Money 2003 Offers Web-Based Services

The latest release of Microsoft Money—the company’s personal finance software—bundles numerous Web-based services offered by Microsoft partners. Some editions of Money 2003 offer users free or discounted services from companies that partner with Microsoft’s MSN Money Web site; other editions include links to Web-based services for small businesses. Money 2003 represents one of several partner opportunities that might appear in Microsoft’s continuing quest to become a services as well as a software company.

The inclusion of Web-based services within PC-based Money 2003 reflects a trend seen in other recent Microsoft products, such as Small Business Manager (server software for small businesses that contains links to Web-based services on bCentral) and the forthcoming MSN 8, which is primarily desktop client software with links to MSN-hosted Web-based services.

Adding Services to Software

Over the last few iterations of Money, Microsoft has added Web-based functionality, such as links to a portfolio management service and investment advice on the MSN Money site (formerly MoneyCentral). With Money 2003, released Aug. 1, 2002, the company continues to add Web-based functionality, but nearly all of the new features are provided by partners rather than Microsoft.