Did you know Intuit is phasing out certain QuickBooks Desktop versions and shifting focus toward cloud-based solutions? If your business relies on QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise, it’s time to evaluate your options.
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise vs. QuickBooks Online: What Are Your Hosting Options?
From hosted environments to QuickBooks Online, understanding the landscape can help you make a smart, future-ready choice.
Why Businesses Use QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise has long been a go-to for mid-sized businesses that need advanced inventory, reporting, and user controls. Its robust features include:
- Advanced inventory management and barcode scanning
- Industry-specific reporting
- Enhanced permissions and user access levels
- Integrated payroll and job costing
But while powerful, it requires local installation and is limited in mobility—an issue for remote teams and multi-location businesses.
The Shift Toward Hosting QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
To keep the functionality of Desktop Enterprise but add the flexibility of the cloud, many businesses are turning to hosted environments. Here’s how that works:
What Is a Hosted QuickBooks Desktop Environment?
A hosting provider installs your licensed QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise software on their servers. You and your team access it remotely via a secure internet connection.
Benefits of Hosting QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
- Anywhere Access: Work from any location with internet access.
- IT Support & Maintenance: Hosting providers often handle backups, security, and software updates.
- Remote Collaboration: Multiple users can work simultaneously without being on the same local network.
- Security: Reputable hosts provide bank-level security, multi-factor authentication, and data redundancy.
Popular Hosting Providers
- Right Networks (an Intuit-authorized host). We’ve used this company for years as a great way to support our desktop clients in a hosted environment.
- Summit Hosting
- Ace Cloud Hosting
These providers offer scalable plans and dedicated server options tailored for small to mid-sized businesses.
Comparing QuickBooks Online (QBO) to Desktop Enterprise
If you’re considering a full shift to the cloud, QuickBooks Online might be on your radar. But how does it compare to Desktop Enterprise?
| Feature | QB Desktop Enterprise | QuickBooks Online Plus/Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Desktop or hosted environment | Cloud-native |
| Inventory | Adv inventory, barcoding | Basic to mid-level (Adv only) |
| Industry-Specific | Yes (contractor, nonprofit…) | Limited industry reports |
| User Permissions | Highly customizable | Role-based (less granular) |
| Number of Users | Up to 40 users | Up to 25 users (Adv tier) |
| Price Structure | Subscription – Annual | Subscription Monthly/Annual |
| 3rd Party Integrations | Wide via desktop API | Cloud-first integrations |
Pros of QuickBooks Online
- Designed for cloud use—no hosting required
- Frequent updates and improvements
- Better app ecosystem and automation
- Easy collaboration with bookkeepers and accountants
Cons of QuickBooks Online
- Limited advanced features (especially for inventory-heavy businesses)
- User permission limitations
- Learning curve if migrating from desktop
Key Considerations for Your Business to help you choose QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise vs. QuickBooks Online
Before making a switch or staying with Desktop Enterprise in a hosted environment, ask yourself:
- How complex are my accounting and reporting needs?
- Do I manage a lot of inventory or job costing?
- How many users need access, and from where?
- What’s my budget for accounting software and IT support?
RPPC’s Recommendation
If your business relies heavily on industry-specific features or advanced inventory, staying with QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise—especially in a hosted environment—may be the better choice.
However, if your accounting needs are more streamlined and you value native cloud access and automation, QuickBooks Online Advanced could be a smart move.
Still unsure? RPPC helps businesses evaluate and migrate between QuickBooks platforms while ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.
Final Thoughts
The future of accounting is cloud-based—but that doesn’t mean Desktop Enterprise is obsolete. With the right hosting partner or a strategic shift to QuickBooks Online, your business can stay agile and competitive.
Ready to modernize your accounting system? Contact RPPC today to schedule a consultation and determine the best QuickBooks solution for your business.
QuickBooks® and QuickBooks Online® are registered trademarks of Intuit.com