What is QuickBooks POS Online and How Is It Different From ‘Traditional’ POS?

What is QuickBooks POS?

QuickBooks Point of Sale, one of the most popular POS software from Intuit, is used by retailers for maintaining cash register, tracking inventory, sales, and customer information. Integrating with other apps, such as QuickBooks software, CRM, etc., QB POS can streamline various sales and accounting processes.

What is QuickBooks POS Online?

In traditional POS system, data is stored on in-house or local servers and run on a closed internal network. Introduction of the cloud in the POS system means breakthrough from the limitations of the local facilities.

Image: How QuickBooks POS Online Works?

When QuickBooks POS software installed on a remote server of the hosting provider it is referred as QuickBooks POS Online. It reduced the upfront hardware expenses and also adds benefits, like business continuity and centralized data availability for any number of stores.

Factors Which Differentiate QuickBooks POS Online and Traditional POS

Expanding Business with new connected stores: QuickBooks POS Hosting allows companies to add new stores without any limitation of geographical location, faced by companies using traditional POS. If you have a number of retail stores or you are planning to open new ones, cloud hosting ensures that your POS system will be live within a few hours.

1. Data accessibility throughout the globe

One of the major distinguishing features is accessing data or making changes to it from anywhere. Different users can make changes and track them via remote access without being available on-site, unlike the traditional QuickBooks POS setup.

2. 24*7 support

To keep your sales process up and running, most of the leading hosting providers offer continuous support without any additional cost. Along with the setup and configuration of POS on the cloud server, they can help with issues like connecting printers, integration with accounting software.

3. Profitability

QuickBooks POS Online has changed the way of doing business by cutting down the cost to a huge extent. Traditionally POS hardware has to be bought up front for server setup, along with per-terminal fees and support/maintenance contract charges. Whereas with Hosted QuickBooks POS, a monthly fee has to be paid for accessing the software, so cost will never hinder with the business profits.

4. Automated backups

Hosting POS on the cloud has a standout feature, which is that backup of the data is carried out at multiple data centers. This feature is missing in the default model of traditional POS platform. Multiple data backups give businesses a more reliable platform and cover all unforeseen circumstances which can result in data loss which is not covered in traditional POS.

5. Enhanced security

Reliable QuickBooks POS hosting providers ensure that multiple firewalls are deployed at both physical and server level to counter intrusion from any kind of malicious software or commands as a measure for protecting data files.

It is recommended to opt for QuickBooks POS online providers, like Ace Cloud Hosting, that deploy robust security practices, such as – end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication among others to keep your data safe and secure.

6. IT maintenance reduced to zero

In-house servers has a maintenance cost which is incurred by the organization keeping it, whereas the Hosted QuickBooks POS is totally managed and maintained by the service provider. This help businesses to focus on their customers and their needs rather always keeping an eye at the in-house server and its regular maintenance.

7. BC & DR (Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery)

Traditional QuickBooks POS data is maintained and backed up at the in-house server facility making it vulnerable to unexpected events which can result in data loss and can affect business continuity. In contrast, QuickBooks POS Online data is backed up at multiple locations in multiple data centers with redundant copies to tackle any such unforeseen events which can affect business continuity.

Still wondering why QB POS online is better than desktop POS? Connect with our solutions consultant to know more.