Microsoft has announced that it will no longer be selling its Office Accounting software after 16 November 2009. As was mentioned here at News & Reviews earlier this year, Microsoft has discontinued a number of software and web services such as Microsoft Money Plus personal finance software.
The reason given by Microsoft for the decision is that their free Office templates (for invoices, expenses, timesheets and budgets) used along with Excel is a better choice for small businesses, as well as their Dynamics products for mid range businesses. But since their launch of Office Accounting in early 2005, they have been unable to break into a market dominated by QuickBooks in the US and Sage in the UK. Most people will prefer to use a full accounting package and will perhaps now consider moving to QuickBooks (check our website for QuickBooks special offers).
Microsoft have stated that existing customers will receive five more years of product support. Meanwhile, some services such as eBay online sales, Equifax credit profiles, payroll and ePayment will discontinue after 15 December 2009. However, customers will still be able to pay emailed invoices through PayPal; and credit card processing and checks & forms ordering will still be available.
Customers who have recently purchased the software and now wish for a refund can obtain one – return policy is 30 days from time of purchase.
