What is QuickBooks Hosting?
QuickBooks Hosting (also known as QuickBooks Cloud or Hosted QuickBooks), is the process of installing the QuickBooks Desktop version on a network server over the internet. This allows access from any web browser. Simply put, any authenticated user can access data and files stored in a Hosted Quickbooks from any location, at any time, and without the need to install it locally. Source
QuickBooks Online is a completely different version of QuickBooks accounting software, Intuit QuickBooks Online is a completely different version. QuickBooks Hosting allows you to access QuickBooks Desktop (Pro or Premier, Accountant or Enterprise) from a cloud server at an authorized hosting facility.
QuickBooks Online, which is simply a remote access version of QuickBooks, is designed to allow businesses to use the cloud’s functionality but not compromise on accounting features. QuickBooks Hosting, on the other hand, combines the power and features of the cloud with those of the desktop software to give you the best of both.
Benefits of QuickBooks hosting:
1. Access from Anywhere, Anytime
QuickBooks Hosting is an option for those who need to access their QuickBooks data from anywhere. You can work in the same QuickBooks file as your client or employee, regardless of where you are located. It can be accessed from anywhere, even from a vacation spot on a beach.
2. Speed
QuickBooks works faster in a hosting environment than it does on a local system. Without sacrificing performance, you can increase the number of users who can access your QB application. You just need to have good internet quality and fast internet access.
3. Backup
What happens if your local computer crashes? Or did you corrupt your QuickBooks file?
QuickBooks Hosting Service has redundant data storage systems. Regular and automated backups are also in place to ensure that everything works correctly.
4. Customer Support
You might encounter issues with QuickBooks such as email configuration, printer setup, permissions, and so on. This can make it more difficult to do your accounting work. The QuickBooks hosting provider handles all setup and maintenance, as well as training and troubleshooting of any errors or issues with the application in the cloud.
5. Integration
Your business might need third-party software to streamline its accounting, increase efficiency, or add industry-specific functionality. These add-ons can be integrated with QuickBooks.
Hosting environments allow for easy integration with these applications, so you can enjoy all the features and functionality as well as automatic syncing with other applications.
6. Security
A local QuickBooks setup poses a risk. Your data could be compromised if your computer doesn’t have anti-virus, antimalware, firewalls, or password protection.
On the other hand, QuickBooks on the cloud is a secure solution because it not only employs all these security methods such as anti-virus, firewall, and password protection but also has encryption security.
Satisfaction of the User
It is important to look at the features and to find out if the actual users are happy with the hosting provider before you buy QuickBooks hosting services. This analysis will help you make an informed decision on whether to use QuickBooks cloud services.
Internet data shows that 78 percent of Americans read online reviews before buying.
Check out reviews and testimonials from clients who have used their QuickBooks Hosting services to evaluate the cloud provider. This will allow you to determine if the provider can provide better customer service and cloud services for their clients.
To find out the ratings and reviews of their services, you can use several sites such as Serchen and Google Business Listing.
Pricing
Although pricing isn’t the most important factor in choosing a hosting provider, it is a significant one.
You should be aware of the potential costs such as add-ons, migration fees, Intuit surcharges, customer support, and so forth when you sign the Service Level Agreements. There is always a price difference between dedicated QuickBooks hosting and shared QuickBooks Hosting.
Businesses that require maximum customization, control, and flexibility in their business operations will find the dedicated QuickBooks servers ideal. However, they can be more expensive than shared QuickBooks servers.
Here is a quick comparison of QuickBooks Hosting prices from a few best Quickbooks service providers to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
- Ace Cloud Hosting Monthly Pricing: $34/user/month. (View all pricing plans).
- Cloud Nine Real-Time: Monthly Pricing: Cloud Nine is not available on the website (50 USD setup fee per user).
- Right Networks Monthly Pricing: $57/user/month
- Summit Hosting: Monthly Pricing: $53/user/month. (Not Available on the Website).
- Swizznet:Monthly Pricing: $54.99/user/month
Final words:
Last but not the least, this comprehensive review will help you determine which provider to trust with your QuickBooks Hosting.