FiveTech Support Forums

Has anyone integrated with Quickbooks online and if so, which SDK did you use?

From what I understand, Intuit is going to stop offering the desktop version.

Randal Ferguson

Dear Randal,

chatgpt:

Yes, many developers have integrated with QuickBooks Online (QBO). For integration, the most commonly used SDK is **Intuit’s QuickBooks Online SDK**. It provides a seamless way to interact with QBO’s API. Here’s a breakdown:

### Common SDKs for QuickBooks Online Integration:
1. **QuickBooks Online SDKs:**
- **.NET SDK**: Great for C# developers.
- **Java SDK**: Perfect for Java developers.
- **PHP SDK**: Suitable for PHP-based applications.

2. **REST API Directly**: If you don’t want to rely on the SDKs or are using a language like Python, JavaScript, or Harbour (your stack), you can interact directly with the QuickBooks Online REST API. This gives you more control but requires manual handling of OAuth2 authentication and API calls.

### Key Points for Integration:
- **Authentication**: QuickBooks Online uses **OAuth 2.0** for authentication. You’ll need to register your app in Intuit’s Developer Portal to get API keys and set up the redirect URIs.
- **API Documentation**: The [QuickBooks Online API documentation](https://developer.intuit.com/app/developer/qbo/docs/get-started) provides detailed guidance on endpoints for customer management, invoices, payments, etc.
- **Sandbox Environment**: Intuit offers a sandbox for testing integrations before going live.

### Regarding QuickBooks Desktop:
You’re correct that Intuit is phasing out the desktop versions of QuickBooks for certain markets, pushing users towards QuickBooks Online. However, if you're working with legacy desktop systems, they rely on the **QuickBooks Desktop SDK** or **QBXML** (for SOAP-based integrations). But for long-term solutions, shifting to QuickBooks Online integration makes the most sense.

I have had the integration to QB Desktop employed for many years. However, Intuit is pushing to have all systems online and phasing out the desktop versions. They are pushing that program on existing desktop clients.

In reviewing developer.intuit.com, they are implementing a new fee based charge for their API based on monthly users. I will be investigating this because I do not charge extra for the QB integration and certainly don't want to pay for my clients to use it. In their cases, invoices will be posted online, and this may include the customer info, the items sold, and any payment that may have been tendered up front. All AR, AP, General Ledger, Banking and Payroll will be handled by the customer directly with their QB install.

I will update this as I find out more about the new requirements that starts in July of this year.

Tim

Tim,

I am faced with the same situation. From what I gather, they don't charge you for the basic integration, i.e. adding/updating invoices, payments, customers, etc.

I'd be very interested to know what you find out.

Thanks,
Randal

TimStone wrote: I have had the integration to QB Desktop employed for many years. However, Intuit is pushing to have all systems online and phasing out the desktop versions. They are pushing that program on existing desktop clients.

In reviewing developer.intuit.com, they are implementing a new fee based charge for their API based on monthly users. I will be investigating this because I do not charge extra for the QB integration and certainly don't want to pay for my clients to use it. In their cases, invoices will be posted online, and this may include the customer info, the items sold, and any payment that may have been tendered up front. All AR, AP, General Ledger, Banking and Payroll will be handled by the customer directly with their QB install.

I will update this as I find out more about the new requirements that starts in July of this year.

Tim