Baker Tilly has joined NetSuite's channel program as a trend is building for large CPA firms to enter alliances with vendors of Internet-based accounting applications. In the last few months, rival Intacct has landed several accounting firms, including most recently Clifton Gunderson. This is the first major firm to join the NetSuite Solution Provider since Eide Bailly was announced in the program's roll out last spring.

NetSuite says the agreement is part of a Baker Tilly cloud computing consulting practice, which is being offered by Virchow Krause. The practice will utilize the NetSuite applications, including ERP and CRM, to develop customized offerings for the services industry and the wholesale/distribution vertical.

Aided by its alliance with the American Institute of CPAs, Intacct has rolled off a strong of CPA firms that have allied with it, whether to use its software to provide outsourced accounting services, or as resellers. The company's channel now include McGladrey, Larsen Allen and Eide Bailly. Eide, in fact, is advertising a trio of Web-based products, Intacct, NetSuite and QuickBooks Online, on its web page.