Microsoft to kill “Money” by June 30, 2009

By the end of this month, Microsoft Money – the highly regarded personal finance software would stop selling after 18 whole years. Microsoft says that the changing customer patterns and greater functionality of bank and brokerage Web sites drove the decision.

Apparently, some early Microsoft Money users have more than 15 years of financial data stored in the product. Microsoft is working on ways to help users transition to other desktop products if they choose.

Although Microsoft will stop selling the product at the end of June, it plans to support it through January 2011. According to Microsoft, an expired version of Money Plus could be used indefinitely on the computer and configuration currently in place, with the exception of some of the services and features. Microsoft does not guarantee the compatibility with future operating systems and hardware configurations.

Last year, Microsoft stopped selling Money at retail stores, offering it only by Internet download.

As per Microsoft:

“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. After suspending annual updates of Money Plus in 2008, Microsoft is announcing today that we will no longer offer Microsoft Money Plus for purchase after June 30, 2009.

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.

Microsoft remains committed to helping customers chart a course to financial well-being. The MSN Money Web site will continue to provide personal finance information and advice plus comprehensive market news and quotes. We will continue to evolve and enhance the online MSN offering in the coming months.”

Products affected include:

Microsoft Money Essentials
Microsoft Money Plus Deluxe
Microsoft Money Plus Premium
Microsoft Money Plus Home & Business

Some of Microsoft’s discontinued products in last one year:

Largely discontinued the Encarta encyclopedia
To discontinue Windows OneCare Antivirus (with the arrival of Morro)
Discontinued the sale of Digital Image Suite product (after the release of Windows Vista)

If you have more questions in mind, then please visit the FAQ section on Microsoft Money end of sales.