The Online Edition – What do you think?

[greggbossen]

QuickBooks Online has been around for years and is now becoming more popular. It’s basically a rental of QuickBooks. The software AND data-files reside on the internet instead of the users computer, and can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection. As a result, there is no need for users to load software, install updates or back-up data-files.

Ok that’s about it. Having said all of that, I personally am not a big fan of the ON-LINE edition. You can’t do job costing and there aren’t as many reports available; also the user interface is a little more confusing. Basically, I think the regular QuickBooks is much easier for my clients to learn than the on-line edition... What do you think?

[pennylanecrull]

Greg:  I haven't used the on line edition due to its lack of features.  I do have so many clients who could benefit from "shared" useage of their QuickBooks data without the back up and restore process.  My research has yielded one software that claims to enable this, but the cost is $100 per month per user.  Gotomypc is another option, but requires loggin into the clients computer, which is not a convenient or efficient option.  Just when you've scheduled in their work, they forgot to turn on their computer!  Are you aware of any other options?  Most of my clients use the full featured product.

[greggbossen]

Penny Lane. I prefer the remote access option. I use the QuickBooks service through WebEx. Almost all of my clients keep their computers on though. You have clients that turn off the PC each night? Funny. These clients are something else aren't they!?. Anyway, if I'm the only person who is wanting to remote in, WebEx via QuickBooks works well for me. I do have a few nonprofit clients who have active Boards. The directors on these boards are spread across the country and want to see the books whenever they desire. As long as they don't do job costing, I sometimes suggest the on-line edition. I do have one client who uses terminal services at $100 per month per PC. Is that what you are talking about? It is very cool and quick but way too expensive for most. This client is a doctor - go figure.  

[cshell]

We tried the online version and it was a disaster.  It does not do sales tax like the Pro desktop version the payroll does not transfer over.  Also when you decide that you don't like it and need to transfer your files back they are not the same.  So if you decide to try it keep your old version up to date because otherwise you will have to go back and re-enter all the information that you had put on the online version.  Luckily we only had 8 days worth of work.  The support people only know the online version and don't have a clue about desktop.  Finally after spending 2 days on the phone trying to get help we finally got on third day a guy who knew both and said that online isn't as sophisticated as desktop and that he would not advise anyone who deals with sales tax to do the online version. 

[greggbossen]

To cshell: Thanks for your comments. I hadn't thought about the sales tax. The on-line edition really is a completely different program. I am curious why you had to reenter transactions when you went back to the desk top. Did they just disappear? Sounds strange!