23 Nov Overview
Remote Access Overview
There are two primary advantages of remote access over data transfer:
Same File – The client and accountant both have access to the same data file on the client’s computer so there is no possibility of “getting out of sync”
Version Issues – with the exception of the free version of QuickBooks Remote Access, the version does not become an issue because the accountant is actually working on the client’s computer.
Bonus – an added bonus is the fact that there cannot be a problem in the data transfer process (unreadable disks, files too large to e-mail, etc).
The most significant drawbacks are:
Cost – most remote access alternatives require the purchase of software or monthly payment for a service
Scheduling – some type of “scheduling” of work flow between the client and accountant. This may mean that the client needs to approve the entry of the accountant into the computer or in a single computer environment; it typically means that the accountant takes over that machine. The later issue can be mitigated in a network environment by the client working on a different work station.