3 Ways to Access QuickBooks Remotely
QuickBooks is one of the most prominent business accounting software programs among small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a host of features spanning across aspects like bookkeeping, reporting, and billing among other functions.
It is stable while being flexible and adaptable to meet the requirements of different businesses. It has a simple UI that is easy to work with even for users with minimal computer knowledge. Having said that, there is an increasing growing necessity to share QuickBooks files over the internet. Consequently, there is a demand for QuickBooks remote access. Here’s a quick low-down on the relevant facts about remote access to QuickBooks.
Why Do You Need Remote Access to QuickBooks?
Organizations across the globe are becoming leaner and agile. They need tools and techniques to cope with this evolving trend. Part of the solution lies in having mobile workforces who are equipped with all the information they need to function efficiently wherever they are. This might entail logging in from remote computers to save on the infrastructure cost. Also, using QuickBooks on two computers might become a necessity especially when different users have to collaborate on the same file. With QuickBooks remote access, it would be possible to drag and drop files between two computers. Imagine how easy it would be for accountants who might have to print documents on their office computers from a printer at the client site or for managers who have to track the activities of their remote employees with QuickBooks remote access.
How Can You Access QuickBooks Remotely?
Thankfully, there are multiple ways in which there is support for remote sessions on QuickBooks. Each method applies to users with different requirements with its own set of pros and cons.
1. QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is a lite version of the QuickBooks software. While it retains most of the core functionalities of the accounting software, it leaves out several others that may be necessary for enterprises. The software is available on the SaaS model and users can access it from any device on a subscription basis. This makes it ideal for small businesses, freelancers and sole proprietors who might use the accounting software for bookkeeping and tax purposes often temporarily. However, if you want to do some heavy accounting work, you’d prefer QuickBooks Desktop over QuickBooks Online.
2. QuickBooks via Remote Access Tool
QuickBooks Remote Access tool allows users to access QuickBooks on another computer with an internet connection. Offered by Intuit as an add-on product, it works on Cisco WebEx technology. It can connect to the remote machine where your QuickBooks Desktop is originally installed. With the use of this tool, you can print locally, access data files, copy folders between remote and local machines.
With this method, users are not just limited to accessing QuickBooks files but virtually the entire computer usually on a subscription basis. This method might pose security challenges and may need privileged access to some components. This method is best suited for users who need infrequent access to QuickBooks. Again, using the QuickBooks Remote Access tool has its own perils like compatibility, integration, security, and other related factors.
3. QuickBooks Cloud Hosting
Intuit authorizes some vendors to provide QuickBooks Desktop remote access via cloud desktops. This method of QuickBooks remote access is also made available on a subscription basis as opposed to a one-time-investment purchase of QuickBooks Desktop. The advantage of QuickBooks cloud hosting is that it behaves similar to your physical desktop where QuickBooks is originally installed.
You don’t have to compromise on any functionality as it gives you the exact look-and-feel of the Windows operating system. Moreover, it is accessible on any mobile device too. According to us, this is by far the best method to access QuickBooks remotely. Here’s why.
Why QuickBooks Hosting is the Best Method?
While QuickBooks Online is fully supported by Intuit, it has a fair share of shortcomings that we saw before. It does not offer all the functionalities on the Desktop version yet and may be found wanting in meeting complex requirements. Using a specific tool to access QuickBooks is likely to pose compliance challenges especially while dealing with sensitive financial data. That leaves QuickBooks hosting as the last method for remote access.
It combines the advantages of both the above methods with those of the Desktop version while eliminating the disadvantages of all of them. While there are no restrictions on the devices, the number of users or file sharing, there is improved flexibility, security and cost optimization.
So…What Do You Choose to Access QuickBooks Remotely?
While there is no doubt about the software you should be using for your accounting practice, this writeup should hopefully have cleared any pending ambiguity about the best method for QuickBooks remote access. To reiterate the benefits, QuickBooks hosting provides full access to all the features available on the Desktop version at a fraction of the cost of purchasing the software. It can be accessed from anywhere on any device that is connected to the internet. Your data is stored securely behind complex firewalls and encryption layers.
So, what is your preferred method for QuickBooks remote access – an online version, using the tool, or cloud desktops?
Authorized vendors like Apps4Rent guarantee you 99.9% uptime and 24/7 support via phone, chat, and email. Feel free to talk to us to know how we can help you access QuickBooks remotely.
