The Right Way to Switch to the Cloud

Cloud technology has today become accepted as the best way to streamline accounting operations and to take advantage of features such as anytime/anywhere access, more effective collaboration, enhanced data security, protection against data loss and lower costs of operations.

Many accounting firms and SMBs that have switched to the cloud already have benefited greatly from having to spend next to nothing on setting up an IT infrastructure, latest software upgrades and the maintenance of the system. Almost every business is today on the cloud and cloud computing has become an integral part of the industry. It’s no longer a matter of “if” a business would want to get on the cloud, but “when” it would get on it.

If your business is not on the cloud already and you are considering your options before signing up for cloud hosting, it is important that you should do your research first on all the cloud hosting providers before signing up with any of them. It is often a frustrating task to choose the right cloud hosting company, especially for QuickBooks hosting, given that there are so many of them in the industry.

That’s why is it important that you should exercise due diligence and switch to the cloud in a methodical manner. Let’s quickly look at how to choose the right way to move to the cloud. Here are the three factors to consider before signing up with any cloud accounting provider.

1.Data Security

There is nothing more important than the security of your data. Your data is your most valuable asset. An accounting firm or a smallbusiness deals with complex financial transactions, where the sanctity of the data is paramount. Data theft can put your entire business at risk and put an end to your operations. Does the cloud accounting company value your data as much as you do?  The only way to find out is to ask for a demo and sign up for a trial offer. Also, check the background of the cloud hosting provider and decide for yourself if you would be comfortable with them handling your data, which is so critical to your business. 

2. Affordability

When choosing a cloud hosting service, you will want to know about the financial benefits of signing up with them. Would you be achieving any cost savings by signing up with the cloud hosting company? What about the processes used by the hosting service? Do they have processes in place to ensure that you get a high quality of service at minimum cost? Do they offer flexible plans and allow you to scale up your plans or scale down, depending on the current requirements of your business? Do they allow you to pay your fees on a pay-as-you-go basis? These are some of the things to consider before signing up with a cloud computing company for QuickBooks hosting.

 3. Understanding of the Business

How well does the cloud hosting service provider truly understand your business? It is not enough to sign up with any cloud computing company. You should sign up with one that truly understands accounting and the accounting requirements of CPA firms and small and medium sized-businesses.

4. Wrap Up

There is no point in signing up with a company that has no idea of the complexity of your accounting needs. The only way to find out if the cloud hosting service meets your requirements is to ask to talk with one of their top executives and address your concerns to them.