Over the years, Gary Boomer's proselytizing about properly funding technology in a tax and accounting firm has had many variations. But judging from his presentation at a session at the annual CCH User Conference yesterday, one thing hasn't changed: Firms still don't know what they are spending for technology. Another thing should probably be added is that it isn't enough, especially in the soft costs, which are areas that get whittled away during a recession.

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - CCH plans a second release of IntelliConnect, its ambitious new tax research platform, for a Thanksgiving release to fix some of the issues users have been facing with the product, which is designed to replace the company's Tax Research Network. CCH president Mike Sabbatis said the next release would incorporate enhancements to enable users to get to content easier via the browser.

RUVERWOODS, Ill. - CCH is offering productivity consulting for ProSystem fx Suite and research products that is designed to assess how firms can use their CCH products more effectively. A five-day service that includes three days on site by a two-person CCH team, the service is available at a discounted price of $10,000 for engagements that are contracted by the end of the year and performed by the middle of 2010. Consulting is designed for firms that have at least three CCH products.