#1 Which Version is Right for Me?
The old days of having 2 different “flavors” of QuickBooks are long gone. The folks at Intuit (the creators of QuickBooks) have been very busy working to tailor their products for the ever-changing needs of the marketplace.
First, the core QuickBooks software is broken down into the following versions:
At its simplest is the Basic version. You can expect the core functionality of QuickBooks that you have come to know. The Pro version builds on Basic, and adds a number of helpful features such as exporting data to Excel and Word. The Premier Version is an extension of Pro, and it too has additional features, such as remote access.
But wait! In addition to the above versions, there are also the following:
Each of these versions provides functionality to meet specific needs of businesses like yours.
As you evaluate your plans to upgrade your version of QuickBooks (remember, they do not support versions older than QuickBooks 2000 right now), take a moment to learn more about which version is right for you by clicking on the link below.
Learn More About the Versions of QuickBooks
#2: So Many Accessories!
The QuickBooks Solutions Marketplace was designed to showcase all of the third-party software products that have been created to enhance your QuickBooks experience. At last count, there were nearly 100 (that’s right – 100!) different programs out there that might benefit your business.
Whether your needs are UPS/FedEx shipping software that integrates with QuickBooks, the ability to import and export data to your Palm Pilot, or the desire to track time, the Marketplace has some products listed for your evaluation. Take a moment to click on the link below – it takes you directly to the QuickBooks Solutions Marketplace.
NOTE: It is important to know that you need QuickBooks 2002 Pro or better to use any of these products. For discounts on upgrades to QuickBooks, click on our “Discounts on QuickBooks Stuff” link below.
Take me to the QuickBooks Solutions Marketplace
#3 The Cost of Not Backing Up…
Picture this – you come to learn that your QuickBooks company file has become corrupted and put into an usuable state (it happens more than you might think…). What do you do next?
Hopefully, your next step is to reach over, grab the backup copy of your QuickBooks company file, restore it, and get on your way. BUT, what if you don’t have a backup copy? (well, do you?)
QuickBooks offers what they call their “Data Recovery Services” that will attempt to recreate your company file (though they can’t guarantee their success). Have any idea what the cost is for this service?
If you want your data back in about 10 business days, the cost is $250. If you want your data back in 2 business days, the cost is $750. Yep, $750. The moral of this story is to make sure you are backing up your
QuickBooks data on a regular basis. It could save you a LOT of money down the road.
Learn more about QuickBooks Data Recovery Services
# 4 Sun Sets on QuickBooks 2000
As of April 30, 2003, QuickBooks will cease live support and most services for QuickBooks 2000. They have already discontinued support for older versions.
If you are using QuickBooks 2000 (or any version OLDER than that), have a problem and call for help, it will not be available. The first question you are asked is what version you use, and if it is one that has been “sunset” by QuickBooks they will advise you that an upgrade is necessary.
This news from QuickBooks provides you an excellent opportunity to review the many enhancements in the new versions of QuickBooks. Since the 2000 version was released, many timesaving features have been added. Just to name a few: the simple find feature (a real gem!), the “How Do I” button which provides detailed help for QuickBooks, e-mailing invoices and estimates, and much more than we can mention here.
Details on QuickBooks “Sunset Policy”
Scott Gregory, CPA, QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Microsoft Certified Professional is the president of Bond Technology. Bond Tech provides a full suite of QuickBooks and technology consulting services to small businesses. Services range from helping clients save money on their initial or upgrade purchases of QuickBooks to installation and training, as well as computer installation and networking. Contact Scott at SGregory@BondTechLtd.com, or by visiting their web site at http://www.bondtechltd.com/.
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