After announcing last summer that it would no longer update Microsoft Money, Microsoft has announced that the 17-year-old product will not be available for purchase after June 30, 2009.
According to the corporate Web site, "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."
Microsoft did not respond to requests for comment.
Products affected include Microsoft Money Essentials, Microsoft Money Plus Deluxe, Microsoft Money Plus Premium, and Microsoft Money Plus Home & Business.
Though many of Money's features can be used indefinitely, the Microsoft Web site explains that online services (stock quotes and online banking and bill-pay) will eventually expire. At that point, Money Plus Essentials will no longer be usable.
For Money Plus Deluxe, Premium, and Home & Business customers, online services expire two years after initial activation or Jan. 31, 2011, whichever is earlier; for Money Plus Essentials it is one year after activation or Jan. 31, 2011, whichever is earlier, says the site. Epay and Apay services will no longer be available from within the Money product after online services expire. Stock quotes and tax rates can be manually updated.
Support will be available through Jan. 31, 2011, Microsoft's site said.
Microsoft has also posted a FAQ on the Money shutdown.
Techno Uptodate: Daily Updates on newly launched Gadgets, Gizmos, Mobiles, PC's & Laptops, Hacking, Gaming & Emerging Technological Trends.
