Accounting firms have been very slow to move to cloud computing because of the sensitivity of the data stored in their networks. According to Computer World, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants recently endorsed cloud computing in hopes of easing the reservations of large firms and independent accountants about moving to cloud computing.

The organization recently announced partnerships with several different SaaS providers. The AICPA chose only organizations with exemplary desktop security records and a commitment to further developing their software to fit the needs of their clients in accounting.

"We do see a higher degree of comfort [with SaaS] because this has been vetted by their professional association," Michael Cerami, vice president of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, told ComputerWorld. "We want that relationship to be as sticky as possible."

Accounting firms are held to especially high regulatory compliance standards, which was also a reason for their SaaS resistance. Processor.com reported in February that cloud computing companies recognized this and are working to make their programs more adaptible to the regulatory needs of accounting firms.ADNFCR-2553-ID-19662492-ADNFCR