Intuit — Lacerte DMS & ProSeries DMS

Usability — 4 Stars
The primary value of these applications results from the direct integration
with the tax software. This begins with the automatic creation of the client’s
tax document folders template when the client information is imported from the
tax package. The software offers a very simplistic and easy-to-use interface.

Document Organization — 4 Stars
The Lacerte DMS and ProSeries DMS utilize the traditional client/folder model
for organizing documents and files. The default folder structure includes Correspondence,
Permanent File and TYYY (YY=Tax Year). You can modify the default structure
to accommodate the specific needs of your organization for all of your clients
or for individual clients.

Integration — 5 Stars
As previously noted, the primary benefit of these DMS products is the integration
they have with the Lacerte and ProSeries tax products. When you import client
lists from the tax software, you can choose to bring in only designated client
types, i.e., individual, 1120, etc. When you print the tax return, you have
an option to file directly into the DMS, and it will be placed in the appropriate
folder. Integration with Microsoft Office is provided in the form of a “Save
to DMS” button. This will prompt you to identify the client and folder
in which you want to store the file. You can also drag and drop from your Windows
Desktop into the DMS. A proprietary print driver allows you to print any document
or report to the DMS.

Intuit has also released Intuit Document Management System for QuickBooks
Accounting, a solution for accounting professionals and small business owners
using QuickBooks who want to store files electronically and access them instantly
from their PCs. With the Intuit DMS, customers can automatically import their
customer, vendor and employee lists from QuickBooks to easily create a well
organized filing system. The software is now available for purchase in single-office
licenses and being offered for $299.

Annotation — 5 Stars
These DMS products offer a proprietary PDF viewer that includes a number of
annotation tools to highlight, apply stamps and images, and add notes to the
document. You can then choose to eliminate the annotations from the file when
you e-mail it.

Overall Value — 4.5 Stars
The Lacerte DMS and ProSeries DMS products provide easy-to-use document storage
solutions for the users of the respective tax products. First-time purchase
pricing includes a one-time $600 license fee for the Lacerte DMS and a one-time
$450 license fee for the ProSeries DMS, with an additional $150 annual maintenance
fee. On subsequent years, the customer renews the software by paying the $150
annual maintenance fee. Training is available through self-paced online webinar
recordings; tech support is available via phone and e-mail at no charge.

2008 Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars