QuickBooks Online vs Cloud Hosted QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks has undoubtedly revolutionized how businesses manage their finances, and its success can be attributed in part to the introduction of two cloud-based modes: QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop Hosting on the cloud. Each offers its own unique advantages, but it’s crucial to understand their differences and limitations to make an informed decision for your business. Let’s delve into the world of QuickBooks and explore how QuickBooks Desktop Hosting on a secure cloud server can overcome the limitations posed by QuickBooks Online.

The businesses that have long been using the QuickBooks Desktop for years are pressed to make a prompt switch to QuickBooks Online—the official cloud version released by Intuit. Not too tech-savvy accounting professionals who grew their familiarity with the QuickBooks Desktop interface over time might find it complex to transition to the Cloud. On top of everything, whether QuickBooks Online offers the same league of features and functionalities in the Cloud as the desktop version is also a concern.

Giving a quick look at the scenario surrounding QuickBooks Online and the users’ inacquaintance with the newly-launched cloud version of Quickbooks, we, as a cloud expert, suggest a hybrid solution. This hybrid approach includes hosting the existing desktop version of QuickBooks on the Cloud instead of subscribing to QuickBooks Online. This note sheds light on why we are saying so.

Understanding QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop Cloud Hosting

Developed by Intuit, QuickBooks Online serves as the cloud-based iteration of QuickBooks, tailored to the needs of small and mid-sized businesses. Its user interface and features differ significantly from the desktop version, making it preferable for businesses with less complex invoicing needs.

On the other hand, QuickBooks Desktop cloud hosting Hosting involves installing the licensed QuickBooks Desktop application on remote servers provided by hosting providers. This cloud-based approach allows multi-device access without the need for local installations, offering the flexibility to manage information, data, and files from any location.

The table below shows the key technical attributes of QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop:

Feature	QuickBooks Online	QuickBooks Desktop
Accessibility/User Access	Cloud-based/Multi-user	Locally installed/Single user (varies)
Pricing	Monthly subscription	One-time purchase
Updates	Automatic	Manual
Data Storage	Cloud	Local
Scalability	Small to medium biz	Small to large biz
Customization	Limited	Highly customizable
Integration	Extensive	Limited
Remote Access	Web/mobile app	Remote desktop
Backups	Automated	Manual
Support	Online/chat/forums	Phone/email/knowledge

Limitations of QuickBooks Online and How QuickBooks Desktop Hosting Rescues

• User Interface and Customization

  QuickBooks Online introduces a different set of features and a user interface compared to its desktop counterpart. This can pose a challenge for users trying to adapt quickly to the various metrics. QuickBooks Desktop Hosting, however, maintains the familiar QuickBooks Desktop interface and features. It also allows customization according to the specific requirements of your business.

• Customer Support

  QuickBooks Online restricts access to customer support during fixed hours, potentially hindering business continuity. QuickBooks Desktop Hosting flips the script by providing round-the-clock IT support like Apps4Rent through various channels like phone, chat, and email. This ensures timely assistance for any QuickBooks-related issues.

• Features

  The features available in QuickBooks Online depend on the chosen plan, limiting accessibility for users. QuickBooks Desktop Hosting eliminates these restrictions, granting full access to all QuickBooks features, including industry-specific capabilities. The cloud-based solution ensures a consistent experience and offers additional benefits like remote access, budgeting, and expense tracking.

• Cost

  QuickBooks Online operates on a monthly subscription model, potentially accumulating higher costs over time. In contrast, QuickBooks Desktop Hosting offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, allowing businesses to pay only for the server resources they use. This approach, coupled with minimal QuickBooks cloud pricing, proves to be a cost-effective solution, providing benefits like remote accessibility, data security, and 24/7 customer support.

• QuickBooks Versions

  QuickBooks Online stands as an independent version, supporting only the online portal. QuickBooks Hosting, however, supports all types of QuickBooks Desktop versions like Pro, Premier, and Enterprise in the cloud, offering flexibility for businesses to choose the version that aligns with their needs.

QuickBooks Hosting, The Essential Solution for Users

QuickBooks Hosting emerges as the key player in overcoming the limitations of QuickBooks Online. The advantages of cloud-hosted QuickBooks are crucial for business growth, providing not only solutions to challenges but also unlocking the full potential of the QuickBooks Desktop version.

As businesses evolve, understanding the nuances between these two modes becomes essential in navigating the financial landscape effectively. So, equip yourself with this knowledge, and empower your business to thrive in the dynamic world of financial management.

As an Intuit Authorized Hosting & QuickBooks Solution Provider, Apps4Rent offers QuickBooks cloud hosting services and additionally helps you acquire licenses for both desktop and online at attractive discounted prices. Contact our QuickBooks specialists available 24/7/365 via phone, chat, and email for assistance.