The company said the user interface in release 8.0 has been improved and the reporting features made more customizable. Also new is the ability to search by multiple criteria, then drill down to the transaction level once the results are retrieved, the company said.

The new 8.0 release includes a new Internet communication tool, called Peachtree Today, to help small businesses get connected to the Internet for business and product tips.

The Peachtree Today Web site contains shortcuts to basic tasks, including setting up customers and vendors and creating invoices to begin billing right away. It also offers a concise, graphical way for small businesses to review their information on screen with one quick glance.

Peachtree Accounting and Peachtree Complete Accounting both include a number of new features requested by accountants, the company said. Each of the three products now contains a tax liability report capability, so that accountants can more completely analyze their clients' financial pictures. The new financial statement wizard helps design financial statements.

Suggested retail price for Peachtree First Accounting is $99.95, Peachtree Accounting is $169.95 and the suggested retail price for Peachtree Complete Accounting is $269.95. The Multi-user Value Pack of Peachtree Complete retails for $599.95.