Update: This article was last updated on 23rd Dec 2019 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Intuit, a giant in the accounting software technologies, keeps on introducing new and improved solutions to empower accountants. This year, the latest version of QuickBooks – QuickBooks Desktop 2020 was introduced with some advanced features.
However, for accountants, gone are the days of sitting behind a desk all day crunching numbers. They are looking for solutions that give them more flexibility and mobility in their operations.
Cloud technology is one such platform that has helped accountants achieve the same. Every accounting firm, nowadays, is looking for cloud accounting as an option rather than the legacy on-premise “install on your computer” software.
Here are two of the major QuickBooks cloud accounting solutions that the accounting firms can adopt to streamline their operations.
QuickBooks Online
In light of the above scenario, Intuit introduced its cloud-based version of QuickBooks – QuickBooks Online (QBO) in 2004. QuickBooks Online is designed to simplify the accounting solutions for small and mid-size businesses.
It is a SaaS-based application that is totally controlled and managed by Intuit. Realizing the futuristic importance of cloud with the software needs, QuickBooks Online is a welcome addition to QuickBooks products.
It offers some diverse features like tracking mileage, automatic backups, and remote access from anywhere at any time through smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
There are three versions of QuickBooks offered by Intuit.
- Essentials – $12 per month
- Plus – $21 per month
- Advanced – $45 per month
Intuit recommends a high-speed internet connection for accessing QuickBooks Online. Moreover, not all features run on mobile devices.
In contrast to the desktop software, you can access QuickBooks Online on the web browser, just like a website, by putting in the right credentials. In addition, the user interface and features are somewhat different from the desktop version. Hence, the accountants that have been using QuickBooks Desktop for years have to spend time to get used to the online version.
QuickBooks Hosting
Talking about the cloud, there is another option available for the users in the form of accessing QuickBooks remotely.
QuickBooks Hosting is simply hosting the desktop version of QuickBooks on cloud-based servers. The server usually belongs to a third-party service provider. Thus,you get all the cloud benefits, such as- remote accessibility, real-time collaboration, and flexible pay-as-you-use pricing. Similar to QuickBooks Online, you can access the QuickBooks Desktop remotely by logging on to the cloud portal of the service provider.
Hence, with hosted QuickBooks, you get the best of both worlds, i.e., the features of QuickBooks Desktop and the capabilities of the cloud.
In addition, you get added services from the cloud service providers Some of them include –
- Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
- DDoS Protection
- SLA-guaranteed Uptime
- Customizable Cloud Environment, etc.
Here is a comparison between the features of QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Hosting that will help you choose between the right cloud accounting solution:
| 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 Inventory Center | 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 a more magnified form when you dig further into the usage and versions.
Both accounting solutions are well-versed with features and are capable of providing efficient accounting solutions to businesses.
Since QuickBooks Online is an entirely cloud-based solution, accountants tend to prefer the QuickBooks Desktop software that they have been habitual with. With QuickBooks hosting, they get their QuickBooks Desktop with all the features of the cloud.
The 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.
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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
6 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
6 years agoWhy the prices of QuickBooks hosting vary so much and QuickBooks Online remains consistent.
Nishant Kadian
6 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
6 years agoHow easy is it to switch between hosting service providers? Should I choose the cheaper one?
Nishant Kadian
6 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
6 years agoI have tried all- QB desktop, QB hosting, and QBO. I would rate hosting better.
Frank Klein
6 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
6 years agoCustomer support of Intuit is up to the mark. Call them at point of time and they keep you waiting for endless durations.