What is QuickBooks Hosting?

QuickBooks Hosting refers to installing the QuickBooks Desktop version on the network server hosted over the internet to enable access via a web browser. Simply put, with hosted QuickBooks in place, you can access your tax files and data from anywhere, anytime, without installing the software on a local machine. 

QuickBooks Hosting provides a user with the best of both worlds, the robustness of the desktop version and the accessibility of the online version. 

Read on to gather some meaningful insights into cloud-hosted QuickBooks solution and get answers to some frequently asked questions about QuickBooks hosting. 

How QuickBooks Hosting Works? 

Here is how QuickBooks on the cloud works: 

1. Licensed copies of QuickBooks are installed on the server of a service provider. 
2. The QuickBooks user is provided access to the server over the internet with specific configurations:
   – Proper security steps are deployed to secure the application
   – Connectivity between the end-user device and the server is accomplished using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) that can be configured to log in as the desired user.
   – Server is customized to be accessed from any device (smartphone, tablet, desktop, etc.) working on different Operating Systems/platforms (Windows, iOS, Mac OS, Android, etc.) 
3. The user can access and work on QuickBooks via a web browser (like Chrome, IE, Firefox, etc.) or RDP shortcut. The rest of the UI, features, and other functionalities remain the same as QB Desktop. 
4. All the changes made on hosted QuickBooks are saved automatically and will appear to all authorized users. 

How Hosted QuickBooks is Better Than Traditional Desktop QuickBooks? 

 QuickBooks Desktop is one of the most advanced and used accounting applications. However, certain limitations exist with the software that can restrict accountants and CPAs from achieving their maximum potential. Some of the limitations with QuickBooks Desktop are:  

• Limited user access 
• No Remote Access 
• All data remains only on the local device 
• Resource limitations of the local device 
• No real-time team collaboration 
• Sharing & exchanging files is inconvenient 
• Lack of automation in updates 
• Lack of automation with data entry 

Most of the limitations mentioned above can be mitigated using cloud technology. Since hosted QuickBooks works on cloud technology, it gets all the benefits and features that the cloud offers, including: 

• Multiple user access 
• Anywhere, anytime access 
• Real-time change tracking 
• Easy file sharing with unlimited users 
• Flexibility and scalability with resources 
• Data Security 
• Mobile device compatibility and collaboration 
• Reduced local IT expenses 
• Seamless integration with add-ons 
• Disaster recovery 
• 24×7 customer support 

Modes of QuickBooks Hosting 

Hosting of QuickBooks Desktop application can be implemented in the following three modes: 

• Dedicated Hosting: Different users are connected directly to the server on which QuickBooks is installed. Here, the QuickBooks Hosting Mode is enabled on the server and disabled on the workstations.
  
• Peer-to-Peer Hosting: This hosting mode is usually adopted for on-premise hosting. Here, one user hosts the application and data to provide access to other users on the network. In addition, the host has the QuickBooks Hosting Mode turned on and the workstations will have the mode turned off.  

• Alternate Hosting: Here, one of the users (primary user) is connected to the hosting server over the internet. The rest of the users connect with the primary user to access the application on the local network. You must install QuickBooks on all the workstations as well as the host. Similar to dedicated and peer-to-peer hosting modes, the QuickBooks Hosting Mode is enabled on the host and disabled on the workstations. 

Read about these QuickBooks cloud hosting modes in detail here. 

Versions Supported for QuickBooks Hosting 

Most leading hosting providers host all versions of QuickBooks Desktop, including QuickBooks Pro, Premier, Enterprise, and Accountant. Different country-specific editions released from QuickBooks 2005 through QuickBooks 2022 are compatible with the server setups of hosting providers. 

How to Select a QuickBooks Cloud Hosting Provider? 

Almost every leading cloud service provider can offer hosting for QuickBooks Desktop applications. However, considering the idiosyncrasies of the accounting applications, it is better to go with those who command expertise in the field. 

Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks, recommends opting for the authorized hosting providers. Intuit Authorized Commercial Partners are screened to ensure that user data is safe and delivered services maintain high quality. Here are some essential factors that one can consider before finalizing the cloud hosting provider for QuickBooks Desktop.  

• Intuit Authorization 
• Security practices & features 
• Data and password storage policies 
• Uptime guarantee 
• Plans & Price 
• Scalability 
• Support Policies 
• Add-ons & Plugin compatibility 
• Customer reviews & testimonials 
• Backup & Disaster Recovery solutions 

Frequently Asked Questions about QuickBooks Hosting 

1. Can I store a local backup copy of the data files on my desktop?
Yes, you can easily save a backup copy of your QB data files on your desktop. However, saving a local copy of the file and editing it may cause an inconsistency with those located on a central remote server. 

2. Do I need to set up my own network to use QuickBooks on cloud?
The Internet is the only network you’ll need. 

3. Can I try QuickBooks Hosting for free?
With Ace Cloud Hosting, you can get a 10-day free trial without any obligation. 

4. How is QuickBooks Online different from QuickBooks Hosting?
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based SaaS application from Intuit. It is different from QuickBooks Desktop in terms of features, UI, and other functionalities. Since QuickBooks cloud hosting maintains the same functionalities as QB Desktop on the cloud, it is a different product from QuickBooks Online.  

5. How does my Microsoft Excel and Other Office software work with QuickBooks Cloud Hosting?
Integration of Microsoft Excel and other office software with QuickBooks on the cloud remains similar to that of the desktop solution. Export and import of data from one application to another follow a similar practice on the cloud. The user can even opt for hosting office applications to leverage on benefits of the cloud. 

6. Can I run third-party applications/ add-ons with Hosted QuickBooks?
Third-party applications and add-ons can run with the hosted version of QuickBooks Desktop. With the flexibility of resources on server over the cloud, the integration with add-ons is even easier and more productive. You may like to check the top-rated QuickBooks add-ons. 

7. Where can I learn about the latest in QuickBooks Cloud technology?
For the recent happenings in the QuickBooks cloud industry, you can check our Blog, Knowledge Base, and the resources to learn more about QuickBooks on cloud.  

Conclusion 

QuickBooks Hosting offers various advantages to its users like mobility, scalability, cost-efficiency, and more. Therefore, it is considered one of the most beneficial solutions to accomplish all the accounting processes efficiently and seamlessly. 

Want to know more about QuickBooks Hosting? Contact our solutions Consultant today on +1-800-432-1585.  

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