Here is an overview of each accounting software, including its history and owner:
- QuickBooks Online
- Owner: Intuit Inc.
- History: Launched in 1983 by Scott Cook and Tom Proulx, QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting software for small to medium-sized businesses. The online version, QuickBooks Online, was introduced in 2001, offering cloud-based access and features.
- Xero
- Owner: Xero Limited
- History: Founded in 2006 in New Zealand by Rod Drury and Hamish Edwards, Xero has grown to become a leading accounting software for small businesses. It emphasizes integration with third-party apps and a user-friendly interface.
- FreshBooks
- Owner: 2ndSite Inc.
- History: Launched in 2003 by Mike McDerment, Joe Sawada, and Levi Cooperman, FreshBooks started as an invoicing solution and has since expanded into full-featured accounting software, primarily targeting freelancers and small business owners.
- Sage 50cloud
- Owner: Sage Group plc
- History: Originally known as Peachtree Accounting, Sage 50cloud was first released in 1978. Sage Group, a UK-based multinational enterprise software company, acquired Peachtree in 1998 and rebranded it to Sage 50cloud.
- Zoho Books
- Owner: Zoho Corporation
- History: Launched in 2011 as part of the Zoho suite of business applications, Zoho Books is designed to cater to small businesses and freelancers. Zoho Corporation, founded by Sridhar Vembu, is known for its comprehensive suite of cloud-based business tools.
- Wave Accounting
- Owner: H&R Block
- History: Founded in 2009 by Kirk Simpson and James Lochrie in Toronto, Canada, Wave offers free accounting software for small businesses and freelancers. In 2019, it was acquired by H&R Block, a US-based tax preparation company.
- NetSuite ERP
- Owner: Oracle Corporation
- History: Founded in 1998 by Evan Goldberg as NetLedger, NetSuite was one of the first cloud-based ERP systems. Oracle Corporation, a multinational computer technology company, acquired NetSuite in 2016.
- Kashoo
- Owner: Kashoo Systems Inc.
- History: Launched in 2008 by Kashoo Systems Inc., a Canadian company, Kashoo is designed for freelancers and small business owners, offering straightforward accounting solutions with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
- Tally.ERP 9
- Owner: Tally Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
- History: Founded in 1986 by Shyam Sunder Goenka and his son Bharat Goenka, Tally Solutions is an Indian multinational company. Tally.ERP 9, launched in 2009, is widely used in India and other international markets for its comprehensive features and reliability.
- Odoo
- Owner: Odoo S.A.
- History: Founded in 2005 by Fabien Pinckaers, Odoo started as TinyERP and was later rebranded to OpenERP before becoming Odoo. It offers an open-source suite of business applications, including accounting, CRM, and e-commerce, making it highly customizable and versatile.