Blog Post
Hi camvas_myob , thank you for the feedback post.
I understand the reaction to this change and hope that I can provide some additional info.
The removal of offline mode (and therefore offline backups) is definitely going to be a change to how our customers think about their data.
Some of the biggest reasons for an offline backup previously (to my knowledge) were:
- Viewing previous financial years *because AR desktop locks them
- This is no longer an issue, with online files as you can simply access your file via the browser and change the date, previous financial years are not locked when accessing via browser.
- Sharing data with an accountant/bookkeeper
- With an online file, this is a simplified process now with no need to sharing backups as customers can invite their accountant/bookkeeper to access the file directly.
- EOFY or other point in time backups
- Point in time online backups can still be taken and restored via the online backup functionality. an EOFY backup should no longer be necessary based on the first point.
- 7 year record keeping
- This should really only be an issue when a business has stopped using MYOB or closed down - which you noted as a concern in your post.
If the business is still running and has an active subscription, then access to all data exists online.
If a customers wants to retain their data when they closing their business or cancel their subscription with MYOB, they can export the data they need from their file OR there is an option to request a server backup retrieval from MYOB (currently incurs a cost).
- This should really only be an issue when a business has stopped using MYOB or closed down - which you noted as a concern in your post.
An additional benefit of online backups, is that they are automatically taken once every 7 days to provide peace of mind! While still being able to take a point in time backup at any time.
There is more info about the online backups here
Regards Mike
Hello Mike.
I completely agree with all of camvas_myob points (made extremely well and respectfully). I too have great concern with access to point in time backups for historical record keeping, control of our own data, multiple backup options as a safeguard in the event of data loss etc.
In response to your point regarding data retention on business closure/subscription cancellation - if the option to retain our own backups is not provided, we certainly shouldn't be charged in the event of requesting a server backup retrieval.
Please add another request to reinstate the offline backup option. Thank you.