Q. How will I get access to my accounting data?

A. We use an Application Service Provider (ASP) to host your bookkeeping software and data file. At any time from any Internet accessible computer you can use your password to access your accounting records. They are always up to date and always accurate. This is the same procedure and technology your bank, medical records and the IRS use to access and process information. It is secure and it is dependable with 100% back up running in real time.

Q. Who owns my data?

A. With a hosted ASP, you own your data files and you are able to download them back to your local computer if you decide to discontinue the service.

With Internet accounting packages such as Net Ledger or QuickBooks for the Web® you do not own your data. If you decide to disconnect, you will need to have hard copy printouts of your information. These would then need to be re-keyed into the new software you choose.

Q. Who controls the money and makes the decisions?

A. You have 100% control of all monies and the decisions on how it is used or invested. You decide what individuals and which vendors get paid. We provide the data, but you approve all invoices for payment and sign all checks ensuring proper segregation of duties over the cash function.

Q. Can other people access my data?

A. No one can have access to your data without your company’s express permission. ASP takes great lengths when it comes to security measures. They have greater security than many companies would have if the software and hardware were located in-house. Your data is backed up on a real time basis to an offsite backup facility. Also, the facility’s power supply is hooked up to backup generators to protect against power failures. If you think about it, how many of us with computers in our offices have this type of system and security?

Security measures are taken to make sure that your information is protected. Each company’s data is password-protected. You create your own passwords, so no one (not even the ASP employees) can see or have access to your password. As your data travels over the Internet, it is protected by a technology called Secure Sockets Layer or SSL encryption. SSL ensures that your data makes it your location before it can be decoded. For added security, your company needs to make sure your browser supports 128-bit encryption. This level of encryption is the highest currently supported by consumer web browsers. Be sure you are also using the latest version of your web browser, as enhancements have probably been made since you last upgraded. (See Security.)

Q. What about security?

A. This is one of my favorite questions. Right now if you are like most of us, your accounting records are in an unlocked file cabinet or worse sitting on someone’s desk. You already have bad security. BYB and the TADOnline system use the same level of encryption that a major bank, such as CitiBank and Wells Fargo uses. For the first time you can be assured that you and only you are privy to your most important data.