More and more CPAs are taking the steps towards becoming a paperless office. The goal is not just to save paper. As a recent article from Accounting Web points out, you save money as well. The further you embrace cloud computing, the more you can save.

Cloud Computing. Wikipedia defines cloud computing as, “ Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other devices on-demand, like a public utility.” Basically it is changing from using software on your own computer to using browser based software.

Applied to Your CPA Website. You already have some of these tools in place. Take a look at the first part of a series about going paperless that looks at the Vault system. There is also the Workteam Collaboration Suite that gives you online document capability.

Motivation. The second part of the going paperless series looks at motivation.  The collaborative nature of most online tools makes it a time saving element. Getting other people in your firm and clients to use some of the tools can take time. After that first step, most see the obvious benefits of cloud computing.

Adding Other Tools. There are always more cloud computing tools you can add. Some of the more popular online tools are:

• Online Photo Editing
• Online Chat
• Screencasting
• Translating Your Website
• Screensharing
• Meeting Scheduler

Always Updated. One of the best features is that online tools are always the updated version. You don’t have to download anything. You use online tools wherever you have access to a browser.

Cloud computing offers a bit of freedom. Once you start using online tools, especially with mobile devices, you easily become a fan.

Have your own favorite online tools you use? Share with other readers in comments below. You get a link back to your CPA website for added SEO benefit.

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