Intuit posted a statement on its Twitter page and its ProLine FaceBook page around 10:15pm yesterday that an accident during routine maintenance caused the problems. While the company some services had been restored, the major Web sites were not up at the time the statement was made.

Comments from users indicated credit card processing is not working and that direct deposit for Intuit payroll products. One customer wrote that deposits made using "traditional QuickBooks are being accepted" but apparently deposits for QuickBooks Online customers aren't. Some end users posting on the Intuit ProLine Facebook page said their business had ground to a halt.

These complaints refer to Intuit Merchant Services, QuickBooks Online, Web Sites (the former Homestead), QuickBooks email, whose uses include emailing of  estimates, invoices and reports, were all reported down.

Intuit Rich Walker said Wednesday afternoon that the corporate email system was operating. However, some users complained that QuickBooks email was not.

Meanwhile, as business owners turned to social media, there were people like Michelle Long, who posted tips for getting around the severed services in a blog accessible at http://bit.ly/cgjZHV. Long, owner of Long for Success and M. Long Consulting which is based in Lee's Summit, Mo.., recommended QuickBooks users change their preferences to enable them to use Outlook for email and recommended a free paycheck calculator. She said some users may have to issue manual checks and enter the information into the software later.

Sage's problems on June 1 and 2 knocked out most Web sites, email, its order-entry system and Accpaconline.com. The company has said the problem had been isolated to its storage area network, but continuing instability had been reported last week.