The best QuickBooks add-ons use limited proprietary access methods, subject to increasingly higher charges. QuickBooks long ago stopped all development on its free, limited and buggy access methods. I also have long heard that Intuit was planning to drop one or more of its free access methods.
The fastest and easiest way to fill Xero gaps is as good as the best way to fill gaps in any accounting program. It certainly is much better and less expensive than the best way to do so in QuickBooks.
Xero has long had a free industry-standard "RESTful" web interface. It not only does not charge for this, but it gives developers substantial free help. This is helping to fill Xero gaps quickly. Over the last year, the Xero Add-on Partner program has more than doubled. Over 90 certified solutions now integrate directly with Xero. They are from all over the world, from startups to large corporations:
Most big-picture stuff is complete, with regional representation across a range of categories. However, many small business customers do not have integration between Xero and key applications they use or need to run their business. Many software developers have not yet woken up to the fast pace of change that now dictates the industry. However, their customers have. The result is there are gaps in niche areas like:
- Childcare: childcare management systems
- Education: student management systems – regional specialists: NZ, Australia, UK & US
- Farming: farm management software
- Tourism: reservation and property management systems
These gaps mean opportunity for the right people. Whether you are an established player, or are just working on your first version, our global customer base is creating a market for industry applications that work seamlessly with Xero. You can tap into that market if you move fast.
If you want help with Xero Add-on Partner opportunities, to fill Xero gaps, Xero would love to hear from you. Please get in touch. Xero has customers waiting for you.