Quicken 2017 Home and Business Update: A Shift in Product Model

In recent years, software companies have been adopting new business models that aim to generate recurring revenue streams from their users. Quicken, a personal finance management tool, has also joined this bandwagon with its latest update in 2017. However, this change has raised concerns among users who are accustomed to the traditional model of purchasing and owning the software.

One of the primary changes introduced by Quicken is that users can no longer go back to earlier versions of the software to manually update their data. When you upgrade to Quicken 2017, your data will be automatically converted, which has raised concerns about data integrity. This shift away from the traditional model breaks the trust between Quicken and its user base.

Furthermore, subscribing to this new model also requires users to consent to the terms of service, which includes a significant change in how the software handles data storage. Under this new model, your use of the product effectively ends when your subscription expires. You will no longer be able to manually update transactions or access connected services such as downloading banking transactions, investment quotes, or mobile access.

In addition to these limitations, the $90/year subscription fee has been criticized as a cash grab by many users. While you can still access your data and run reports, the absence of manual transaction updates and connected services significantly hampers the functionality of the software.

So, what happens when access to Quicken Connected Services ends? This is an important consideration for users who rely heavily on these features. Unfortunately, there is currently no clear answer from Quicken regarding this issue, leaving many users in limbo.

In conclusion, the Quicken 2017 Home and Business update marks a significant shift in the company's business model. While some users may find the new subscription-based approach acceptable, others are concerned about the loss of control over their data and the limitations imposed by the software. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential for software companies like Quicken to strike a balance between innovation and user trust.

Quicken 2017 home and business update