Like many things, accounting performed on computers has come a long way in the last 50 years, especially recently. While many firms and clients are still using desktops, an increasing number are using those PCs to connect with applications and storage located elsewhere. And the exact location of this "elsewhere" has become less important than knowing that the companies offering these services are respectable, responsible, stable and affordable. Today, more and more firms and their clients are moving from in-house to the cloud, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. As in past years, we've turned to the vendors of cloud accounting solutions for answers and insights.

Xero has global expansion plans for Xero Signals, its data service to help small business owners understand how they are faring compared to the larger market. "Signals will be rolled out globally, or where we have significant subscriber numbers which is Australia, UK and the US," says Anna Curzon, Xero's local managing director. "We have some initial data for the UK and we'll be rolling out Australia soon." With the use of big data and machine learning, SMBs can be alerted to economic trends in advance, she states. "The Xero platform is providing unique and real-time insights into the importance of small business in economies," she told the audience at a panel discussion on cross border e-commerce at the Tripartite Economic Summit in Auckland.