QuickBooks is the most popular accounting software for small businesses. According to a recent survey, over 80% of small businesses use QuickBooks to manage their finances.Managing QuickBooks in-house can be challenging for small and medium-sized businesses, especially when working with multiple users. Adding external users, like a bookkeeper or accountant, can make things especially difficult.Here at Hermetic Networks, we help organizations of all sizes improve the accessibility, security, and reliability of their financial data. Quickbooks software is no exception. Hosting QuickBooks in the cloud is becoming increasingly popular for small and medium-sized businesses. Plenty of third-party hosting options are available, but today we’re focusing on the ins and outs of privately hosting Quickbooks in Microsoft Azure. We’ve recently helped a number of businesses host Quickbooks independently instead of contracting a separate third party. Deciding whether private hosting is the right choice is often easier with professional help. Today’s article will outline the benefits, then follow up with a few considerations businesses should take before making their decisions.

Why Should You Consider Hosting Yourself?

Cost Savings

Hosting QuickBooks privately can be more cost-effective in the long run than paying for a third-party service, especially for companies with multiple users. Microsoft Azure offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, which allows businesses to only pay for the resources they use. This reduces costs and provides a more flexible solution than in-house hosting, where companies must invest in hardware and infrastructure upfront. In addition, businesses can easily add or remove resources as their needs change, avoiding the costs associated with overprovisioning or underprovisioning.

Control and Customization

Hosting QuickBooks privately gives a company more control and the ability to customize the solution to meet their specific needs. With Azure, businesses can scale their resources up or down to meet changes in demand. This ensures that companies are not overpaying for resources they do not need and can quickly respond to fluctuations in requirements.Additionally, we help businesses manage things like Windows and Quickbooks updates directly through our Managed Services offerings. This means private Azure resources are monitored, managed, and up to date – including Quickbooks.

Data Security

Companies can ensure their financial data is secure by keeping it within their own systems. This helps to reduce the risk of data loss or theft. Microsoft Azure also provides a range of security tools, including data encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect sensitive financial data both in transit and at rest. It means peace of mind for business owners, who can be confident that their financial information is secure. In addition, Azure’s compliance with various industry standards, such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2, assures that the system meets the highest security standards.

Integration

Companies can easily integrate QuickBooks with other in-house software and systems, such as their accounting or payroll systems, for a more streamlined process. Additionally, Microsoft Azure allows organizations to configure VPN connectivity to their office systems, allowing for a simplified experience. Both for end-users and connectivity with other applications.

Reliability

Hosting QuickBooks privately can ensure that the software is always available, even during outages from third-party providers. Our team supports you in emergencies, so you aren’t left wondering when a third party will provide a resolution.

Do Your Homework First

When considering moving QuickBooks into a private cloud, there are several essential considerations that businesses should take into account.

Considerations

Security: Ensuring the security of financial data is critical for any business. Before moving QuickBooks to Azure, it’s essential to understand the security features. Ensure that the solution meets your company’s needs, or give us a call to cover the details.Compliance: Depending on the industry, businesses may be subject to specific regulations that impact the storage and processing of financial data. Before migrating QuickBooks, it’s critical to understand the compliance requirements and to ensure that the solution meets those requirements.Data migration: Moving financial data to a new environment can be complex, and businesses should take steps to ensure proper migration.Cost: Microsoft Azure offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, but businesses should consider the charges ahead of time. Compare those costs to other hosting options to determine the most cost-effective solution.Performance: Performance is a critical factor when hosting QuickBooks, and businesses should ensure that the solution they choose can deliver the performance required to meet the needs of their organization.Support: Microsoft Azure offers a range of support options, but businesses should consider their specific needs and ensure that the support options available to them are sufficient to meet those needs. Hermetic Networks Managed Services customers get priority support, even in the cloud.Integration: If a business uses other software or systems in conjunction with QuickBooks, it’s vital to ensure that their chosen solution integrates seamlessly with those other systems.By looking at these items, businesses can be confident that they are making the best decision for their needs.

Conclusion

Hermetic Networks Managed Services is the ideal choice for businesses that want to host QuickBooks themselves in Azure. Enjoy the benefits of hosting QuickBooks in Azure while relying on the expertise of a team of cloud professionals.Whether you’re a small business looking for a simple, cost-effective solution or a large enterprise with complex requirements, we have the expertise to help you succeed. Even with Quickbooks.Get in touch today to learn how we can help your business manage its finances more securely and effectively.