MYOB delays Azure cloud launch

Accounting software company MYOB has delayed the launch of its hybrid cloud product AccountRight to June, despite the problems associated with releasing a brand new product during the busiest time of year for bookkeepers.

MYOB had already dipped its toe in the cloud in mid-2010, when it released a simple, web-based invoicing application called LiveAccounts, which costs $25 a month and also allows businesses to track expenses and produce reports.

However, MYOB had said in October that it also planned an April release of an entry-level cloud-based version of AccountRight that uses a desktop application to access data stored remotely via Microsoft's Azure platform.

The launch has been delayed because of feedback received from beta testers, according to corporate affairs general manager Justin Smith. This has forced an extension in development times and the company hasn't finalised the release schedule.

"It wasn't one issue or matter, but we were specifically asked to take a look across a range of things," he said. "The code base for the AccountRight family is more than 10,000 A4 pages, so it's highly complex."

MYOB usually avoids releasing new features and products during the busy end-of-financial year period when accountants and customers file their tax returns. It's received feedback from clients and business partners that they don't want to deal with new features at such a busy time.

"We avoid doing things in middle of year but it's a balancing act. We're making the product available for general release in June, but that doesn't mean we expect clients to move to it straight away. They'll move when it makes sense for them to do it," Smith said.