No, QuickBooks is not going under.
QuickBooks, a leading accounting software developed by Intuit, is not facing closure or going out of business. Instead, Intuit is implementing a strategic shift by discontinuing support for certain older desktop versions of the software. This move is part of an ongoing transition, encouraging users to upgrade to newer QuickBooks Desktop products or migrate to their cloud-based QuickBooks Online platform.
Understanding QuickBooks Desktop's Transition
Intuit's approach involves "sunsetting" specific QuickBooks Desktop products. This means that while the software might still technically function for some users, it will no longer receive official support, updates, or access to connected services from Intuit. Continuing to use unsupported versions is not recommended due to potential security vulnerabilities and loss of critical features.
Specific Versions and End of Support Dates
Intuit officially ceased support for the QuickBooks Desktop 2020 versions as of May 31st, 2023. This includes key products within that year's release.
| Affected Version Category | Specific Example | End of Support Date |
|---|---|---|
| QuickBooks Desktop 2020 versions | QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2020 | May 31, 2023 |
| Other editions within the 2020 family | May 31, 2023 |
Implications of Discontinued Support
For users of these sunsetted QuickBooks Desktop 2020 versions, the end of support means several critical functions and benefits are no longer available:
- No More Security Updates: The software will not receive patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities, potentially exposing financial data to risks.
- Lack of Bug Fixes: Any existing or future software glitches will remain unresolved.
- Unavailable Live Technical Support: Intuit's customer service will no longer provide direct assistance for issues related to these unsupported versions.
- Cessation of Connected Services: Features that rely on an internet connection or integration with Intuit's online services will stop working. This includes:
- Payroll services
- Payment processing
- Online banking features (e.g., bank feeds)
- Live support and other subscription-based services
This transition encourages users to update their software to a supported version of QuickBooks Desktop or consider migrating to QuickBooks Online, which is continuously updated and supported. For more detailed information on QuickBooks Desktop discontinuation, you can refer to official resources from Intuit's support page.
