Microsoft Money to be available only as a download

Microsoft Money to be available only as a download

Software giant Microsoft has said that they have decided to stop offering Microsoft Money as a boxed product.

Customers would soon be required to get it only through their online store.

Chris Jolley, a product manager with Microsoft wrote in a blog post on this decision: “We’ve decided against releasing a 2009 version of Money Plus boxed product. Microsoft Money Plus distribution efforts will focus on selling software online via download, and we have discontinued traditional box sales of the software at retail. I doubt this surprises many of you, especially those who’ve discussed with me how annual releases don’t make much sense for a product that’s in its 17th version.”

He added: “Broadband clearly is mainstream; more and more people are shopping for software online, particularly in the financial arena. This distribution model means less packaging, which obviously is better for the environment. Clearly it makes sense for the marketplace. Today’s consumers want instant gratification, and last year’s sales percentages show that the immediacy of the download appeals to a large number of customers.”

Checkout: Microsoft Money