QuickBooks desktop vs. QuickBooks Online

I have converted all my clients from desktop to online and I certainly do not initially get many compliments, at least not from those who are used to entering into the software themselves. They operate completely differently and the online version lacks a great deal of the functionality of the more mature desktop version. You also have to deal with the the quirky behavior of the internet.

So why do it?

First and foremost is the ability to share the software. Most of my clients deemed the older version the domain of the 'bookkeeper' and never really participated in entering data let alone pulling information out of the system for fear of 'breaking something'. Is there any reason why only the bookkeeper can enter Sales Estimates or Purchase Orders in the system. Once we get past that hurdle (and it is not easy to change) then things really start to improve. The sharing extends to mobile devices allowing access from almost anywhere.

The main reason, however, is the proliferation of 'Apps' that allow the Online version to do things that the desktop version could not achieve. Although there are 'Apps' that connect to the older version there are now over 1440 Apps (and counting) that connect to the Online version. Although it can be argued that the Online version fits only small business it is most likely that your business will find an App that not only improves your accounting but will substantially improve the way you run your business. Be prepared to accept change, however, and it is not an overnight process. Persist, adapt and your business will be rewarded.