Intuit has released 2013 versions of QuickBooks Pro, Premier and Enterprise, and has made them available for authorized hosting providers to move to the cloud so you can access them over the internet. With a variety of new features that make QuickBooks 2013 even better than previous versions of the widely-used accounting software, financial professionals can save even more time and money by combining industry leading applications with an online platform. Moving QuickBooks to a hosted platform allows multiple parties to remotely access and work on data files simultaneously.

The popularity of having QuickBooks hosted with valuable financial data files is continuing to grow year after year. So it's no surprise that demand is driving hosting providers to move QuickBooks to the cloud in record numbers and with increasing velocity. As businesses and professionals upgrade to newer versions of QuickBooks, it is also estimated that they will adopt some form of cloud computing. Current projections show that by the end of 2012 over 50% of a companies spend on cloud computing will be attributed to business applications, with over 40% of professionals deciding to use virtualization due to increased flexibility.

With the growing trend and the obvious benefits of hosting QuickBooks 2013, businesses should consider how they plan on using the software to find out if having it hosted in the cloud makes sense for them.

• Will multiple people need to access QB 2013 from different locations?
• Do I want my apps and data backed-up, protected and recoverable?
• Will I need to be able to access my data from different machines?
• Am I looking to save on hardware, software and IT maintenance costs?
  

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you owe it to yourself to contact one of the recommended QuickBooks hosting experts to find a cloud computing solution that meets your needs.

If you were wondering what the process is for transferring your QuickBooks software to the cloud, rest assured that it is a simple and safe process. Since the majority of the work is done by the hosting provider, moving your QuickBooks apps and data files to a cloud based platform can be as easy as placing an order.

Intuit defines hosting as a service in which, "QuickBooks software and data files are stored, accessed, and run on a service provider's servers, rather than on one's own PC. End users connect via the Internet to the service provider systems to access and run their QuickBooks software and data files." For the most part, what this means is that all you need to be able to access your hosted version of QuickBooks is be connected to the internet. As long as you can get online, you can work with your apps and data. The hosting provider takes care of the rest.

To answer the question of "How does someone move their QuickBooks software to the cloud?"...they don't. A business or professional supplies the hosting provider with valid licenses for the software they are using. Then the hosting provider deploys that software on a cloud-based platform and registers the license with Intuit. i.e. - authorized hosting providers already have the software, but they still need to properly report licenses.

Once your version of QuickBooks is hosted, the only thing a person using a hosting service needs to do is upload their data file. This can be done in a variety of ways, with the ease of the process depending on the amount of data that is being uploaded. If you have a new or existing QuickBooks data file with a minimal amount of data (around 5MB), the upload process can be as easy as cutting and pasting which is almost instant. But, if your data file includes many years worth of data and has grown to a larger size (like 150MB), then the importing and uploading process may take a bit longer. Be sure to ask the hosting provider you are considering what file uploading options they have available and how long it will take to upload a file that is as big as the one you are looking to move to the cloud.   

The basic act of moving QuickBooks to the cloud is made to be easy. And since it is done in an efficient manner by the service provider, it is not only affordable, it is also less risky. These providers recommended by Intuit have undergone a vetting process and offer professional QuickBooks hosting services out of secure datacenters so you can access your QuickBooks online. As long as they are authorized, you can rest assured that you will be getting the best service possible.

With a commanding market presence, Intuit's QuickBooks is one of the most popular brands of software used by small and medium sized businesses. The plethora of tools allow owners to manage financial, client and inventory related aspects of their business from one platform. As one of the most prominently used applications, it makes sense that there is so much technology invested in hosting the desktop application so that people can access their data over any internet connection.

Imagine how much time and money you could save when you no longer need to manage and maintain your software on a single machine. Hosting not only allows you to use almost any machine you are in front of, but it also puts the maintenance of your software in the hands of qualified, authorized professionals. Hosting, in essence, allows you to always take your work with you.

In addition to not needing to install product updates, you can easily add different versions of QuickBooks to your hosted service. This is especially good for accountants that traditionally need access to different versions and years of QuickBooks. Hosting is also great for their clients, since they can now move or transition from an older version of QuickBooks to a newer one, with little or no effort on their part. The ability to rent QuickBooks licensing is also a feature that makes working in the cloud an affordable solution.

As an essential tool for getting business done, there are few options better than QuickBooks. When you host your desktop version along with Microsoft Office, integrations, add-ons, and other productivity tools, you give yourself the ability to work from anywhere and not have to worry about software. When you go with one of the recommended hosting providers on this website, you'll be taking the burden of IT off your plate and putting it in the hands of an authorized, certified professional so they can manage it.

Learn more about these Intuit Authorized hosting providers and the QuickBooks hosting solutions they offer.
InsynQ CPAASP
HarborCloud
Swizznet

Why utilize popular software like QuickBooks Pro? Find out in this video, then contact a hosting provider to learn how you can make Intuit QuickBooks Pro even better by hosting it in the cloud for anywhere, anytime access. After you purchase QuickBooks Pro, all you need to do is give your Intuit authorized hosting provider your license, and they'll take care of the rest.

As QuickBooks hosting becomes the industry norm for implementing accounting software, it is important to understand the technology and know who you are working with. With so many businesses trying to save money, and so many providers offering service, you need to know where your money is going and what you're getting for it. Whether you're goal is to connect geographically separated offices and employees, or improve your security and disaster recovery capabilities, going with an Intuit authorized QuickBooks hosting provider can take the guess work out of application hosting.

Much like building a house, technology suffers when corners are cut for the sake of saving money. Sure it's cheaper to go with a sub-par foundation or have pipes fitted by an non-certified plumber, but would you want to live in that house? The cost savings would be good at first, but you'll most likely end up with major problems down the road that will require you to shell out more money for repairs that could have been avoided in the first place. The technology that powers the cloud is similar.

Think of Intuit like a building inspector or a business that fully vets it's licensed tradesman. They make sure that authorized application hosting providers have the footprint, technology and support capabilities to ensure that there products are hosted in the most secure way possible. They weed out companies that have the potential for putting your business at risk with technology that can corrupt your data or leave your applications open to security threats.

Another important thing to consider is that if you choose to go with an unauthorized company to host your software, it may void the service and support options that come with it. Authorized QuickBooks hosting providers work together with Intuit, and therefor can offer their clients the same level of Intuit support that they would receive if they were using QuickBooks on their desktop.

Licensing is also a factor that unauthorized providers take advantage of. Be weary if a budget hosting provider says you don't need a license or that they can get you one for a low price that is included in their service. It may mean that they are stealing licenses or using fake ones that can cause you as a user to encounter problems. Intuit authorized providers register QuickBooks users with Intuit. This is what allows Intuits recommended hosting providers to help you upgrade your version of QuickBooks, or even rent licenses.

What's the cost of making your desktop version of QuickBooks available in the cloud? The fact of the matter is the price varies, and you get what you pay for. Some cloud computing companies outsource their support to lower costs. In some cases, data may even be backed up and stored overseas. Fortunately, the typical Intuit authorized hosting provider will have data centers, support staff and engineers located within the US and Canada. Although going with a US-based provider slightly raises the cost of cloud computing, it allows for better service, support and faster issue resolution if there is a problem.

Based on the reviewed hosting providers, the rough estimated cost of hosting for one person is $52. This price may fluctuate a little one way or another from provider to provider, but keep an eye out for prices that seem too good to be true. Cheaper than average prices are most likely a sign that the provider is not authorized, doesn't have experience, and is using budget technology and personnel which can end up being problematic.

When you, your bookkeeper and your accountant are all working in the cloud it can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 dollars (pricing can vary with additional software). But when you consider the cost savings it will most likely make sense for the average small business.

1 - Allows for outsourced bookkeeping which is more affordable
2 - Accountant can quickly address issues and view data without travel
3 - Lower overall operational costs with no large initial investment

No matter how you look at it, paying the price to move your QuickBooks to the cloud is a good investment that offers numerous benefits. Hosting QuickBooks for around $50 per person ends up not being that much when compared with the flexibility you get and the security it offers. When compared to other monthly expenditures, like printer paper or phone lines, cloud computing gives you a great deal more for a lot less.

_As the integration of cloud computing into businesses continues to build steam, and it becomes more important for IT infrastructures, accounting departments are finding that they are the ones leading additional departments to the cloud based on their success with having QuickBooks hosted. With the necessity of being able to access their QuickBooks data anywhere, anytime, accounting departments turned to application hosting as a solution. The benefit that business owners and CEOs began noticing was that, by taking QuickBooks off of local networks, they were able to save money on hardware, software and overall operational costs.

Since managing QuickBooks in-house is a common burden that businesses share, it allows us to easily point out the savings that cloud computing offers. To begin, running QuickBooks in a multi-user environment requires a server. Then, depending on whether or not your network is ready, you need to purchase software and hardware for employees to use. After a few (or many) billable hours from IT support or staff, you're up and running. Unfortunately, after the extensive initial IT investment, you not only have maintenance and support fees to look forward to, but you're tied to only being able to work at one location.

Now consider the effects application hosting can have on a common program like QuickBooks. With an on-demand resource like cloud computing, QuickBooks applications can be deployed for new employees or users in a fraction of the time. It requires no additional hardware or on-site tech support, and you can utilize existing resources to expand and improve your business. Plus, with many of the hosting providers, you can even rent your QuickBooks licenses to further reduce large up-front costs.

With overall cheaper implementation, network management and security costs, QuickBooks hosting has provided businesses everywhere with an IT model that can be replicated for additional departments like sales and administration. Remote or mobile sales departments have the ability to access and update client and prospect data in SFA or CRM programs. Administration departments can easily add new employees, at multiple locations, and almost instantly give them the ability to access and work with company data and files.

The benefits that cloud computing has provided accountants wishing to access their QuickBooks over the internet are only outdone by the beneficial cost savings applied to their businesses overall bottom line. The trend of using virtual desktops to supply employees with the tools they need to work are showing no signs of slowing down. Gartner Research predicts the worldwide spend on cloud computing to double over a four year period and exceed $148 billion by 2014. The question that businesses will face in the coming years is no longer whether or not cloud computing is right for them, it will be how much of their IT infrastructure should/could be moved to the cloud to save money and increase productivity.