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April 26, 2012 at 10:10 am #977869Up::0
Good evening,
I am just getting around to listening to the most interesting Flying Solo online accounting webinar and will take use this post to comment…
The first thing that every online accounting solution (vendor or accountant) talks about is bank feeds. The ability of the software to connect to your bank and grab your transactions.
This has nothing to do with the accounting software being on the cloud, in this case it is acting as a client to connect to the bank. The same can be done from cloud software or desktop software. The fact that MYOB doesn’t do it and Xero does is not because one can run on a (web) server and the other on a desktop.
The 2nd thing that is commonly said about cloud computing is “reduced cost” how can you say that a $600 per year for accounting software is anything but expensive?
The last thing (for now and I am going to have more by the time I finish listening) is “access anywhere” and I have heard many variations on this, but today Heather suggested that if you have 20 minutes in the airport you’re going to use it to access your online accounting – this made me laugh
Ahhhh finally we hear the real reason behind using online accounting – it’s cool , I knew it LOL
Great job on the webinar very interesting and provides a lot of ideas…
April 26, 2012 at 12:00 pm #1102487Up::0Ahhhh, pushing the same lines again.
I’m not going to rehash the same conversations we always have but suffice to say, my Xero clients are increasing on a weekly basis. There must be something good about that makes them choose it over Nominal, MYOB etc.
Good luck with your system.
April 26, 2012 at 12:00 pm #1102565Up::0Ahhhh, pushing the same lines again.
I’m not going to rehash the same conversations we always have but suffice to say, my Xero clients are increasing on a weekly basis. There must be something good about that makes them choose it over Nominal, MYOB etc.
Good luck with your system.
April 26, 2012 at 12:26 pm #1102489Up::0Hi Uri,
I am new to this site, but was very interested in your comments about cloud accounting software. Our company has recently released a beta version of business software called eBankBooks (http://www.ebankbooks.com), which is completely free (will be supported by ads soon), because we understand how tough it can be for small business and consultants to commit indefinitely to regular monthly fee to a cloud software. We ourselves just couldn’t find anything on the market that we would be a truly business software and not just an accounting package, so had to write one. So you are welcome to give it a test run.
As for accessibility from any device anytime, we think it’s a great idea. Just imagine how much double entries would be eliminated, if you could create a quote while seeing your client, and email it there and then?
Your bookkeeper could also logon once a week from her office and do her work without travelling to yours and the same for your accountant!
April 26, 2012 at 12:26 pm #1102567Up::0Hi Uri,
I am new to this site, but was very interested in your comments about cloud accounting software. Our company has recently released a beta version of business software called eBankBooks (http://www.ebankbooks.com), which is completely free (will be supported by ads soon), because we understand how tough it can be for small business and consultants to commit indefinitely to regular monthly fee to a cloud software. We ourselves just couldn’t find anything on the market that we would be a truly business software and not just an accounting package, so had to write one. So you are welcome to give it a test run.
As for accessibility from any device anytime, we think it’s a great idea. Just imagine how much double entries would be eliminated, if you could create a quote while seeing your client, and email it there and then?
Your bookkeeper could also logon once a week from her office and do her work without travelling to yours and the same for your accountant!
April 26, 2012 at 11:26 pm #1102491Up::0Okay I have a question that has always stopped me from implementing an accounting SaaS solution:
“Who owns the data if I decide to move to another solution and I stop paying?” according to Xero & Saasu.
It was always my understanding that because you are not purchasing a license of the software outright but rather “renting” it, the data will not always be available to me if I decide to move on.
Would be interested to hear from all the accountants/bookkeepers on this matter and am happy for you to advise me that I am wrong in my understanding.
April 26, 2012 at 11:26 pm #1102568Up::0Okay I have a question that has always stopped me from implementing an accounting SaaS solution:
“Who owns the data if I decide to move to another solution and I stop paying?” according to Xero & Saasu.
It was always my understanding that because you are not purchasing a license of the software outright but rather “renting” it, the data will not always be available to me if I decide to move on.
Would be interested to hear from all the accountants/bookkeepers on this matter and am happy for you to advise me that I am wrong in my understanding.
April 27, 2012 at 12:33 am #1102493Up::0BranchingOut, post: 114332 wrote:“Who owns the data if I decide to move to another solution and I stop paying?” according to Xero & Saasu.It was always my understanding that because you are not purchasing a license of the software outright but rather “renting” it, the data will not always be available to me if I decide to move on.
Hello Samantha,
I cannot speak for other cloud accounting/business apps, but as for eBankBooks, we backup your data daily and you will be able to export it when you want to. You own you data, as far as we are concerned and we provide all the services for free anyway (will be paid by ads only).
Our system is still being finalised at the moment, we are focusing of getting data in first. Our import function is complete, we are working on reconciliation and export function will be coming shortly. At a click of a button you will be able to get all you data as a .csv file. Hope this helps.
April 27, 2012 at 12:33 am #1102570Up::0BranchingOut, post: 114332 wrote:“Who owns the data if I decide to move to another solution and I stop paying?” according to Xero & Saasu.It was always my understanding that because you are not purchasing a license of the software outright but rather “renting” it, the data will not always be available to me if I decide to move on.
Hello Samantha,
I cannot speak for other cloud accounting/business apps, but as for eBankBooks, we backup your data daily and you will be able to export it when you want to. You own you data, as far as we are concerned and we provide all the services for free anyway (will be paid by ads only).
Our system is still being finalised at the moment, we are focusing of getting data in first. Our import function is complete, we are working on reconciliation and export function will be coming shortly. At a click of a button you will be able to get all you data as a .csv file. Hope this helps.
April 27, 2012 at 1:43 am #1102496Up::0Dardee, post: 114308 wrote:Ahhhh, pushing the same lines again.Don’t we all?
First let me say that I know very well how much more sales Xero makes than Nominal. But that is saying very little about Xero and a lot about Nominal if you consider the 1:3800 ratio in the funding we have LOL
2nd I think Xero and Sassu are excellent tools, I have used them and liked them very much. What annoys me is the buzz element – if you only listen to what is being said about Xero you would think that they own the majority of the market.
This is not true. In the webinar 50% of the participants said they use desktop software and these are people that came to hear about online accounting.
If you look at the “general population” the number is probably more than 90% use desktop software.
So I represent the silent majority and I am not afraid to be uncool using and promoting desktop software. Everyone has to stand for someone, isnt it?
April 27, 2012 at 1:43 am #1102573Up::0Dardee, post: 114308 wrote:Ahhhh, pushing the same lines again.Don’t we all?
First let me say that I know very well how much more sales Xero makes than Nominal. But that is saying very little about Xero and a lot about Nominal if you consider the 1:3800 ratio in the funding we have LOL
2nd I think Xero and Sassu are excellent tools, I have used them and liked them very much. What annoys me is the buzz element – if you only listen to what is being said about Xero you would think that they own the majority of the market.
This is not true. In the webinar 50% of the participants said they use desktop software and these are people that came to hear about online accounting.
If you look at the “general population” the number is probably more than 90% use desktop software.
So I represent the silent majority and I am not afraid to be uncool using and promoting desktop software. Everyone has to stand for someone, isnt it?
April 27, 2012 at 3:43 am #1102498Up::0To me the fun part of ‘access anywhere’ is yes I can take my laptop and access my accounts while on the bus/plane, sitting on the beach…..
Woo hoo cloud is great….but hang on a minute, in fact I am accessing my accounts on my hardware installed program….yes, my laptop.
But horses for courses. I imagine the MAJORITY of businesses are like me. Sitting in their office at home, or the workshop, or the rented office, doing their business. Most are not doing accounts in the middle of the day (though I did today, damned BAS!!) so the ‘portability aspect of it loses some weight.
For invoicing – yes I can do that on my laptop from anywhere because the program is on the laptop. I can even email it simply by finding a WIFI spot or connecting via my phone.
And an external book-keeper, sure that work on the file and send to me, I restore the backup and am up to date. I send them a backup when I change stuff intra their input (yes a bit of coordination….)
But sure, accessing a cloud based solution does all this as well. Does it better…? flip a coin.
Perhaps the only advantage is access on a tablet or other device that may not run an installed software program.
The cost comparison…have not done that but buying a software at maybe $200 and having annual updates at maybe $150…don’t know how that compares to cloud, but I am sure someone with put this into a table and post it.
April 27, 2012 at 3:43 am #1102575Up::0To me the fun part of ‘access anywhere’ is yes I can take my laptop and access my accounts while on the bus/plane, sitting on the beach…..
Woo hoo cloud is great….but hang on a minute, in fact I am accessing my accounts on my hardware installed program….yes, my laptop.
But horses for courses. I imagine the MAJORITY of businesses are like me. Sitting in their office at home, or the workshop, or the rented office, doing their business. Most are not doing accounts in the middle of the day (though I did today, damned BAS!!) so the ‘portability aspect of it loses some weight.
For invoicing – yes I can do that on my laptop from anywhere because the program is on the laptop. I can even email it simply by finding a WIFI spot or connecting via my phone.
And an external book-keeper, sure that work on the file and send to me, I restore the backup and am up to date. I send them a backup when I change stuff intra their input (yes a bit of coordination….)
But sure, accessing a cloud based solution does all this as well. Does it better…? flip a coin.
Perhaps the only advantage is access on a tablet or other device that may not run an installed software program.
The cost comparison…have not done that but buying a software at maybe $200 and having annual updates at maybe $150…don’t know how that compares to cloud, but I am sure someone with put this into a table and post it.
April 27, 2012 at 4:56 am #1102499Up::0Hello, Heather Smith here.
Thank-you for your kind words about the cloud based accounting solutions webinar.
I love both PC and cloud solutions, and actively use both. I have just written Learn MYOB in 7 Days which is about PC based MYOB software so I happily sit in both camps, and I don’t drink the KOOLAID!!
I believe different solutions suit different businesses, and if someone says that you should only look at THIS solution, then I would avoid their advice and try and understand their agenda. However I also think it is perfectly OK for someone to say “I only give advice on this XYZ software so if you want to use me, you have to use this software”
Yes bank statements can be downloaded from the bank and imported into MYOB and QuickBooks and other solution. Yes this is very similar to the cloud option, however there is ‘redundant time doing a repetitive process’ every time this is undertaken.
Integrated cloud solutions reduce costs – I think I went through this in detail in the webinar about both the time and cost savings. You cannot absolutely look at the cost, you need to consider the time, and how you value your own time.
Samantha you asked :- “Who owns the data if I decide to move to another solution and I stop paying?” according to Xero & Saasu.”
I answered this on the webinar.
The subscriber owns the data. So if you used a consultant like myself and pay the subscription to the consultant (me), rather than the provider themselves, then I own the data. Yes I actually think this is an issue for the business owner. I personally benefit from you subscribing through me, I get a kickback from the solution provider and I go up in the consultant rankings. If you subscribe directly you own the data.
If you cease your subscription your data is archived by the provider (XERO & SAASU) and available in read only mode for 5 to 7 years. MYOB LiveAccounts suggest they remove the data from the system after a couple of months, but I presume it is also archived.
I go through this in detail in the follow up Q&A what you can access here: http://www.flyingsolo.com.au/finance_webinarHeather
April 27, 2012 at 4:56 am #1102577Up::0Hello, Heather Smith here.
Thank-you for your kind words about the cloud based accounting solutions webinar.
I love both PC and cloud solutions, and actively use both. I have just written Learn MYOB in 7 Days which is about PC based MYOB software so I happily sit in both camps, and I don’t drink the KOOLAID!!
I believe different solutions suit different businesses, and if someone says that you should only look at THIS solution, then I would avoid their advice and try and understand their agenda. However I also think it is perfectly OK for someone to say “I only give advice on this XYZ software so if you want to use me, you have to use this software”
Yes bank statements can be downloaded from the bank and imported into MYOB and QuickBooks and other solution. Yes this is very similar to the cloud option, however there is ‘redundant time doing a repetitive process’ every time this is undertaken.
Integrated cloud solutions reduce costs – I think I went through this in detail in the webinar about both the time and cost savings. You cannot absolutely look at the cost, you need to consider the time, and how you value your own time.
Samantha you asked :- “Who owns the data if I decide to move to another solution and I stop paying?” according to Xero & Saasu.”
I answered this on the webinar.
The subscriber owns the data. So if you used a consultant like myself and pay the subscription to the consultant (me), rather than the provider themselves, then I own the data. Yes I actually think this is an issue for the business owner. I personally benefit from you subscribing through me, I get a kickback from the solution provider and I go up in the consultant rankings. If you subscribe directly you own the data.
If you cease your subscription your data is archived by the provider (XERO & SAASU) and available in read only mode for 5 to 7 years. MYOB LiveAccounts suggest they remove the data from the system after a couple of months, but I presume it is also archived.
I go through this in detail in the follow up Q&A what you can access here: http://www.flyingsolo.com.au/finance_webinarHeather
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