How Do I Move QuickBooks To The Cloud?

Managing financial data can be a significant headache for businesses in today’s data-driven world, especially when keeping QuickBooks Desktop software updated and secure.

The traditional desktop version of QuickBooks can be time-consuming and vulnerable to security breaches. Moreover, the data stored locally on your computer may not be easily accessible, resulting in a lack of remote accessibility and reduced productivity.

Fortunately, you can access QuickBooks remotely either by hosting it on the cloud or by switching from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online. However, the decision of whether to opt for QuickBooks Cloud (or cloud hosted QuickBooks Desktop) or QuickBooks Online should be made considering your business requirements, application features and ease of use.

Check out this blog which compares QBO and QuickBooks Cloud.

In this article, Ace Cloud will guide you through the process of setting up QuickBooks Desktop on the cloud. We’ll also discuss essential considerations you need to address before making the switch. Whether you’re a small business owner or an accounting professional, this guide will help you simplify your accounting processes, enhance collaboration, and eliminate the hassle of maintaining on-premise infrastructure. 

6 Key Steps to Move QuickBooks Desktop to the Cloud:

Considering the shift from QuickBooks Desktop to cloud hosting offers a comprehensive advantage over QuickBooks Online. Here are some key steps to move QuickBooks Desktop to cloud:

Step 1: Evaluate Your Needs and On-Premise Challenges 

Before hosting the desktop software in the cloud, you must evaluate your current on-premise setup and identify any challenges beforehand. It includes assessing your hardware and software requirements, determining your security needs, and deciding whether you need remote access to your financial data. A thorough evaluation will help you choose the right cloud hosting provider and ensure a successful migration to the cloud. 

Step 2: Choose a Cloud Hosting Service Provider 

The next step in setting up QuickBooks on the cloud is to choose a cloud hosting service provider. A cloud hosting service provider is a company that provides cloud computing services and storage space to businesses. There are many cloud hosting service providers in the market, each offering different features and pricing plans. 

When choosing a cloud hosting service provider, it is essential to consider security, reliability, and cost factors. It would be best to look for a service provider with experience hosting QuickBooks on the cloud and a good market reputation. 

Step 3: Backup Your Data 

The most crucial step before using the cloud is backing up all your data. Setting up QuickBooks on the cloud guarantees you have a backup of all your financial information in case something goes wrong. 

You can use QuickBooks’ built-in backup feature or a third-party backup tool to back up your data. Additionally, you can save the backup file on an external hard drive or a cloud storage service such as Dropbox or Google Drive. 

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Step 4: Install QuickBooks on Cloud Server 

Once you have chosen a QuicksBook hosting service provider and backed up your data, installing QuickBooks on the cloud server is next. Most cloud hosting service providers will provide you with a virtual desktop where you can install QuickBooks.  

You must sign into the virtual desktop and proceed with installing QuickBooks on the cloud server. You should already have a QuickBooks license, or you may get one from your cloud hosting provider. 

Step 5: Configure QuickBooks Settings 

After installing QuickBooks on the cloud server, the next step is configuring the QuickBooks settings. It involves setting up the company information, tax settings, and other preferences.  

Setting up QuickBooks is crucial to ensuring it functions flawlessly and satisfies your company’s demands. 

Step 6: Migrate Your Data 

The final step in setting up QuickBooks in the cloud is data migration. It entails transferring your financial information from the desktop version of QuickBooks to the cloud-based version. 

You can use QuickBooks’s built-in data migration tool to transfer your data. The data migration tool will share all your financial data, including customers, vendors, and suppliers. 

By QuickBooks migration to the cloud, you enjoy the rich features of QuickBooks Desktop with the convenience of the cloud.

Suggested Read – QuickBooks Cloud Vs Desktop: Which One is Right for You? 

Critical Considerations Before Moving QuickBooks to the Cloud 

The transition to cloud-hosted QuickBooks Desktop can bring numerous business advantages. However, it is imperative to assess several critical aspects before making the switch. Here are some essential considerations which you can keep in mind: 

Cost: The cloud-hosted QuickBooks Desktop can be higher than the traditional desktop version in terms of expenses. It is because cloud hosting services typically charge based on usage, storage, and the level of support needed. You should conduct a detailed cost analysis to determine the total cost of ownership, including the cost of the cloud hosting service, additional software or hardware, and associated maintenance and support costs. 

Security: Data security is of the utmost importance when transferring financial data to the cloud. You must conduct research and due diligence to examine the physical security measures, data encryption, and disaster recovery plans used by the cloud hosting provider. Implementing multi-factor authentication is also advised, as is routinely monitoring network behavior for potential security threats. According to a Cloud Security Alliance study, most security experts think their company will suffer a data breach in the upcoming year. 92% of people who have already experienced a data breach believe they will experience another in the forthcoming 12 months. 

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Internet Connectivity: QuickBooks Desktop Cloud requires a reliable and fast internet connection to perform efficiently. Evaluating the reliability and speed of your business’s internet connection is critical. It will assist you in determining whether it fits the basic requirements for a cloud-hosted QuickBooks Desktop. An unstable internet connection might cause poor response times and reduce overall productivity. 

Technical Support: Technical support is a crucial aspect of cloud-hosted QuickBooks Desktop, as it can help resolve any issues that may arise. Before making the switch, it is essential to assess the level of technical support offered by the cloud hosting provider, including response times, availability, and expertise of the support team. A recent survey by Gartner showed that 63% of organizations reported poor technical support as a significant concern when transitioning to the cloud. 

Ace Cloud – The Driving Force Behind Reliable QuickBooks Desktop Hosting 

Setting up QuickBooks Desktop Cloud can be challenging for business owners, but with the proper support, it can provide many benefits for streamlining your accounting processes. Ace Cloud, a reputable cloud hosting provider, can help you make the most seamless and successful switch to QuickBooks Desktop Cloud. They provide the know-how and state-of-the-art cloud infrastructure needed to make this a reality. 

At Ace Cloud, we pride ourselves on providing businesses with the best cloud hosting solutions for QuickBooks Desktop. Our dedicated team of experts will guide you through the setup process and provide ongoing technical support to ensure your QuickBooks Desktop Cloud is always available and functioning optimally. 

Invest in the power of Ace Cloud and experience the many benefits of moving QuickBooks Desktop to cloud for your business today. 

Sign up for a 7-day free QuickBooks Cloud trial and experience the benefits of moving QuickBooks Desktop to cloud for your business today.

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