8 Key Points to Choosing a Trustworthy QuickBooks Desktop Hosting Provider

​Hosting your QuickBooks Desktop on the cloud offers the benefits of assuring remote working capacity and extra data security.

​There are lots of cloud service providers. It is expected that some providers will be more trustworthy and offer better services than others. In this light, we have provided a guide below to help you identify the best and trustworthy QuickBooks Desktop hosting service providers to work with.

1. Data center infrastructure and category

The quality of service delivery for most cloud hosting service providers depends on their data centers. Trusted service providers sometimes give information about their data center to potential clients upon request. You should request data center information from your potential service provider to ascertain what is available for you. Data centers determine data security and efficiency when working remotely.
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Data centers are categorized into four tires based on data security and infrastructure. The table below gives details of the 4-tier classification. For quality service delivery, don't opt for a cloud hosting provider that offers less than the tier 3 level of services.

2. Server performance

​You aim to work seamlessly on your QuickBooks Desktop without lag. High-quality server performance will guarantee efficiency when working on the cloud. The best cloud hosting service providers use High-Performance Computing (HPC) environment to improve clients' experience while working on the cloud. The HPC environment ensures seamless operations and differentiates between quality service providers and substandard ones.

3. Excellent customer service

​Customer support will be required while using cloud-hosted services. How prompt client's requests are responded to matters. Having highly responsive customer support to cater to your needs is vital for your business. The characteristics of excellent customer support include:

• Phone, email, and chat support;
• 24/7 service delivery
• Well-trained and equipped staff
• Fast response and resolution time

4. Version of QuickBooks Desktop supported

​Some cloud hosting service providers do not support all versions of the QuickBooks Desktop. Even if your current QuickBooks version is supported, you need hosting that will support other versions in case you need them in the future. It is advisable to choose a cloud hosting provider that supports all QuickBooks versions.

5. Free Trial

​Trusted QuickBooks cloud hosting providers should offer free trial periods for potential clients to test run their services before they upgrade to the paid version. Be sure to consider the provider's SLA terms and conditions. Double-check on pricing to be sure that what you need is available at an affordable price. Remember that low prices don't always go with quality service. However, by comparing what you need with the pricing, you can determine whether to stick with a service provider or find another.

6. Advanced security

​You need to confirm that all security measures are in place to protect your QuickBooks data on the cloud server. You should check for firewalls, antivirus, and multi-factor user authentication. Assess the level of data security by visiting the physical infrastructure. Check for CCTV cameras, 24/7 security presence, and biometric access.

7. Downtime history

​Note that cloud hosting services are not perfect. There is the issue of downtime to keep up with. However, some providers have a better downtime history than others. You need to be sure of what to do during downtimes and how your provider keeps operations going in such situations. Confirm that your service provider can guarantee an uptime value of at least 98%. Some top-rated cloud hosting providers offer up to 99.9% uptime.

8. Regular backup

​You want to be sure that your hosting service provider ensures regular backup on your QuickBooks data. This will make you eliminate the risk of losing data during downtime or system failure. Ask your service provider if they offer automated backup features. Automated backups make it easy to schedule periodic data backups for as long as clients want.

Conclusion

Choosing the best QuickBooks Desktop hosting service provider in the present will guarantee long-term efficiency and improve the business outlook. Before committing to a service provider on the long-term cloud hosting service, it makes sense to confirm that the provider offers services that align with your business's long-term goals. In the long run, choosing the best hosting service provider could save you lots of dollars in business administration and efficiency.