Sage 50 Cloud vs. Sage 50c: Which is Right for Your Business?

Several software solutions are designed to meet the needs of businesses of different sizes. Sage 50 is one of them, efficiently assisting small and midsize accounting professionals and tax firms.

Customer management records, automatic ledger keeping, payroll management, stock, and sales figures analysis — all these features help better understand the firms’ financial processes, thus enhancing financial decisions.

Essentially a desktop software, Sage 50 has integrated features for connectivity with cloud space; thus, it is a unique blend of the desktop integrated application and cloud compatibility feature.

Sage 50 Cloud

Sage 50cloud, also called Sage 50, is the new generation of traditional Sage 50 software that is “cloud-connected.” It empowers users to enjoy desktop accounting with all the advantages of cloud technology.

While it differs from truly cloud-based applications, Sage 50 Cloud stores its data locally on desktops or servers but allows access through the cloud with a data access connector.

This means you can install the software at various offices but can access the transactions through the cloud, allowing you to work remotely like the cloud while getting the benefits of on-premise software.

Further, Sage 50 Cloud also provides cloud hosting options; subscribers can get a wholly protected cloud environment. This way, tax firms or accountants can invest more in acquiring resources if required rather than splurging on purchasing additional hardware.

What is Sage50c?

Sage 50c, described as a hybrid accounting solution, offers a combination of Sage 50 desktop and the convenience of cloud backup. Launched in 2017, Sage 50c primarily operates on desktop but allows you to back up data on the cloud with the help of Sage Drive.

This gives you the best of both worlds: the general strengths of Sage 50 as an application to manage quotes, invoices, cash flows, stock value, and VAT with cloud connectivity. Your data is saved locally on your desktop/server, but you can access it through the cloud.

Difference Between Sage 50 Cloud and Sage 50c

As we explore Sage 50 Cloud and Sage 50c, a common question often comes to mind- what sets Sage 50c apart from cloud-hosted Sage 50? Although they have similar accounting features in the core, their approach to data storage, accessibility, and pricing sets them apart. Here is a brief overview of what makes them different from each other.

1. Installation and Data Storage

Sage 50c: You must install this hybrid solution on your computer like the traditional Sage 50. However, it differs in one fundamental way: it can back up data to the cloud using Sage Drive.

Remember, Sage 50c can run only on your desktop without Sage Drive activation, which makes it vulnerable to system crashes or hardware failures. The cloud stores just the data files, not the whole application.

Sage 50 Cloud: This option stores the application and data on a hosting provider’s virtual servers. This approach shields your data with several security layers and removes worries about IT hardware failures. The cloud hosts your entire Sage 50 environment.

2. User Accessibility

Sage 50c: Sage 50c offers cloud access but has a significant drawback: only one person can use the cloud-stored data at a time. This limits teamwork in real-time and forces team members to plan their work offline to be productive.

Sage 50 Cloud: This option eliminates the one-user limit, letting all approved users open and work on the same file simultaneously. This makes it easy to work together from any place, anytime.

3. Cloud Activation

Sage 50c: To use cloud storage, users need to turn on Sage Drive themselves. If they don’t, Sage 50c works like the desktop version, and users must manage computer storage.

Sage 50 Cloud: In this case, the whole program and all the data are in the cloud from the start, so there is no need to turn anything on manually. Everything is backed up and updated automatically at all times.

4. Local Data Management

Sage 50c: Users still need a lot of local storage, as not all authorized users can get into the cloud simultaneously. This creates a short-term risk of losing data until everything syncs to the cloud.

Sage 50 Cloud: The cloud stores and manages all data. Thanks to this feature, there is no need for local storage, ensuring everything stays safe and current in real-time.

5. Pricing Structure

Sage 50c: The price depends on the number of users and companies you have and whether you pay monthly or yearly.

Sage 50 Cloud: The price includes the cost of a good hosting plan and the license to use Sage 50 on your desktop. Depending on your needs, this option can give you more choices and lower costs.

Which is Right for Your Business?

Accounting software has become an integral part of the work. Sage 50c and cloud-hosted Sage 50 present robust accounting solutions, but crucial differences exist in data storage, users’ access, and versatility. Sage 50c has both local and cloud features but with some restrictions.

On the other hand, cloud-hosted Sage 50 has better performance as it’s more secure and allows collaboration, making cloud-based Sage 50 suitable for business entities that want full integration into the cloud.

It is essential to develop an understanding of the difference between these descriptions so that you can determine the best solution for your business.

When planning to integrate any software to boost your firm’s efficiency and productivity, it is crucial to have detailed information about your firm’s requirements. Understanding your firm’s needs will help you choose the best software.