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387 votes
Hi everyone, we appreciate all your feedback on how we could evolve roles for customers using Xero. As you can see through the ideas on the platform, there are a wide range of combinations of permissions our customers want to see us build. As user roles impact all areas of the product, there are many considerations we must factor in when assessing how to solve for majority of our customers needs.
We’re beginning to conduct research on the current landscape and how we might approach some of the most predominant needs in roles for our customers. Front footing this, the discovery of this work will be long winded and there will be multiple phases of research and forms of engagement with users that’ll help shape the path ahead in this space.
We’d like to invite you, our community to be part of this research and discovery. This may involve interviews…An error occurred while saving the comment -
3 votes
An error occurred while saving the comment 
Campbell Green
commented
Dear Lois,
Thank you for bringing up your concerns regarding data backups and compliance with the Tax Practitioners Board's (TPB) new rules and regulations. We understand your desire for a simple, built-in backup feature within Xero.
The concept of a "single-click" restore or backup in Xero is a myth and far more complex than it initially seems. It's not a straightforward process like restoring a file on your computer. Furthermore, in today's increasingly regulated environment, more and more businesses are seeking to meet compliance frameworks such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and others. For these organizations, the need for a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is paramount, far exceeding the value of a simple, incomplete restore.
Why Relying on Xero for Backups is Not Practical
While it might seem logical for Xero to provide a built-in backup feature, relying solely on your accounting platform for backups is generally impractical and risky. Here's why:
Proprietary Formats Limit Flexibility:
- Xero, if it were to offer backups, would likely store them in proprietary formats. These formats are designed to be compatible only with Xero. This poses a significant risk. In a disaster recovery (DR) scenario, you might find yourself unable to access your data if you need to switch to a different platform.
Enhanced Disaster Recovery:
- Disaster recovery is about more than just having a backup; it's about having a plan to restore your business operations swiftly. If Xero's backup is in a proprietary format, you could face delays and complications during a DR event.
Redundancy and Security:
- Relying on a single backup solution is risky. If Xero experiences a failure or cyber-attack, your data could be compromised. Using a third-party backup service adds an extra layer of security.
Counterparty Risk:
- Relying on one vendor for both your accounting platform and backup solution introduces counterparty risk. Diversifying your backup solutions by using third-party providers mitigates this risk.A Real-Life Example: QuickBooks Online Backups
Many Xero users point to QuickBooks Online, which allows users to back up their data to a local drive, as an example of why Xero should offer a similar feature. However, this seemingly convenient feature presents its own challenges. QuickBooks Online backups are typically saved in a proprietary format, which is not directly usable for recovery into another accounting platform.
Therefore, even with a built-in backup feature, the lack of data portability due to proprietary formats can severely hinder your ability to recover your financial data effectively.
The Importance of Business Continuity Planning (BCP)
Lois, your requirement to "keep a backup copy of the data file" is crucial for compliance. However, it's not just about having a backup; it's about having a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
Why Control-C is a Sound Solution
This is where a third-party application like Control-C becomes invaluable. Control-C provides:
- Open Format Backups: Control-C offers backups of your Xero data in open formats, ensuring your data remains accessible and portable.
- Comprehensive BCP Assistance: We offer professional consulting services to help you formulate a robust BCP. This includes developing a tailored strategy for recovering your financial records in your required format and platform.
- Compliance Framework Support: We understand the importance of compliance with frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and others. Our services help you meet these requirements.
- Auditable Record Keeping: Control-C provides auditable record-keeping, which is essential for compliance and maintaining accurate financial records.
- Operational Continuity: Control-C is designed to help you recover your data and maintain business operations, not just store a static backup.Addressing Your Concerns
You mentioned, "We do not want to start a new Xero file from a backup - that is not logical." We completely agree. A proper BCP ensures you can recover your data and continue operations with minimal disruption.
While a built-in Xero backup button might seem convenient, it wouldn't address the broader compliance and recovery needs you face. Control-C, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive solution that meets the TPB's requirements and ensures your business's financial data is secure and recoverable.
We'd be happy to schedule a call to discuss your specific needs and demonstrate how Control-C can help you achieve compliance and ensure business continuity.
Sincerely,
Campbell Green
Control-C.com -
3 votes
An error occurred while saving the comment Campbell Green
commented
Hello Joanna,
You could always use a certified Xero App partner such as Control-C to do this plus much more. You will find them on the Xero App Store simply by searching the name or the word 'backup'. They have been backing up Xero data since 2013 and have many customers globally.
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1 vote
An error occurred while saving the comment Campbell Green
commented
newbie Test comment
Hi everyone,
I understand that many of you are facing challenges with Xero's current permissions settings, especially when it comes to restricting access to specific bank accounts or transactions. While Xero may not have an immediate solution for these issues, I wanted to let you know that Control-C might be able to help.
As an add-on partner for almost 10 years, Control-C has developed a platform that can surface the required access to view-only data that your team members need to do their job. This ensures that sensitive information, such as staff wages and bonuses, remains confidential while allowing your colleagues to perform their roles effectively.
Having worked at Xero, I appreciate the complexities involved in retrofitting features into an established system. It's a challenging task, and I understand why some features might not be available yet. Our goal at Control-C is to provide you with the tools you need to manage your financial data securely and efficiently, complementing Xero's capabilities.
If you're interested in learning more about how we can help, please feel free to reach out to us through the Xero app store or the Control-C website.
Best regards,
Campbell Green
control-c.com