In the realm of business technology, certain names evoke a sense of historical significance, representing important moments in the evolution of financial management tools. These old accounting software names—once synonymous with efficiency and innovation—have left an indelible mark on the history of business management tools.
We looked at five popular programs from the past, examining their history and why they were changed or discontinued.
Old Software Name | New Software Name (or Discontinued) | Year of Last Change | Reason for Change |
|---|---|---|---|
SAP R/3 | Discontinued | 2015 | New version launched |
Great Plains Dynamics | Dynamics GP | 2001 | Acquired by Microsoft |
Sage MAS 90 & 200 | Sage 100 | 1998 | Rebrand |
Peachtree Accounting | Sage 50 | 1998 | Acquired by Sage Software |
DacEasy | Discontinued | 1998 | Acquired by Sage Software |
Whatever Happened to SAP R/3?
SAP R/3, launched in 1992, was a widely used enterprise resource planning (ERP) software system developed by SAP SE. It played a significant role in revolutionizing business processes and became a cornerstone in the ERP software market. In 2004, it evolved into SAP ERP Central Component (ECC), which offered enhanced features and functionalities. SAP ECC continued to be a core business system, providing modules for finance, human resources, supply chain management, and other critical business functions.
As technology advanced, SAP incorporated new technologies into its ERP offerings. This included integrating ERP with advanced analytics, mobile applications, and cloud computing capabilities to provide users with greater flexibility, scalability, and real-time insights.
In 2015, SAP introduced SAP S/4HANA as the next-generation ERP suite. This represented a significant shift from traditional ERP systems, offering enhanced performance, simplified data models, and a modified user experience. As SAP focused on promoting S/4HANA as its flagship ERP solution, SAP ECC was currently supported by SAP until 2027.
Whatever Happened to Great Plains?
Great Plains Dynamics, often referred to simply as Great Plains, was a popular ERP software developed by Great Plains Software in 1981. In 2001, Microsoft acquired Great Plains Software for approximately $1.1 billion.
This acquisition was part of Microsoft’s strategy to expand its presence in the business software market and provide integrated solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Following the acquisition, Great Plains Dynamics was rebranded as Microsoft Dynamics GP, retaining many of its core features and functionalities while being integrated into Microsoft’s suite of business applications.
Microsoft continued to develop and update Dynamics GP, releasing new versions with enhanced features. As cloud computing gained prominence, Microsoft expanded its Dynamics product line to include cloud-based ERP solutions. While Dynamics GP continues to be available as an on-premises solution, Microsoft also offers solutions, such as Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Whatever Happened to Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200?
Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200, launched in 1985, were originally developed by a company called State of the Art, Inc. In 1998, Sage Software acquired State of the Art, Inc., along with its products, including MAS 90 and MAS 200.
Following the acquisition, Sage rebranded MAS 90 and MAS 200 as Sage 100. This transition aimed to align the products more closely with the Sage brand identity while continuing to provide accounting and business management solutions for medium-sized businesses.
Sage continued to develop Sage 100, releasing new versions with enhanced features, improved user interfaces, and compatibility with modern technology platforms. Along with Sage 100, Sage Software expanded its product offerings to include cloud-based accounting solutions and integrated business management suites. This expansion addressed the growing demand for cloud-based software and provided businesses with more options to suit their needs.
Whatever Happened to Peachtree Accounting?
Peachtree Accounting was first introduced in 1978 by Peachtree Software, which was later acquired by Sage Software in 1998. It became Sage 50cloud in 2012 and then renamed Sage 50 in 2023.
Peachtree quickly gained popularity among small businesses for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of features to manage various aspects of accounting, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, inventory management, payroll processing, financial reporting, and budgeting. It also provided tools for invoicing, job costing, and time tracking.
Over the years, Peachtree Accounting evolved with the release of new versions, each offering improvements and additional features. Some of the notable versions included Peachtree Complete Accounting, Peachtree Premium Accounting, and Peachtree Quantum.
While it is no longer actively marketed by Sage Software, many businesses continue to use older versions of the software. Some have migrated to newer Sage accounting products, such as Sage 50, which offer similar features with enhanced cloud-based functionality.
Whatever Happened to DacEasy?
DacEasy, a popular accounting software program developed by State of the Art, Inc., was introduced in 1985. It was widely used by SMBs for managing finances, invoicing, payroll, and other accounting tasks. In 1998, State of the Art, Inc., was acquired by Sage Software.
Sage Software was known for its line of accounting software products, and the acquisition of DacEasy expanded its product portfolio further. Following the acquisition, DacEasy was integrated into Sage’s suite of accounting software solutions. While it retained its name and branding, it became part of the Sage family of products.
Over time, Sage focused on consolidating its product offerings and transitioning customers to newer Sage products with more advanced features and cloud-based capabilities. As a result, DacEasy gradually became less prominent in Sage’s portfolio, and support for the software was eventually phased out.
DacEasy is no longer actively marketed or supported by Sage. However, businesses that used the software have transitioned to other Sage accounting products or alternative accounting software solutions.
History of Accounting Software
Throughout its history, accounting software has played a crucial role in streamlining financial processes, improving accuracy, and providing businesses with valuable insights into their financial health. As technology continues to advance, accounting software will likely continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of businesses in an increasingly digital world.
Here’s an overview of its evolution:
- 1970s―Emergence of early accounting software: In the early 1970s, as computers became more accessible to businesses, the first rudimentary accounting software began to appear. These old accounting software were often simple ledger systems designed to automate basic bookkeeping tasks like journal entries and general ledger management.
- 1980s―Growth and diversification: The 1980s saw significant advancements in accounting software with the introduction of more sophisticated programs capable of handling multiple accounting functions. Programs like Peachtree Accounting and QuickBooks emerged during this time, offering features like accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll processing.
- 1990s―Client-server architecture: The 1990s brought about the transition from standalone desktop applications to client-server architecture, allowing multiple users to access accounting data simultaneously over a network. Software like Great Plains Dynamics and MYOB gained popularity during this period.
- 2000s―Internet and cloud computing: The advent of the internet and cloud computing revolutionized accounting software. Cloud-based solutions offered greater accessibility, scalability, and collaboration capabilities compared to traditional on-premises software. Companies like Xero, FreshBooks, and Wave emerged as leaders in cloud accounting.
- 2010s―Mobile accounting and integration: The rise of smartphones and mobile apps led to the development of accounting software with mobile compatibility. Businesses could now manage their finances on the go, from anywhere with an internet connection. Integration with other business software became increasingly important, leading to the development of accounting systems that seamlessly integrated with customer relationship management (CRM), inventory management, and ecommerce platforms.
- 2020s―Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation: In recent years, accounting software has continued to evolve with the integration of AI and machine learning (ML) capabilities. These technologies enable automation of repetitive tasks, predictive analytics, and more advanced financial reporting and analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Several old accounting software names were popular in the past, each with their era of prominence. Examples include Peachtree Accounting, SAP R/3, Great Plains Dynamics, Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200, and DacEasy.
Some of the most prominent ones include QuickBooks, Peachtree Accounting, Great Plains Dynamics, AccPac, MYOB, and Quicken.
It depends on the software provider. Some may continue to offer support and updates for older versions of their software, while others may encourage users to upgrade to new versions for better security and functionality.
Peachtree Accounting was a popular accounting software developed by Peachtree Software. It was widely used by SMBs for tasks such as invoicing, payroll, and general ledger management.
Bottom Line
The evolution of accounting software reveals the ever-changing landscape of technological innovation and business needs. From the rudimentary ledger systems of the 1970s to the sophisticated cloud-based solutions of today, accounting software has continually adapted to meet the demands of the marketplace. Looking ahead, the future of accounting software promises continued innovation, driven by emerging technologies and the developing needs of businesses in an increasingly digital world.
