Abstract: Ignoring the warning signs of missing metadata? Gramm-Bliley-Leach, Sarbanes Oxley (also known as “SOX” and “Sarbox”) and the Patriot Act are forerunners of the regulatory trend that has elevated the need for metadata. Increasing consumer demand for privacy and fallout from corporate accounting scandals are spurring regulatory agencies to putting better teeth into regulations; compliance increasingly depends on an ability to “prove it”—not just by certifying content, but also by demonstrating the process by which the information was developed and managed—and metadata is the key to traceability.

Abstract: Recent accounting scandals, highlighted by cases at Enron, Arthur Andersen, WorldCom, and Qwest, have emphasized the need for corporate governance, especially responsible corporate accounting. Not only must businesses use responsible accounting methods, but they must know that their methods are accurate. Small and mid-sized businesses must know the limitations of their current accounting software; understand the possible ramifications of system accounting balance failure; and take steps to guarantee the integrity, reliability, and accuracy of their systems. This white paper highlights the need to recognize problematic software accounting methods; minimize errors in account balance integrity, ledgers, and sub ledgers; and reduce the need for expensive rectification, to avoid serious legal ramifications.

Abstract: On September 27, a group of vendors including Oracle, IBM, Unisys, NCR, and Hyperion Solutions announced the submission of a metadata interchange standard to the OMG standards body. A common approach to metadata would allow products from different vendors to interact, a problem that has vexed customers for years. But will all the major vendors adopt the standard?

Abstract: Informix® Corporation, has announced an XML Document Type Definition (DTD) for Extraction, Transformation, and Transport (ETT) of metadata. The DTD is designed to allow metadata sharing between different vendors’ products using the open XML standard.

Abstract: Metadata (“data about data”) is essential for data warehousing. Metadata standards allow different products to interact. Without standards, different vendors’ tools cannot work together seamlessly and the customer’s warehousing effort is greatly complicated.

Abstract: When portable document format (PDF) documents are used for medical records, insurance policies, judicial statements—or anywhere that timely and efficient processing of documents is required— inaccurate or illegible characters are unacceptable. Learn how missing or incorrect metadata affects onscreen text rendering in PDF files, and find out how to minimize or prevent the effects of missing metadata.

Abstract: Whether you’re familiar with the world of accounting or not, understanding the basic concepts and principles of accounting functions can give you an essential edge in the competitive manufacturing sector. This in-depth guide, complete with glossary, takes you through the step-by-step process of cost accounting for manufacturers—from prototype manufacturing, shipping, and full production, through to financial reports.

Abstract: Small businesses often become trapped by their outdated accounting systems, limiting their profits and arresting their growth. How can your business avoid this software trap? Planning and anticipating your business growth will help you minimize this costly mistake. Find the right accounting or enterprise resource planning solution to help your small business continue to expand and remain successful.

Abstract: Recent changes in accounting standards and compliance, along with greater emphasis on managing risk and value, have introduced new key measures of bank performance and made it more important to coordinate the internal and external reporting of financials and risk. To meet these challenges, banks must do their utmost to more fully integrate their accounting data and processes.

Abstract: Making a list and checking it twice is a particularly good practice when picking a finance and accounting software solution. If you don’t find the right product for your company, you’ll just pay for the mistakes on the back end. But first you need to know which features your small to midsize business must have and which you don’t want. Get some tips that will help you create your finance and accounting checklist.

Abstract: Most software configuration management (SCM) systems rely on metadata annotations to support basic system operations, such as computing the contents of software configurations. With AccuRev, configurations are first-class objects called 'streams,' whose contents aren't defined in terms of metadata annotations at all. AccuRev relies on the chronology of SCM operations, enabling users to leverage the incremental nature of the process.

Abstract: Old-world quality is great for a chocolate manufacturer, but old-style business systems are not. Hauser Chocolatier learned this the hard way, struggling for years with DOS-based accounting software. Needing a seamless flow of information from a system that would accommodate Hauser’s unique pricing structure, the company chose Sage MAS 90. Find out how Hauser uses this accounting solution for more than just accounting.

Abstract: Not all integrated accounting and point of sale (POS) systems are created equal. If sales prices aren’t updated, or if on-hand stock isn’t managed properly, you will be at a major competitive disadvantage. Fully integrated accounting systems move information smoothly from one module to another—but what does integration as it applies to accounting and POS software really mean?

Abstract: For most companies, changing accounting software is a daunting challenge. Not only is transitioning the accounting function to a new software package tricky in itself, but it is usually catalyzed by one or more business challenges that are (hopefully) solved by the new system. Knowing that, how can you minimize the risks involved in selecting a new accounting application?

Abstract: The Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002 (also known as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 0f 2002) was passed by US lawmakers to reinforce honest and transparent corporate practices in the wake of the various public accounting scandals and corporate failures of the 1990s. The Act, named after US Senator Paul S. Sarbanes and US Congressman Michael G. Oxley, has changed the way public companies do business. Although not specifically covered under the Act, non-public entities are also finding that bankers, investors, and acquisition candidates are now conditioned to expect increased transparency and real-time disclosures, in effect placing a greater accounting and reporting burden on companies that are not legally obligated to comply with this act. As with any far-reaching legislation of this magnitude, there is plenty of hype that has emerged in connection with this law. This document is designed to help companies large and small navigate some of the 'hype' that sometimes blurs the line between fact and fiction.

Abstract: This reference guide provides insight into the accounting features and functions currently available on today's market for small to medium businesses (SMBs). It will help you determine which features your organization needs—and doesn't need.

Abstract: Caught between big-vendor ERP offerings requiring heavy customization, and off-the-shelf project management solutions that are easily outgrown, project-oriented organizations have special accounting needs. Find out more about those needs, along with recommendations for what solutions you should be taking a closer look at.

Abstract: I'm Larry Blitz, editor of TEC's Vendor Showdown series. Today's Showdown pits two major enterprise resource planning (ERP) and accounting for small to midsized business (SMB) vendors against each other, head-to-head: Exact Software North America (a division of Exact Software) and Infor.