Accountancy software provider IRIS Software Group has launched a cloud-based file sharing system designed for use by accountancy firms.
The vendor's IRIS OpenSpace system will allow accountants to work more collaboratively with their clients, the company said, and is being made available free of charge.
The product is also being touted as secure alternative to email, which is often the way accountants share files with their clients. The system also complies with the necessary UK data protection legislation, and is hosted on Microsoft Windows Azure servers located within the boundaries of the EU.
IRIS OpenSpace offers functionality for accountants that is not available through consumer cloud platforms, such as Dropbox, the vendor claims.
The system automatically alerts clients when new items, such as draft tax returns or financial statements, are ready for their review or input. Clients can also use the portal to securely upload documents required by their accountant, such as bank statements, payroll slips, receipt scans and trial balances.
For existing IRIS customers, the new platform will integrate with the firm's Accountancy Suite and PTP Accounts software.
Phill Robinson, CEO of IRIS Accountancy Solutions, said: “We believe this type of cloud-based product can transform the relationship between accountant and client.
"IRIS OpenSpace takes the best of consumer cloud applications and industrialises them for the accountancy sector. Security, integration with our own products and ease-of-use have been our priorities while building the service and we believe that it meets a previously unfulfilled need," Robinson added.
