ICAEW launches IT Counts - a world first?

A new online network has just been launched called IT Counts.  Whilst you may be familiar with Facebook or Myspace this one is different.  What makes IT Counts different is that this online network is provided by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and Microsoft.  If you thought that the words innovation and accountant never belonged in the same sentence then it is time to think again.

ICAEW IT Counts is focused on practical business IT.  The site is aimed at the general individual. It should also interest the technophile as IT Counts sets itself apart from the flood of technology sites with its strong business slant.

You may be wondering why Chartered Accountants need an online network dedicated to business IT.  The answer is simple.  The Chartered Accountant is no longer the stereotypical bean counter and an awareness of technology is a pre-requisite in a modern business environment.

IT Counts is packed full of Web 2.0 technology and uses the Wordframe platform. I've been lucky enough to be involved with the ICAEW's online network development together with Dennis Howlett, David Terrar and many forward thinking individuals at the ICAEW (more on that later).

The initial launch is restricted to ICAEW members, but that is expected to change.  This leaves the enticing prospect of the ICAEW as a professional member organisation hosting a virtual room that includes itself, Microsoft, CA's, technology specialists together with other business professionals and owners.  I  may be wrong, but as far as I'm aware that will be a world first.

Comments

[David Terrar]

Thanks for the mention and WordFrame reference. The project has been a lot of fun, and it's been good teamwork all around. The ICAEW have given the go ahead to produce some case study material on the story so far - there isn't enough good material around on this type of professional network, so that will be great.

[Philip Woodgate]

Hi David

Yes, I've been impressed with the individuals at the ICAEW. The majority of online networks are still coming from either technology or media companies and that the ICAEW is being so forward thinking can not only be good for the profession, but more importantly the additional technology awareness CA's get from IT Counts will I believe filter down to their clients and the businesses in which they work.