I have had a reply from Nationwide and I am not impressed.

The reply starts out with an apology, but offers little in the way of explanation and gives no extra information.

To quote:

We could not allow the continuation of a program without support, equally the information being used to download transactions would involve Nationwide servers being used, so we would still be involved and would have to offer support.

Basically, “It’s our ball and we are not playing any more. And screw you if you expect any other justification.”

The message then repeats previous instructions on finding tools on the web to make up for their short comings. Big deal.

Whilst looking on-line for suitable conversion tools, I came across the following from rpb424 on the MoneySavingExpert.com‘s forums

…In order for Money to be able to directly contact a bank (not just Nationwide, but any bank), it needs to contact a dedicated server provided by said bank.

Note that this server is NOT the normal one used for on-line banking via a web browser, but a separate one with access to the same data. Nationwide were the only UK bank to EVER offer this service, for which they are to be applauded, such an arrangement was much more common in the US.

This dedicated server runs software that is at least in part, if not wholly, supplied, licensed and supported by Microsoft. Once Microsoft pulled the plug on both Money development and future support it was only a matter of time before any existing support and licensing arrangements in place with Nationwide were due to run out and be up for renewal.

Even if Nationwide HAD wanted to carry on with the service they would have been unable to do since Microsoft would no longer licence it or support it…

Why Nationwide can not provide this explanation I do not know.

When I was at Fujitsu the approach was that any customer complaint should be treated as an opportunity to build the relationship. I was taught:

Good Customer Service = Customer Loyalty

At Nationwide their USP appears to be “We are not a bank.” They think this is enough to keep their customers. Well it is trying my loyalty.

The whole incident has been handled very poorly. Maybe I should send another message saying so.

Or perhaps I’ll give up and search for alternatives.

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