With the cloud making all types of computing so much easier and more convenient, it’s no surprise accounting software has made the leap to the cloud as well. Accounting software giant QuickBooks is no exception, and while they have made the migration online, many users are still offline, using traditional versions of the software. Whether you use a bookkeeping service Atlanta trusts or doing your accounting in house, these developments may be of interest to you. If you think your business is ready to make the shift to the cloud, this article can help you to prepare.
The way accounting software conversations have been trending, you’d think that QuickBooks Online was the only version available, with desktop versions all but retired for good. However, this is far from the case.
A quick visit to the QuickBooks website will show plenty of energy, connections and references still being given to the “old” QuickBooks. Desktop versions like Enterprise, Pro, and Premier are still there, albeit a little harder to find on the site than they once were. Yes, you do have to dig a little bit to find them, but they are still there.
The Future of QuickBooks?
So what’s in store for QuickBooks and QuickBooks users? Some desktop version users are genuinely worried that the Intuit company is moving away from the more robust desktop versions of its QuickBooks software and will neglect their business needs in the process.
The truth is that Intuit is placing its focus on online and mobile versions and has stated as such at a number of recent conventions and conferences. Their overall ecosystem and expenditure of development resources definitely points in this direction.
However, Intuit insists that they will not be leaving their desktop users out of the equation in the near term. They say they are still creating desktop versions of their accounting software and will continue to provide support for them in the foreseeable future. This isn’t enough for some businesses to rest easy about the future of desktop accounting, but it is a short term comfort at least.
That said, it does appear that at some point the desktop side of QuickBooks will eventually be usurped by the online wing. How long this will take, exactly, is hard to say. However, the Intuit company is already giving priority to its Pro Advisors who are certified in their online solution.
Desktop vs. Online and Mobile
While some larger businesses are simply too big to make use of the online version of QuickBooks and must stick to Enterprise, smaller businesses are moving to try QuickBooks Online in droves. The ability to manage accounts on the go in real time is simply too good to resist by many small business owners who need to keep close tabs on things like cash flow, payables and receivables.
Which version is better – Desktop or Online? Not surprisingly, the answer amounts to: “It depends.”
For example, businesses with no experience with desktop versions of QuickBooks tended to really enjoy the round the clock availability of the software and all its features from day one. No updating or upgrading is generally needed. QuickBooks’ mobile capability and AppCenter are loved by most users, and the overall functionality is a fit for most small business needs.
Other businesses that try the online version first find that QuickBooks Online is simply not robust enough for their particular business needs. These business owners end up moving to a desktop version of QuickBooks or other software alternative.
By contrast, businesses with some QuickBooks desktop experience that move to the online version have a different experience; while many are glad they made the change and love the nimbler, on the go feel of the application, others report that they wish they could go back to the desktop version. For some businesses, the software simply isn’t meeting their full needs like the desktop version they had grown accustomed to. A percentage of businesses actually express deep regret over making the change and wish to migrate back to the desktop product as soon as possible.
How to Decide?
Desktop vs. online? For many small businesses, it’s probably safe to make the change. There are a number of benefits to doing so, including 24/7 access to your books, real time information, and access to a host of apps that expand/enhance the functionality of QuickBooks Online. Start by creating a list of your business needs and requirements, then check out the available versions of QuickBooks to see how they match up.
Lastly, make sure to take a test drive of your chosen online version of QuickBooks before committing to it. QuickBooks allows users a free trial with no credit card required, allowing you to get a feel for its features, functionality and whether or not it will be a fit for your business. Consider also signing on with a bookkeeping service Atlanta knows and trusts so that your comprehensive accounting, bookkeeping, and QuickBooks needs will be taken care of.