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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIE”) in which the Company is the primary beneficiary and entities in which the Company has a controlling interest. Investments in less than majority-owned companies in which the Company does not have a controlling interest, but does have significant influence, are accounted for as equity method investments. Investments in less than majority-owned companies in which the Company does not have the ability to exert significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee are accounted for using the cost method. All material intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue
Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue

The Company generates revenue from the delivery of a range of products, solutions and services principally on a transactional or subscription basis (“SaaS”) or in the form of Professional Services or Software Licenses. Revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, fees are fixed or determinable and collection is considered probable.

Transactional and Subscription Service Arrangements: Transaction and subscription revenues consist of revenues derived from the processing of transactions through our service platforms, providing enterprise portal management services on a subscription basis and maintenance agreements on software licenses. Transaction service arrangements include services such as processing equipment orders, new account set-up and activation, number port requests, credit checks and inventory management. Subscription services include monthly active user fees, SaaS fees, hosting and storage and the related maintenance support for those services.

Transaction revenues are principally based on a contractual price per transaction and are recognized based on the number of transactions processed during each reporting period. Revenues are recorded based on the total number of transactions processed at the applicable price established in the relevant contract. The total amount of revenue recognized is based primarily on the volume of transactions. Subscription revenues are recorded one of two ways: on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract or on a fixed monthly fee based on a set contracted amount.

Many of our contracts guarantee minimum volume transactions from the customer. In these instances, if the customer’s total transaction volume for the period is less than the contractual amount, we record revenues at the minimum guaranteed amount.Set-up fees for transactional service arrangements are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract since these amounts would not have been paid by the customer without the related transactional service arrangement. Revenues are presented net of discounts, which are volume level driven, or credits, which are performance driven, and are determined in the period in which the volume thresholds are met, or the services are provided.

Professional Service and Software License Arrangements: Professional services include process and workflow consulting services and development services. Professional services when sold with transactional or subscription service arrangements are accounted for separately when the professional services have value to the customer on a standalone basis and there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value of the professional services. When accounted for separately, professional service revenues are recognized as services are performed and all other elements of revenue recognition have been satisfied.

In determining whether professional service revenues can be accounted for separately from transaction or subscription service revenues, we consider the following factors for each professional services agreement: availability of the professional services from other vendors, whether objective and reliable evidence of fair value exists of the undelivered elements, the nature of the professional services, the timing of when the professional services contract was signed in comparison to the transaction or subscription service start date and the contractual independence of the transactional or subscription service from the professional services.

If a professional service arrangement were not to qualify for separate accounting, we would recognize the professional service revenues ratably over the remaining term of the transaction or subscription agreement.

Multiple Element Arrangements: Revenue from software license arrangements is recognized when the license is delivered to our customers and all of the software revenue recognition criteria are met. When software arrangements include multiple elements, the arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception to all deliverables using the residual method providing we have vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) on all undelivered elements. We determine VSOE for each element based on historical stand-alone sales to third-parties.

When transaction or subscription service arrangements, include multiple elements, the arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of an arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. The relative selling price method allocates any discount in the arrangement proportionally to each deliverable on the basis of each deliverable’s selling price. The selling price used for each deliverable will be based on VSOE if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”) if vendor- specific objective evidence is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither vendor-specific objective evidence nor third-party evidence is available. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which we would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. We determine ESP by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, geographies, market conditions, competitive landscape, internal costs, gross margin objectives, and pricing practices. ESP is generally used for offerings that are not typically sold on a stand-alone basis or for new or highly customized offerings.

While we follow specific and detailed rules and guidelines related to revenue recognition, we make and use management judgments and estimates in connection with the revenue recognized in any reporting period, particularly in the areas described above, as well as collectability. If management made different estimates or judgments, differences in the timing of the recognition of revenue could occur.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenues represent billings to customers for services in advance of the performance of services, with revenues recognized as the services are rendered, and also include the fair value of deferred revenues recorded as a result of acquisitions.

Service Level Standards
Service Level Standards

Pursuant to certain contracts, the Company is subject to service level standards and to corresponding penalties for failure to meet those standards. All performance-related penalties are reflected as a corresponding reduction of the Company’s revenues. These penalties, if applicable, are recorded in the month incurred and were insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of Revenues

Cost of services includes all direct materials, direct labor and those indirect costs related to revenues such as indirect labor, materials and supplies and facilities cost, exclusive of depreciation expense.

Research and Development
Research and Development

Software development costs are accounted for in accordance with either ASC 985-20, “Software - Costs of Software to be Sold, Leased or Marketed,” or ASC 350-40, “Internal-Use Software.” Costs associated with the planning and designing phase of software development are classified as research and development costs and are expensed as incurred. The amounts capitalized include external direct costs of services used in developing internal-use software, employee compensation and related expenses of personnel directly associated with the development activities and interest. Once technological feasibility has been determined, a portion of the costs incurred in development, including coding, testing and quality assurance, are capitalized until available for general release to clients.

Amortization is calculated on a solution-by-solution basis and is recognized over the estimated economic life of the software, typically ranging two to three years. Amortization begins when the software is substantially completed for its intended use. Costs incurred during the preliminary and post-implementation stages are expensed as incurred. The amounts capitalized include external direct costs of services used in developing internal-use software, employee compensation and related expenses of personnel directly associated with the development activities and interest. Software development costs are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Unrecoverable costs are reviewed annually and recognized in the period they become unrecoverable, as needed, and are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as depreciation and amortization expense.

Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents at several major financial institutions. The Company has not experienced any realized losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk related to cash, cash equivalents and securities. The Company’s cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities consist primarily of money market funds, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and municipal and corporate bonds. The Company believes that concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited because of the creditworthiness of its major customers.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash
Restricted Cash

Restricted cash includes amounts to various deposits, escrows and other cash collateral that are restricted by contractual obligation.

Derivatives
Derivatives

The Company evaluates convertible instruments, options, warrants or other contracts to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivatives to be separately accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815, "Derivatives and Hedging." The result of this accounting treatment is that the fair value of the derivative is marked-to-market each balance sheet date and recorded as a liability. In the event that the fair value is recorded as a liability, the change in fair value is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as other income (expense). Upon conversion or exercise of a derivative instrument, the instrument is marked to fair value at the conversion date and then that fair value is reclassified to equity. Equity instruments that are initially classified as equity that become subject to reclassification under ASC Topic 815 are reclassified to liabilities at the fair value of the instrument on the reclassification date.

Marketable Securities
Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist of fixed income investments with a maturity of greater than three months and enhanced money market funds. These investments are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company classifies its securities with maturity dates of 12 months or more as long term. Unrealized holding gains and losses are reported within accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. If a decline in the fair value of a marketable security below the Company’s cost basis is determined to be other than temporary, such marketable security is written down to its estimated fair value as a new cost basis and the amount of the write-down is included in earnings as an impairment charge. The Company has recorded temporary changes in fair value of the marketable securities but has not recorded other-than-temporary charges for the periods presented herein.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company maintains an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company estimates uncollectible amounts based upon historical bad debts, current customer receivable balances, the age of customer receivable balances, the customer’s financial condition and current economic trends.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment

Property and equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 5 years, or the lesser of the related initial term of the lease or useful life for leasehold improvements. Amortization of property and equipment recorded under a capital lease is included with depreciation expense. Expenditures for routine maintenance and repairs are charged against operations. Major replacements, improvements and additions are capitalized.

Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interests and Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments

Noncontrolling interests (“NCI”) are evaluated by the Company and are shown as either a liability, temporary equity (shown between liabilities and equity) or as permanent equity depending on the nature of the redeemable features at amounts based on formulas specific to each entity. Generally, mandatorily redeemable NCI’s are classified as liabilities and non-mandatorily redeemable NCI’s are classified outside of stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as temporary equity under the caption, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and are measured at their redemption values at the end of each period. If the redemption value is greater than the carrying value, an adjustment is recorded in retained earnings to record the NCI at its redemption value. Redeemable NCI’s that are mandatorily redeemable are classified as a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under either other current liabilities or other long-term liabilities, depending on the remaining duration until settlement, and are measured at the amount of cash that would be paid if settlement occurred at the balance sheet date with any change from the prior period recognized as interest expense.

If the noncontrolling interest is not currently redeemable yet probable of becoming redeemable, the Company is required to either (1) accrete changes in the redemption value over the period from the date of issuance to the earliest redemption date of the instrument using an appropriate methodology, usually the interest method, or (2) recognize changes in the redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying value of the security to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. The Company has elected to recognize changes in the redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest to the greater of the estimated redemption value, which approximates fair value, at the end of each reporting period or the initial carrying amount. 

Net income attributable to NCI’s reflects the portion of the net income (loss) of consolidated entities applicable to the NCI stockholders in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. The net income attributable to NCI is classified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as part of consolidated net income and deducted from total consolidated net income to arrive at the net income attributable to the Company.
Business Combinations
Business Combinations

The Company accounts for business combinations in accordance with the acquisition method. The acquisition method of accounting requires that assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the aquiree (if any), be recorded at their fair values on the date of a business acquisition. The Company’s consolidated financial statements and results of operations reflect an acquired business from the completion date of the transaction.

The judgments that the Company makes in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives, can materially impact net income in periods following a business combination. The Company generally uses either the income, cost or market approach to aid in its conclusions of such fair values and asset lives. The income approach presumes that the value of an asset can be estimated by the net economic benefit to be received over the life of the asset, discounted to present value. The cost approach presumes that an investor would pay no more for an asset than its replacement or reproduction cost. The market approach estimates value based on what other participants in the market have paid for reasonably similar assets. Although each valuation approach is considered in valuing the assets acquired, the approach ultimately selected is based on the characteristics of the asset and the availability of information.

The Company records contingent consideration resulting from a business combination at its fair value on the acquisition date. Each reporting period thereafter, the Company revalues these obligations and records increases or decreases in their fair value as an adjustment to net change in contingent consideration obligation within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligation can result from updates in the achievement of financial or other operational targets and changes to the weighted probability of achieving those future targets. Significant judgment is employed in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, any change in the assumptions described above, could have a material impact on the amount of the net change in contingent consideration obligation that the Company records in any given period.
Discontinued Operations
Discontinued Operations

The Company generally classifies a disposal transaction as discontinued operation in the consolidated financial statements when it qualifies as a component of the Company, meets the held for sale criteria, is disposed of by sale, or is disposed of other than by sale and it represents a strategic shift that has a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. Insignificant and non-strategic shifting divestitures are not classified within discontinued operations.

Investments in Affiliates and Other Entities
Investments in Affiliates and Other Entities

In the normal course of business, Synchronoss enters into various types of investment arrangements, each having unique terms and conditions. These investments may include equity interests held by Synchronoss in business entities, including general or limited partnerships, contractual ventures, or other forms of equity participation. Synchronoss determines whether such investments involve a variable interest entity (“VIE”) based on the characteristics of the subject entity. If the entity is determined to be a VIE, then management determines if Synchronoss is the primary beneficiary of the entity and whether or not consolidation of the VIE is required. The primary beneficiary consolidating the VIE must normally have both (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE, in either case that could potentially be significant to the VIE. When Synchronoss is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the VIE is consolidated and the other party’s equity interest in the VIE is accounted for as a noncontrolling interest.

The Company generally accounts for investments it makes in VIEs in which it has determined that it does not have a controlling financial interest but has significant influence over and holds at least a 20% ownership interest using the equity method. Any such investment not meeting the parameters to be accounted under the equity method would be accounted for using the cost method unless the investment had a readily determinable fair value, at which it would then be reported.

If an entity fails to meet the characteristics of a VIE, the Company then evaluates such entity under the voting model. Under the voting model, the Company consolidates the entity if they determine that they, directly or indirectly, have greater than 50% of the voting shares, and determine that other equity holders do not have substantive participating rights.
Allowance for Loan Losses
Allowance for Loan Losses

Goodwill
Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired, including other definite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of October 1st of each year or when an interim triggering event has occurred indicating potential impairment. The Company has concluded that it has two operating segments and one reportable segment because the aggregation criteria and the quantitative threshold test was met. The Company tests for goodwill impairment on each of its reporting units, which is at the operating segment or one level below the operating segment.

During our qualitative assessment we make significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments, around the financial performance of the Company, changes in our share price, and forecasts of earnings, working capital requirements, and cash flows. We consider each reporting unit's historical results and operating trends as well as any strategic difference from our historical results when determining these assumptions.

The Company can opt to perform a qualitative assessment to test a reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment or the Company can directly perform the quantitative impairment test. If the Company determines that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not to be less than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test is performed.

Fair value estimates used in the quantitative impairment test are calculated using a combination of the income and market approaches. The income approach is based on the present value of future cash flows of each reporting unit, while the market approach is based on certain multiples of selected guideline public companies or selected guideline transactions. The approaches incorporate a number of market participant assumptions including future growth rates, discount rates, income tax rates and market activity in assessing fair value and are reporting unit specific. If the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, we recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value.

The fair value measurement associated with the quantitative goodwill impairment test is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement. Significant changes in the underlying assumptions used to value goodwill could significantly increase or decrease the fair value estimates used for impairment assessments.

In order to assess the reasonableness of the estimated fair value of the Company’s reporting units, the Company compares the aggregate reporting unit fair value to the Company’s market capitalization on an overall basis and calculates an implied control premium (the excess of the sum of the reporting units’ fair value over the Company’s market capitalization on an overall basis). The Company evaluates the control premium by comparing it to observable control premiums from recent comparable transactions. If the implied control premium is determined to not be reasonable in light of these recent transactions, the Company re-evaluates its reporting unit fair values, which may result in an adjustment to the discount rate and/or other assumptions.

This re-evaluation could result in a change to the estimated fair value for certain or all reporting units. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, goodwill is not impaired.

If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, goodwill is impaired and the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value over the fair value is recognized as an impairment loss.

There were no goodwill impairment charges recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

A review of long-lived assets for impairment is performed when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. If an indication of impairment is present, the Company compares the estimated undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by the asset to the asset’s carrying amount. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the Company records an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The fair value is determined based on valuation techniques such as a comparison to fair values of similar assets or using a discounted cash flow analysis.

This fair value measurement is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement. Significant changes in the underlying assumptions used to value long lived assets could significantly increase or decrease the fair value estimates used for impairment assessments.

Long lived assets that do not have indefinite lives are amortized/depreciated over their useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company reevaluates the useful life determinations each year to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining useful lives.

Income Taxes
Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted Federal tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "TCJA"). The TCJA makes changes to the corporate tax rate, business-related deductions and taxation of foreign earnings, among others, that will generally be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. These changes could have a material adverse impact on the value of the Company’s U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities, result in significant one-time charges in the current or future taxable years and increase the Company’s future U.S. tax expense. Due to the complexities involved in accounting for the recently enacted TCJA, the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118 requires that the company include in its financial statements the reasonable estimate of the impact of the TCJA on earnings to the extent such reasonable estimate has been determined. Accordingly, the U.S. provision for income tax for 2017 is based on the reasonable estimate guidance provided by SAB 118. The Company is continuing to assess the impact from the TCJA and will record adjustments in 2018.

Since the Company conducts operations on a global basis, the effective tax rate has, and will depend upon, the geographic distribution of pre-tax earnings among locations with varying tax rates. The Company accounts for the effects of income taxes that result from activities during the current and preceding years. Under this method, deferred income tax liabilities and assets are based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse or be utilized. The realization of deferred tax assets is contingent upon the generation of future taxable income. A valuation allowance is recorded if it is “more likely than not” that a portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

In evaluating the Company’s ability to recover deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. In projecting future taxable income, the Company begins with historical results and incorporate assumptions including the amount of future state, federal and foreign pretax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax-planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates the Company is using to manage the underlying businesses. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, the Company considers three years of cumulative operating income (loss).

The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The amount of the accrual for which an exposure exists is measured by determining the amount that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon the settlement of the position. Components of the reserve are classified as current or a long term liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on when the Company expects each of the items to be settled. The Company records interest and penalties accrued in relation to uncertain tax benefits as a component of interest expense. The Company expects that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change during 2018, we expect the change to have a $2.8 million impact on our results of operations and financial position.

While the Company believes it has identified all reasonably identifiable exposures and that the reserve it has established for identifiable exposures is appropriate under the circumstances, it is possible that additional exposures exist and that exposures may be settled at amounts different than the amounts reserved. It is also possible that changes in facts and circumstances could cause it to either materially increase or reduce the carrying amount of tax reserves. In general, tax returns for the year 2014 and thereafter are subject to future examination by tax authorities.

The Company’s policy has been to leave the cumulative unremitted foreign earnings invested indefinitely outside the United States, and it intends to continue this policy. Although the transition tax in the TCJA has removed U.S. federal taxes on distributions to the U.S. on a go forward, the Company continues to assert permanent reinvestment on foreign earnings. Due to the timing and circumstances of repatriation of such earnings, if any, it is not practicable to determine the unrecognized deferred tax liability relating to such amounts.

Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency

The functional currency is translated into U.S. dollars for balance sheet accounts using the month end rates in effect as of the balance sheet date and average exchange rate for revenue and expense accounts for each respective period. The translation adjustments are deferred as a separate component of stockholders’ equity within accumulated other comprehensive income.

Gains or losses resulting from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are included in other income or expense, within the Consolidated Statements of Operations and were as follows:
 
Year ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
(Restated)
 
(Restated)
Net loss on foreign currency translations
$
(4,952
)
 
$
(270
)
 
$
(512
)


Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Reporting on comprehensive income requires components of other comprehensive income, including unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities, to be included as part of total comprehensive income. Comprehensive income is comprised of net income, translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. The components of comprehensive income are included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Basic and Diluted Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders per Common Share
Basic and Diluted Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders per Common Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding amounts associated with restricted shares.

The diluted earnings per share calculation is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding adjusted for the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had all potentially dilutive common shares been issued.

Potentially dilutive shares of common stock include stock options, convertible debt and unvested restricted stock. The dilutive effects of stock options and restricted stock awards are based on the treasury stock method. The dilutive effect of the assumed conversion of convertible debt is determined using the if-converted method. The after-tax effect of interest expense related to the convertible securities is added back to net income, and the convertible debt is assumed to have been converted into common shares at the beginning of the period.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation

As of December 31, 2017, the Company maintains eight stock-based compensation plans.

The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options on the dates of grant. Restricted stock awards are measured based on the fair market values of the underlying stock on the dates of grant. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation over the requisite service period with an offsetting credit to additional paid-in capital.

For the Company’s performance restricted stock awards, the Company estimates the number of shares the recipient is to receive by applying a probability of achieving the performance goals. The actual number of shares the recipient receives is determined at the end of the performance period based on the results achieved versus goals based on the performance targets, such as revenues and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). Once the number of awards is determined, the compensation cost is fixed and continues to be recognized using straight line recognition over the requisite service period for each vesting tranche.

During 2017, the Board approved the issuance of performance-based restricted stock to certain executives which are eligible to vest if the volume-weighted average closing price over 20 consecutive trading days equals or exceeds certain stock prices during the specific performance period from July 2017 to July 2019. The Company utilized the Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value of the restricted stock on its grant date.

Use of a valuation model requires management to make certain assumptions with respect to selected model inputs. Expected volatility was calculated based on historical information of the Company’s stock. The average expected life was determined using historical stock option exercise activity. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of grant. The Company has never declared or paid cash dividends on the common or preferred equity and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards/Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted
Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard related to revenue recognition, Accounting Standards Update (ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” (“ASC 606” or “Topic 606”). The new standard supersedes the existing revenue recognition requirements under U.S. GAAP and requires entities to recognize revenue when they transfer control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires increased disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Topic 606 applying the modified retrospective method to all contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. We recorded a net reduction to opening retained earnings of approximately $10.1 million as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606.  

The impact of adoption primarily relates to (1) the delayed pattern of recognition under Topic 606 for certain professional services revenue when such professional services involve the customization of features and functionality for subscription services customers and (2) the earlier pattern of recognition under Topic 606 for license revenue when the Company provides hosting services for on-premise license customers.  In the case of professional services that involve the customization of features and functionality for subscription services, under historic accounting policies the professional services were considered to have standalone value, and as a result were recognized as the services were performed.  Under Topic 606, such professional services are not considered to be a distinct performance obligation within the context of the subscription services contract, and as such customization services revenue is recognized over the shorter of the estimated remaining life of the subscription software (typically three years) or the remaining term of the subscription services contract. In the case of license contracts sold in association with hosting, under historic accounting policies the license revenue was recognized over the hosting term due to the lack of vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value for the hosting services.  Under Topic 606, VSOE is no longer required in order to allocate revenue between the license and the hosting services, and the license revenue is generally recognized upon delivery of the software based on the relative allocation of the contract price based on the established standalone selling price (“SSP”)

Additional impacts of adoption include (1) in certain cases changes in the amount allocated to the various performance obligation in accordance with the relative standalone selling price method required by Topic 606 compared to the amount allocated to the various elements in accordance with the residual method or the relative selling price method, as applicable, under historic accounting policies, (2) the capitalization and subsequent amortization of certain sales commissions as costs to obtain a contract under ASC 340-40, whereas under historic accounting policies all such amounts were expensed as incurred (3) the timing and amount of revenue recognition for certain sales contracts that are considered to involve variable consideration under Topic 606, but were considered to either not be fixed or determinable or to involve contingent revenue features under historic accounting policies, (4) in certain limited cases, the accounting for discounted customer options to purchase future software or services as material rights under Topic 606, as well as (5) the income tax impact of the above items, as applicable.

In connection with the adoption of Topic 606 and the related cost accounting guidance under ASC 340, we are required to capitalize certain contract acquisition costs consisting primarily of commissions and bonuses paid when contracts are signed. As of January 1, 2018, the date we adopted Topic 606, we capitalized $0.7 million in contract acquisition costs related to contracts that were not completed.

Under ASC 340-40 we evaluate whether or not we should capitalize the costs of fulfilling a contract. Such costs would be capitalized when they are not within the scope of other standards and: (1) are directly related to a contract; (2) generate or enhance resources that will be used to satisfy performance obligations, and (3) are expected to be recovered. No such costs were capitalized as of January 1, 2018.


Recent accounting pronouncements adopted
Standard
 
Description
 
Effect on the financial statements
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04 Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
 
In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 also eliminates the requirement for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.
 
The Company elected to early adopt this ASU for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Date of adoption: January 1, 2020.
 
 
 
 
Standard
 
Description
 
Effect on the financial statements
ASU 2017-01 Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business
 
In January 2017, FASB changed its definition of a business in an effort to help entities determine whether a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. The guidance requires an entity to first evaluate whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If this threshold is met, the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. If the threshold is not met, the entity evaluates whether the set meets the requirement that a business include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. The guidance narrows the definition of outputs by more closely aligning it with how outputs are described in the new revenue guidance. The guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after 15 December 2017, and interim periods within those periods. For all other entities, it is effective for annual periods beginning after 15 December 2018, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after 15 December 2019. Early adoption is permitted.

 
The Company elected to early adopt this ASU on January 1, 2017 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Date of adoption: January 1, 2017.
 
 
 
 
ASU 2016-18 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)
 
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, which amends the guidance in ASC 230, including providing additional guidance related to transfers between cash and restricted cash and how entities present, in their statement of cash flows, the cash receipts and cash payments that directly affect the restricted cash accounts. ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted.
 
The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017 to each period presented and applied the changes to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Date of adoption: January 1, 2017.
 
 
 
 
ASU 2016-17 Consolidation: Interest Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control
 
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, to amend the consolidation guidance on how a reporting entity that is the single decision maker of a variable interest entity should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control within the reporting entity when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that variable interest entity. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.
 
The Company elected to early adopt this ASU on January 1, 2017 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this ASU had no significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Date of adoption: January 1, 2017.
 
 
 
 
ASU 2016-16 Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory
 
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, which requires entities to recognize at the transaction date the income tax effects for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted.
 
The Company elected to early adopt this ASU on January 1, 2017 on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings of $3.2 million as of January 1, 2017.
Date of adoption: January 1, 2017.
 
 
 
 
ASU 2016-15 Statement of Cash Flows
 
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 which will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2016-15 will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply, in which case the Company would be required to apply the amendments prospectively as of the earliest date practicable.

 
The Company elected to early adopt this ASU on January 1, 2017 using a retrospective transition method. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Date of adoption: January 1, 2017.
 
 
 
 

Standards issued not yet adopted
Standard
 
Description
 
Effect on the financial statements
ASU 2017-09 Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Scope of Modification Accounting
 
In May 2017, FASB issued guidance which clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. Entities will apply the modification accounting guidance if the value, vesting conditions or classification of the award changes. The guidance also clarifies that a modification to an award could be significant and therefore require disclosure, even if modification accounting is not required. ASU 2017-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 31, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements have not been issued. ASU 2017-09 should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date.
 
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
Date of adoption: January 1, 2018.
 
 
 
 
ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
 
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The ASU is effective for public companies in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years.
 
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
Date of adoption: January 1, 2020.
 
 
 
 
ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842)
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 which requires lessees to recognize, for all leases of 12 months or more, a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature of an entity’s leasing activities. This ASU is effective for public reporting companies for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach.
 
The Company is in the process of evaluating the effect of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Date of adoption: January 1, 2019.
 
 
 
 


Segment and Geographic
Segment and Geographic Information
Segment and Geographic Information

The Company’s chief operating decision‑maker is the Principal Executive Officer, who reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of making operating decisions. However, in assessing financial performance and allocating resources, the Company considers the markets in which it operates. The Company has determined that it currently operates in two business segments: (i) providing cloud solutions and software‑based activation for connected devices globally and (ii) enterprise solutions. Given the size of the Company’s enterprise segment, and the Company’s shift in focus toward the telecommunications, media and technology (“TMT”) market, the Company concluded that it has one reportable segment. Although the Company operates in North America, Europe and Asia‑Pacific a majority of the Company’s revenue and long lived assets are in the U.S.

Revenues by geography are based on the billing addresses of the Company’s customers.
Fair Value Measurements

Level 1 - Observable inputs - quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities includes quoted prices for similar instruments, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets, and amounts derived from valuation models where all significant inputs are observable in active markets; and
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs - includes amounts derived from valuation models where one or more significant inputs are unobservable and require the Company to develop relevant assumptions.