Microsoft dumps financial software Money Plus

Microsoft Corporation yesterday said that it plans to duiscontinue selling its personal finance software, 'Microsoft Money Plus' after 30 June and all purchased Money Plus products must be activated prior to 31 January, 2011.

Microsoft said that the consumer need for the software had changed since Microsoft Money Plus was launched 17 years ago, and banks, brokerage firms and web sites are now providing a range of options for managing personal finances.

The Redmond, Washington-based software giant added that no future versions of the software will be released, but it would continue to support the product through January 2011.

The products that will be discontinued are Microsoft Money Essentials, Microsoft Money Plus Deluxe, Microsoft Money Plus Premium and Microsoft Money Plus Home & Business.

Microsoft said in a statement, ''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,'' it added

'Microsoft Money Plus' will now join other products that Microsoft has done away with this year. In March, the company discontinued the 16 year-old Microsoft Encarta, the company's encyclopedia software, while last year, it did away with the Windows Live OneCare product.

Microsoft decided to terminate Encarta, as it could not cope with other online encyclopedia's like Wikipedia, which can be accessed for free, while the Encarta had a retail price of $29.95.