What is QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting? A Beginner’s Guide

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the accounting sector globally. The workplace culture has changed, highlighting the importance of remote accessibility. Most accounting firms have realized that sticking to a traditional QuickBooks Enterprise solution isn’t the best option. Most businesses are now charting the course for their journeys to the cloud.   

What is QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting? 

While using QuickBooks Enterprise, you’ve installed the software on your desktop. In other words, the only way you can access the software is by your device. If you need the mobility feature, hosting QuickBooks Enterprise on the cloud is the right option. It allows companies to store their data files and applications on the cloud server of a third party. 

QuickBooks Enterprise hosting is the installation of software on the network server hosted over the internet. It helps enhance the software’s capabilities and allows access to the application anytime, anywhere from any device. A stable internet connection allows real-time access to QuickBooks Enterprise for multiple users. QB Enterprise hosting gives businesses an edge over their competitors by helping them achieve better efficiency and productivity.  

How Does QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting Work? 

Here are the steps on how QuickBooks Enterprise hosting works: 

1. Once you’ve decided to host your QuickBooks Enterprise on the cloud, licensed copies of the software are installed on the cloud provider’s server.  

2. Once the authenticity of the license is checked, the users are provided with access to the main server with a few configurations: 

a. To ensure the security of the application, important steps are deployed 

b. The next step includes the connectivity between users and the server using RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)

c. To provide accessibility from any platform (such as Windows, Android, or iOS) and any device (Smartphone, desktop, tablet), a server is accessed. 

d. Users can access QuickBooks Enterprise in the cloud via a web browser or RDP. All the features of the application remain the same 

3. Any modification made to QuickBooks Enterprise will be saved automatically and available to authorized users. 

QuickBooks Enterprise On-Premise Vs. QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting 

QuickBooks Enterprise is an end-to-end solution that provides tools for generating reports, managing inventory, and tracking sales. The software is preferred by most SMBs and large enterprises. 

One of the common questions which often strikes businesses is whether to opt for on-premise QuickBooks Enterprise or a hosted solution. 

With the changing workplace culture, the need for remote accessibility of applications has increased. Most businesses have now realized that sticking to the traditional ways of working is not the best option for them anymore. 

Here are key differences between on-premise QuickBooks Enterprise and QuickBooks Enterprise hosting: 

1. Set up and use 

Hosted QuickBooks Enterprise is the QuickBooks Enterprise software installed on the cloud. The cloud server is managed by a third-party cloud provider. Users can have a licensed copy of the software hosted on the remote server of the cloud provider. Cloud providers take care of maintenance and upgrades, helping businesses save money on IT operations. 

The software is installed on a single local system with on-premise QuickBooks Enterprise. And thus, the users are bound to their desks to complete their tasks.  

2. Accessibility  

One of the most significant advantages of hosting QuickBooks Enterprise on the cloud is the accessibility of applications and data. Cloud allows users to access the application from anywhere, at any time, and any device with the help of the Internet.  All they need to do is log in to the portal provided by the cloud hosting provider with authorized credentials.  

With on-premise QuickBooks Enterprise, users can access the application only when they are in the office where it is installed physically.  

3. Security 

Security of the data is crucial for all businesses – small or big. While storing your data offsite can be frightening, with improved regulatory compliance and data regulation, it can give you some relief. When QuickBooks Enterprise data is stored on the cloud, it is the full-time job of your provider to monitor the data and ensure its safety.   

However, it takes a lot of money and time to prevent physical theft with on-premise QuickBooks Enterprise. To keep your QuickBooks Enterprise data safe, you need to implement high security, guards, and locked cages for the servers.   

4. Cost 

Hosted QuickBooks Enterprise is a lot more cost-effective than an on-premise solution. There is no need for capital investment as cloud storage is being taken care of by the cloud provider. Companies just need to pay a nominal subscription fee.  

With on-premise QuickBooks Enterprise, a significant initial investment is needed to purchase equipment and install it in the office. The company will also incur maintenance and operating costs on an ongoing basis.   

5. Scalability 

Being able to scale their resources up or down came as a boon to businesses that were constantly worried about the costs and data storage. QuickBooks Enterprise hosting benefits businesses by optimizing overall system efficiency and stability. Cloud allows businesses to accommodate high workloads (such as during the tax season) without disrupting the existing infrastructure by adding users instantly without having to purchase new infrastructure, which may become redundant when demand drops. 

On-premise QuickBooks Enterprise has the constraints of having physical data storage. It requires buying and deploying new servers, which is time-consuming and costly.   

Is QuickBooks Enterprise hosting the right solution for my business?  

There is no clear winner between on-premise QuickBooks Enterprise or a hosted one. Each business has different requirements that may influence the choice between the two. Before reaching a decision, there are several questions you need to consider: 

Expenditure – Can your business afford the upfront investment required for on-premise QuickBooks Enterprise? 

Data restoration – Do you have enough expertise and tools to secure QuickBooks Enterprise data? 

Upgradation – Is it important for your business to have access to the latest features and capabilities? 

Want to learn more about QuickBooks Enterprise Hosting? Contact our Solutions Consultant at 855-635-6515.