Client portal

PortalsXpress client portal

A client portal is an electronic gateway to a collection of digital files, services, and information, accessible over the Internet through a web browser.

The term is most often applied to a sharing mechanism between an organization and its clients.^[1] The organization provides a secure entry point, typically via a website, that lets its clients log in to an area where they can view, download, and upload private information.

Client portals are most prevalently used for the secure exchange of financial information. Privacy laws such as the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act require that organizations encrypt their clients' personally identifiable information that is sent online electronically. Sharing such information through email does not comply with the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act and other federal privacy laws.^[2]

Other advantages of client portals, as distinguished from email, include increased file size limitations and self-service access to a private repository. Some client portals offer additional features such as event-based file organization and discussion threads to augment the exchange of files.^[3]

Client portals are often used in conjunction with workflow automation and document management to maximize work environment efficiency.^[4] They can also work in conjunction with hardware and software to add multi-factor authentication for added security. ^[5]

See also

• Document management
• Shared file access

References

1. ^ American Institute of CPAs. "The Rage Surrounding Client Portals (July 2008)". http://www.cpa2biz.com/Content/media/PRODUCER_CONTENT/Newsletters/Articles_2008/CPA/Apr/Portals.jsp. 
2. ^ Journal of Accountancy. "Client Portals: A Secure Alternative to E-Mail (February 2010)". http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Issues/2010/Feb/20092359.htm. 
3. ^ Javek. "A Client Portal that's easy for everyone (June 2011)". http://www.javek.com/client-portal.htm. 
4. ^ CPA Technology Advisor. "Building Strategy: How Workflow, Document Management and Portals Work Together (June 2010)". http://www.cpatechnologyadvisor.com/print/The-CPA-Technology-Advisor/Building-Strategy--How-Workflow--Document-Management-and-Portals-Work-Together/1$2796. 
5. ^ GoldKey Security Corporation. "Secure Portal Appliance (April 2011)". http://www.goldkey.com/products/goldkey-secure-portal-appliance.html.