Microsoft Small Business Accounting

[dbp]

Just curious who on here has seen the MSFT small business accounting beta version and if anyone has thoughts on how it compares to QuickBooks? Thanks a lot.

[Kendor]

I haven't seen it (or even heard of it - so thanks for drawing it to our attention). If MS is true to pattern, the package will start out as a rather simple package missing many of the facilities offered by QB. But it will then grow in complexity, in time posing a serious challenge to QB.

MS' surprising nimbeleness for such a behemoth in responding to users' needs will then constitute a real challenge to QB, which will either have to relearn old adage "The customer is always right" or slide into oblivion. I can't wait.

Ken

Ken

[luan79us]

hi there! I do use both programs, preferring quickbooks.
mssba is a very good program to learn fundamentals with easy to follow .... but quickbooks is used by banks like wells fargo very important in my business- tax accountant and vita/tce worker with the irs. mssba seems module driven it reminds me of the old peachtree with the branches laid out more quickbook seems to rely more on synthesizing through it's effective use of coa..plus it adds automatically places calculations in modules for you...less labor intensive....

[gibbo]

Microsoft Small Business Accounting is still in Beta. luan79us, are you testing it?

[hartford]

Hi All
Is it now appearing at:-
http://www.microsoft.com/office/accounting/prodinfo/default.mspx
Does anyone have time to look?

[dan wong]

I am using the Ms beta version. I like the the fact it link (intergrate) many feature to the Microsoft Office suit, but short on many other feature avaible in quickbook. but then....this is a beta version.

Over all, I like what I see.

[suzannemead]

It only integrates with MS Office 2003, not previous versions. That could end up being expensive if you have to go out and buyt 2003.

[Joey]

Suzanne's correct. I use the M/S Office version 2002 and when they sent me the new accounting software to try, I called them to ask whether they would give us a discount on the upgrade to the Office 2003 program and they said, "No way." I checked and it's over $350 to upgrade my Office software before I even think about purchasing the accounting package which is priced about the same as QuickBooks. You would think they would want to give us a free office upgrade to entice us to convert our accounting to their program, but no deal.
From what I see so far, it doesn't even compare to QuickBooks and you have to use ADP for the payroll.
I don't think I'll be changing very soon.

[carpii]

I installed Microsoft Small Business Accountant prior to ordering Quick Books.

My first impressions were not good. I did not get the chance to really judge its features, I uninstalled it after around an hour due to the fact its performance was miserable.
Ive a high performance machine, and so if other users arent getting this, I cant explain it.

As an example, it took around two seconds for the manu to popu pafter clicking on the menu bar. It was just dreadful. Yes I know its beta!

Carpii

[suzannemead]

I'm glad you mentioned problems/downfalls such as the time to bring up a menu. People read the box the software is packaged in, or the glowing reviews and see only the things it says it can do, Unfortunately you have to spend your money to find out all the irritating things that happen when you try to actually use programs. Sorry - Pet peeve of mine! I have recently been shopping for health insurance for the company and have run into the same thing. All you hear is what the policies have, but never what they don't have. Sometimes it's the little everyday annoyances that make or break a product. I know QB isn't perfect for everyone's use, but it has been on the market long enough to answer the needs of most businesses and do it without too many problems. Now I can get off my soapbox.

[lisa_mn]

Doug Sleeter at Sleeter.com has written a very comprehensive review of the MS accounting package.

Lots of weaknesses vis à vis cash basis accounting. I'm waiting before I jump on this bandwagon.

[tj1]

Has anyone tried the new 2006 version?

I like quickbooks, but I really hate the limit of how many inventory items can be added.

[890890]

Originally posted by tj1
Has anyone tried the new 2006 version?

I like quickbooks, but I really hate the limit of how many inventory items can be added.

I've just treid 2006 version... and it's running very slow if you don't have a strong pc.