Which Is Better: Storing QuickBooks Files on Cloud or QuickBooks Hosting?

QuickBooks is a powerful accounting software. Therefore, it is widely used by CPAs and tax professionals around the globe.  

However, the crucial files stored in the application require advanced-level security and accessibility. To achieve this, the desktop version of QuickBooks is often hosted in the cloud.  

There are a few solutions in the market that have addressed the issue for the same. 

For the users, who have been working on QuickBooks Desktop for long and are comfortable with the software, can get the benefits of cloud for the QuickBooks Desktop software.

Here are the two feasible cloud models that work with QuickBooks Desktop:

1. Syncing QuickBooks Files with Cloud Storage

Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, OneDrive, Amazon S3, etc. are some of the renowned players in the cloud storage industry. To sync the local system files with the cloud storage, you get multiple options such as manual or automated sync.

Pros & Cons:

By opting cloud storage solution, your QB data remains available wherever you go without any device restriction.

So, in case you accidentally lose the data from your device, or the device is damaged, the data will remain protected and can be accessed from another device – anywhere, anytime.

However, there are certain restrictions with the model. First of them is the necessity of QuickBooks installation on the device to read or work on the QuickBooks files. If QuickBooks Desktop is not installed on the device, you can download QB files, but cannot work on them.

Moreover, collaborating on the same file in real-time is not a possibility in this case. So, syncing QB files with cloud storage is a wise option only when you need to work as a single user, or maintaining a secure backup is your prime concern.

2. Hosting QuickBooks On Cloud Server

QuickBooks Cloud Hosting model is a lot more effective and feature-equipped than the previous one. Here, a licensed QuickBooks Desktop is installed on the servers of the cloud service provider.

This implies that all the features of QuickBooks Desktop remain accessible for users from portable devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets through the Internet.

Pros & Cons:

With QuickBooks Hosting, the QuickBooks Desktop is installed on the remote servers so you do not require to install the application on the local machine.  You can collaborate with multiple users and share files.

Opting for Intuit Authorized Commercial host ensures that the hosting provider adopts reliable and genuine hosting practices to deliver the best performance of the accounting software.

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Additionally, one can even integrate QuickBooks Desktop with an unlimited number of other business applications or add-ons conveniently as there is no limit on the server resources. Compared to the other cloud model of QuickBooks Desktop, this one can be a little expensive as you are getting the complete hosting features rather than just storage.

But it eliminates the expenses of local infrastructure, which eventually makes it an affordable solution. Added with the features cloud hosting offers with respect to data storage, protection, and application processing, this model is one of the most reliable solutions.

Why Choose QuickBooks Hosting over Cloud Storage?

Even though both of the methods mentioned above will offer you mobility benefits, but hosting QuickBooks on the cloud has an edge over cloud storage of QB files.

Hosting QuickBooks on the cloud enhances the functionality of the software by offering a common platform. The team can collaborate on this platform and access, edit, and share all the files in real-time.

Moreover, QuickBooks Hosting also allows you to upscale or downscale the resources as per the requirement without the need to deploy in-house infrastructure.

Wrapping Up

Moving QuickBooks to the cloud streamlines the workflow. Both the solutions mentioned above are helpful for the process. However, weighing the benefits, we would strongly recommend QuickBooks Hosting over cloud storage. 

It will not only give you remote access to all the features of the QuickBooks desktop but will also enable anytime anywhere access to your data. 

Want to know more about QuickBooks on the cloud? Chat with our Solutions Consultant and get a free live demo.

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