MS Money Dropped
Many people will no doubt be disappointed to learn that the famous Microsoft personal finance programme, MS Money, is being phased out.
Microsoft has told retailers, financial institutions and customers that it will soon stop selling the product, but will offer support until 2011. People can still make use of the product, but any automated data they may get from say their bank, or credit card company, will stop.
Microsoft stopped selling MS Money in shops last year and it has only been available as an internet download for some time.
The software giant claimed their decision was based on a bit of product ‘housekeeping’ and that the market had also changed since it was first introduced. Others point to Microsoft’s having to make cost-cutting decisions in the wake of the financial downturn.
Their Encarta encyclopaedia has basically been scrapped as well, as has their Windows OneCare antivirus product and their Digital Image Suite (effectively replaced by Vista).
People who recently bought the product won’t be in line for a refund though, as Microsoft will support it beyond the licensing terms. And Microsoft point out that it will work way beyond 2011 anyway, the date when support finishes, it just won’t have the usual interactivity.
Microsoft say they will also continue its MSN Money Web site.
The industry has for a while wondered how long Microsoft would play second fiddle to the market leader in personal finance software, Intuit’s Quicken. And what with a whole host of competitive programmes now available online, such as Mint.com, the demise of MS Money was inevitable.
The Seattle-based software giant remains strong in its core areas of Windows-based products, but appears to have let a few non-core products slip through their fingers.
Microsoft says on its website:
"With banks, brokerage firms and Web sites now providing a range of options for managing personal finances, the consumer need for Microsoft Money Plus has changed. We would like to thank the many dedicated users who have been enthusiastic supporters of Microsoft Money over the years, as well as our partner financial institutions who helped pioneer a digital vision of financial management."
Guest Article by Neil Camp
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My name is Alan Potts and I'm the Editor of the BUYability web site and Managing Director of BUYability Limited. You can connect with me or keep up to date with new posts on this blog via the following social media sites: 
