Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) today debuted QuickBooks® for the Web, a revolutionary new way for small businesses to manage their accounting. The service was built from the ground up for the Web by the leaders in small business accounting software. It delivers revolutionary ease-of-use, enables small businesses to work remotely with co-owners, employees or accountants, and automates recurring tasks like customer billing. QuickBooks for the Web, available immediately at www.quickbooks.com, is ideal for service-based businesses, the fastest-growing segment of the small business market1.
Based on feedback from nearly 17 years of making small business financial software, QuickBooks for the Web is designed to be the easiest accounting software on the Web. Users do not need accounting experience or knowledge to gain more control of their finances. Innovations like a three-step Startup Interview, completed in about 10 minutes, will get QuickBooks for the Web users up and running quickly and easily. It's also customizable in ways users have requested, including a customized chart of accounts. It even allows users to choose the way they refer to their customers. For example, doctors can call their customers patients, or landlords can call their customers tenants.
"Our goal is to provide small businesses with the essential tools they need in the new economy. QuickBooks software led the first revolution for small businesses accounting. We believe QuickBooks for the Web, with its drop-dead ease-of-use features, will lead the second revolution," said Scott Cook, Intuit founder and chairman of the executive committee.
Revolutionary Ease, Regardless of Accounting Expertise
Providing revolutionary ease of use, QuickBooks for the Web will help today's busy entrepreneurs manage their finances in less time so that they can get back to running their businesses.
- Easy Startup Interview gets users up and running quickly and easily. QuickBooks for the Web's three-step interview takes about 10 minutes and customizes the program specifically for each business.
- QuickFillTM feature remembers information on customers, vendors, products and services so users never have to enter data twice. Just start typing and QuickFill enters the rest. No other Web accounting application makes it as easy to enter information - most other applications require users to search a list or re-type the information.
- QuickZoomTM feature allows users to drill down several levels on reports to see charges and costs to review the "numbers behind the numbers."
- Quick Add allows users to add a new name to their customer list "on the fly" - without having to change screens and leave what they are doing.
- Premium Technical Support is included.
Anywhere, Anytime Access
QuickBooks for the Web enables users in different locations to work together to manage their accounting online. Users can extend access rights to accountants, giving them the ability to review and adjust files via the Internet in real time. The Web-based service also enables travelling business people to work on their books from any location.
Breakthrough Automated Billing
Leveraging the power of the Internet, automated billing functions allow businesses to generate and distribute recurring client bills.
- Recurring charges and automated statement creation provide users a fully automated billing process. Statements can be automatically generated - even if the user does not log on.
- Statement delivery via e-mail and fax allows businesses to use the Web to deliver statements electronically from their desk by simply setting their preferences. No additional sign-up or software are necessary for this feature.
Pricing, Availability and Requirements
QuickBooks for the Web, Basic Edition is available immediately for $14.95 per month, per company, for up to 20 users. This price includes premium technical support and 50 faxes per month for charter users, and a 30-day free trial is available for a limited time.
QuickBooks for the Web is Windows compatible. Internet access and Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher are required; a persistent Internet connection is recommended. No additional software installation is necessary.
As additional features become available, current customers will have access to them. Customers can learn more about QuickBooks for the Web by visiting www.quickbooks.com. Optional services (including excess faxes) may require additional subscription or service fees. Terms, conditions, features, service options and pricing are subject to change.
QuickBooks for the Web, Basic Edition, has a different set of features than the QuickBooks desktop product. For example, QuickBooks for the Web does not include an integrated payroll service, online banking or inventory management. Today, Intuit also announced QuickBooks 2001, a new desktop version of its best-selling accounting and business management software.
