CCH (News - Alert) KnowledgeConnect, the first central, indexed and easy-to-search knowledge management system targeted specifically for the accounting industry, has been named finalist for Best Collaboration / Social Networking Solution in the 26th annual Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) CODiE Awards.

The awards contest recognizes excellence and innovation in information and software products and applications.

CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business and a provider of tax, accounting and audit information, software and services was selected among 395 business software nominations as being one of the best in the software and information industry.

Through a rigorous product review process, subject-matter experts selected finalists based on industry-accepted criteria.

 “We are thrilled to have been recognized by our peers,” said Philippe Pichette, vice-president of product management at CCH, in a statement.

“We worked closely with our customers to develop KnowledgeConnect, so it delivers precisely what accountants need to do their day-to-day jobs. For instance, it integrates Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs and has group FAQ capabilities to provide immediate gains in efficiency and productivity across the entire organization,” said Pichette.

CCH KnowledgeConnect was also recognized recently by The CPA Technology Advisor with a 2010 Tax and Accounting Technology Innovation Award, which identifies and honors new and emerging technologies that have the potential for significant positive impact on the profession and in the day-to-day work of tax and accounting practices.

“We are pleased to have such a diverse range of companies and products as finalists this year,” said Rhianna Collier, vice-president of the SIIA Software Division.

Collier said that the competition is always tough and it reflects the level of innovation across a wide range of companies in this industry.

The SIIA CODiE Awards hold the distinction of being the only peer-recognition awards program of its kind in the industry, providing a unique opportunity for companies to earn the praise of their competitors.