Is QuickBooks Enterprise Online or Desktop?

QuickBooks Enterprise is the best accounting software on the market, with all the capabilities needed for efficient financial processes. Introduced in 2002, it is suitable for mid-sized and large businesses. Now, most businesses wonder whether QuickBooks Enterprise has a Desktop or Online version.

Let’s understand that in detail:

Is QuickBooks Enterprise Part of Desktop or Online Edition?

QuickBooks Enterprise is primarily based on a desktop edition wherein you can install and access your accounting data on a single device. QuickBooks Enterprise is the most advanced version and is best suited to cater to the business requirements of medium- and large-scale enterprises.

Its cutting-edge features, like advanced inventory management and multi-user access, are geared towards a desktop environment. However, you can host it on the cloud to access it from any device with a secure network connection, giving you the same cloud environment as QuickBooks Online.

QuickBooks Enterprise Desktop vs QuickBooks Online at a Glance

QuickBooks Enterprise Desktop is traditional accounting software that is accessible by downloading the application to your computer. On the other end, QuickBooks Online is cloud-based accounting software that starts at $30 per month.

The primary difference is that QuickBooks Enterprise has functionalities such as built-in payroll, advanced reporting, job costing, inventory, and more. In contrast, QuickBooks Online is set for businesses that need to leverage anytime, anywhere features and require real-time collaboration for working.

Often, QuickBooks Enterprise is confused with QuickBooks Online, but both are independent, implying that you get different interfaces and capabilities in both cases.

QuickBooks Enterprise vs QuickBooks Online

Cost Comparison of QuickBooks Enterprise and QuickBooks Online

While many businesses find QuickBooks Online lucrative as its pricing plans start cheaper with per-user monthly pricing, QuickBooks Enterprise turns out to be more economical when considered for larger teams, especially when considering:

User Capacity

QuickBooks Enterprise offers a minimum of 1 user to scale up to 30 users in all pricing plans (additional licenses available for 40 in the Diamond plan). QuickBooks Online user capacity varies by plan, with the most expensive plan reaching 25 users. For teams exceeding 25, Enterprise becomes more cost-effective.

Features

QuickBooks Enterprise boasts more robust features like advanced inventory management, job costing, and multi-company management, which might require additional add-ons with significant costs in QuickBooks Online.

Scalability

QuickBooks Enterprise allows you to easily add user licenses as your team grows without switching plans entirely. QuickBooks Online might require plan upgrades for additional users, potentially incurring higher overall costs.

To explain it better, think of it in a better way. For instance, if you have an accounting team of 20 and require features such as advanced inventory and payroll. In this case, what would you do?

If you go for QuickBooks Online, you only have one option to take its highest plan, which offers 25 user licenses for $200/month ($makes up 24000/year).

And for QuickBooks Enterprise, you can take any plan as per your need; even the Gold plan (the cheapest out of three Enterprise plans at $1922/year*) accommodates up to 30 users where advanced inventory is also included.

The overall monthly cost could be lower than Online, especially considering additional users or future scaling.

Additional points to consider when comparing their cost:

While QuickBooks Enterprise seems to have a higher annual cost than QuickBooks Online, it spreads throughout the year.

QuickBooks Online might have hidden costs, such as inventory management.

If you anticipate costs in the long run and are looking forward to scaling your operations, then QuickBooks Enterprise can offer you much better value and advanced features.

Technical Feature Comparison of QuickBooks Enterprise and QuickBooks Online

In terms of the features that businesses require, QuickBooks Enterprise Desktop is a win-win. Though QuickBooks Online brings unlimited access, QuickBooks Enterprise brings security, integration, and customizable functionalities. And for anytime access, businesses have the option to host it on the cloud with a reputed QuickBooks hosting provider.

Features	QuickBooks Enterprise	QuickBooks Online Advanced
Sales, taxes, and payments tracking
Unlimited technical support
Remote access	Available with hosting subscriptions
Fixed Asset Manager		Manual tracking can be done
Multi-user mode
Data migration from prior QuickBooks versions, Excel, Quicken, and Microsoft Office Accounting		Only Excel and QuickBooks
Bank and credit transaction reports can be imported into QuickBooks software
Industry-specific reports
Customer Snapshot showing all client information
Track global financial activities with multi-currency income
Inventory and purchase order tracking
Control pricing and automate workflows inside QuickBooks
Consolidate reports from multiple company files
Invoice multiple customers at once with Batch Invoicing	Up to 115 different activities
Create custom financial reports		Available with Fathom
Forecast sales and expenses
Advanced reporting to have any report ready
Create custom reports with ODBC-compliant applications using a direct connection to the QuickBooks database
Get real-time sales order status
Track inventory with barcodes and bin locations (QuickBooks Enterprise)

Choosing The Right Accounting Option for Your Business

In conclusion, while both QuickBooks Online and Enterprise offer valuable accounting solutions, the choice ultimately boils down to your specific business needs. If you prioritize affordability and simplicity for a small team with basic accounting requirements, then QuickBooks Online might be a suitable option.

However, for businesses that demand advanced features, robust user management, seamless integrations, and the flexibility of a cloud-based solution without sacrificing control – all while accommodating a growing team – QuickBooks Enterprise with cloud hosting is the clear winner.

For a seamless transition to the cloud, partner with a trusted provider like Ace Cloud Hosting. They offer expert cloud hosting specifically designed for QuickBooks Enterprise, ensuring optimal performance, enhanced security, and the accessibility you crave for your remote workforce.

Leverage the power of QuickBooks Enterprise and the convenience of the cloud – a winning combination for your growing business.

Frequently Asked Questions