Schwab Performance Technologies users tap into upgrades, best practice info. Schwab Performance Technologies (SPT) has redesigned its website to help independent advisors "employ technology more effectively" by giving them access to tools and services for upgrading their Schwab software, finding out how other advisors use the technology and getting advice on best practice.

A bunch of new stuff

"Investing in the right portfolio-management software is one of the most crucial decisions an advisor makes," says Dan Skiles, a v.p. with Schwab Institutional's technology group. "To help advisors make the right technology decisions, the SPT website has been redesigned to better demonstrate the value that PortfolioCenter can deliver to their business."

Among the website's new features is a news and resource section featuring product maintenance and system requirements, SPT's newsletter and case studies of approaches to SPT technology adopted by other advisors. Another new feature is step-by-step instructions for advisors to use when they need to ensure accurate accounting of cash and cost basis information following a merger or other major corporate action.

An online learning and support section gives advisors access to education tools and product-support services, including help getting advisors started using the software, best-practice information, and interactive troubleshooting tools, as well as news of offline training opportunities such as an ongoing series of regional technology workshops that got underway a few weeks ago, in addition to remote sessions accessible by phone or Internet.

The site also provides interfaces with more than 40 broker-dealers and a list of third-party technology and service vendors whose products extend the capabilities of Schwab's software.

SPT, a subsidiary of San Francisco-based Charles Schwab, provides portfolio-management and accounting products to more than 3,000 independent financial advisors and investment managers.

Schwab Institutional, another part of Charles Schwab, provides custodial, operational and trading support for about 5,000 independent, fee-based investment advisories. -FWR

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