REDMOND, Wash., and BERKELEY, Calif., Sept. 21, 2004 — Microsoft Corp. and Access Softek Inc. today announced their joint effort to produce and deliver the Converter for Quicken® files within Microsoft®
Money 2005, the award-winning personal finance software. With the converter tool from Access Softek, consumers can quickly and easily transfer their personal finance data from Quicken into Money 2005. 1
The tool, which supports conversions of Quicken 2004 and earlier versions, is the most recent collaboration between Microsoft and Access Softek, which have worked together for more than a decade on a variety of projects, including those involving wireless, personal digital assistant and Open Financial Exchange (OFX) connectivity. With the Converter for Quicken files, Access Softek helps Microsoft ensure that consumers’ important financial data, such as account registers and portfolio information, is efficiently imported into Money 2005.
“Microsoft Money continues to be the most powerful and effective software application for financial management,” said Chris Doner, president and CEO of Access Softek. “We remain dedicated to this relationship and providing Microsoft with solutions that help meet the needs of its customers while simplifying the data transfer process.”
“Microsoft values its relationships with leading technology providers such as Access Softek, which enable us to offer products that are powerful, yet easy to use,” said AnnMarie Coe, marketing manager for the Home Retail Division at Microsoft. “With Access Softek’s smartly designed converter tool, consumers can quickly and efficiently transfer their financial information into Money 2005.”
Upon using the converter tool, former Quicken customers can immediately take advantage of all the new and enhanced features in Money 2005, designed to help consumers effortlessly handle their day-to-day finances and optimize their long-term financial goals. Completely rebuilt for simplicity, Money 2005 features a speedy setup, connections to more than 5,000 financial institutions, automated tools that reduce manual data entry, and adaptable Essential and Advanced features, enabling a more personal experience.
Pricing and Availability
Microsoft Money 2005 Standard is available for an estimated retail price (ERP) of $29.95 (U.S.) with a $10 rebate; Money 2005 Deluxe is available for an ERP of $59.95 (U.S.) with a $20 rebate; Money 2005 Premium is available for an ERP of $79.95 (U.S.) with a $30 rebate; and Money 2005 Small Business is available for an ERP of $89.95 (U.S.) with a $30 rebate. 2 Consumers who want to acquire Money 2005 can visit http://www.microsoft.com/money or a local retailer or call (888) 218-5617.
About Access Softek
Since 1984, Access Softek Inc. has provided software development solutions to leading financial technology companies including Microsoft, H & R Block, Fiserv and a growing number of banks and credit unions. Access Softek (a member of BITS, FSTC and the OFX Vendor committee) is a privately held, California-based company that is home to a team of highly skilled designers, artists, developers and testers working out of the company’s Berkeley headquarters. Additional information is available at http://www.accesssoftek.com.
About Microsoft Home Retail Division
Microsoft Home Retail Division (HRD) is a leading publisher of home software for the PC. Celebrating Microsoft’s 20 years of delivering products that help consumers accomplish and enjoy everyday tasks, HRD brings consumers Microsoft Encarta®
, the industry’s best-selling encyclopedia brand 3 ; Microsoft Digital Image products, which combine advanced photo-editing features and unmatched organizational tools with unparalleled ease of use; Microsoft Money, easy-to-use personal finance management software; Streets & Trips, Microsoft’s all-in-one mapping solution with points of interest, routes, driving directions and Pocket PC compatibility in one value-priced software package; and Microsoft Works Suite, the best-selling 4 integrated home productivity software that offers six of the latest essential home software titles in one package for tremendous value. Used with the MSN®
network of Internet services, these products have a unique depth and mobility that allow users to take their PC experience even further. More information about the Home Retail Division product lineup is available at http://www.microsoft.com/discover .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
1 The converter in the U.S. version of Money 2005 will convert files from Quicken U.S. versions 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; Quicken 2002; Quicken 2003; and Quicken 2004.
2 Actual retail prices and rebates vary. Certain mail-in rebate offer restrictions apply. See packaging for offer details.
3 The NPD Group/NPD Techworld®
, March 1993–July 2004. Based on total U.S. retail sales.
4 The NPD Group/NPD Techworld, March 1993–August 2004. Based on total U.S. retail sales.
Microsoft, Encarta and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Intuit and Quicken are registered trademarks and/or registered service marks of Intuit Inc., or one of its subsidiaries, in the United States and 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. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.asp .
