Does QuickBooks run on AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been the leading cloud service provider in the world since its inception in 2006. In the first quarter of 2024, it also had a market share of 31 percent.
AWS offers a plethora of services and proprietary products to businesses of all types and sizes. Moreover, it offers diverse cloud platforms, such as IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS (Software as a Service) that businesses can choose as per their requirements.
As accounting firms worldwide constantly search for alternatives to local IT infrastructure, AWS is always mentioned in the discussion. The obvious question that arises is: Does QuickBooks run on AWS?
The answer is a resounding yes. AWS offers various solutions on which you can run QuickBooks Desktop.
Let’s check out the type of services on which you can run QuickBooks and the benefits it offers.
Types of AWS Services
Let’s see the services AWS offers that you can use to run QuickBooks.
- Amazon EC2
Amazon EC2 (Elastic Cloud Compute) is a type of service offered by AWS that enables you to create virtual server instances on the cloud. You can choose any desired system configuration for the instances. These virtual server instances act the same as a physical server in terms of performance.
Another benefit of EC2 is you can choose the preferred operating system for the virtual server instances, such as Windows, Ubuntu, Fedora, CenOS, or macOS. Moreover, EC2 allows you to add or manage any number of users for the EC instance.
There are five different types of EC2 instances -
- General Purpose Instances
These are called general-purpose instances, as they offer a regular balance of computing, storage, and network. Applications and workloads that do not require a specific resource (network or storage) can be hosted on these instances.
- Compute Optimized Instances
These instances are suitable for workloads that require large computing resources. They can run gaming applications to accommodate a large number of users.
- Memory-Optimized Instances
The applications that require more memory can be hosted on this type of instance. For example, programs for predictive analysis find this type of instance suitable as they need to process huge databases.
- Accelerated Computing Instances
These instances offer co-processors that help accelerate data processing processes. They are useful for video and image generation, financial modeling, speech recognition, etc.
- Storage Optimized Instances
These instances are used for applications that require a significant amount of data storage. They can provide thousands of I/O operations with low latency.
- HPC Optimized
These instances are used for applications that require a high-performing computing environment with parallel processing, such as weather forecasting.
Depending on the nature of your accounting process, you can take a call on which instance to choose.
2. Amazon WorkSpace
An Amazon WorkSpace is a virtual desktop created on the cloud that gives you real-time experience as an office desktop. You can access the workspaces with a client application, either from a supported operating system or a web browser.
Moreover, you can add, delete, and manage users easily as per your business requirements. Amazon WorkSpaces deploys multi-factor authentication to ensure authorized access. For pricing, you can opt for monthly or hourly-based pricing.
Amazon WorkSpaces helps you reduce the cost of buying expensive desktops for your QuickBooks.
3. Amazon AppStream
Amazon AppStream is an application streaming service offered by AWS that enables users to use their applications on the cloud. Client software allows you to access your applications from any device and any location at all times. It gives you the same performance as applications on your PC without the hassles of maintaining, upgrading, and replacing them.
There are three types of AppStream services you can choose from — Always-On, On-Demand, and Elastic. You can choose either of the services depending on your needs.
Benefits of Running QuickBooks on AWS
Let’s discuss some benefits of running QuickBooks on AWS.
Remote Access
When installed in a local system, you can access the QuickBooks desktop software only during office timings.
QuickBooks on AWS enables you to access QB from anywhere using a client software or web browser. This includes laptops, phones, home PCs, and tablets.
Platform Independence
QuickBooks Desktop is platform-dependent and can run only on a single operating system. Therefore, you need a Windows Desktop to run the Windows version of QuickBooks.
AWS makes the QuickBooks platform independent, as you can access QB remotely using any operating system. For example, you can use the Chrome 53 web browser and later versions to access Windows WorkSpace on a macOS PC.
On-demand Scalability
Changes in the business process require regular alteration of the IT resource requirements. However, in a local IT infrastructure, this is not possible without purchasing hardware or upgrading the existing one.
AWS is known as a “Hyperscaler” cloud provider because it can scale IT infrastructure to any required configuration. Your billing is adjusted according to your usage.
Multi-user Access
QuickBooks Desktop allows multi-user access on a shared network, which means users can work on QB simultaneously only when in the same network.
Conversely, AWS allows multiple users to access the same virtual server instances from any location at any time.
Reduced IT Efforts
With QuickBooks running on AWS, you don’t need to set up an extensive in-house IT infrastructure. AWS takes care of everything from hardware upgrades to maintenance and monitoring. It also offers 24/7 customer support to all customers.
Reduced Infrastructure Costs
When you run QuickBooks on AWS, the capital and operational expenses are minimized. You don’t need to buy expensive systems for your office. Also, the size of the in-house IT team can be curtailed as AWS takes care of all IT issues.
Cloud Security
Data security issues are frequent today. AWS offers a comprehensive security solution for all customers by hosting QuickBooks in top-tier data centers, providing compliance assurance, and providing 24/7 network monitoring.
Aws also offers multiple tools to manage users, set permissions, and create policies to avoid unauthorized access leading to data branches.
Transform your Business Operations with AWS
AWS is an efficient alternative to the legacy IT infrastructure, where you need to purchase, deploy, and manage expensive equipment. When hosted on AWS, QuickBooks gets the advanced features of the cloud, letting employees access the software remotely. AWS is also a secure solution for your accounting data, capable of encountering any cyberattack.
Challenges of hosting QuickBooks with AWS
Hosting QuickBooks on AWS poses several challenges. The setup can be complex, requiring careful configuration of servers, storage, and networking.
Costs fluctuate due to AWS’s pay-as-you-go model, making budgeting difficult. Ensuring data security and compliance demands expertise in both AWS and QuickBooks. Support can be limited unless you opt for higher-tier plans, which increases costs.
Performance issues, like latency, can arise if the server’s region isn’t optimized. Additionally, managing backups and disaster recovery requires manual setup. While AWS is flexible, these challenges highlight the need for technical knowledge to host QuickBooks efficiently on the platform.
Hosting QuickBooks on AWS by a Managed Service Provider
Hosting QuickBooks on AWS with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) makes the process easy and secure. MSPs like Ace Cloud Hosting take care of server updates, maintenance, and backups.
This lets you focus on your business without worrying about IT. You get reliable performance, strong security, and fewer disruptions, with support available anytime you need it.
Ace Cloud Hosting helps businesses effortlessly host QuickBooks on AWS. Their team manages everything, so you don’t have to. They provide fast, secure, and customized solutions, making sure your QuickBooks runs smoothly and securely, with 24/7 support whenever needed.
Conclusion
However, effective planning and analysis are needed before moving to AWS to ensure a smooth transition to the cloud. ACE Cloud Hosting helps organizations migrate smoothly to AWS without any roadblocks.
Contact our Solutions Consultant to choose from a wide range of cloud services, such as cloud migration, consulting, backup and DR, and compliance.
