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QuickBooks Online is one of the latest Intuit’s offerings to simplify the accounting solutions for small and mid-size businesses. This is cloud-based accounting software that is totally controlled and managed by Intuit. Realizing the futuristic importance of cloud with the software needs, QuickBooks Online is a fighting fit accomplishment. Talking about the cloud, there is another option available for the users in the form of QuickBooks Hosting.
QuickBooks Hosting is simply availing the desktop version of QuickBooks on cloud-based servers. The server usually belongs to a third-party hosting service provider. Thus, all the cloud benefits, such as- remote accessibility, real-time collaboration, etc. are attained.
Since QuickBooks Desktop is advanced and versatile accounting software than QuickBooks Online, hosted mode seems to a more able solution on many fronts.
If the dilemma of choosing between, QuickBooks Hosting and QuickBooks Online then the following table should be able to present a fine overview:
| Features | QuickBooks Online | QuickBooks Hosting |
| Complete QuickBooks Desktop Features | No | Yes |
| Usage Similarity With QuickBooks Desktop | No | Yes |
| Dedicated Training Needs | Yes | No |
| Anytime, Anywhere Access | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile and Cross-device Access | Yes | Yes |
| Plan Charges | Fixed By Intuit | Scalable with Service Providers |
| Better Lead and InventoryCenter | No | Yes |
| Shipping Manager | No | Yes |
| QuickBooks Statement Writer | Yes | Yes |
| Convenience of Add-ons Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Speed of Processing | Slower than QB on Desktop | Faster and Depends On Server |
| Data Sync with Local Machine | Yes | Yes |
| Automated Backup | Yes | Yes |
| Real-time Multi-User Collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| User Permission Control | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Application Hosting | No | Yes |
| Support | Provided by Intuit | Depends on Service Provider |
Verdict
This comparison table gives a general indication of the differences between the two cloud accounting solutions. The variation will appear in magnified form when you dig further into the usage and version features.
Developers of QuickBooks Online have not been able to achieve the level that they have delivered with the desktop version. So, the usability of QuickBooks Online lags behind on the performance metrics when compared with the desktop version.
Since the QuickBooks Hosting avails more apt solution for the accounting professionals and businesses looking to work out the things faster. Still for the users, who do not have to use QuickBooks in hurry, QuickBooks Online will be able to serve satisfactorily.
Importance of accounting on the cloud for businesses is immense and growing. For now, when QuickBooks Online is still improving, the easier pick seems to QuickBooks Hosting – for it does not require major changes in usability from the desktop version and still all the benefits of cloud are available.
Chat With A Solutions Consultant
Nishant Kadian
Nishant Kadian, an Electronics and Communication Engineer, writes about the cloud computing trends such as managed cloud hosting, SaaS solutions, and IT security practices. He has been actively blogging with leading tech platforms since 2014.See more articles by Nishant Kadian
Earl Christensen
4 years agoIn case of add-on requirements, QuickBooks Hosting is better in many ways. However, Intuit has started showing more interest in QBO. So, the message is clear for general accounting uses, go for QBO and for business specific needs, opt for QuickBooks Hosting.
Elena Kelareva
4 years agoWhy the prices of QuickBooks hosting vary so much and QuickBooks Online remains consistent.
Nishant Kadian
4 years agoQuickBooks Hosting is means that you are choosing a third-party cloud to host the QuickBooks server and depending on their brand value, service standards, etc. they charge prices. QuickBooks Online remains a program that is managed and controlled by Intuit only and so, the prices remain same.
Rick Slater
4 years agoHow easy is it to switch between hosting service providers? Should I choose the cheaper one?
Nishant Kadian
4 years agoChoosing a new hosting service is quite easy, but leaving the existing one depends on the plan that you have opted for. It the plan term is about to ends and you have better hosting providers available, then it is a good time to for it. With that said, do not go for the cheaper one just because price is lesser. Customer support and uptime guarantee are some of the factors that you should rate and then decide.
Glen Bloster
4 years agoI have tried all- QB desktop, QB hosting, and QBO. I would rate hosting better.
Frank Klein
4 years agoThere are number of businesses with their own data centers in operation. For them, QuickBooks remains the best choice. Otherwise, relying on 3rd party sounds little dubious.
Harry Garfield
4 years agoCustomer support of Intuit is up to the mark. Call them at point of time and they keep you waiting for endless durations.