Botkeeper
You know what they say: nothing lasts forever. That’s especially true in accounting tech.
Remember QuickBooks Desktop 2020? PeachTree? Cougar Mountain? If you just felt a nostalgic shiver, you're not alone. These were once the lifeblood of small accounting firms and bookkeepers everywhere—and now they’re either discontinued, unsupported, or collecting digital dust in someone’s file server from 2008.
But what happened to these once-beloved accounting apps? And more importantly—what should your firm be using now?
Let’s talk about the accounting software graveyard, what led these tools to their end, and how your firm can move forward without clinging to outdated tech like it’s a comfort blanket.
Why Accounting Software Dies (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
Look, we get it—change is uncomfortable. But in software, stagnation is worse.
Most of these apps didn’t vanish overnight. They were phased out because they couldn’t keep up. Whether it was outdated architecture, lack of cloud compatibility, poor user adoption, or straight-up acquisition and rebranding, these platforms lost their grip.
And here’s the kicker: if you’re still using one of them, you're not just behind—you’re putting your firm at risk. We’re talking security vulnerabilities, compliance headaches, and missed opportunities to streamline your workflow with automation.
5 Accounting Apps That Have Bitten the Dust (and What to Use Instead)
Here’s a look at five well-known platforms that have either been retired or reworked—and what your firm should be using instead to stay ahead.
1. QuickBooks Desktop 2020 (and earlier)
The writing’s been on the wall for a while, but as of May 2023, Intuit officially ended support for QuickBooks Desktop 2020. And let’s be real—this was less of a surprise and more of a slow fade. Intuit’s been all-in on the cloud for years, nudging users toward QuickBooks Online at every turn.
The desktop version? Too slow, too isolated, and way too dependent on local servers in an increasingly remote-first world. If you’re still holding on, it’s time to let go. QuickBooks Online is the logical next step if you're sticking with Intuit, but tools like Xero or Zoho Books are modern, flexible alternatives that play nicer with automation.
2. PeachTree Accounting
This one’s less of a death and more of a reincarnation. PeachTree Accounting was a staple in small business finance until it was rebranded as Sage 50. The core functionality lives on, but the original brand—and that classic interface some folks still weirdly miss—is long gone.
Sage modernized the product, but if you’re feeling boxed in by its limitations, you’ve got options. Platforms like FreshBooks or cloud-first ERPs offer the flexibility and integration power today’s firms need. The takeaway: don’t cling to a name just because it’s familiar.
3. Microsoft Office Accounting (MOA)
Ah, MOA—Microsoft’s brief foray into the accounting world. It launched with fanfare in the mid-2000s and fizzled just as fast, officially bowing out in 2009. Why? It simply never gained traction. Intuit already had the market cornered, and MOA couldn’t offer anything revolutionary.
If you were one of the few who used it, you probably already moved on (and hopefully not to Excel as a long-term solution). These days, QuickBooks and Xero dominate the space, and if you’re invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, Dynamics 365 might be worth exploring—just with realistic expectations.
4. AccountEdge for Windows
AccountEdge for Windows had a good run—until it ran into a technical wall. In 2021, it was discontinued because it couldn’t make the jump to 64-bit architecture, which is basically table stakes for modern software. That lack of cloud compatibility sealed its fate.
Mac users still have access to AccountEdge Pro, but if you’re on Windows, it’s game over. This is a good moment to reassess: do you really want to stay in a desktop environment? Or is it time to fully embrace cloud accounting and the automation that comes with it?
5. Cougar Mountain Software (Denali)
Cougar Mountain may not have been a household name, but in niche circles—especially nonprofits—it had a loyal following. Unfortunately, the company shut down in 2023, leaving its users with unsupported software and a scramble for alternatives. Its downfall was typical: legacy tech, limited innovation, and no clear path forward.
If you were using Denali, you’ll want to check out tools like Sage Intacct or Blackbaud, depending on your industry. Better yet, start looking for modern platforms that are built for long-term growth, not short-term patchwork fixes.
Why This Actually Matters to Your Firm
Let’s cut through the fluff—if you’re still running your firm on discontinued or unsupported apps, you’re not being old school, you’re being risky.
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No updates = security holes
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No support = no help when things break
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No cloud = no real-time visibility or collaboration
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No integrations = no automation
If your competitors are operating on modern tools with real-time dashboards, integrated payroll, AI-powered bookkeeping, and lightning-fast reporting—and you’re still manually exporting CSVs from a dusty local install—who do you think is better positioned to scale?
How to Future-Proof Your Tech Stack
There’s no secret formula. Just follow this playbook:
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Go cloud or go home. Local installs are dead weight.
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Prioritize platforms with strong integrations. Your software should play nice with the rest of your tech stack.
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Automate the low-value work. If your team is still doing data entry, that’s a waste of talent. Botkeeper is a great solution here, if we may say so ourselves. Automated bookkeeping with tons of extras gets your team out of the weeds and onto the beach.
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Think long-term. Choose vendors with roadmaps, support, and actual innovation behind them.
Nostalgia Won’t Keep the Lights On
Yes, some of these old accounting apps were workhorses in their time. They did the job. They got you here. But they won’t get you there.
Accounting tech is moving fast. If your software isn’t evolving with your firm, it’s holding you back. It’s time to cut the dead weight and modernize.
