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Microsoft has already cut Encarta and Digital Image Suite, the other consumer software products and now is planning to stop selling Microsoft Money, the financial management software. However, existing customers will be able to continue using the product and accessing online services per their user agreements.

In a statement, the company said that the decision was part of its "ongoing on-line portfolio analysis and investment to focus on our top on-line priorities."

"I'd guess that the Money cancellation is a straight cost-saving measure," said Matt Rosoff, an analyst at Directions on Microsoft. The company has already cut Encarta and Digital Image Suite, other consumer software products from the same division, he noted. "And Microsoft has never had much luck competing with Intuit, either for small businesses or consumers."

Since October Microsoft has stopped selling or scaled back development on at least 12 products. Some of those cancellations are likely due to cost-cutting efforts, but others were probably already planned!