Alternative to Microsoft Office Accounting Professional?

The sad demise of Microsoft Office Accounting Professional. (More information from www.msofficeaccounting.co.uk ) This began with an email received from Microsoft on October 30th 2009 notifying all users that support for the product would be 'transferred' to Mamut.  The product will no longer be distributed after 16th November 2009 and it would appear effectively brings the product to an end, although it will continue to be supported until 2014.  There is an offer to get a 'free' Mamut licence for their equivalent product but as this would mean paying Mamut a monthly service charge it is not at all 'free'.

This is an unexpected and seemingly strange decision by Microsoft.  Already, it would appear from forum postings and blogs, that it has alienated those customers and Microsoft Accounting Partners who have invested time in the relatively new product.  The software itself was extremely good and seemed to be well placed to take market share.  The fact that it came with a SDK and was based on Microsoft SQL Server meant that vertical applications could be developed atop the accounting functionality at no extra expense to the development community - something that community has been crying out for.

Mamut seem to be increasing their market share in the UK and this will no doubt open up further markets for them.  They are an international company with several levels of software applications to offer.

Little information is yet available as to the background to this agreement between Microsoft and Mamut, but the rapidity of the action is difficult to reason from the outside.  It is very disappointing though for those involved and will not win Microsoft any friends.  From first glance it looks as though Mamut would expect to simply merge the existing customer base into their own.  However, changing from one accounting system is not that simple - especially in the area of data transfer.  Other time consuming activities such as customising letters and report templates will have to be re-done by end users.  Anyone who has just spent October setting up a Microsoft Office Accounting installation will no doubt be feeling especially aggrieved.

It is hoped that a better explanation will be forthcoming from Microsoft for this particular action.

If you are looking for an alternative accounting product because of this, we would recommend taking a look at Omni Accounts and comparing the functionality with both Microsoft Office Accounting and Mamut's equivalent product.

(click here for more on Omni Accounts )

If you find yourself in need of data transfer expertise please contact us today to discuss.