Thursday, January 21, 2010

Microsoft, Intuit Team On Web Apps

Microsoft and financial applications firm Intuit said late Wednesday that the two are linking in an effort to link software developers with small business customers. According to the two, they will integrate Intuit's Partner Platform and Windows Azure, so that small businesses can access cloud-based productivity applications through Intuit's App Center. As part of the deal, Microsoft will provide a free, Windows Azure software development kit targeted at Intuit's cloud-based application platform, a move which should make it easier for developers to create applications integrate with Quickbooks. The deal also includes future promotion plans of Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft SharePoint Online, Microsoft Office Live Meeting and Microsoft Office Communications Online through Intuit.