Xero has introduced a series of products, including the Xero HQ open practice platform. It described as the platform as "an integrated multi-vendor platform for accountants and bookkeepers to run their entire back office". That includes nine practice applications for bookkeepers and accountants.

Last week, I spent time photograph egrets hunting for frogs and other fresh-water prey. A littler further down the river was a group of vegan egrets looking for tofu without much luck.

Tangicloud, which makes online nonprofit accounting software, has named Maureen Okerstrom as its chief revenue officer. She assumed the position last month. TangiCloud is owned by Jay and Liesa Malik who founded Serenic Software.