How QuickBooks on Cloud Works – A Beginner’s Guide  

Today, businesses use a wide range of accounting applications on the cloud to enhance and simplify their accounting tasks. A whopping 82% of small businesses and 58% of enterprises use cloud accounting.

Whether it’s remote access, cost-effectiveness, seamless user collaboration, or better control of the financial processes, cloud accounting covers them all. QuickBooks in the cloud is one such example that is changing the lives of many accountants worldwide.

However, not all of them know exactly what QuickBooks cloud hosting is and how it works. Here, we’re going to explain this thoroughly. Read on to explore and decide whether to host QuickBooks on the cloud or not.  

What Does Hosting QuickBooks in the Cloud Mean?  

QuickBooks in the cloud or QuickBooks cloud hosting is the installation of QuickBooks Desktop on a cloud provider’s server. Cloud-hosted QuickBooks gives users access to the application using their preferred devices from anywhere, anytime.  

Further, QuickBooks cloud accounting enables users to get the same desktop feel and features of the QB Desktop version. Multiple users can access the hosted accounting software with added compatibility, scalability, flexibility, and enterprise-grade security advantages.  

QuickBooks cloud hosting has evolved as an innovative process to overcome the challenges of traditional desktop-based accounting practices.  

How Does QuickBooks on Cloud Work?  

The traditional approach of accessing QuickBooks requires users to install the QB Desktop software on a local machine. They must ensure their physical presence in an office to use the accounting software.  

QuickBooks cloud accounting, on the other hand, is the process of hosting the application on the servers of a cloud hosting provider. It allows authorized users to access the application from their preferred devices with an internet connection. A user with administrative rights can add or remove a user and modify access permissions. Accessing QuickBooks in the cloud requires using a web browser or remote access software on users’ local devices.  

A multi-user mode enables multiple users to access the application simultaneously from various devices and operating systems. Additionally, even if a local system fails, the accounting data will be completely safe and stored on a hosting server.  

Here’s a look at some pre-requisites to access cloud-hosted QuickBooks:  

• Pay the hosting provider a nominal QuickBooks hosting fee (depending on the number of users, IT resources, etc.).   
• Keep account login credentials handy to help you log into your hosted QuickBooks account and access the application.   
• Ensure that you have stable and reliable internet connectivity.  

Once the hosting provider dedicates a QuickBooks-installed server to a user, they must open the Remote Desktop Connection on their system to access the hosted application.  

Here’s the series of steps users can follow to work on QuickBooks cloud accounting:  

1. Open Remote Desktop Connection on your computer (also known as RDP)  
2. Enter the valid login credentials and click on “OK” to get directed to the cloud server 
3. Double-click on the “QuickBooks” icon located on the desktop  
4. Open or restore an existing company file. This is how you can work on the accounting files available for your business with cloud-hosted QuickBooks.  

Benefits of Hosting QuickBooks in the Cloud  

Hosting QuickBooks in the cloud offers several benefits, including:  

Accessibility: Cloud hosting allows users to access QuickBooks from anywhere, at any time. This is especially useful for businesses with remote teams or those who need to access QuickBooks while on the go.  

Scalability: Hosting QuickBooks on the cloud allows businesses to scale their usage up or down as needed without worrying about investing in new hardware or software. This makes it easier to adapt to changing business needs.  

Security: Cloud hosting providers typically offer robust security measures, such as data encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication, to protect sensitive financial information.  

Automatic backups: With cloud hosting, QuickBooks data is automatically backed up regularly. This ensures that critical financial data is safe and quickly restored during a disaster.  

Cost savings: Cloud hosting can be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house server since businesses don’t need to invest in expensive hardware or pay for ongoing maintenance and upgrades.  

Collaboration: Hosting QuickBooks on the cloud allows multiple users to access the application simultaneously, making it easier for teams to collaborate on financial tasks and work together in real time.  

Overall, hosting QuickBooks in the cloud can help businesses save time and money while improving accessibility, security, and collaboration.  

Factors to Consider When Choosing a QuickBooks Hosting Provider  

Businesses looking to host QuickBooks in the cloud and searching for a reliable hosting provider must ensure they are Intuit-authorized. Further, they should consider the following key factors to get a seamless cloud accounting experience:   

• Reliability and Uptime: Your QuickBooks data is critical for your business operations, so choosing a hosting provider with reliable uptime and minimal downtime is essential.  
• Security: Look for a hosting provider that uses industry-standard encryption to protect your data, has physical security measures to safeguard their servers, and regularly performs data backups.  
• Technical Support: Choose a provider that offers responsive and knowledgeable technical support. They should have a team of experts to help you resolve any technical issues that arise quickly.  
• Compatibility: Make sure the hosting provider is compatible with the version of QuickBooks you’re using. If you need to upgrade or downgrade your QuickBooks version, ensure the hosting provider can accommodate your needs.  
• Integration: Consider whether the hosting provider can integrate with other business applications that you’re using, such as Microsoft Office, Salesforce, or other accounting software.  
• Scalability: As your business grows, you may need to scale up your QuickBooks hosting solution. Look for a provider that can accommodate your future needs, whether more server resources or additional user licenses.  
• Cost: Pricing is always a significant factor to consider. Look for a hosting provider that offers a competitive pricing model and provides transparent information about any additional fees or charges that may apply.  

Final Thoughts  

QuickBooks cloud accounting or cloud-hosted QuickBooks enables businesses to unleash the full potential of QuickBooks Desktop software. Remote access, data security, disaster recovery, high uptime, etc., are some undeniable benefits of hosting QB on the cloud.  

Working with QuickBooks in the cloud starts with installing the software on the hosting provider’s server. Users can access the hosted QB application and work on their company files using the RDP.  

If you want to move your existing QuickBooks Desktop application to the cloud, look no further than Ace Cloud. We are a leading Intuit-authorized cloud hosting provider with over 15 years of profound experience in cloud hosting services.  

How can QuickBooks cloud hosting bring a 360-degree transformation in your accounting experience? Host QuickBooks on Ace Cloud Server for FREE for 7 days and see the change.  

Contact our solutions Consultant at @+1-855-910-6927 or email solutions@acecloudhosting.com for any query. 

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