As consulting CPA, how do we become knowledgable about cloud ERP and CPM products so that we can present it as an option for clients? Otherwise we spend time just maintaining and implementing upgrades

The AICPA Trusted Business Advisor program is where CPA firms should start.

Not only will you learn about the AICPA recommended vendors http://us.intacct.com/ and www.bill.com, you will be able to become connected with several other interested firms for networking and support. The AICPA will provide you with the new engagement letter that is designed to help you implement these services.

The AICPA is providing a clear Roadmap for building out any cloud accounting services practice that comply with the current SSARs and other professional requirements.

I attended one of the 2012 Roadmap Conferences put on by CPA2Biz in New York, I highly recommend it.

As the profession works to undock the idea of financial statement preparation from the compilation services, CPA firms are positioned to implement Client Accounting Services with these new single-ledger cloud systems.

Here is the 2012 Conference Link:
http://clientsolutions.cpa2biz.com/Practice/TrainingWorkshop.html

I'm not sure if they are offering these again in 2013, but if I can connect your to all the personnel at CPA2Biz and to Jennifer Katrulya as well, she consults with CPA firms making the leap.

And for those CPAs who are in the process of learning to recommend Cloud solutions and wanting to learn which combinations of vendors are good to learn more about I am more than happy to provide you with a list and contact names.

The AICPA has made it its mission to help CPA firms fast forward into the cloud. Highly recommended that you skip CPE and contact the CPA2Biz folks directly.

Best.