(This is the second in a series of blogs featuring research compiled by Rick Telberg of CPA Trendlines. Telberg and his partner, Jean Caragher of Capstone Marketing, assist accountants with practice management through their Seven Keys to Success in CPA Firm Management.)

Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloud computing are two topics on the minds of audit committees, chief financial officers and chief information officers, according to Rick Telberg’s recent analysis of the 2010 American Institute of CPAs’ Top Technology Initiatives Survey.

“Cloud computing/SaaS appeared in two questions, reflecting both growing interest in web-based technology solutions for business and concerns about the new risks that they may introduce,” writes Telberg. “CPAs are providing vendor due diligence for their clients to ensure appropriate controls are in place in SaaS applications and confidential customer information is being protected.”

For the first time in its 20+year history, the Survey asked participants to rank a set of frequently asked questions. Cloud computing and SaaS were included in questions 9 and 10:

• Can our data remain safe if we utilize cloud computing, or Software as a Service (SaaS) applications?

• Can we deliver on our service and product promises to our customers if we utilize cloud computing services?

The AICPA conducts its Survey each year to raise awareness on current and future technologies among all fields of accounting, including public practice, business and industry, government, and education.