QuickBooks Security Alert - Time for an Update

Intuit recently issued an announcement stating that a POTENTIAL security issue is now FIXED in supported versions of QuickBooks.  Intuit is unaware that this has caused problems for any customers.  This update is a preventative step.  Intuit does come out with updates to QuickBooks from time to time.  While this sometimes take awhile to do, it is always a good idea to be using the current release.

If you are using QuickBooks 2007 through 2009 Simple Start, Pro, Premier, and Enterprise Solutions 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0, you will want to update your QuickBooks file. 

You can find the update at:  http://support.quickbooks.intuit.com/support/productupdates.aspx

So what's this all about?  Here is what Intuit has to say:

"We've recently released a fix to address a potential security vulnerability within QuickBooks.  The issue was related to the use of ActiveX technology in some versions of QuickBooks.  On learning about the issue, we fixed the problem, tested the fixes within the identified versions of the software, and have released updates that will address the vulnerabilities.  We are unaware of any customers affected."

"What is ActiveX?  ActiveX is a distributed object system and protocol technology developed by Microsoft.  Microsoft updates its implementation of ActiveX controls from time to time through scheduled security updates.  Many software and Web companies use ActiveX in their offerings."

Intuit also says, "If exploited, this vulnerability could allow a hacker to access the data on the user's computer." 

Sometimes it seems that there are so many viruses and threats to the computers systems that our crucial to running our businesses.  Keeping current on your QuickBooks updates - especially this one - is one additional way to prevent problems from occurring.

Should I Upgrade to QuickBooks 2010?

QuickBooks 2010 is now available!  But, should you upgrade?

If you are using QuickBooks 2007, Intuit will be "sunsetting" it early in 2010.  That means the product will no longer be supported.  More importantly, it means that any add-on products, such as payroll, will not work properly once the sunset policy has taken effect.  It also means that if you choose to upgrade later, it will not be easy.  If you wait more than 3 years to install a new software version, you are not able to open your company file up in the new version.  So, if you are using QB 2007, you will want to upgrade in the next few months to 2010.  You can go to my website to see if you can get any special deals.  You may also want to use this as an opportunity to look into the different features between Pro, Premier, and Enterprise.  This may be the time to change which edition you are using.

If you are using QuickBooks 2006 or before, you need to have your file opened in a more recent year before you can open it in QuickBooks 2010. 

If you are using QuickBooks 2008 or 2009, you may want to check out the new features of 2010. They include:

Company Snapshot - You can get a graphs and reports on one screen to find out what is happening in your business.  This screen can be customized to show what is important to you. 

Improved Report Center -  Reports are easier to access and "see" before opening.  Enterprise users will have the ability to use an additional 13 custom fields in their reports.  This is a big plus!

Add/Edit Multiple List Entries - This feature allows you to make mass changes in your lists.

Access Web-Based Applications - Intuit is making the move to integrate QuickBooks will all kinds of business-related web-based applications.  They include email marketing, scheduling, document management, and customer relations.  You can try them for free.

Just a bit of advice - Sometimes QuickBooks users think that their file is not working because it doesn't have the latest and greatest feature. Before purchasing more software, contact your QuickBooks expert! 

When To Get Help with QuickBooks Problems

This past week has been filled with networking events.  It's fun to meet new people, catch up with some I haven't seen before, and get some leads for future business!  This week I ran into a couple interesting situations. 

The first was an individual whose company's financial software was being phased out by the software developer.  They were looking to purchase another program.  This company with well under 50 employees is seriously considering a software purchase of $30,000.  This is only for the software.  It does not include any of the time to transition or to train.  They have been putting it off because it is so expensive.  Not knowing what this software was like, I asked the individual if they had looked at other options.  They had looked at QuickBooks, but immediately ruled it out because it just couldn't do what they wanted.  They were right.  QuickBooks by itself was not capable of performing those tasks.  But - did they know that QuickBooks integrates with over 400 other software programs?  Had they checked out any of those possibilities?  She didn't think so and was going to have someone call me to investigate this possibility.  Now, it may turn out that they have no choice but to purchase the $30,000 product.  However, they now may have some other options!

The second individual was one who simply groaned when I introduced myself as a QuickBooks consultant.  Those are the people who I know always need help with QuickBooks.  It was probably set up incorrectly and, as a result, they cannot get what they need out of it. 

AMS Office Solutions can help solve both problems.  You may be at a point where you are "out-growing" QuickBooks.  You may think that the only solution is to throw lots of money at the problem and purchase new software.  There just may be other solutions out there!  As a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and a Certified QuickBooks Consultant through the Sleeter Group, I have access to a wide varray of sofware applications which link to QuickBooks.  Quite often, I can turn to these resources and find out what works, what doesn't, and what is recommended. 

For those people who groan when the word "QuickBooks" is mentioned - some of my favorite clients were there once upon a time.  I was even in that place many years ago.  Sometimes just a few hours of fine-tuning your program and a little bit of training, will solve many problems and make your headaches go away.  QuickBooks is an awesome program.  You spent money on it.  You spend time using it.  You may as well learn how to use it properly and develop all sorts of reports so you can run your business with accurate information!

Will QuickBooks 2010 Help You Become Paperless?

Each year Intuit comes out with the latest version of their software.  They just released QuickBooks 2010 and Enterprise Solutions 10.0.  Each time there are new whistles and bells.  This year Intuit has made the move to web-based applications working with QuickBooks.  Their Doc Center allows you to attach a document to your transaction.  For instance, you can enter a credit card transaction and attach that little receipt that fades with time but you need to keep for IRS.  All you need is a scanner.  Once you have scanned it and made a couple keystrokes in QB, you have saved it and attached it to your transaction.  Documents are stored on-line so even your accountant can have access if you choose.

There is also another option for document management - SmartVault.  It is a third-party software application which integrates with Quickbooks.  SmartVault accomplishes the same thing, except you can use it in older versions of QuickBooks and documents are not stored on-line. 

A great feature with both products is that you can have a person who does not even have access to QuickBooks scan all the documents.  Then the person with access can simply attach them to the transactions.

For more information about these applications, please feel free to contact me.