Corporate Vision September 2017

CORPORATE VISION / September 2017 33 that other software companies could access, so that they and their customers, could integrate with Xero. Now accountants, bookkeepers and small businesses can access valuable extra business tools online. They include reporting, forecasting, inventory, ecommerce and retail point-of-sale software. “The network has grown hugely, home to more than 500 integrators, all connecting to Xero. More than a quarter of our one million subscribers use an add-on application and small businesses are now connecting with each other. Spotlight Reporting, for example, is bringing its reporting dashboard to others in the Xero network and the network is fostering connections with the big banks that are integrated with Xero online. For instance, Spotlight’s bank-friendly business reports are making it easier for small businesses to secure loans – and bringing the banks valuable new customers. “This is a new market opportunity that has been created by the Xero network. The banks want Name: Edward Berks, Director of Financial Web & Ecosystem Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.xero.com/uk Address: 172-176 King’s Cross Rd, Kings Cross, London, WC1X 9DH UK Game-Changing Software g to lend to small business but first need the kind of simple- but-sophisticated, real-time, transparent business reports Xero and its partners can provide.” On how to ensure that all staff are equipped to provide the best possible service to clients, Edward explains the company’s approach in this vein. “Our mission is to deliver fast, accurate and human solutions to our customers, whilst providing the best possible experience so users are left feeling delighted. We help customers take ownership of their business, by providing human support for our beautiful accounting software. We aim to consistently go above and beyond the standard industry level of support, to ensure customers are not just supported, but are delighted with an overall experience. “We’re also always building our resources to support users. Whether it’s Xero Business Essentials videos, community, help centre or the skills of our team – the company’s objective is to get your question answered with the best contextually rich information that we can provide.” Concerning the technology industry, Edward is keen to shed light on such developments and how the company will adapt around these. “Machine learning and artificial intelligence is in its earliest, most basic stage now and the opportunities for this technology to develop is huge. This kind of technology will only be more deeply integrated into society as time goes on and in fintech, this is already being seen in chatbots and natural voice agents, to name but a few. “With this explosion of development in tech, will come more improved security disciplines too, and as such our software developers work tirelessly to ensure that our platform is as secure as it can be. Two-step authentication is one of the new ways we tackle this, by verifying the identity of a customer logging into the Xero dashboard by requiring them to use their existing password and a second, unique code randomly generated by the Google Authenticator app on their smartphone, each time they log in. As hackers become more sophisticated, it’s vital that we keep one step ahead and ensure the software we provide for our customers is watertight as much as possible.”