Cloud providers connect accounting, time tracking services

Fast-growing cloud accounting software vendor Xero is teaming up with another cloud service provider, Harvest, to bring time tracking and invoicing capabilities into its platform.

It's just the latest integration for Xero - which has already teamed up with dozens of other cloud providers that are focused on tools for small businesses.

Those connectors span a range of capabilities from customer relationship management to inventory to payroll and other specialized software. "Xero is continuing to partner with industry leaders, like Harvest, who round out our cloud-based offering with tools that make it even easier for small businesses and accounting professionals to manage their finances from anywhere, anytime," said Jamie Sutherland, president of Xero's U.S. operations.

As I write this blog update, here are the eight most popular Xero add-ons aside from Harvest:

WorkflowMax, an online job management solution (owned by Xero)
Receipt Bank, a receipt organization tool
ADP, the payroll and human resources service provider
Unleashed, inventory management
Vend, point of sale software
Capsule CRM, a simple customer relationship management tool
simPRO, an industrial contracting tool for electricians, plumbers and related professions
Shoeboxed, for organizing paper receipts
Fathom, for management reporting and financial analysis
Spotlight Reporting, for small-business accounting professionals
Batchbook Social CRM, for tracking both customer accounts and social conversations

Xero counts more than 111,000 "paying" customers and 200,000 users in 100 countries. The company's service is priced starting at $19 for sole proprietors, although it positions its $29 per month option as the best option for most small businesses.