Real problem with quickbooks?

[Recruitment1]

What exactly is the real problem with Quickbooks 2008. Is it only those transfering data from one version to an updated version experiencing problems? As a new user would I experience problems?

I've also been told that the problems have now been sorted out?

Answers and opinions please?

[James Smith]

Its mainly historic. There where issues with speed and VAT which have been fixed.

*edited to add* a little bird tells me that the VAT still doesn't work properly. So id better pass on that one. Sorry, I only have 2 clients on 2008 both on the flat rate. I advised existing clients to stick with 2006.

The main thing that irked me was the fact they dropped a product called "regular" which was pretty much fully featured and cost about £120, and now give you an option at around the £40 mark and the £300. The £300 version is not much different to the old £120 version which was a "no brainer" option for my clients. £300 is a different story.

They also sabotaged their older offerings with some dodgy updates that restrict compatibility with accountants versions - ie trying to force you to pay again for the latest version, which again is really annoying and somewhat short sighted. Along with most software companies their business model assumes you want to upgrade - when in actual fact most companies accounting requirements simply don't change very much so upgrading is not normally of much benefit. I have clients using 10 year old accounting software quite happily and efficiently. It often tends to run really quickly too on a modern machine too.

The software itself is actually pretty good, but at £300 its not what you might call cheap although Amazon do it at a decent discount.

Edited to add Amazon have i on for £180 - that's not bad, one assumes the 2009 version is imminent or they are just not selling many copies due to the problems with it.

Hope that helps.

Regards,

[Recruitment1]

Thanks James, should I purchase 2006 version or would I have to upgrade eventually. Do you think everyone who uses 2006 will have to upgrade eventually?

[openmind]

Well I'm one of the clients James mentions above and upgraded to 2008 a couple of months ago.

There are some issues with VAT but as long as you read the upgrade instructions and make plenty of backups you will be fine...

[James Smith]

Ok make that 3! Phil does his own VAT so not seen his file for a while.