In its January issue, Accounting Technology magazine reports that the number of programs, in which software vendors enlist CPA firms to act as recommenders or consultants for their products, has jumped noticeably since January 2000. Accounting Technology cites two reasons for the spread of such programs.
Vendors believe CPAs are a gateway to decision-makers at small businesses.
They also believe that CPAs who are familiar with a vendor's product, and have copies in their offices, are more likely to recommend the product to clients. In the last year, online accounting vendors NetLedger, FiNetrics, and Intacct introduced such programs as did traditional software vendors, AccountMate and Accpac International. Before its purchase by Microsoft, Great Plains was also preparing a more active effort to enlist CPAs. Sage Software reports that its Sage Accounting Alliance program, established in September, had enrolled 1,800 participants by the end of 2000.