Upgrading Your QuickBooks

QuickBooks is the accounting program manufactured by Intuit. The basic version is designed for small businesses and personal accounting functions. Intuit also makes a series of Premier Editions that are geared towards more specific business models, such as Manufacturing Companies and Contractors.

Intuit releases a new version of it the QuickBooks accounting software every year, usually in the Fall. This year's release was at the end of September, and includes some noteworthy new features to all versions of the QuickBooks line. As usual, consumers may be confused about whether or not to upgrade each year, depending on the features offered with the newer editions, and how valuable they are to each consumer.

QuickBooks 2011 fits into this category. This year's new features, though not exorbitant, have proven to be rather unique and useful. By far the highlight of these additions has been the iPhone and Blackberry applications for all QuickBooks editions. Though these apps don't offer the complete range of use that your laptop or desk top computer does, they are still very functional for "on the go" users.

Along with this, Intuit has included more stream-lining functions to the 2011 version; with the ability to add, and invoice customers through your Hotmail, Gmail and Yahoo Mail accounts. Each contact can be identified as a customer, employee, or vendor as well, which aids the overall functionality of the feature.

Intuit traditionally offered an online and PC-based version of QuickBooks, but in 2011 they have added a special edition for Mac users as well. Combining this edition, and the iPhone or Blackberry apps, users can now access their QuickBooks from pretty much anywhere, and from most devices. All of these versions included the new "search" feature that consumers have been so supportive of.

Now, what if you don't need these new features, and are still a QuickBooks user? If you have the 2009 version, or more recent, you are okay. As of May 31, 2011 though, Intuit will not offer support for versions older than this, so be careful.