Reliance on traditional on-premise QuickBooks Desktop is often detrimental to businesses. Instances occur when they need to access the accounting application remotely using their preferred devices and assist clients during non-business hours. The inability to cater to them could not only question the trustworthiness of a business but also put its reputation at stake. Â
Although QuickBooks is one of the most widely used accounting software, businesses find certain things lacking. One of these is QuickBooks’ remote access. The desktop version of QuickBooks can’t grant users remote access to it. Â
However, businesses can circumvent this problem using some simple techniques. Explore them as we discuss easy and secure ways to access QuickBooks remotely.Â
Table of Contents
How to Access QuickBooks Desktop Remotely?Â
Intuit offers the following three options to support its users with QuickBooks remote access:Â
- Hosting QuickBooks Desktop on the cloud Â
- Switching to QuickBooks Online Â
- Using the QuickBooks Remote Access toolÂ
Here is top 3 ways to access QuickBooks remotely:Â
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1. Hosting QuickBooks Desktop on the Cloud
Intuit allows authorized hosting of QuickBooks Desktop on third-party servers. It enables authenticated users to access the software from anywhere via the internet. QuickBooks Hosting supports all the QB Desktop features and offers a similar user interface. This makes it easier for the users to adapt to the cloud environment. Additionally, the users can use the device of their choice (desktop computer, smartphone, laptop, etc.). Â
QuickBooks hosting providers also look after the management of the cloud servers. This reduces the burden on the IT team and helps businesses focus on their core objectives.
In addition to reduced IT workload, QuickBooks hosting offers multi-user collaboration and easier integration of QuickBooks add-ons for better productivity. Companies can integrate hosted QuickBooks applications with over 200 add-ons to simplify billing, sales, time tracking, and monitoring workflow. Â
Most importantly, reliable QuickBooks hosting providers manage these elements by deploying multiple security mechanisms. These include:Â Â Â
- End-to-End Data Encryption Â
- Latest Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Systems Â
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems Â
- Multi-Level Firewall System Â
- Multi-Factor Authentication Â
- Automated Data Backup and more Â
2. QuickBooks OnlineÂ
QuickBooks Online is a solution from Intuit that works entirely on the cloud. You can access QuickBooks remotely from any compatible device anytime and start working on your accounting tasks. The number of users collaborating over it depends on your chosen plan.   Â
QuickBooks Online also safeguards data from unauthorized users, viruses and malware attacks, accidental data loss, etc., by offering various security measures and storing data in remote servers. However, a serious concern with QB Online is that it only provides some of the features of the QuickBooks Desktop. QuickBooks Online is entirely different from QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Hosting. Additionally, the user interface varies compared to QB Desktop, which can impact user experience.  Â
3. Using the QuickBooks Remote Access Tool
The QuickBooks Remote Access tool is an Intuit add-on that enables users to access the accounting application from different computers. It is available in two versions – QuickBooks Access and Full Desktop Access. Businesses can purchase the tool directly from Intuit’s website to access QuickBooks remotely using their preferred devices. Â
Integration of the add-on with QuickBooks enables users to perform basic tasks. These include:Â Â
- Copying files between local and remote computers Â
- Print files on the remote server using the local printer Â
- Access QuickBooks data folders and files remotely, etc.  Â
Various third-party add-ons are available in the market that offers similar services. Businesses can use them to access QuickBooks remotely. However, there are some challenges, such as network connectivity between both devices, permissions setup, etc., which may hinder the smooth functioning of the accounting software.    Â
Benefits of Accessing QuickBooks Remotely  Â
Accessing QuickBooks remotely gives businesses several benefits that add value to their operations. Here’s a look at them: Â
- QuickBooks remote access saves travel time and the cost of office infrastructure for accountants Â
- Service providers manage cloud servers eliminating the need to hire in-house IT staff Â
- Users always get up-to-date access to QuickBooks data, even when they are not at the office Â
- It enables employees to work from anywhere and maintain a work-life balance Â
- Different users can collaborate on the same QuickBooks file simultaneously Â
- Business owners or managers can track the activities of the accountants Â
- Any changes to a company file reflect in real time Â
- Firms can reduce their carbon footprint significantly Â
Recommendation Â
QuickBooks Hosting: For professionals and businesses that require QuickBooks remote access frequently and need an improved collaboration system for different users. Â
Try QuickBooks Hosting for Try Free for 7 days to get first-hand experience. Â
QuickBooks Online: For professionals and businesses that frequently require remote access to QuickBooks, the need for QuickBooks features is moderate. Â
QuickBooks Remote Access Tool: For individual users who don’t require frequent remote access to the application. Â
Does Remotely Accessing QuickBooks Mitigate Security Concerns? Â
QuickBooks remote access can increase and decrease security concerns, depending on the specific circumstances and precautions taken. Â
On the one hand, remotely accessing QuickBooks can increase security concerns by opening up a potential entry point for cyber attackers to exploit. When users access QB remotely, data is transmitted over the internet, which increases the risk of interception and unauthorized access. Â
On the other hand, remotely accessing QuickBooks can also mitigate security concerns with proper security measures. For instance, a virtual private network (VPN) can encrypt data transmissions and prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and limiting access to only authorized users can also help mitigate security concerns. Â
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as security concerns can vary depending on the specific circumstances and implementation of security measures. It is better to consult a security professional to determine the best approach for your situation. Â
You can rest assured of security if you opt for solutions like QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Hosting from credible vendor. Intuit-authorized commercial hosts ensure that their client’s data is safe.
Reputed QuickBooks hosting providers offer multiple firewalls, latest antivirus & anti-malware, data recovery ,& data monitoring capabilities, Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDP) systems, round-the-clock support, and more. The encryption level with QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Remote Access tool is almost identical. Â
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Olivia
4 years agoGreat article!
I have a QuickBooks POS software that I’m using to manage my store inventory and accept payments. I’m planning to open another store in the nearby area.
Can I access my QuickBooks POS software online from both stores?
Nishant Kadian
4 years agoThanks, Olivia for your comment. To access QuickBooks POS online from different computers and stores, you should opt for hosting version. It will allow you to access your POS data from anywhere, anytime along with easy integration with your QuickBooks accounting software and other business application. For more information, check – https://www.acecloudhosting.com/quickbooks-pos-hosting/
Deborah
4 years agoThanks for your information. We are a small nonprofit organization and just want to make sure that our Quickbooks are accessible to more than one person should something happen to that one person. Is cloud hosting the answer for us?