More than 500 practices have joined Microsoft’s accounting network in the two weeks since its launch.

The IT giant is bound to be pleased with its progress, after introducing the network in a bid to entice accountants to use and offer clients its long-awaited small business software Office Accounting.

Microsoft UK Office Accounting product manager Gareth Arnold said that the number of practices on board would grow ‘substantially higher’, and that Microsoft was focused on gaining traction in the profession before it launched the product in retail outlets.

‘We’re working with the accounting community and we must focus on doing the right things for them: free products, training and support,’ said Arnold.

Microsoft has some way to go to catch up with the size and scope of rival UK accounting networks. Sage operates the largest network, boasting 9,500 members.