Back up offline is not available v2026.5

This post relates to clients who were storing their data offline. We have been storing our data online for years but we back up to a secure location that isn't MYOB, for security purposes (having been let down by MYOB in the past). This post doesn't mention that you are going to remove manual backup access for clients whose data is stored online (which is what you have done). This needs to be rectified. We don't want automatic back ups because we want to be able to have a restore point for important milestones (like EOFY, etc). We also want to be able to store that backup on a different server to MYOB, so that our back up isn't lost if the MYOB server crashes or is hacked. Taking away this facility was not advised to clients who were already online and there will be a large number who are just as unhappy as us.

I had phoned MYOB about the offline use of a file that doesn't need to use payroll, bank feed etc.  I was told to download 2026.4 SE and that I could use this version and not to upgrade and it will be OK.  I works.

NOW TO THE ISSUE OF BACKING UP OFFLINE -  We require ONLINE files to be BACKED UP OFFLINE to our own/CLIENT'S computer systems.  These are our/clients DATA files and I can't find legally where you can withhold our data files (and MYOB holds it is for only 90 days).  We are paying for MYOB subscription to use your accounting package only. Clients who have their OWN CLOUD BACK UP SYSTEM for their computers require their files to be backed up onto their own computer NOT MYOB.  This needs to be RECTIFIED or else everyone will start to look elsewhere.  Amanda, you need to listen to the people and get this rectified.  The way I read it was only about using MYOB offline not eliminating OFFLINE BACK UPS for online files.  I have spent so much time on the phone trying to find a way to change the files that I have upgrade to 2026.5 so I can use the BACKUP OFFLINE.  I can't finalise financial years and close, as I am not prepared to proceed until I have a local back up to our/their computer.  Your online chat assistant is USELESS as it just kept directing the process to Set up, preference, security and guess what it's not there????  Many people work on weekends, as I do and the online chat assistant is NO HELP.  On Monday, I spent 1.5 hours on the phone with one of your assistants who said I could downgrade back to 2026.4, I was sceptical, as I had never known that files can be downgraded and 1.5 hours later be told it can't be done!  We pay good money for our subscriptions to MYOB and need OFFLINE BACKUPS TO BE REINSTATED.

This is not acceptable - FULL STOP - surely can't be legal?