Internet titan Google and financial software giant Intuit have announced what might turn out to be a landmark deal giving Google services a place in a major desktop application. The companies have announced that Intuit will incorporate a number of popular Google services into QuickBooks 2007, Intuit’s flagship small business accounting package.
“This alliance combines the strengths of both Google and Intuit to deliver innovative online technologies that help small businesses succeed in an increasingly competitive business environment,” said Eric Schmidt, Google CEO. “By adding key Google services into the world’s most popular accounting product, we’re making it easier than ever for small businesses to find and use all of the tools available to them.”
Under the deal, QuickBooks 2007 will feature ways for small businesses to utilize Google services to promote their products. To begin with, QuickBooks will offer customers $50 credit in Google Adwords, enabling businesses to promote their products and services online via Google’s global advertising network. QuickBooks users will also be able to set up a free business listing in Google Maps, and use a beta QuickBooks Product Listing service, which offers a way for businesses to make their merchandise searchable through Google Base. QuickBooks will also incorporate Google Desktop into QuickBooks, so QuickBooks users can quickly find vendor, customer, financial, and other information directly within QuickBooks.
“QuickBooks continues to expand the problems we solve. The product listing service helps businesses attract new customers by making their products findable on the Web,” said Brad Smith, senior VP of Intuit’s Small Business Division. “This is the first step in creating an open and connected community that builds value around small business data.”
Google services should start appearing in QuickBooks 2007 products and services, due to hit U.S. markets in fall 2006.
