QuickBooks in the Cloud: The Sky’s the Limit
By the end of 2021, cloud hosting truly began its surge in the world of small business. Although they’re reasonably lagging behind smaller tech companies and enterprise-level organizations, 44% of small businesses are now employing a cloud-based infrastructure. A large part of that infrastructure is the tools within it, such as accounting software, which has reached new heights with the rise of QuickBooks in the cloud.
There are a handful of reasons why small business owners can benefit from a migration to QuickBooks cloud hosting. Most of them hinge on the faults of traditional accounting software, such as limited user access, outdated cybersecurity measures, and its susceptibility to human error. But if you’re not already familiar with online accounting software, it’s important to gain some context.
An Overview of Online Accounting Software
Online accounting software, or cloud accounting software, refers to digital tools which organize your books of accounts through an online platform. Rather than downloading traditional accounting software to your desktop, QuickBooks in the cloud is accessed through a remote server that’s off your premises – and since it’s an off-premise tool accessed online, accessibility isn’t limited to your singular computer.
In short, cloud accounting platforms such as QuickBooks allows you to access you and your clients’ financial data online, rather than installing software on every separate desktop. This means you and those with the necessary permissions can log in at any time, as long as you have an internet connection. It also helps to mitigate risk for common issues with traditional accounting software, from limited user access to risk for human error.
Traditional Accounting Software Issues
It’s easy to reach for the nearest accounting software upon launching your new business venture, but traditional platforms have a series of undeniable flaws. Before investing in software without cloud capabilities, consider these common challenges:
Limited Access
Traditional accounting software is installed on select desktops, such as the CEO’s Mac, CIO’s PC, or those at the VP and managerial levels. This can limit access to others who consistently use the software, such as company accountants, and potentially bottleneck your workflow.
If your accountants are unable to access your clients’ financial information, they’ll be constantly asking you for login credentials. By opting for QuickBooks in the cloud, your crucial accounting information can be accessed by the people who need it, when they need it.
Weak Data Security
Forget the days of on-premise storage on a computer, external hard drive, or USB flash drive. In the modern business era, cloud storage is revered for its bolstered cybersecurity.
By losing the external drives and on-premise liability, you’re avoiding the risk for viruses, corruption, hacking, and regular maintenance that can result in dangerous data loss. Therefore, you’re softening the risk for lost data, time, and most importantly, capital.
Manual Data Entry Errors
Human error causes 95% of cyber security breaches, according to IBM. In other words, if human error could be nixed from the equation, 95% of IT breaches wouldn’t occur. While traditional accounting software invites human error with manual data entry, QuickBooks in the cloud is a bit more thorough.
To automate your QuickBooks data entry, simply download a plug-in on their app store and follow the steps. Cutting out manual error also prevents inaccurate financial data from being recorded, which can save your business from potential losses.
Why the Switch Is Necessary
As a small to mid-sized business owner, an outdated accounting software void of cloud capabilities won’t cut it. Traditional platforms are simply too limited in access, cybersecurity measures, and vulnerable to human error. For this reason, the number of small businesses still using external drives and USB storage devices dwindles by the day.
Substitute the outdated devices, lacking security, and fragile nature of traditional accounting platforms by siding with QuickBooks in the cloud. At OC Cloud 9, our expert technicians can virtualize your operations and streamline your work processes without any need for downtime.
Opt for QuickBooks in the Cloud with OC Cloud 9
OC Cloud9 and Orange County Computer, Inc. have a proven track record of satisfied clients with seamless transitions into private cloud solutions. Our beginning-to-end process ensures your business needs are met through extensive research, design, deployment, and implementation of your cloud services.
Learn more about our solutions by visiting our Learning Center, or speak with a member of our Cloud Solutions Team any time at our Orange County office by calling 949-699-6619.
