3. Get customer support for your web-based accounting.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate web-based accounting programs for your business

Choose web-based accounting programs with full services and implement the system. You can be up and running in almost no time with a full-service accounting department, no matter what size your business happens to be.

I recommend: Aplicor provides easy to use web-based accounting software that integrates your entire business from accounting to warehouse in one system. With your entire company on the same page, you process orders faster and you send the bills faster. Peachtree offers their "ePeachtree" software, which provides a web-based accounting solution that is always available. Access the software from anywhere, anytime for a low yearly cost.

Find web-based business accounting programs that integrate with your present programs

Don't scrap the accounting program you are already using. Instead, use web-based programs that integrate with your present program and continue with the programs you already know, while adding needed modules to your present system.

I recommend: Nola Pro offers web-based software that grows with your business and integrates with the programs you already use. There are no setup costs or maintenance fees, just a monthly fee to use the service. Intacct offers web-based accounting software that seamlessly integrates with the other programs you already use, such as your payroll software.

Use web-based accounting application that provides customer service to you

Some of the accounting software systems can seem daunting at times, so make sure the one you choose has live customer service support. Call, email or fax your questions for an immediate answer, so your business does not grind to a stop.

I recommend: Quickbooks offers accounting software to accountants and non-accountants alike. Their easy-to-use software remembers your entries and does complex calculations for you so you do not have to have experience to use it. Find support for your questions through email, online forums or their extensive knowledge base. Netsuite offers several products including billing and other accounting programs. They offer support to their customers via phone and email.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember that with accounting software, web-based solutions use the Internet to transmit your sensitive information. Protect yourself with firewalls and virus protection programs to prevent a security breach.

Web-based accounting systems are vital to many businesses. They allow you to input, receive and calculate information anywhere in the world by simply logging onto a computer. Furthermore, the storage of all of this information is not housed on your premises. This saves you the money and hassle of having to house additional hard drives and potentially file cabinets full of information at your physical business location.

But you don't need to feel taxed by the amount of web-based accounting packages that are on the market. With just a quick review of the software and how web-based accounting packages operate, you'll find the perfect one for your business in no time. Think of your research as a tutorial called accounting software: web based for beginners.

1. View various web-based accounting software programs to learn about the myriad of functions they include and how your business might benefit from their use within your company.

2. Do your homework on how web-based accounting packages are bundled and priced to see if they make sense as an accounting solution for your business.

3. Receive training for your web based accounting software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out applications that are 'accounting software: web based' for your business

It's smart to learn about the many web based accounting software programs that are on the market so you can see which solution will best fit your business. Web based accounting solutions will vary greatly depending on the size and nature of your business. Try to locate programs that offer web based solutions to a large variety of businesses.

I recommend: Visit the website for Less Accounting. They offer an in-depth look at their web based accounting software. Open Sky Software also produces a program called Tracework which is a web based accounting program. They offer screen shots and descriptions about the applications provided in the software.

Read up on web based accounting systems

Aside from merely utilizing web based business accounting software, you can also purchase a bundle for your business.

I recommend: Along with your web based accounting program, you will also receive other services like tax preparation or document hosting from a company like Netsuite. These packages are more expensive than just the software, but it may save you the cost of adding additional work forces to your accounting department.

Get training in the field of web based accounting software

Web based accounting programs can vary greatly from company to company. So while their function is the same, operating them can be quite different. Take the time to have you or your staff properly trained on the web based accounting package that you have selected for your business. It might cost you a little money up front, but can save you some big headaches in the long run.

I recommend: Visit the website for the Accounting Software Group. They not only offer software, and packages, but also training solutions for your business staff. Also, the web based accounting software company Open Pro will assign a consultation team to your accounting department to help them train and integrate the software into your business.