QuickBooks is a software widely used by accountants, bookkeepers, CPAs, and accounting firms to manage accounting and financial processes efficiently. Among its many versions, QuickBooks Pro is the one that caters to the needs of small businesses with up to 3 users. It allows its users to create purchase orders, generate reports, or track inventory.
However, the latest advancements in technology, such as cloud computing, have changed the way of processing accounting information. Still, there is some confusion among accountants on what cloud-based applications are, whether it is different from the application they already use or not.
A similar question arises with QuickBooks Pro- Is it cloud-based or desktop-based?
QuickBooks Pro is desktop software and not a cloud-based application. However, it can be enhanced with cloud capabilities by hosting it on the cloud servers of a third-party service provider.
Steps To Host QuickBooks Pro
Here are the steps to host your QuickBooks Pro software on the cloud.
1) Choose the hosting provider as per the business requirements.
2) Use the existing QuickBooks Pro license or purchase a new license to share with the cloud service provider.
3) The licensed copy of the software is installed on the cloud servers by the hosting provider.
4) Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is set up to provide connectivity between the end-user device and the server.
5) Access the QuickBooks Pro via a web browser or RDP shortcut.
Benefits of cloud-based QuickBooks Pro
Now, let’s check out the benefits of Cloud-based QuickBooks Pro that accountants needs.
1) Seamless Collaboration
When QuickBooks Pro is installed on local systems, multiple users cannot make changes to the single file at the same time. Whereas, cloud-hosted QuickBooks Pro allow accountants and their clients to access and edit files, simultaneously.
2) Enhanced Add-On Integration
An accountant uses multiple applications apart from QuickBooks Pro to manage tasks such as- storing data securely, tracking employees’ time, creating bills, and managing projects. QuickBooks Pro hosting enables its users to integrate multiple third-party add-ons seamlessly without affecting the performance of the software.
3) Easy File Sharing
The accounting process involves the gathering of information such as invoices, deposit slips, banking receipts, payroll, etc. When working on a local system, information is collected via a repetitive and time-consuming to-and-fro exchange of emails or fax. QuickBooks Pro cloud hosting solves this problem by letting users access the information on a common cloud platform.
4) Flexibility Of Plans And Scalability Of Resources
An accountant might not need multiple resources all year round. However, as the busy season approaches, they might find the need for more resources. With QuickBooks Pro hosting, the accountants can upscale or downscale their resources instantly, paying only for what they use.
5) Reduced on-premise IT expenses
To handle any technical issues and errors of local computer systems, accountants require an on-premise IT team. Its maintenance can take a toll on the financial budget of the small business owner, especially during the initial stages. With QuickBooks Pro desktop hosting, the service providers offer effective technical support on a round-the-clock basis.
