What’s long been widely known as a “dirty little secret” regarding access to hosted QuickBooks is about to become very public. Rumor has it (from several independent sources, most of whom are in position to know), that Intuit will soon announce the creation of an “authorized hoster” program and will, by inference if nothing else, finally begin enforcing a no-support policy for all others

Initially those officially authorized to host QuickBooks for third-party use will be InSynq, RightNetworks, and Uni-Data. Technically if you, or more importantly, your CLIENTS, are currently utilizing QuickBooks hosted by a third-party other than those listed above, you (and your hoster) are (and have been) in violation of Intuit’s licensing terms.

This move to enforcement simply means that Intuit is going to begin enforcement of what they’ve always disallowed.

The open question is how the enforcement will proceed. Will there be “cease and desist” letters sent? To whom? What’s the timetable for users to get into compliance? What is the process for a vendor to join this “authorized hoster” program and is Intuit ready to accept the almost certain flood of applications? Finally, and certainly most important to us as practicing tax and accounting professionals, what do we tell our clients?

I’m sorry that I don’t have more answers -- seems like all I have are questions. I’m sure Intuit will answer (most of) these questions when their official announcement is released. Although I have no direct knowledge of the timing of this announcement my sources seem agreed that it’s forthcoming and most certainly will be released before the end of tax season.

How’s THAT for one more thing to worry about when your plate’s already too full?