PRACTICE MANAGEMENT - New provider enters market.
Competition in the accountancy software marketplace is set to intensify following the entrance of a new player in the already tough field, writes Alex Miller.
Keystone, a UK and New Zealand-based practice management software solutions provider, has secured an undisclosed 900-user implementation deal for its practice management solution from HLB Kidsons. The implementation is expected to be completed within the firm’s 28 offices by the summer of 2001 – with the Edinburgh and Glasgow branches expected to be fitted by the end of February. Offices in Hereford and Newcastle have already gone live. Kidsons said the move was part of the firm’s ‘Strength to Strength’ business strategy and added there was no time pressure to complete the implementation. National managing partner Peter Douglas, said: ‘The system provides an ideal business information framework for the firm’s large, regional network and has the capability to adapt to changes which may occur in the future.’ Keystone fought off competition from CMS Open, Star and Solution 6 to win the order and revealed it was ‘looking to increase its presence in the accountancy market’. The system has been designed to provide a raft of modules including financial accounting, client management and business development.