Version 6
Web-Based Accounting Services
Web-based information services are proliferating and presenting small business owners with delicious dilemmas. The most daunting task is to keep informed of the new services available on the web. Well, here comes another evolution in information processing as reported in PC Magazine (http://www.pcmag.com) (Feb. 20, 2001 pp.145-152).
Many business owners are still struggling to learn how to use their Peachtree Accounting or QuickBooks Pro accounting software. Both Peachtree Software (800-228-0068;http:// www.peachtree.com) and Intuit (800-446-8848; http://www.quickbooks.com) have introduced web-based accounting services. ePeachtree, Release 3.0 and QuickBooks for the Web are competing with a new entrant in the online general ledger race, NetLedger,Version 5.0 (800-638-5334; www.netledger.com).
PC Magazine reviewed all three and found NetLedger to be superior due to its e-commerce tools including the ability to provide online payment and collection services. Should you jump on this fast-moving band wagon? Not just yet. At least for now, the PC based packages still rule the day when comparing available features. Speed and security are issues with all of the online accounting services but as technology improves these issues will pale in comparison to the convenience, level of service, and low cost. The table below compares the three web-based accounting services:
|
Feature |
ePeachtree 3.0 |
NetLedger 5.0 |
QuickBooks for the Web |
|
Cost |
$9.99 per mo.single user/ $4.99 each add'l user |
$9.99 per user per month |
$14.95 per month unlimited users |
|
Set Up |
Good |
Good |
Good |
|
Inventory |
Fair, Avg. cost only |
Good |
Poor |
|
General Ledger |
Very Good |
Very Good |
Fair |
|
Acct. Payable |
Good |
Very Good |
Fair |
|
Acct. Rec |
Good |
Very Good |
Fair |
|
Payroll |
Good |
Very Good |
Poor |
|
E-commerce tools |
NA |
Very Good |
NA |
|
Reporting |
Good |
Very Good |
Fair |
|
OVERALL |
Good |
Very Good |
Fair |
For more information:
Web-Based Accounting
Web Features and E-Commerce Chart (compares accounting software)
Contact Us
SBDCNET
UTSA Institute for Economic Development
University of Texas at San Antonio
501 W. Durango Blvd.
San Antonio, TX 78207
http://sbdcnet.org/
sbdcnet@utsa.edu
800.689.1912
SBDCNet Team
Gloria Allen
Carolyn Ellis
Peter Morales
Sarah Barrette
Paula Fantegrossi
Guillermo Barreto-Vega
Perry Byers
Linda Hernandez
Jane Nolasco
Judith Johnson
J. Eric Lomeli
Juan Cueva
Armida Hernandez
Co-Editors: Carolyn Ellis & Judith Johnson
Please email us or call us at 1-800-689-1912 if you have any questions. Feel free to pass this on to other SBDC Business Advisors. If you are not currently subscribed to SBDCNET Connections, sign up on our website under "SBDCNET E-Newsletter."
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This U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Grant is funded by the SBA. SBAs funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
