Exact, better known in this country for its Macola software,  has long had accountant programs in Europe. But this is a new effort for the Netherlands-based company in the United States. "We have to build brand awareness for the accounting program," says Kae Williams, general manager of the company's U.S cloud solutions operations.

Exact Online targets a higher-level audience than does QuickBooks, with versions for manufacturing, wholesale distribution and professional services. The centerpiece of the program is Exact Online for Accountants. The new product offers accountants the ability to see into their clients books in real time and view and analyze data.

Williams says her company's applications enables customers to determine patterns in their products and services, "which are better performing products, which has better margins, which products do they put together to create a kit."

The accountant application is priced at $12 per month per client company with client companies charged $5 per month each. Exact will be seeking to enlist firms that specialize in the three target markets.