QuickBooks on cloud is one of the most reliable and trusted software that is used by businesses across the globe. The solution runs the entire QB software on the cloud, and as a result, it not only provides the complete benefits of QuickBooks but also tops them off with the benefits of the cloud. However, many businesses do not understand how QuickBooks works with cloud, resulting in leaving a great deal of benefits on the table. If you are also among such businesses, then we will help you understand cloud-based QuickBooks works and what benefits it offers.
What Does QuickBooks on Cloud Mean?
QuickBooks desktop on cloud refers to storing the entire software along with the data on the virtual environment of the cloud. Even though the software runs in a virtual environment, its performance remains consistent, and the QuickBooks cloud security is also robust. Furthermore, with the remote desktop protocol QuickBooks, its interface, features, and functionalities remain the same.
Moreover, the platform also automatically saves all the changes, and even allows QuickBooks multi user access to authorized users in real-time. As a result, QuickBooks cloud access completely eliminates both the reliance and limitations of an on-premises system.
How Does QuickBooks Desktop Cloud Solution Work?
QuickBooks hosted solutions leverage the virtual-based environment of the cloud, which provides dedicated computing resources from a network of servers within a secure infrastructure. Mentioned below are the key ways in which QuickBooks cloud desktop works.
Cloud Servers: These servers are provided by the cloud hosting provider. Both the QuickBooks desktop license as well as the business data is installed on these servers. As the QuickBooks cloud servers are interconnected with one another, they provide optimal performance for all accounting and bookkeeping tasks.
User Access: Whether for payroll management, cash flow management, inventory management, or financial tasks, users can access the QB software via a remote desktop connection. This allows them to safely and securely access the software and store their data on the cloud.
Real-Time Collaboration: Sessions for real-time data collaboration can be hosted on QuickBooks cloud-native solutions. All the changes made in Multi-user QuickBooks cloud sessions will be updated and available to other users in real-time. This makes QuickBooks multi-user access highly beneficial for remote teams.
Data Security: QuickBooks cloud hosting follows robust security protocols. These protocols include encryption, firewall protection, SSAE-16 Type-II, SOC-2 certification, and automatic backups. Moreover, the QuickBooks hosting provider also follows regulatory compliance, like the PCI DSS compliance. With this, the QuickBooks desktop cloud hosting avoids raising any unnecessary flags.
QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop
The debate around QuickBooks online vs desktop has become rather common. This is mainly because the cloud offers additional benefits, but requires the entire software to be hosted on a virtual infrastructure. To help you better understand the difference among them, we have shared a thorough comparison table below.
| Features | QuickBooks Online | QuickBooks Desktop |
Access and Platform | Cloud-based; accessible from any device with internet. | Installed on a specific computer. |
Internet Requirement | Requires internet access. | Can be used offline. |
Automatic Data Backups & Updates | Automatic backups & updates managed by Intuit. | Manual backups and update installs. |
Multi-User Collaboration | Built-in real-time multi-user access. | Multi-user mode is available, but typically requires network setup. |
Payroll Options | Integrated online payroll add-ons. | Desktop payroll available, paid yearly. |
Security | Data stored and secured in the cloud by Intuit. | Security depends on local setup and backups. |
Pricing Model | QuickBooks cloud pricing is subscription-based (monthly or annual). | One-time purchase (plus optional annual support). |
Data File Limits | Unlimited cloud storage | Data file size limits depending on version, like QuickBooks Pro, QuickBooks Premier, and QuickBooks Enterprise. |
What Are The Benefits of QuickBooks on Cloud?
For both small and medium-sized businesses, QuickBooks stands as the best accounting software. By hosting it on the cloud, however, you will be able to combine both the benefits of the QB software along with those of the cloud. Some of these key benefits include:
1. Easy Accessibility
By hosting the QB software on the cloud, you will be able to easily and seamlessly access your QuickBooks company files from any remote location, provided you have a stable internet connection. This flexibility is especially beneficial for both CPAs as well as SMBs as it allows them to remotely manage finance tasks. However, the remote accessibility of QuickBooks is not limited to a single user. Multiple users can also simultaneously access the software without raising any red flags. This ensures that the QuickBooks remote access works without any fluctuations in either speed or security.
2. Robust Security
Whether small or medium-scale, one of the primary concerns when handling financial data is security. QuickBooks cloud hosting addresses this concern by integrating robust security protocols in the infrastructure. These protocols help ensure that both the software and the containing data remain safe and secure at all times. Moreover, automatic backups and disaster recovery are also provided, adding an extra layer of security and ensuring that the data will be within recoverable reach even if a disaster hits.
3. Improved Performance and Reliability
With Intuit authorized QuickBooks hosting for cloud, a reliable 99.99% uptime is provided around the clock. Moreover, the cloud servers are also backed by a load-balancing model, which ensures that the load between all servers is equally divided. This further contributes to the software running smoothly and efficiently. Even in case a server faces some issues or ends abruptly, the rest of the servers will perform their task. This helps to ensure that there is no downtime and both the performance and reliability are optimal.
4. Easy-To-Use
Handling accounting-related tasks can be complex, especially when the fiscal year is around the corner. However, QuickBooks cloud accounting is an easy and effective solution to this. The interface of the software is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and QuickBooks cloud for remote teams can also effectively use it. This QuickBooks RDP access ensures that all tasks are completed effectively before the deadline. Additionally, a QuickBooks cloud free trial is also available to help users get familiar with the interface without making an investment.
5. Optimized Reports and Documentations
One of the main highlights of QuickBooks cloud is that it provides you with a centralized database, where all your company files and documents are stored. With this environment, you will be able to completely eliminate the need for unnecessary paper requirements, all the while significantly reducing your company’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, this QuickBooks cloud storage will also help with effective sharing and accessing of the documentation.
6. Enhanced Monitoring and Performance Tracking
By hosting the software on the cloud, you will not only be able to access QuickBooks remotely, but you will also be able to track and monitor the performance of your workflows in real-time. This feature will help you to effectively analyze activities and make informed decisions to grow your business. Furthermore, effective tracking and monitoring will also help in reducing human errors.
7. Cost-Effective
QuickBooks hosted on the cloud is a cost-effective solution as it does not require any hardware maintenance. All the updates and maintenance tasks of the infrastructure are handled by the provider. Moreover, as the entire software is virtual-based, it also does not require any unnecessary IT costs, like installation fees. Furthermore, cloud also provides the pay-as-you-go model, which not only ensures easy scalability, but also prevents costs from spiralling out of control by billing you only for the resources that were actually consumed by your business. Additionally, there is also the QuickBooks free trial, which allows you to experience the software first-hand without any upfront investment.
How to Choose a Trusted QuickBooks Hosting Provider?
While there are a plethora of providers that offer QuickBooks cloud accounting hosting, not all of them provide the best services. In order to choose the right provider, you will need to consider these factors:
Intuit Authorized: Only opt for a provider that is authorized by Intuit, as it will ensure optimal compatibility and reliability.
Reliability and Uptime: Make sure that the provider you have selected is promising a 99.99% uptime. This will help in ensuring business continuity around the clock.
Security Measures: Choose a provider that integrates enterprise-grade security protocols in its cloud infrastructure.
Responsive Support: While QuickBooks cloud is an excellent solution for enhancing efficiency, it is not immune to errors. Therefore, it is essential to select a provider that offers responsive support and can address the issue effectively.
Compatibility: Choose a provider that supports multiple versions of the software, like QuickBooks Enterprise Silver, QuickBooks Enterprise Gold, QuickBooks Enterprise Platinum, and QuickBooks Enterprise Diamond.
Scalability: As your business grows, its requirements for computing resources will grow as well. In order to ensure that you can fulfill those requirements, make sure that the provider is allowing you to easily adjust the scale of resources wherever needed.
Transparent Pricing: Make sure that the service plans of the provider have transparent pricing and do not charge you an additional fee for unnecessary features.
The Future of Accounting With Cloud-Based QuickBooks
QuickBooks cloud hosting is the modern solution to accounting-related tasks. Hosting the software on cloud allows you to experience the benefits of QuickBooks from a virtual environment. Moreover, as the software can be accessed from any remote location, you can ensure maximum operational efficiency with little to no downtime. This results in helping your business move effectively towards the desired goals.
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FAQ of QuickBooks on Cloud
Which is better between QuickBooks on cloud vs QuickBooks online?
For small and medium-sized businesses, QuickBooks online is the better choice as it allows for real time backups with automated updates. QuickBooks cloud, on the other hand, is much suited for larger organizations as it contains industry-specific features with advanced reporting and industry management.
Is my data safe on the cloud?
Yes, the data remains completely safe and secure in the cloud as the servers are integrated with enterprise-grade security protocols. Moreover, QuickBooks cloud backup is also there to help recover any lost data.
Can I host multiple QuickBooks Enterprise cloud versions?
Absolutely, you can host multiple Enterprise QuickBooks versions on the cloud without any issues.
What is QuickBooks POS?
QuickBooks POS is a desktop-based system that is designed for retail businesses to process sales, manage inventory, and track customer data. Moreover, QuickBooks cloud for small businesses also directly integrates financial reporting, which helps to further improve efficiency.
Is QuickBooks cloud accounting software good for CPAs and accountants?
Yes, QuickBooks for CPAs and accountants is an excellent choice, as it is an industry-standard tool with benefits like real-time collaboration and bank reconciliation.
Brown Lopez is a Cloud Engineer and technical writer based in Austin, USA, who enjoys turning complex cloud ideas into clear, simple insights. With solid experience in cloud architecture and real-world projects, he loves creating practical content that helps professionals understand, build, and improve their cloud solutions with confidence.