The New Third Party Development PortalReckon Solutions Developer Network (RSDN)

Simon Hutchinson

Outline

• Just what is an SDK?

• Why is it good to have an SDK?

• The current program

• What is wrong with the current program

• The new program

• The marketplace

Just what is an SDK?• SDK = Software Developers Kit

• A software developers kit is used by developers to interact with other companies software to provide solutions for clients and customers

• The APS integration you will be shown tommorow has been built with the QuickBooks SDK.

• Many companies have an SDK such as Apple (iphone), Google (Android) etc.

Why is it good to have an SDK?

• It allows software developers to provide solutions for QuickBooks

• This in turn builds brand loyalty through those developers. We help them make money, they help us grow our products

• It also allows users to remain on QuickBooks longer and provide custom solutions to assist in their business

• Developers can plug the holes in the product when it comes to user requirements.

The AUS/NZ SDK

• There are many advantages to the AUS/NZ SDK over the US SDK making it easier for us to deal with developers and clients

• Our SDK supports tax items on general journals

• Our SDK also does not require a client side installation. Easier for clients to get access to and use third party software

• Our SDK is extremely easy to code for and simple to learn

API Membership

• The current lowest SDK membership is the API membership. It costs $199.

• This gives developers access to the documents they require to be able to build software for QuickBooks

• It is a one off fee but it does require that the developer already has QuickBooks

• This level is currently free for Accredited Consultants in NZ

Developer Membership

• This is the middle tier membership which costs $579.

• It includes a 12 month subscription to QuickBooks Premier (5 licences ) and the documentation required

• Lower then the subscription price of premier as we subsidise the cost for SDK developers

• A good start for any developer when using QB for the first time.

Developer Program Membership

• This is the highest tier membership at $1999 per annum

• It includes a 12 month subscription to QuickBooks Premier (5 licences ) and the documentation required.

• It also includes marketing support including advertising on our site, potential for pamphlets in the box and conference appearances

• Free advertising on our site in the SDK catalogue

Problems with the current membership

• There is a cost associated with it which keeps out people such as university students

• In comparison to our competitors, the pricing structure is not competitive

• There is no where for developers to communicate with each other to solve problems. They are 100% relying on Reckon and responses can take time

• Lots of Administration work on the Reckon side

So how do we fix this?

• Later in 2011 Reckon will introduce the RSDN into both Australia and New Zealand

• This will be a full re-launch of our SDK program with marketing support and advertising in relevant magazines (such as Australian Personal Computer)

• It will allow us to better manage the relationship between developers and Reckon

• The signup process will be seamless and almost instant

RSDN details

• There will be three levels to the RSDN program as there is now but significantly different

• RSDN is designed to enable developers to collaborate and discuss issues and fixes in their own environment on the site

• They will do this via an exclusive forum for members. Staff will also monitor it.

• For the first time like the US we will be able to offer $0

Community Developer

• Lowest tier RSDN membership.

• The community developer will attract a $0 cost however they will still need to sign the non-disclosure agreements and abide by them

• They will have limited support via Reckon and no software is provided

• This is great for people who want to try the SDK out or are uni students and want to try building some software with an SDK

Associate Developer

• Middle tier RSDN membership.

• The community developer will attract an approximate $600 cost but they will receive QuickBooks Premier

• Email support will be free and provided by Reckon

• When other SDKs are launched in the future (Online and POS) they will instantly get access

• Access to BETA software to test upcoming updates

Accredited Developer

• Accreditation will be introduced in Phase 2 of RSDN release

• Developers will become accredited by taking online courses provided by Reckon

• You will be able to advertise you are accredited for software development with QuickBooks. Can also advertise their services.

• These developers will be invited to AP conference depending on numbers

• Access to BETA software and other software

RSDN Marketplace

• As part of RSDN Reckon will launch a new marketplace for users to find solutions

• This will make it easier for you as AC’s and clients to find software to help them run their business with QuickBooks

• This marketplace will be available to both Australian and New Zealand clients

• Very much like the Intuit Market

RSDN Marketplace (cont.)

• Developers will pay for classified listings starting at $49.

• There will be a link directly inside QuickBooks 2012/13 to the Marketplace .

• It will enable our clients to find what they want faster.

• In the long run we feel it will keep users on QuickBooks longer and attract more developers to try and build for QuickBooks.

Future plans

• As part of the RSDN we are also launching an SDK for QuickBooks Hosted.

• This online solution is currently under development and will offer a solution both for end users as well as websites that want to talk directly to QuickBooks

• Reckon will also offer services for developers in the long run such as software testing and approval systems

• This is only the start.

What else is offered in RSDN?

• Online sign-up– Introduce a easy process to speed up applications

• Developers online forum– Web-based community similar to the AP forum– Discuss wide range of topics, challenges and pool knowledge– Assist AP’s with any third-party application queries– Monitored by RSDN Team to provide support

What else is offered in RSDN?

• Marketplace Classified Listing– Summarise third-party applications– Keyword search to find solution– Accredited Developers – 3 free and purchase for $49 pa– Associate Developers – 2 free and purchase for $99 pa– Community Developers – purchase for $149 pa

What else is offered in RSDN?

• Find a Developer (Phase 2)– Associate Developer listed in Developer database– Search for a Developer to create a custom solution for you or

your clients

• Marketplace RSDN Store (Phase 3)– Developer submits third-party application to test– Price of testing will be determined on application– You can then purchase directly from the store– Similar to Intuit Marketplace

The future• RSDN Launch

– Phase 1; Community Developer and Associate Developer levels, online sign-up, forum, Classified Listing search, current Developers migration

– Phase 2; Find a Developer search, Accredited Developer level

– Phase 3; RSDN Store

• QuickBooks Hosted SDK

• Retail Point of Sale SDK

Questions?