BT targets SME market with new online software
BT encourages accountants to move their SME clients onto its online accounting software product called Xero
BT is targeting accountants to encourage them to move SME clients on to their
online accounting software product, accusing traditional vendors of failing to
embrace the new model of delivering products.
The telecoms giant will sell Xero, the online accounting service, to SMEs
where they will come up against a raft of other software-as-a-service (SaaS)
providers attempting to eat into Sage’s market share.
The market is waiting for Sage to unveil a SaaS product, but it recently
suffered problems while beta-testing its ‘Live’ online offering at the beginning
of the year.
‘There’s a real change going on and traditional vendors haven’t really embraced
online accounting,’ said Chris Lindsay, general manager at BT Business
applications.
BT is focusing on accounting practices and networks as a key channel to the
SME marketplace.
‘It is a coup for Xero, partnering with the biggest telecoms operator,’ said
John Oates, Baker Tilly partner and ICAEW IT faculty chairman.
The service is charged at £19 per a month, and is free on 30-day trial.