Intuit Inc. said the newest version of its QuickBooks software will help small business take fuller advantage of the Internet.
QuickBooks 2000 hit stores Wednesday. It features links to the Internet that let small businesses launch their own Web sites, open merchant accounts, and buy postage on-line.
"Now that QuickBooks is integrated with the Web, it turns what we do for businesses from managing their accounting to managing their entire business," said Scott Cook, founder and chairman of Intuit, in a conference call Wednesday.
Using the software's Site Builder feature, small businesses can create and launch their own Web sites. The sites would be hosted by Intuit. Mr. Cook said he used the software to set up a basic site for his nine-year old son's egg stand in about 10 minutes.
The software also features links to Intuit business partners Wells Fargo & Co., Signio Inc., E-Stamp, and First Sierra Financial Inc. These links let small businesses get merchant card accounts, on-line postage, and lease financing. Intuit first announced these links in October.
Mr. Cook said QuickBooks' Site Solutions, of which the Site Builder is the first phase, will "revolutionize" the way small businesses interact with customers.
Intuit will set up a business Web site and host it for six months free of charge. After six months, it will charge the business $9.95 per month to continue hosting it.
By offering more than just accounting services to small businesses, Mr. Cook said Intuit is strengthening customer relationships with financial institutions.
"We work with financial institutions to provide financial services," he said. "Rather than disintermediating, we channel businesses to banks."
