Top technology initiatives.

• Position: TECHNOLOGY UPDATE - Survey

The proliferation of smartphones, tablet computers and mobile devices in the workplace emerged for the first time as the top business technology concern for CPAs and financial executives, according to the AICPA 2011 Top Technology Initiatives Survey.

The 22nd Annual AICPA Top Technology Initiative survey shows control and use of mobile devices was the No. 1 challenge for IT professionals. The finding was based on responses from nearly 1,400 CPAs nationwide specializing in information technology. In addition to mobile devices, the survey signaled future IT issues will revolve around implementation of touch-screen technology, deployment of faster networks and voice recognition technology.

"The surging use of smartphones and tablets means people are doing business, and exchanging sensitive data, wherever and whenever they want to," said Ron Box, CPA/C1TP, CFF, "The technology is advancing so rapidly that the capabilities for controlling and protecting the information on mobile devices is lagging behind. Something as simple as losing your phone could now create an enormous security risk for organizations."

"Driving business value while managing risk means using technology solutions like encryption and asserting policy controls over what you can and can't do remotely," said Joel Lanz, CPA/CITP, CFF. "This is forcing IT professionals to think anew about how to manage networks and will now require a whole new level of communication with users."

Lanz and Box are co-chairmen of the AlCPA's Top Technology Initiatives task force, which produces the annual survey to help CPAs who are trusted advisors to corporate executives and board audit committees. The survey captures and ranks the business-related technology challenges that CPAs across the country are helping clients and executives address as they assess the role of technology in their organizations. The survey data is intended to be a guide on technology issues as clients and executives turn for answers to CPAs, both in public practice and industry.

"This year's results revealed a sharp focus on IT value-return on investment-coupled with unceasing attention to data security," Box said.

The Rise of Mobile Devices

Here is the Top Technology Initiatives 2011 ranking:

* Control and use of mobile devices

* Information security

* Data retention policies and structure

* Remote access

* Staff and management training

* Process documentation and improvements

* Saving and making money with technology

*...