14 DAY TRIAL // Back in 2005, data from AMI Partners revealed the existence of some 20 million small and home-based businesses. It is them that the Redmond Company is addressing with the release of Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2007 and with the successor of Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting 2006, Microsoft Office Accounting Professional 2007.
The two file management applications offer desktop software and an additional seven integrated online services. But while Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2007 is delivered free of charge, Office Accounting Professional will come with an estimated retail price of $149. The third party integrated premium online services will also be available for a price.
"If you run a newly formed business, are an eBay seller, or still do your books in spreadsheets like Excel or on paper, you should download and use Office Accounting Express 2007," said Rajat Taneja, general manager of Microsoft Small Business Applications and Services. "The familiar look and feel of the Microsoft Office interface will help small-business owners more easily navigate their everyday financial tasks."
Referring to early startups and home-based businesses, Taneja added "they have various obstacles to using accounting software, such as the cost or fear of technology. We want to help eliminate those barriers by giving business owners an easy-to-use yet comprehensive solution that can help them be more efficient, manage their customer base and grow their business."