MYOB will overhaul its identity and product range in preparation for a series of cloud solutions with a strong focus on mobile computing, CEO Tim Reed announced at the company’s New Zealand roadshow, the first for 2014.
“We absolutely believe in mobile,” said Tim Reed, MYOB CEO. The percentage of new clients to MYOB buying cloud accounting products instead of MYOB’s desktop software was more than 50 percent. “This change is real, and it’s happening,” Reed said. “The cloud is enabling mobile.”
MYOB planned a limited launch of a mobile payments solution in Q1 called MYOB PayDirect. The free mobile app would let business owners take credit card payments, send receipts and manage invoicing and contacts on Android and iOS devices (iPads and iPhones).
PayDirect required a card reader to receive credit card payments and EFTPOS compatibility would be added later in the year. The mobile app would move to general release in Q2.
MYOB was also launching a browser-based interface for its practice management line, MYOB Accountants Office and Accountants Enterprise, in Q1. The MYOB OnTheGo interface would give accountants access to practice management data sitting on hosted or on-premise servers.
Users could access the OnTheGo interface from their mobile devices.
MYOB planned to expand its MYOB Essentials line with two new programs. The Cashbook app would be made available exclusively through MYOB partners for basic accounting needs. The Accounting app would provide a more-featured version of MYOB LiveAccounts with an updated interface and a broader network of add-on (third-party) programs.
Other changes included removing payroll from the MYOB Essentials range and selling a “more advanced” version as an optional extra. MYOB would also reveal a cloud-enabled version of MYOB AccountRight Premier following the model set for AccountRight Live.
The growing product line would provide solutions for “every type of business” from sole traders to mid-size companies looking for an ERP system, Reed said.
“Some industry providers cater for only one type of client’s needs. Our mission is to have the most suitable, easy-to-use solution for every type of business and make it easy for them to choose the right one,” he said.
The new business development apps were to make it easier to conduct business, “whether the client manages their accounts via a tablet at a café, a mobile phone while on the road, or a PC in their office,” Reed said.
Disclosure: Aimy Chen travelled to New Zealand as a guest of MYOB.
Image credit: @Kristyshep
