Intuit's planned practice management suite is going to be a completely Web-based entry. And although Intuit offered few new details, as it seems to be following a policy of dropping a few hints periodically about the package, the fact that the offering is a SaaS product marks a significant shift in the company's approach to the professional tax and accounting market.
Jorge Olavarrieta, group product manager for Intuit's Lacerte line, says the system, now in beta testing, would offer capabilities in managing time and billing and client workflow. But outside of the fact it is Web-based, the suit also has "some different approaches. There are fundamental changes."
Intuit sells a lot of Web-based packages, but principally to consumers via its TurboTax tax preparation package. It also sells a less widely adopted QuickBooks online. Until last year, when the company began testing its Intuit ProLine tax product, it had no SaaS tax and accounting products for the professional market, except for online payroll.
The few details that the company seems to be deliberately dribbling out include the fact the new suite would integrate across, Lacerte, QuickBooks and Microsoft Outlook. There are also due-date, invoicing, and document tracking capabilities being discuss, along with a portal.
