First Look: Simply Accounting 2003

Wayne Kawamoto

ACCPAC International announced the release of Simply Accounting 2003, the new version of its integrated accounting program for small businesses. Simply Accounting 2003 offers small businesses an accounting system that includes payroll and e-commerce features, for as little as $39.99. The Simply Accounting 2003 Pro version adds multi-user, multi-currency, and time billing capabilities for as little as $89.99.

An upgrade from previous versions, ACCPAC Simply Accounting 2003 includes:

  • New Simply Webstore(tm) for integrated e-commerce;
  • New Departmental Accounting (Pro version);
  • New Time Billing and Payroll integration (Pro version);
  • New Security features;
  • New Reporting enhancements;
  • New General Journal enhancements;
  • New Payroll enhancements, and;
  • New Time-saving features.

New Simply Webstore for integrated e-commerce
Simply Webstore offers businesses an inexpensive and fast entry to online selling, enabling users to build a business-to-business and business-to-consumer Web store in a matter of hours, using any of over 60 supplied store templates. Unlike typical Web stores that operate independently of the accounting system, Simply Webstore understands Simply Accounting data, so no extra integration effort is needed–inventory in Simply Accounting 2003 automatically presents itself in Simply Webstore and sales transactions made at Simply Webstore go directly into Simply Accounting 2003 without re-keying.

Because Simply Webstore is managed online through an ACCPAC hosted software facility, it doesn’t require users to set up sophisticated hardware and software in their offices. ACCPAC also offers optional services to assist with domain registration, credit card processing, and setup and design. Simply Webstore works with both Simply Accounting 2003 Basic and Pro versions.

Departmental Accounting and Time Billing/Payroll integration
The new Departmental Accounting capability in Simply Accounting 2003 Pro enables detailed reporting of up to 100 departments within a company. Simply Accounting 2003 Pro uses segments in the GL account codes, enabling Departmental Accounting and reporting throughout all accounting modules. In addition, new integration between the product’s Time Billing and Payroll modules enable users to pay employees based on time slips and compare billable or actual amounts with payroll costs.

New Security features
Simply Accounting 2003 security can now be assigned to the record and journal level. This release also incorporates increased password security and a new check log report allows small business owners to monitor their internal accounting. Simply Accounting 2003 also retains a full-time audit trail, ensuring accounting integrity automatically.

New Reporting enhancements
Simply Accounting 2003 allows users to sort and display information based on the user’s preference and change report-viewing options without having to close and re-open reports. Date range selection for ad-hoc reporting has also been streamlined with pop-up calendars and drop-down lists.

New Payroll enhancements
Small business owners can now define extra payroll hourly rate fields with Simply Accounting 2003. They can also automatically view vacation pay owed and view outstanding balances for employee advances.

Pricing and Availability
Simply Accounting 2003 Basic and Pro carry SRPs in the U.S. of $39.99 and $89.99, respectively. Both products are available now directly from ACCPAC by calling 1-800-773-5445 or by visiting www.simplyaccounting.com/us, and will also be available at Office Depot, Fry’s, Hastings and other select retailers across the U.S. beginning in January 2003.

Small Business Computing Staff
Small Business Computing Staff
Small Business Computing addresses the technology needs of small businesses, which are defined as businesses with fewer than 500 employees and/or less than $7 million in annual sales.

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