Virtualization - When Does it Make Business Sense for CPA Firms?

Date: Thursday, August 21, 2008
Time: 01:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 11:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM PT [Prevailing Time]
Presenter(s): Frank Gshwandtner and Mike Walter with Xcentric
Objective(s):
Attendees should walk away with 1) a conceptual understanding of server virtualization. DEFINITION - Server Virtualization: the use of a single host server to run multiple other servers on the same hardware, which allows for more efficient use of hardware resources and lower capital expense and 2) a solid understanding of the business case for virtualization in a CPA firm.
Field of Study: Business Management and Organization
Program Level: Basic
CPE Credit: 1 Credit Hour
Delivery Method: Group Internet-based

No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
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Course Description

Virtualization technology is becoming more and more prevalent in today's business world. But how is it relevant to you as a CPA? Come learn what server virtualization means from a business perspective and how it can impact your firm and help you save money, energy and space.

Frank Gshwandtnerwill be interviewing Mike Walter, the Director of Professional Services at Xcentric, with the goal of providing attendees with a conceptual understanding of server virtualization, specifically in CPA firms, and more importantly to provide specific criteria to help CPA firms determine if and when it makes good business sense to deploy virtualized services in their offices.

This is NOT designed as a technical discussion of server virtualization but rather is targeted at providing guidance as to the business/economic reasons for deploying virtualized servers.

Presenter and Moderator Bios
Frank Gshwandtner has been providing technology solutions for CPA firms for 30 years. At Xcentric, Frank is currently responsible for assisting CPA firms evaluate their technology as it relates to the firm's business goals and design the optimum custom technological solution, whether that is an internally deployed network or an externally hosted network.

Frank started his CPA-specific career providing mini-computer software solutions. He then went on to develop a CPA-specific software (PACS Software), as well as own a CPA-specific systems integration company, which was the predecessor to Xcentric. Over the years, Frank has spoken to numerous CPA associations (including AAA, AICPA, IGAF, AGN, and various State Societies.) He received his bachelor's degree from Oregon State University and went on to get a Master's in Public Administration (Management) from Pepperdine University. He can be reached at frank@xcentric.com or 678.297.0066.

Mike Walter offers ten years of experience in the technical arena, as well as a background in accounting. He currently serves as Director of Professional Services at Xcentric, which specializes in IT solutions and certified networks for CPA firms. He oversees the business requirements and technical architecture and implementation of Xcentric's systems and technologies.

Mike is also a member of the team responsible for the conceptualization, design, development and operation of Xcentric’s Gray Matter hosted solution. Prior to his appointment at Xcentric, Mike was the IT Manager at Mediaworks, where he led the division that researched, developed and implemented hardware and software technologies for its consumer market. Mike received a bachelor's degree from Covenant College in organizational management. He can be reached at mwalter@xcentric.com or 678.297.0066.

Cost
$25.00 for CPAFMA Members / $40.00 for Non-Members / Free for PAFMs

Delivery System

  • All programs are delivered using the Zoom platform.
  • Confirmations will include log-in instructions.
  • Participants are able to participate using any device with an Internet connect (if the device does not have speakers, the participant can also dial-in) or they can participate with audio only by dialing in.
  • All registrants will receive a link to the MAPCast’s recording by email within 48 business hours of event’s conclusion.
  • There will be assistance available to help with technical and connectivity issues up to 10 minutes prior to the start of the presentation.

Registration

All registration is done on-line with the names and email addresses of each individual guest. Log-in details will be emailed to all registrants approximately 1-2 days prior to each session.

Refund Policy

CPAFMA will not issue refunds for MAPCasts. If a registrant is unable to participate in the MAPCast and sends written notice to info@cpafma.org 48 hours prior to the session, a credit will be provided for a future MAPCast. Alert the CPAFMA staff member monitoring the MAPCast if technical difficulties are encountered and technical support will be provided to eliminate problems with future MAPCasts.

Additional Information

Live participation is required for CPE credit and polling questions must be answered to show active participation. All registrants will receive an email following the session with links to the slides and/or handouts, and a link to the MAPCast recording (unless otherwise stated). If you are unable to participate in the live session, you can still watch the recorded session, but you will not be eligible for CPE credits.

For more information regarding CPAFMA MAPCasts or administrative policies such as complaint and refund, contact the CPAFMA Headquarters at 937-222-0030, or info@cpafma.org.

What is an CPAFMA MAPCast?
An CPAFMA MAPCast is a live, interactive 30 or 60-minute conference presented over the Internet. You can attend from any location that has Internet access from any device. You pay just one registration fee for as many participants as you wish at each location.

Note that high-speed Internet access is not mandatory.

Who presents at an CPAFMA MAPCast?
Your MAPCast will have one or more speakers who are recognized experts on the topic. MAPCasts typically include a Q&A session; you can ask questions by audio or chat options.

CPE Credits
CPAFMA is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

MAPCasts with an HR focus have been approved for recertification credit hours toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org. 

MAPCasts qualify for Public Accounting Firm Manager (PAFM) continuing education credit through the CPA Firm Management Association (CPAFMA). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the PAFM section of this website.

Why CPAFMA MAPCasts?

Fast.
No wasted time. Get right to the heart of the matter in a 30 or 60-minute session designed to easily fit into your busy schedule.

Convenient.
No airlines. No travel. No time out of the office. Listen and follow along from the comfort and convenience of your own device or conference room.

Easy.
A device with an Internet connection is all you need. If your device does not have sound capabilities, the ability to dial in from a telephone is available.

Ideal for multiple attendees.
Use a speakerphone and projector/monitor and invite as many people as you want to participate - at no extra cost to you.

Affordable.
CPAFMA MAPCasts are a fraction of the cost of travel and attendance fees for other high-priced conferences or seminars. PAFMs attend for free. PCPS members are able to register at the CPAFMA member rate.

CPAFMA has partnered with the AICPA PCPS to offer PCPS members the same member rate for MAPCasts. PCPS members should indicate their membership when registering.