Whatever comes in the next phase of development of Intuit's QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions, there is no guarantee that architecturally it will be an extension of the current QuickBooks product line. Intuit is exploring all options along the build-or-buy development line, according to information from an executive question and answer session held earlier this month at the Intuit Solution Provider conference in Chicago.

There was a lot of discussion about development because of reseller requests that Intuit provide feature differentiation between QBES and the lower-end of the QuickBooks line. BJ Schaknowski, who runs the channel program, said Intuit will concentrate on adding features for QBES 2011, which comes out in 11 months. “After that, it’s a big question mark; build, partner, buy? We haven’t declared yet.” I'd make that decision very quick before the competition starts waving this article in front of the QBES installed base, particularly regarding that buy option, unless R&D is very good at adapting acquired products to the QB system. Or perhaps that comment merely meant that features might be added through purchase.  On the third-party front, Intuit is implementing an endorsed third-party program, which is something that’s fairly standard for the industry. On the buyside, I have to believe there will be acquisitions to add functionality. From the sense of resellers asking questions, there needs to be more bang for the buck to go up against the the rest of the midmarket, although QBES is obviously doing well.