Xero execs play up integrations, point to vertical solutions

Heather Clancy for ZD Net writes:  One factor instrumental in helping New Zealand cloud accounting software provider Xero build its North American presence—aside from the $150 million raised to support that agenda—is its vast ecosystem of add-ons and integrations to other services crucial for managing a small business holistically: more than 300 and counting. 

As Xero doubles down on its market outreach in the United States, you can expect that focus to continue, according to the executives leading that charge, newly appointed U.S. CEO Peter Karpas and U.S. President Jamie Sutherland.

"The number isn't as important as the quality of the integrations, but it is one of our great advantages," Karpas told me in a recent interview.

One particular focus right now for Xero, and other cloud accounting players including powerhouse Intuit, is integration with payroll software that helps automate some of the onerous tax administration that small-business owners must handle on behalf of employees. Aside from its own service, Xero has enabled integrations with major providers including Paychex, ADP Payroll Services, and upstart ZenPayroll.

You'll also hear more about vertical market application support in the future, Karpas said. While he wouldn't be specific, Xero in February announced a "Farming in the Cloud" solution that will bring single-ledger reporting to farmers starting in mid-2014. The initial focus is on supporting the farming community in New Zealand, where Xero has its roots. The solution is made possible through an integration with farming accounting experts Figured.com, as well as software partners iAgri and Aghub (both of which provide farm management applications), according to Xero's press release about the new solution.  [snip]  The article continues at ZD Net, click here to continue.  You can follow the author Heather Clancy on Twitter Here.