MBE, the world's largest franchiser of retail business, communication and postal service centers, will integrate QuickBooks with its existing Financial Manager™ software program to create an easy-to-use accounting and reporting software solution for its franchisees. MBE has developed the new version of its Financial Manager to import and export QuickBooks data, helping to save time and eliminate repetition of data input for franchisees and their managers. The IOLP will allow easy and centralized purchasing of products, product technical support and future upgrades.

"This program allows MBE headquarters to offer our franchisees an easy-to-use, customized financial solution that will help them run their centers more efficiently," said James Amos, MBE president and CEO. "This unique program allows franchisees to benefit from MBE's proprietary Financial Manager program and QuickBooks' state of the art accounting program. This is a key component of our overall commitment to technological solutions for both our franchisees and our customers."

"We're excited to be working with MBE because it allows us to illustrate how the new Intuit Open Licensing Program offers a big business advantage to small businesses that work under a larger corporate umbrella," said Marc Spier, Intuit senior product manager. "Our program will allow MBE to offer all of its franchisees an easy, cost-effective financial management tool that can help each owner better manage his or her business."

MBE's selection and integration of QuickBooks with its point-of-sale (POS) computer system is part of the company's technology initiative designed to make business easier for franchisees. In addition to installing the state-of-the-art POS system, satellite technology is being utilized to improve communications between franchised centers and headquarters. New MBE franchisees will receive QuickBooks training through MBE University, the company's training facility in San Diego, and established franchisees may attend regional training seminars. Intuit will provide ongoing customer support.

There are at least 400,000 franchised companies in the United States, many of which are looking to small business software solutions such as QuickBooks to help them better manage their businesses. Intuit's new Intuit Open License Program, which is based on industry standard practices, terms and conditions, is designed for organizations with multiple small business operations or franchisees. "Customers have responded very positively to the way we have designed the IOLP. It's a great way for them to acquire and manage licenses" said Spier. "Beyond MBE, other companies, such as American Family Insurance, are working with their resellers to acquire licenses through the IOLP."

The IOLP allows large organizations to purchase QuickBooks for distribution to its multiple small businesses or franchisees. Substantial savings can be earned through volume purchases and the purchase of related products and services, such as future upgrades, QuickBooks Support Network technical support plans and the QuickBooks Tax Table Service. The program is a cost-effective way for organizations to standardize their accounting system, make sure all users are on the latest version and maintain ongoing customer support. The software is easy to learn and use and can be customized for individual businesses (customization is handled by the organization and not by Intuit).

The Intuit Open License Program is available through distributors (Ingram and Tech Data), corporate resellers, and in the near future, directly from Intuit. Intuit's retail resellers can participate in the IOLP by buying directly through Ingram or TechData and then directly serving franchisees and other small businesses that are interested in implementing the program.