Software Gadgets

Own a small business and need an accounting program, but don’t want to pay for one? Microsoft has a new offering in their free “Express Edition” program that may be be the solution to your small business accounting needs: Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2007.

According to the Microsoft web site:

Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2007 is everything you need to make your small business idea flourish. Whatever your idea, take it further with these great features:

Save time on everyday tasks

* Create quotes and invoices; track expenses and employee time
* Enter data once and share it seamlessly with other Microsoft Office system programs
* Manage payroll and taxes with ADP’s integrated payroll service

Get a complete view of your business

* Store and organize all your customer, vendor, employee, and financial information in one place
* Get business insights with over 20 customizable reports
* Easily share your books with your accountant through Office Live

Grow your business online

* List items on eBay, track sales activity, and download and process orders
* Email invoices and get paid faster with PayPal
* Monitor your customers’ business credit in real-time through Equifax
* Share your financial data with your accountant easily through Office Live

There are a couple of drawbacks, however. First, the program is a 208 meg download. If you don’t have a fast broadband connection, you will probably want to order the CD. Second, Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2007 requires Windows XP, 2003 Server, or Vista — it will not run on earlier versions of Windows. Third, some features, like payroll, ar not free as they require a subscription to actually use. However, this is a first class accounting program for any one running a business on the side and you can’t bet the price: free.

Rating: 4.5
Operating System: Windows XP, 2003 Server, Vista
License: Freeware
Price: Free
Version: 2007
Web Site: Click Here

[tags]Microsoft, Accounting Software, Microsoft, Express Edition, Small Business[/tags]