Microsoft throws open more windows to the e-commerce market
Microsoft's assault on financial services distribution has continued with the signing of agreements with some of the biggest players in the US market.
The computing behemoth recently signed agreements with Fidelity Investments, DLJdirect and Waterhouse Securities to provide online brokerage for customers using its MSN MoneyCentral web site and Microsoft Money 99 software.
The agreements come in the wake of similar deals struck with other major players in the US online distribution business, Charles Schwab and E*Trade.
With the new agreements, Microsoft Money 99 provides access to 584 financial institutions, making it the most connected personal finance software available on the market. Users can download their account information from DLJdirect, Fidelity Investments and Waterhouse Securities directly into Money 99.
The MoneyCentral web site not only offers a broking service for managed funds, insurance and shares but also provides financial advice from a group of dedicated experts on financial planning areas such as planning for school fees and estate planning.
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