I’m in the clouds (literally, I’m in flight) and reflecting on the path I will be taking in the next ten years. What will technology be like then? Will the new generation use computers? I think not. Will we have cable connections and hard-wired data? I think there will be a next generation of universal wi-fi. Will I still be serving people on a desktop? Well, considering there are still people on Windows XP and it is not supported, I believe the answer is yes. How long before we are all into cloud computing? How long will I support desktop accounting? To be determined.
What I am certain about is that I will change with the times. It is fast paced, but I am adventurous. I am not wedded to one way or another. I’m open to learn new things, try new ideas, roll with the times. When I moved to QuickBooks Online a few years ago, it was a struggle at first, but I could never go back. Are there functions in QuickBooks Desktop that I miss? Of course, but the mobility of my accounting information far outweighs these functions. So, my top ten (not prioritized) features in QuickBooks Online (QBO):
- Seamless integration with other cloud based programs (This is a number 1 priority)
- Bank and Credit Card Feeds that ROCK my universe (Totally removes the need for data entry)
- Available on all devices
- QBO Labs (Always new innovation to test out)
- Schedule a Sales Receipt/Zap a credit card automatically (For those people who have monthly subscriptions)
- Schedule Reports (Designated recipients get vital reports automatically)
- Scope out new Apps through the App Center that address specialized functionality
- My cloud based clients are all at my fingertips through QBO for Accountants
- Attach receipts from American Express Open App and they download into QBO
- Updates of who owes me money on my IPhone App (Love this)
What I love most about QBO is it is an application that is in constant motion. Some people like to stay on the same course, perfect and hold tight to one concept. Not QuickBooks! Intuit is constantly improving on their program and broadening the market for accounting users. As for the new generation of users? They are focused on their passion, their drive to excel and they want the data, but don’t believe in too many steps to get it. I’m a new generation kind of person and I’ll be there to set up their mobile environment and let them do what they do best. I’ll be perfecting one thing in ten years: the peace of mind of the new generation!
