Intuit Seeks QuickBooks 2004 Testers

Intuit is courting beta testers for the 2004 edition of QuickBooks, its financial software aimed at small businesses. QuickBooks uses familiar on-screen checks, invoices and forms to simplify business accounting tasks.

Code-named "Thunder," QuickBooks 2004 will enter beta in September. Testers must be willing to download updates throughout the beta cycle, and submit bug reports and printed forms for review. Windows 98, Me, 2000 or XP is required, along with Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.

A Beta 2 release of Thunder is slated for late September, with Beta 3 set for an October arrival. The final release of QuickBooks 2004 will be made in November.

Intuit developers in the United States and Canada can receive beta versions of QuickBooks 2004 through the company's Early Access program. "Early access to pre-release versions of QuickBooks 2004 gives you extra time to plan and develop your applications. And, it helps you stay ahead of your customers," says Intuit.

Interested businesses can apply to beta test Thunder by filling out a brief questionnaire. Active beta testers will receive a complimentary copy of QuickBooks 2004 upon its release. For more information, visit Intuit's Thunder beta sign up page.