14 DAY TRIAL // In a little over a month, it will be one year since Microsoft discontinued its personal financial-management lineup of products, but a new move from the Redmond company is bound to breathe additional life into the software. Two new Microsoft Money offerings are currently available for download, designed, as the software giant has put it, to replace expired versions of Microsoft Money Essentials, Deluxe, Premium and Home and Business. Essentially, Money Plus Deluxe Sunset replaces Essentials, Deluxe and Premium editions, while Money Plus Home & Business Sunset does the same for the Home & Business SKU.
Microsoft Money customers must understand that, while Money Plus Sunset versions are indeed available, they come with their own advantages and caveats. “No activation requirement - this version can be installed/reinstalled as needed without a requirement to activate,” Microsoft stated. “No online services - this includes online quotes, bill payment, statement downloads initiated by Money, data sync with MSN Money, etc. If your financial institution provides OFX or QIF statement downloads, the Sunset versions will allow you to import those statements into your Money file.”
Money is no longer available for purchase as of June 30, 2009, with the company citing the evolution of the personal financial-management software as the reason for the discontinuation of the product. Customers still running the product will be able to enjoy the associated online services and assisted support only through January 31st, 2011.
In Money Plus Sunset, “Online Help is replaced with a local Help file,” the company added. “No Assisted Support - Self Help and community support may continue to be available for a few more years. File conversion from older versions of Money. The Sunset versions will be able to open and convert Money Plus files and files from older versions of Money (e.g. Money 2006, Money 2007). Note that the inability to convert from regional (non-US) versions of Money still applies.”
Money Plus Sunset Home and Business is available for download here. Money Plus Sunset Deluxe is available for download here.