Required:
a. Provide an overview of the accounting software Xero. (2 marks)
b. Identify key accounting functions of Xero (6 marks) and use screen shots (or demos) to discuss these functions. (6 marks)
c. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of on the cloud accounting software. (6 marks)
Question 2 (20 Marks
) Manufacturing Support Services (MSC) is a company supporting specialist software in the manufacturing industry in Queensland. MSC has a small systems staff that designs and writes customised software. The data centre is installed in the basement of its two-story headquarters building in Brisbane. The data centre is equipped with halon-gas fire-suppression equipment and an uninterruptible power supply system. The computer operations staff works a two-shift schedule, five days per week. MSC’s programming staff, located in the same building, have access to the data centre and can test new programs and program changes when the operations staff are not available. Programmers make changes in response to oral requests by clients using the software. Since the programming staff is small and the work demands have increased, systems and programming documentation is developed only when time is available. Backups are made whenever time permits. The backup files are stored in a locked cabinet in the data centre. Unfortunately, due to several days of heavy rains, MSC’s building recently experienced serious flooding that destroyed not only the computer hardware but also all the data and program files that were on-site. a. Identify at least four weaknesses in MSC’s backup and DRP procedures. (16 marks)
