Simple Business Systems - In The News & News for You...
November 12th, 2008 -
New SimplePort Process Released
We recently "re-vamped" the SimplePort process to eliminate any possible confusion and provide a less cluttered screen display appearance. We hope this process improvement is met with acceptance by all our subscribers. We have also introduced the SimplePort Settings Wizard to assist users in establishing their SimplePort settings based on their QuickBooks Chart of Accounts and Item Lists.
July 15th, 2008 -
Simple Business System Site now simpleport.net or simpleport.com
SBSI recently completed the acquisition of the simpleport.com and simpleport.net domain names. To make it easier for our users, and to co-brand the service to the site, we have changed our URL to point to either of the new domain names. We have also changed our email addressing to reflect the new domain names.
Soon we will be releasing an enhanced wizard to present a more intuitive process for our subscribers to use when establishing SimplePort settings and an improved "click-thru' process to create the iif import file from the PayPal transaction file. Watch for these impovements in the coming weeks.
March 24th, 2008 -
New Web Site Content Deployment
New web site content for the site was released this evening. The site was modified to present 'cleaner', less verbose messaging about the features and functionality of SimplePort. We have also simplified the service branding. The service is now SimplePort Pro (monthly unlimited PayPal transaction processing) and SimplePort Lite (limited to a maximum of 100 PayPal transactions in a month). We hope these changes meet with our subscriber's approval.
As always, happy accounting from your friends at SBSI.
Simple Business Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of web-enabled Software as a Service (SAAS) applications supporting financial and merchant data integration requirements for home-based and small/medium businesses.
February 25th, 2008 -
Recent bug fixes and feature enhancements deployed
New functionalty added and known bugs fixed.
We have deployed changes to the SimplePort User Interface that will correct known minor bugs and added new functionality. Thanks (of course) to our subscriber's feedback.
New feature enhancements:
1) We have added support for Group Items in the Item List IIF file upload. When a line item in a sale is matched to a Group Item in the uploaded Item List, SimplePort will recognize this and populate the sales receipt with the fully expanded Group Item details. If the price the Group Item was sold for does not match the price listed in the Item List, SimplePort inserts an additional line within the Group Item for balance adjustment.
NOTE: if an item id that matches a QB Group Item appears in the IIF then special formatting is required which SimplePort can only do if provided with the uploaded Items list. If this is not done the transaction may fail to import with an Imbalanced transaction error.
2) Quantity and Price on single-line sales were not being included in Sales Receipts, they are now included.
3) Support for Sales Tax Groups. Ig a Sales Tax Group is provided as your Sales Tax Item, SimplePort now handles the correctly (providing the List Item IIF is uploaded as input to the SimplePort IIF file creation process, step 6 in the UI). If you use a Sales Tax Group without providing the List Item IIF then the transaction will fail with Imbalanced Transaction errors.
4) Funds Transfers tab rearranged. We have removed the two checkboxes and moved the “If no match then used” field to the top and renamed it “Default QB Account for Add Funds”. We have also added a warning notice that Income and Expense accounts should not be used for funds transfers, as this generates an error in QuickBooks.
Bugs fixed:
1) Assembly items in the uploaded Item List IIF were causing the file to be read incorrectly, this is now corrected. Assemply items are now treated like other items, their component parts are ignored.
2) In some circumstances, line items in sales where no sales tax was charged were being marked taxable, this is now corrected.
3) Some PayPal email addresses were being associated with customer accounts, resulting in security violation errors, this is now corrected.
Post server upgrade fixes:
1) Funny characters in account names were causing SimplePort to fail, this is corrected.
2) Very large uploads were failing, this is now corrected.
3) Suprious javascript "error on page" display, now corrected.
Keep those comments and feedback coming to us and we'll make every effort to improve SimplePort to meet your requirements.
October 3rd, 2007 -
Revised SimplePort User Interface Release Pending
Santa Cruz, Calif. October 3, 2007-- Simple Business Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce the pending release of SimplePort User Interface revisions this week. Watch for the new changes when they take effect.
IMPORTANT - All previously existing data mapping fields are still in the UI and existing cookie settings or saved settings file will still load your settings values to the appropriate Tab fields. If you are not modifying any of your existing settings then there is nothing for you to do! (except read all about the new look and feel of the UI).
What has changed…
- Added a new click link under the subscriber name (after logging onto the site) to take you to the SimplePort user interface.
- Numbered the instructions steps and indicated where tab fields and steps are required.
- The field descriptors, instructions steps and action buttons all have “mouse-over” functionality enabled to highlight the field and show on-screen that help is available by clicking on the highlighted field.
- The instruction steps have been re-arranged to move the optional Inventory Matching feature as the last step before creating the QuickBooks iif file.
- The help scroll for the setting buttons (load default, save current and load saved) has been removed and replaced with a “Click here for help” function.
You will find fewer fields in the Tabs as we’ve deleted checkbox requirements and incorporated those into the actual account field (a field with a value entered equates a checkbox enabled for that field). - We have updated the default settings to include only those needed for the most basic use – generating only checks and deposits for all transactions. We feel this will simplify the user interface for new subscribers.
- The GENERAL Tab has been renamed as the BASIC Settings Tab (with reduced number of settings fields) and has required field indicators shown on-screen.
- A new Tab (TAXES) has been added, where tax related account information is placed (and watch for VAT and Canadian tax support future feature additions to that Tab).
- The DEPOSITS/WITHDRAWALS Tab has been renamed FUNDS TRANSFERS and has the same functionality as before. However, we have changed the default field values and checkbox settings (see the associated help content for support information).
- The SALES Tab “Customer Record Importing” selection list has been re-ordered and (depending on the selection made) will only display the required associated secondary field based on the selection.
- The “Recognize Customer Payments” checkbox has been renamed “Recognize Sales” and re-located to the top of the Sales Tab (makes a lot more sense as to what the checkbox does and where it should be placed within the Sales Tab).
- The “Other” Tab has been renamed “Misc” as most of the features in that tab are miscellaneous and are not widely utilized (but they’re nice to have when needed).
Help content for all fields has been updated, as have all the related FAQs and the subscriber guide “At-A-Glance” pdf docs that map the Tab fields and instructions to their help content (a valuable resource for the novice and experienced subscriber).
All these modifications to the User Interface have been brought about by subscriber feedback and suggestions. We appreciate your insight and realize it is not so easy to simplify what seems to be a complicated process. We hope these modifications meet with your approval and urge you to watch for new feature additions and further simplification as we implement your suggestions. With this revised user interface in place we will implement the Video Tutorial that will provide even better self-help for the service.
Thanks and keep those suggestions coming,
SBSI Sales and Service
Simple Business Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of web-enabled Software as a Service (SAAS) applications supporting financial and customer data integration requirements for home-based and small/medium companies.
CONTACT:
Simple Business Systems, Inc. Sales and Service, 877-336-7274, sales@simpleport.com
SOURCE: Simple Business Systems, Inc.
September 17th, 2007 -
SimplePort QB ProAdvisor Referral Program
Simple Business Systems is pleased to announce the SimplePort QB ProAdvisor Referral Program. The program is designed to assist SimplePort subscribers (novice or experienced) with assistance for their QuickBooks configurations and answers on how to effectively use QuickBooks to get the most benefit from the software.
We welcome our first QB ProAdvisor, Mac Bond. Go to the SBSI Helpful Links page to read about Mac and click on the banner to go to Mac’s site to find out what service Mac offers.
July 13th, 2007 -
KwikPal Re-branded as SimplePort
For SBSI, we believe Friday the 13th is our lucky day. Today we deployed the new look SBSI web site and re-branded our KwikPal service. As we move forward with KwikPal it is evident the service will grow beyond just PayPal-QuickBooks data integration. So, we re-branded the service to reflect the direction it is headed. We also felt this was the time to revise the site and the User Interface with improved on-screen help information and a simpler look and feel. Using SimplePort will be the same as KwikPal. There is enhanced description information for the user interface fields, improved on-screen help information for every field, step and action button, FAQ Knowledgebase articles have been updated and we streamlined the User Interface to improve functionality. The SimplePort User Interface will have just one simplified user display (eliminating the Display, Hide and Expert versions). We believe this will provide improved subscriber interaction and understanding of the user interface. We have also eliminated the KwikPal demo in favor of a new SimplePort free trial. Let us know how you like it, the new feedback process is on the UI page and very easy to use.
May 8th, 2007 -
Announcing SimplePort Lite, limited transaction e-service for home-based and small businesses.
Simple Business Systems is pleased to announce the release of SimplePort Lite, a new cost-effective subscription service for home-based and small businesses that may feel the financial pinch of supporting a new enterprise. SimplePort Lite has been designed and developed specifically for subscribers who don’t require the PayPal unlimited transactions data conversion capability of SimplePort. With a subscription price of only $9.95 per month, SimplePort Lite reduces the barrier to entry for SimplePort that may concern new home-based or small businesses. SimplePort Lite is identical to SimplePort in all respects, but is limited to a maximum of 100 PayPal transactions per month. Full support for SimplePort Lite is available through the SBSI web-site and FAQ Knowledgebase.
April 5th, 2007 -
SimplePort subscribers using eBay Accounting Assistant (EAA) have reported duplicate entries when importing PayPal data via SimplePort. To eliminate those potential duplicate entries we have added a new checkbox (Skip eBay Sales) to the SimplePort UI SALES tab. Information regarding the use of the checkbox is detailed in the UI Updates box on the SimplePort UI page and in the checkbox tooltips help button.
March 13th, 2007 -
SimplePort User Interface "Latest Updates" Box add to the Subscriber and Demo UI pages
SimplePort is always undergoing changes based on PayPal/QuickBooks modifications or enhancement requests from our subscribers. As a service to our subscribers we now post any changes to the e-service in a prominent, easy-to-see location, the "SimplePort User Interface Latest Updates" box above the UI. The recent updates will be posted in this information box for a thrity day period. Keep those requests coming and we will continue to evaluate and implement as appropriate.
March 1st, 2007 -
4luvofbiz McWilliams and Associates publishes article extolling the benefits of SimplePort for small businesses
Recently 4luvofbiz published an article that was highly complementary of SimplePort. The article was distributed to their client base (accounting professionals) and recommended the SimplePort e-service to any of their clients who require accurate and time saving PayPal to QuickBooks data integration (something we all want). Click this link to read the entire article > Featured QuickBooks Add-On - SimplePort.
Bonnie J. Nagayama, CPA (925-247-0100) has been featured by Intuit in their QuickBooks Advisor Spotlight and frequently teaches and consults on using QuickBooks to its maximum advantage. For a FREE weekly newsletter of QuickBooks tips and tricks, plus many free and low cost QuickBooks resources visit www.4luvofbiz.com.
February 26th, 2007 -
New Features added to the SimplePort User Interface
The SHIPPING Tab now has a checkbox where subscribers can indicate if they are charging sales tax on shipping and handling charges, the tooltip help button has an explanation for that checkbox.
The SALES Tab tooltip help button content for the "Make Payments from a Web Store" checkbox and the "Web Store Name Prefix" field has been modified to help clarify the functions of those options. We also added two new checkboxes in that Tab, (1) Mark Sales Receipts as "To be printed" and (2) Mark Sales Receipts as "To be e-mailed". The associated tooltip help buttons explain the purpose for those two checkboxes.
Lastly, we have posted a new FAQ (Why does SimplePort not generate Invoices, only Sales Receipts or Payments?) in the Support Page Knowledge Base Articles to clarify the method and madness behind how SimplePort manages Sales Receipts, Invoices and Payments. Please read the FAQ and let us know what you think.
We have had requests for custom coding SimplePort to assist subscribers with specific issues that may not affect the majority of our subscribers, at this time we are investigating the option of a separate service to manage these one-off requests. As custom code can be time-intensive we are still contemplating a reasonable cost for this service. We'll have more about this interesting opportunity in the near future.
All these recent changes came about from subscriber feedback, keep those ideas coming and we will continue to implement them when possible.
February 11th, 2007 –
Improving our subscriber’s experience is something we at SBSI take quite seriously. With that in mind, we have added a SimplePort User Interface Subscriber Guide to the web site. The guide has recommendations for the novice SimplePort user and a complete set of instruction and tabbed interface mapping diagrams that will assist any subscriber with the task of establishing their SimplePort User Interface preference settings. Now, at the click of a mouse, with a single glance you can review the links and tooltip help buttons for each of the SimplePort tabs and instructions. Or download the diagrams for future reference; whatever helps the most. Please check out the new pages and the associated pdf docs located in the Subscriber Guide Section. And watch for new SimplePort tools to assist all our subscribers.
December 21st, 2006-
New "QuickBooks Date Format" Field Added to SimplePort User Interface!
SBSI has received feedback from our international subscribers concerning the SimplePort default date format used in the QuickBooks IIF import file (created from the PayPal History download file). There was a need to add formats that are used outside the US (makes sense in an international business world). To simplify choosing from among the multiple date formats that are available, we have now added the "QuickBooks Date Format" field in the "General" settings preference tab in the SimplePort User Interface. If subscribers do not select a specific date format, SimplePort will default to the US standard of MM/DD/YYYY. We always listen to our subscriber's concerns. If there are other feature enhancements that will make your accounting life easier, please enter them on the forum and we'll investigate the possibilities.
November 27th, 2006-
SBSI Affiliates Program Now Available!
Simple Business Systems has completed the SBSI Affiliates Program and has all the information concerning the program, legal requirements, program sign-up information, etc. all available for review under the "Affiliates" sub-navigation link on the SBSI web site. Please read all about the SBSI affiliates program and become an SBSI affiliate.
November 27th, 2006 -
New Features added to the SimplePort User Interface!
We have added new features to the SimplePort User Interface that will assist our subscribers when using SimplePort. The new features include:
(a) "Expert" mode link that eliminates the SimplePort UI instruction information (even more than the "Hide" link displays) this mode is specifically for subscribers that are very comfortable with the SimplePort UI and feel they don't need all the instruction information cluttering up their screen display
(b) SimplePort UI now includes a SimplePort Status button. By clicking this button a tooltips window indicating the current status of the SimplePort e-service will be displayed. Should the e-service be interrupted or down there will be a link to the support page that will have detailed information about the service interruption, estimated time of repair or any work-arounds to assist the subscriber during the service interruption
(c) a new link from the SimplePort UI page to the Forum section, where subscribers can ask questions or suggest SimplePort feature enhancements.
We hope these new features meet with your approval and will be of assistance when using SimplePort.
October 20th 2006 -
Simple Business Systems adds new content to the SBSI web site!
SBSI has added a sub-navigation menu to the "Home" page link that includes specific information of interest to our subscribers and customers. The new pages are:
-"About Us" (read about interesting stuff going on at SBSI)
-"In The News" (information of interest related to SBSI and SimplePort)
-"Helpful Links" (links to sites to assist our subscribers/customers)
-"Affiliate Information" (become an SBSI Affiliate Partner)
We hope these additional pages will keep you informed of ongoing events at SBSI and help you with additional information that may be of specific interest.
October 16th 2006 -
Simple Business Systems and SimplePort developer Alastair Young interviewed by the IDNAC!
Recently, the Intuit Developers Network Advisory Council (www.idnac.org) published two articles in their October Newsletter about Simple Business Systems and our flagship service "SimplePort". The author of the articles is Roxanne Brown (QuickBooks Pro Advisor). Her take on the company and the service was both positive and enthusiastic, with this kind of optomistic outlook we're sure to garner more accolades and a growing subscriber base.
Click for the Advisor Interview - SimplePort for PayPal (PDF doc)
Click for the Developer Interview - Simple Business Systems, Inc. (PDF doc)
Click for the Intuit Developers Network Advisory Council to find out more see the "Helpful Links"
IMPORTANT - All previously existing data mapping fields are still in the UI and existing cookie settings or saved settings file will still load your settings values to the appropriate Tab fields. If you are not modifying any of your existing settings then there is nothing for you to do! (except read all about the new look and feel of the UI).
