SQL Account vs ABSS Malaysia: Battle of Desktop Accounting Legends 2025

The comparison between SQL Account and ABSS (formerly MYOB) represents a choice between two established desktop accounting platforms with deep roots in the Malaysian market. Both offer perpetual licensing, strong local support networks, and comprehensive features—but with distinctly different philosophies on pricing, updates, and future direction. This comprehensive analysis examines which platform offers better long-term value for Malaysian SMEs committed to desktop accounting.

Quick Verdict

Bottom Line: SQL Account wins on total cost of ownership with its 10-year price guarantee and lower maintenance fees. ABSS offers deeper features and brand recognition but faces uncertain future support as parent company MYOB shifts focus to cloud products.

Understanding the Platforms

SQL Account: The Malaysian Value Champion

SQL Account is a homegrown Malaysian accounting software developed by SQL Software Sdn Bhd since 1997. The platform has built its reputation on predictable pricing and strong local support, serving over 50,000 Malaysian businesses.

Key Differentiators:

• 10-year price guarantee on maintenance fees
• Lower upfront licensing costs
• Strong focus on Malaysian compliance (SST, e-invoice)
• Active development with regular updates
• Extensive reseller network (100+ partners)

Philosophy: Provide affordable, reliable desktop accounting with transparent pricing and guaranteed long-term cost control.

ABSS: The Legacy Brand

ABSS (Accounting Business Software Solutions) is the Asian rebrand of MYOB (Mind Your Own Business), an Australian accounting software giant established in 1991. After MYOB's 2019 acquisition by KKR, the company shifted focus toward cloud products, leaving desktop ABSS in maintenance mode.

Key Differentiators:

• 30+ years of brand heritage
• Comprehensive feature set (100+ reports)
• Established user base (320,000+ across Asia)
• Extensive reseller network
• Multiple deployment options (desktop + cloud)

Philosophy: Provide feature-rich, enterprise-grade accounting with flexibility in deployment and support options.

Critical Context: ABSS's legacy status creates uncertainty. While the software continues to function, minimal new development and uncertain compliance updates pose risks for businesses planning to use it beyond 2025.

Pricing Comparison: Transparency vs Complexity

SQL Account Pricing (2025)

SQL Account's perpetual license model includes a unique 10-year price guarantee on maintenance fees:

Add-ons:

• Multi-Currency Module: RM 500 (one-time)
• Payroll Module: RM 800 (one-time)
• Cloud Hosting: RM 50-150/month (optional)

What's Included in Maintenance:

• Software updates and new features
• Bug fixes and security patches
• Technical support (email/phone)
• Compliance updates (SST, e-invoice)

10-Year Price Guarantee: Your maintenance fee remains locked at 20% of your original license cost for 10 years, protecting against inflation and price increases.

ABSS Pricing (2025)

ABSS offers multiple pricing tiers with varying support levels:

Support Tiers:

• Upgrade Cover (from RM 1,099): Software updates, basic support
• Premium Cover (from RM 1,499): Priority support, training, TeamViewer assistance

Cloud Alternative:

• ABSS Accounting Connect: RM 999/year (1 user)
• ABSS Premier Connect: RM 1,399/year (3 users)

Hidden Costs:

• Support fees are not optional for compliance updates
• Fees increase annually (no price lock)
• Cloud hosting extra if using desktop version remotely
• Training workshops often require additional fees

10-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Let's calculate true costs for a 3-user business over 10 years:

SQL Account Professional:

• License: RM 2,388 (one-time)
• Maintenance: RM 478 × 10 = RM 4,780 (locked price)
• Total: RM 7,168

ABSS Premier 3-User:

• License: RM 4,799 (one-time)
• Support: RM 1,999 × 10 = RM 19,990 (assuming no increases)
• Total: RM 24,789

SQL Account saves RM 17,621 (71% less) over 10 years.

Even assuming ABSS support fees remain flat (unlikely), SQL Account's 10-year price guarantee provides massive savings and predictability.

Feature Comparison: Value vs Depth

Core Accounting Features

Winner: Tie - Both offer comprehensive core accounting features suitable for SMEs.

Inventory Management

Winner: Tie - Both provide robust inventory management for manufacturing and trading businesses.

Malaysian Compliance

Winner: SQL Account - More reliable compliance updates and integrated payroll option.

Critical Risk: ABSS's legacy status means uncertain compliance updates. Businesses may face penalties if ABSS fails to maintain LHDN certification.

Advanced Features

Winner: ABSS - Slightly more advanced reporting and job costing capabilities.

Deployment & Accessibility

SQL Account

Primary Model: Desktop software (Windows only)

• Install on local PC or server
• Access via Remote Desktop for mobility
• Optional cloud hosting (RM 50-150/month extra)

System Requirements:

• Windows 7/8/10/11
• 4GB RAM minimum
• SQL Server Express (included)
• 2GB disk space

Pros:

• Full control over data location
• Works offline
• No internet dependency for daily use
• Fast performance on local hardware

Cons:

• Requires Windows environment
• Remote access setup needed for mobile work
• Manual backups recommended
• Concurrent user limits based on license

ABSS

Primary Model: Desktop software (Windows only) + Cloud option

• Desktop: Install on local PC or server
• Cloud: ABSS Connect (browser-based)
• Hybrid: Desktop with cloud sync

System Requirements:

• Windows 7/8/10/11
• 4GB RAM minimum
• 5GB disk space
• Internet for cloud features

Pros:

• Deployment flexibility (desktop or cloud)
• Full offline functionality (desktop)
• Cloud option for remote access
• Data control (desktop) or convenience (cloud)

Cons:

• Windows-only (desktop version)
• Cloud version requires subscription
• Desktop remote access requires setup
• Higher licensing costs

Winner: ABSS - More deployment flexibility with cloud option.

User Experience & Learning Curve

SQL Account

Interface: Traditional desktop application with menu-driven navigation

• Familiar to users of legacy accounting software
• Consistent interface across versions
• Keyboard shortcuts for power users
• Customizable dashboard

Learning Curve: 2-3 days of training for new users

User Feedback: "Straightforward and reliable, but interface feels dated compared to modern cloud apps"

ABSS

Interface: Traditional desktop application with ribbon interface

• Similar to Microsoft Office layout
• More modern visual design than SQL Account
• Context-sensitive help
• Customizable workspace

Learning Curve: 3-5 days of training for new users (more features to learn)

User Feedback: "Powerful but complex, requires time to master all features"

Winner: SQL Account - Simpler interface, faster to learn for basic accounting needs.

Support & Ecosystem

SQL Account

Support Channels:

• Local reseller network (100+ partners in Malaysia)
• Phone and email support (business hours)
• Active user community forums
• Regular training workshops
• Online knowledge base

Reseller Network:

• Nationwide coverage
• Local language support (Malay, Chinese, Tamil)
• On-site implementation available
• Competitive pricing

Training:

• Free webinars on compliance updates
• Paid training workshops
• Video tutorials
• User manuals

ABSS

Support Channels:

• Extensive reseller network (declining)
• Phone and email support (business hours)
• TeamViewer remote assistance (Premium Cover)
• Online knowledge base
• Video training libraries

Reseller Network:

• Established network (but shrinking)
• Localized support nationwide
• Implementation services
• Custom development (limited)

Training:

• Free bi-weekly e-invoice webinars
• Regular workshops and seminars
• Comprehensive documentation
• Certification programs

Winner: SQL Account - More active support network with guaranteed long-term commitment.

E-Invoice Compliance (2025 LHDN Mandate)

SQL Account E-Invoice Features

Certification Status: ✅ Peppol Certified (2025)

Features:

• Direct integration with LHDN MyInvois portal
• Automatic e-invoice generation from sales invoices
• QR code generation for validation
• Consolidated e-invoice submission
• Compliance reporting dashboard
• Unlimited e-invoices (no monthly caps)

Implementation:

• Included in maintenance package
• Free training webinars
• Step-by-step setup guides
• Reseller implementation support

Guarantee: SQL Account's active development and 10-year price lock ensure continued compliance updates.

ABSS E-Invoice Features

Certification Status: ⚠️ Requires updates/add-ons (uncertain timeline)

Features (ABSS Connect cloud version):

• LHDN MyInvois integration
• E-invoice generation
• Monthly quotas (500-5,000 depending on plan)
• Basic compliance reporting

Implementation:

• Requires support package for updates
• Training webinars available
• May require upgrade to cloud version

Risk: ABSS's legacy status creates uncertainty around timely compliance updates. Desktop version may require migration to cloud for full e-invoice support.

Winner: SQL Account - Guaranteed compliance with active development vs uncertain ABSS updates.

Integration Capabilities

SQL Account

Native Integrations:

• SQL POS systems
• Malaysian banks (FPX, DuitNow)
• Local e-commerce platforms
• Custom API available

Ecosystem:

• Third-party developer community
• Custom modules available
• Integration with local CRM systems

Limitations:

• Fewer international integrations
• Requires developer for complex integrations
• API documentation limited

ABSS

Native Integrations:

• MYOB ecosystem products
• Malaysian banks (limited)
• Third-party POS systems
• Custom integrations via resellers

Ecosystem:

• Established developer community (declining)
• Legacy integrations available
• Custom development services

Limitations:

• Legacy architecture limits modern integrations
• Declining developer support
• Limited API access

Winner: SQL Account - More active ecosystem with ongoing development.

Security & Data Protection

SQL Account

Security Features:

• Data stored locally or on your chosen server
• User-level access controls
• Audit trail for all transactions
• Manual backup control
• SQL Server encryption

Compliance:

• PDPA compliant (Malaysia)
• Data residency in Malaysia (if self-hosted)
• User-managed security

Backup:

• Manual backup recommended
• Automated backup scripts available
• Cloud backup services supported

ABSS

Security Features:

• Data stored locally (desktop) or cloud (Connect)
• Role-based permissions
• Audit trail
• Manual backup control (desktop)
• Automatic backups (cloud)

Compliance:

• PDPA compliant (Malaysia)
• Data residency control (desktop)
• Cloud data in MYOB servers

Backup:

• Manual backup (desktop)
• Automatic daily backups (cloud)
• Export options for archival

Winner: Tie - Both offer adequate security for SMEs with local data control.

Scalability & Growth

SQL Account

Scaling Path:

• Start with Lite, upgrade to higher editions
• Add modules as needed (payroll, manufacturing)
• Enterprise edition supports multi-company consolidation
• Suitable for businesses up to 50 users

Upgrade Process:

• Pay difference between editions
• Maintain 10-year price lock on new tier
• Data migration handled by reseller

Limitations:

• Desktop architecture limits concurrent users
• Requires license upgrades for more users
• May need server upgrade for performance

ABSS

Scaling Path:

• Start with Accounting, upgrade to Premier
• Add users with multi-user licenses
• Premier supports advanced features
• Suitable for businesses up to 20 users

Upgrade Process:

• Purchase upgrade license
• Data migration included
• Reseller assistance available

Limitations:

• Higher upgrade costs
• Legacy architecture limits scalability
• May need to migrate to cloud for growth

Winner: SQL Account - Better scalability with price protection.

Pros & Cons Summary

SQL Account

Pros: ✅ Lower upfront licensing costs (RM 1,188 vs RM 2,299) ✅ 10-year price guarantee on maintenance (20% of license) ✅ Active development with regular updates ✅ Guaranteed e-invoice compliance (Peppol Certified) ✅ Strong local support network (100+ resellers) ✅ Integrated payroll add-on (RM 800) ✅ Simpler interface, faster to learn ✅ Predictable long-term costs

Cons: ❌ Desktop-first architecture limits mobility ❌ Fewer advanced features than ABSS ❌ Less comprehensive reporting (80 vs 100+ reports) ❌ Requires Windows environment ❌ No cloud option (only cloud hosting)

ABSS (MYOB)

Pros: ✅ 30+ years of brand heritage ✅ Comprehensive feature set (100+ reports) ✅ Advanced job costing capabilities ✅ Deployment flexibility (desktop + cloud) ✅ Established user base and community ✅ Premium support with TeamViewer assistance

Cons: ❌ Significantly higher licensing costs (RM 4,799 vs RM 2,388) ❌ Expensive annual support fees (RM 1,999+ vs RM 478) ❌ Legacy status with uncertain future support ❌ Unclear e-invoice compliance timeline ❌ No price guarantee (fees increase annually) ❌ More complex interface, longer learning curve ❌ Declining reseller network

Who Should Choose SQL Account?

SQL Account is the better choice if you:

• Prioritize long-term cost savings with the 10-year price guarantee
• Need guaranteed compliance updates for e-invoice and SST
• Want predictable expenses without annual fee increases
• Prefer simpler software that's faster to learn and use
• Value active development with regular new features
• Seek reliable local support from a committed Malaysian company
• Need integrated payroll at reasonable cost (RM 800 add-on)

Ideal for: Cost-conscious SMEs, trading companies, retail businesses, startups planning long-term growth

Who Should Choose ABSS?

ABSS may be suitable if you:

• Require advanced job costing for complex projects
• Need comprehensive reporting (100+ pre-built reports)
• Have staff trained on MYOB and want to leverage existing knowledge
• Value brand heritage and established reputation
• Need deployment flexibility (desktop or cloud)
• Require premium support with remote assistance

Ideal for: Established businesses with complex accounting needs, MYOB legacy users, businesses requiring advanced features

Warning: ABSS's legacy status and uncertain future support make it a risky choice for businesses planning to operate beyond 2025. The lack of price guarantees and high support fees create long-term cost concerns.

Migration Considerations

Moving from ABSS to SQL Account

Process:

1. Export chart of accounts and opening balances from ABSS
2. Use SQL Account import wizard for master data
3. Map ABSS COA to SQL Account structure
4. Verify opening balances and inventory
5. Parallel run for 1-2 months
6. Archive ABSS data for compliance

Challenges:

• Custom reports must be recreated
• Staff retraining required (1-2 weeks)
• Some advanced ABSS features may not have direct equivalents

Benefits:

• Immediate cost savings (71% over 10 years)
• Guaranteed compliance updates
• Simpler interface for staff

Moving from SQL Account to ABSS

Process:

1. Export data to Excel/CSV format
2. Use ABSS import tools
3. Map chart of accounts
4. Verify opening balances
5. Configure advanced features

Challenges:

• Significantly higher costs
• More complex interface requires training
• Uncertain future support

Benefits:

• Access to advanced features (job costing, reporting)
• Brand recognition

Recommendation: Given ABSS's legacy status and higher costs, migration from SQL Account to ABSS is rarely advisable unless specific advanced features are absolutely required.

Final Recommendation

For 90% of Malaysian SMEs: SQL Account is the clear winner. It offers:

• 71% lower total cost over 10 years (RM 7,168 vs RM 24,789)
• 10-year price guarantee for predictable budgeting
• Guaranteed e-invoice compliance with active development
• Simpler interface for faster staff productivity
• Strong local support from committed Malaysian company

ABSS's legacy status makes it a risky choice despite its brand heritage. The combination of:

• Uncertain future support
• No price guarantees
• Unclear compliance timelines
• Significantly higher costs

...creates substantial long-term risks that outweigh any feature advantages.

If you're currently using ABSS: Consider migrating to SQL Account before the 2025 e-invoice mandate to ensure compliance and lock in long-term cost savings.

If you're choosing between the two: SQL Account offers better value, guaranteed support, and lower risk for the vast majority of Malaysian businesses.

Related Comparisons

Explore other accounting software comparisons to understand your full range of options:

• SQL Account vs QuickBooks [blocked] - Perpetual licensing vs cloud subscription
• QNE vs SQL Account [blocked] - Cloud-based AI vs desktop perpetual
• QNE vs ABSS [blocked] - Modern AI platform vs legacy desktop
• AutoCount vs ABSS [blocked] - Flexible deployment vs legacy status
• AutoCount vs SQL Account [blocked] - Customization vs perpetual pricing
• Desktop vs Cloud Guide [blocked] - Understand deployment models

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I migrate my ABSS data to SQL Account? A: Yes, SQL Account provides import tools and reseller support for ABSS migration. Most businesses complete the transition in 2-4 weeks with parallel running.

Q: Does SQL Account's 10-year price guarantee really work? A: Yes, your maintenance fee remains at 20% of your original license cost for 10 years, regardless of inflation or price increases. This is contractually guaranteed.

Q: Will ABSS stop working after 2025? A: ABSS will continue to function, but there's no guarantee of compliance updates for new regulations. The legacy status means limited future support.

Q: Which has better inventory management? A: Both offer robust inventory features (batch tracking, multi-location, barcode scanning). ABSS has slightly more advanced job costing, but SQL Account covers most SME needs.

Q: Can I use SQL Account on Mac? A: No, SQL Account is Windows-only. You would need to run Windows via Parallels or Boot Camp on Mac, or use cloud hosting.

Q: Does ABSS have a cloud version? A: Yes, ABSS Connect is a cloud subscription (RM 999-1,399/year) separate from the desktop version. However, it still faces the same legacy status concerns.

Q: Which is better for e-commerce integration? A: SQL Account offers better integration with local e-commerce platforms (Shopee, Lazada) and payment gateways. ABSS's legacy architecture limits modern integrations.

Q: Are both platforms compliant with 2025 e-invoice requirements? A: SQL Account is Peppol Certified with guaranteed compliance. ABSS's compliance status is uncertain due to its legacy status—desktop users may need to migrate to ABSS Connect.

Q: Can I try both before deciding? A: Yes, both offer demo access through resellers. Request demos with your actual business workflows to compare features and usability.

Q: Which has better long-term support? A: SQL Account has guaranteed long-term support as an active Malaysian company. ABSS's parent company (MYOB) has shifted focus to cloud products, leaving desktop ABSS in maintenance mode.

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Last updated: January 2025. Pricing and features subject to change. Always verify current details with official vendors before making a purchase decision.