Toes in water is best approach

Last week's column included a quote from Chris Morris, IT research company IDC's Asia-Pacific head of cloud computing analysis, who said: "Nearly four years ago, cloud computing was in first gear, but today the cloud is here and organisations should 'Get on with it'."

Overseas experience has shown that it can take two years or more for organisations to take full advantage of the amazing benefits access to ultrafast broadband can bring to businesses. Nothing will happen until a business "puts their toes into the water" and the best place to start is by implementing Xero - the New Zealand-developed, online accounting system that is taking the world by storm.

There isn't a business in Wanganui that wouldn't benefit from implementing Xero. Take no notice of those people who keep saying: "What about the security risk?" British Telecom promote it on their website http://getxero.bttradespace.com by saying:

Xero is the world's easiest online accounting system

Xero online accounting software is cost effective and easy to use, giving you a daily insight into your business. Xero saves business owners time and money so, by implementing Xero, you will be taking far less risk than you currently take when your accounting software runs on your own server or PC.

Where should Wanganui businesses start? No matter what you do, it is always best to make contact with the acknowledged leader in any field when you are considering making any change in your business practices. With Xero, the obvious place to start is with the organisation which received the inaugural Xero Training Partner of the Year Award for 2011.

The recipient of this award was Training and Beyond, which is the New Zealand national training centre for cloud software. Their founder and director, Melanie Morris said: "We specialise in Xero online accounting software, WorkflowMax job costing and project management software, Unleashed inventory software, VEND point of sale and GeoOP mobile workforce application."

Answering my question: "Do you support Xero customers based outside Chch (Wanganui), or are you just a training organisation?"

She replied, saying: "Yes we support Xero anywhere, we provide training throughout New Zealand and globally via 'GO TO' Meeting Webinar and Skype.

"GO TO is a business training tool we use all the time - it is great. It enables us to hold one-on-one meetings online, which are especially valuable when we train an organisation's 'super user(s)'.

"But GO TO also enables us to host webinars for up to 150 people at a time."

Morris went on to say: "The most important part of your conversion to cloud-based software is to scope it properly in the first place. There are many solutions and it is vital that you understand and identify the desired end result first.

"We have considerable experience in this process and welcome enquiries. Please visit our website for more information. www.trainingandbeyond.co.nz

"Conversion to Xero from your current system is our specialty. All we need is a conversion date preferably at the beginning of the financial year or the beginning of a GST period.

"Your bank account details and bank balance as at conversion date and any accounts receivable/accounts payable invoices that are outstanding as at conversion date. It's simple.

"We will set up your new Xero organisation and deliver training to get you started. We will work with your accountant to ensure the chart of accounts is correct. Once your full end-of-year financials are available, we can also enter these balances into Xero including any fixed assets you have.

"The cost of conversion is reasonable and depends on the complexity of your accounts and if you have inter-related organisations. To give you an idea, conversion will start at $210.00 + GST with training starting at $80 + GST per hour or $199 + GST for a two-hour session with one hour support."

Article contributed by the Wanganui Employers Chamber of Commerce UFB business strategy group. To suggest initiatives which you believe should be considered for inclusion in the group's strategic plan, or to contact the group, drop an email to john.patty@xtra.co.nz