Enables ‘best of breed’ software package integration
An XAPL-compliant version of the Star Practice Management software solution has been released by Star Computers Ltd. Sponsored by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, XAPL is the new common standard for the exchange and sharing of client data between different applications supplied to accountancy firms.
Firms will no longer be limited to buying a suite of software from a single vendor to benefit from entering a client’s details once for all applications – XAPL takes care of data sharing between applications even when they originate from different suppliers.
David Blechner, Chairman of Star Computers, said “Historically, firms with software for tax, accounts production and practice management from different suppliers have had to create and update information within each system. Re-keying data is not only a waste of time but also increases the likelihood of error. Through XAPL, this no longer need be the case. Firms using XAPL-compliant software can break out of the restrictions imposed by a single product range – they can implement the best products from individual suppliers and still benefit from integration. They can have the best of both worlds.”
Simon Hurst, Chairman of the IT Faculty at the ICAEW, added “I am delighted to hear that Star Computers has made such quick progress with practical application of the XAPL standard. We know from the Institute’s IT in Practice survey earlier this year what a crucial area this is for firms. The XAPL standard now has great momentum. The IT Faculty looks forward to further news of wider adoption of the standard, not just from Star Computers and Digita but also the other practice software suppliers.”
Software company, Digita, has played a key role in development of the XAPL standard, proving its practicability last year when a file was successfully uploaded from a Star Computers application into a Digita solution. XAPL uses XML technology to update the different databases, which underpin each application. XML is tried and tested, being applied, for example, in a variety of online submission procedures, such as electronic filing of tax returns and payroll year-end details.
Jerry Rhil, Managing Director of Digita, commented “Star Computers is taking an important lead in driving acceptance of XAPL as the de facto standard for accountancy firms. XAPL is a significant development that will be of tremendous benefit to users. There are a few dinosaurs in the accountancy software market that have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Essentially, XAPL gives firms greater freedom of choice – taking them out of the straightjacket of proprietary, one-solution suits all, software packages.”
David Blechner added, “This is the most noteworthy advance in software for accountants since introduction of the Windows operating system. We will be interested to see how soon other suppliers who signed up to the integration standard release their own XAPL software – and I am sure their clients will be equally interested.”
