Q. Who is Xero targeted at?
A. Xero is targeted at small and medium sized business who have relatively straight forward business processes and who may be simply ”making-do” with any old piece of software. This includes businesses who run their operation using paper-based systems and Spreadsheets.
Q. Is Xero secure?
A. Xero’s security policies are modelled on those used by the Banks. They use 128 bit SSL encryption, the same used for internet banking, and their servers are hosted on a tier-one hosting provider who monitors their servers and firewalls 24/7/365 at a guarded facility. They use an external organisation to continually audit their security by conducting penetrative testing, unannounced and deliberate attacks to measure their vulnerability to outside hackers. Data is stored on their secure servers and backed up regularly, so even if your computer is lost or stolen your data is safe.
Q. Does that mean Xero is more secure than desktop software?
Unlike desktop applications, your data isn’t stored on your computer, so if your laptop or desktop is lost or stolen, no one can access your data without a login. Online applications are much more secure than emailing your accounting data or giving out memory sticks with your data on it.
Q. What services do you provide?
A. Setting up and commissioning of Xero with an option to take Monthly or Quarterly business reviews. We will produce Year End accounts as standard if you choose our ”Full” service level. Whatever your requirements, we are happy to be flexible to fit in with your business needs.
Q. But I already have an accountant!
A. No problem. Our objective is to help businesses put strong business and financial controls in place that are both easy and enjoyable to use. Our choice of service levels allows you to pick a service that provides the right level of support within your budget. Ideally this will include the production of year end accounts, which you can give to your accountant to finalise your tax affairs with HMRC.
Q. Should I use accware instead of my accountant?
A. We are happy to provide a full range of accounting and taxation services if you choose to change accountants.
Q. What do I need to provide to you to get started?
A. Well, in accountant-speak, a closing trial balance. This is the running total of your transactions per account since your last year end accounts.
Q. What Bank feeds are currently available?
A. Pretty much all as of 30thNovember 2010, although Barclay’s Bank is scheduled by the end of the first quarter 2011. However, if your bank uses MFA (Multi-factor authentication) then this will only be supported early 2011.
Q. How do I subscribe to a Bank feed?
A. You do this within Xero and follow the instructions.
Q. What are the benefits of the Xero Bank feeds?
A. Your bank transactions appear in Xero on a daily basis, so you don’t need to enter or import them.
Q. How many users can access the application at the same time?
A. Unlimited
Q. What other web based applications do you recommend that link with Xero?
A. WorkflowMax for Job Costing and Vend for Retail Point of Sale requirements.
Q. What if I have a specific requirement to import regular data from one of my suppliers?
A. You will need to be able to communicate with the Xero API and this will require writing some code to communicate with the Xero database so data can be send securely through the web.
Q. I generate Sales Invoices using another system, can I import these invoices into Xero?
A. This can be done either manually or using the Xero API, but as previously mentioned, communicating through the API will require some development work.
