I have talked a lot in recent posts about the online applications space or the virtual office to give it another name. This is an area where there is a current explosion in new applications and an associated explosion in startup companies trying to become the next big thing, or a least become significant enough to be bought out by the big boys like Google, Adobe or Microsoft.

Good benefits

The concept is potentially great for a consumer, as online applications reduce the need for installing and maintaining applications on their own computer, often meaning and low or mid range computer is easily sufficient. The applications will always be the latest version, removing the need to buy or install upgrades, and often they are available for free, saving money as well.

Off line for financial data?

One thing that I don’t see many people doing though, considering the nature of the data, is to use online financial applications. They do exist, but most people will be too worried about putting there financial data out there in the cloud. So here we probably would need to look at buying an application like Quicken or Microsoft Money (2005 version only). Either of these products provide more than enough features to keep your personal finances in order. But there is a problem. These applications are no longer supported in the UK, although the older versions will work at least for now. My advice would be to go for an application created by a UK company which you know will work with UK banks and be supported in the future. Personal Accountz has had good reviews and fits this profile well!