The latest version of QuickBooks is a big step outside the box for the leading small business accounting software.

Building on Intuit’s Connected Services Strategy announced last year, QuickBooks connects to several new online services that enable small businesses to extend the power of their information already in QuickBooks

QuickBooks Pro and Premier 2010 feature the all-new Intuit App Center, providing users access to scalable, Software-as-a-Service business applications directly from within QuickBooks. Currently more than 25 applications are available, including, Customer Manager, a service that helps track and manage marketing campaigns and sales leads to maximize profits.

By building a CRM like functionality into the accounting tool, Intuit is branching out into much more holistic business growth turf.

QuickBooks 2010 also comes in a Mac version.