Technology

The AICPA top technologies task force releases its annual ranking of noteworthy issues ( www.aicpa.org/news/2002/p050702.htm ), putting business and financial reporting at the head of its list. Training and technology competency placed second. With information and security controls in third position, the ranking clearly reflects the effects of Enron’s fall and the September 11 terrorist attacks.

An Information Technology Alliance study ( www.italliance.com/articles/executivesummary.pdf ) reports that a formerly lucrative practice niche—providing technology consulting services to middle-market businesses—encountered a serious revenue decline in 2001. Sixty percent of the 47 member firms surveyed experienced flat or lower revenue, while 22% didn’t even turn a profit.