REDMOND, Wash., March 14, 2001 — Microsoft Corp. today announced agreements with two leading financial institutions to expand the company’s online and offline personal finance services via Open Financial Exchange technology (OFX). Now, consumers can download brokerage statements from Datek Online Brokerage Services LLC and Wall Street Access into the MSN® MoneyCentral™ online personal finance service and Microsoft® Money personal finance software versions 1999-2001.
The two financial institutions have joined more than 1,000 others in implementing the OFX specification, enabling the direct exchange of financial information via the Internet. OFX supports a wide range of financial activities, including consumer and small-business banking, bill payment, bill presentment, and investment download and tracking, including stocks, bonds and mutual funds.
“OFX allows financial institutions to connect with consumers wherever they are managing their money, whether online or through PC-based software,”
said George Hu, technical evangelist for OFX at Microsoft.
“With these agreements, Microsoft benefits both consumers and institutions by simplifying the exchange of financial data.”
The specification for OFX became available for public download from CheckFree, Intuit Inc. and Microsoft at http://www.ofx.net/ . It has won the support of leading financial services companies, including Prudential Insurance Co. of America, TD Waterhouse Investor Services Inc. and T. Rowe Price Investment Services Inc.; payroll processing leader Ceridian Corp; and leading technology solution providers, including Corillian Corp. and Enterprise Engineering Inc.
“OFX can help more than 700,000 Datek Online investors access their account information through Microsoft finance products,”
said Mike Dunn, Datek Online spokesperson.
“These products allow our customers to more easily track gains and losses and prepare tax forms.”
About MSN MoneyCentral
MSN MoneyCentral, located at http://moneycentral.msn.com/ , is a complete online personal finance resource delivering leading financial tools and information. The award-winning site offers consumers the ability to complete a wide range of everyday financial tasks, such as paying bills, viewing account balances, tracking investments and staying informed on the latest financial news, in one convenient place online – any time, any place. MSN MoneyCentral enables people at all levels of experience to take control of and feel comfortable with their finances, helping them make smart financial decisions. Leading industry publications, including Barron’s, Forbes Magazine, Money Magazine, PC Magazine and PC World Magazine, consistently applaud MoneyCentral for its comprehensive, easy-to-use collection of online finance tools and resources.
About Microsoft Money 2001
Microsoft Money 2001 is a comprehensive personal finance management software program that helps consumers quickly and effectively manage their day-to-day personal finances and achieve short- and long-term financial goals. Money 2001 is integrated with the MSN MoneyCentral online personal finance service, allowing consumers to access superior investment tools and manage their investments and finances at any time, from any place. Money 2001 Deluxe is available for the estimated retail price of $64.95; Money Standard, for an estimated retail price of $34.95 (actual retail prices may vary). Customers who acquire Money 2001 and Kiplinger TaxCut at the same time may be eligible for a mail-in rebate totaling up to $34.95.*
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
* Certain offer restrictions apply. See Kiplinger TaxCut packaging for offer details.
Microsoft, MSN and MoneyCentral are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
