Is Intuit compelling its customers to make a tough decision by mandating small businesses to either transition to their online bookkeeping platform or shell out a significant sum for ongoing desktop software subscriptions? For ages, small businesses have been efficiently using QuickBooks Desktop on a three-year cycle. Yet, with the impending end of support for Desktop 2021 on May 31 of this year, the scenario is set to shift dramatically. Desktop users now face a dilemma: migrate to QuickBooks Online, face steep costs to keep their desktop versions, or operate an outdated version of QuickBooks devoid of critical services like security updates and payroll. The skepticism towards entrusting vital data to cloud-based systems (someone else's computer) is prevalent and understandable, given the omnipresent threat of cyber attacks. The decision boils down to a judgment call on where you deem your business's data to be safer or, simply, what your budget permits.
You may be asking what’s the next move for my small business, considering the scarcity of alternative solutions that aren’t predicated on online subscriptions? With platforms like Zoho, FreshBooks, and Sage offering similar subscription-based services at comparable prices, the search for an affordable, non-subscription, non-cloud alternative to QuickBooks seems bleak. Is exploring open-source options worth it, or is the stronghold QuickBooks has on the market too powerful to contend with? For those resolved to adhere to QuickBooks Desktop despite the costs, navigating the upgrade process can be obscure. Intuit's guidance largely funnels users towards their online offerings. Therefore, upgrading to a Desktop annual subscription requires a direct engagement through Intuit.com’s support chat or phone support. It's as simple as telling them you want to upgrade to an annual desktop subscription. After a series of security checks and some questions about your previous versions, you'll be set. From there on, the process is the same as previous installations of desktop - Reach out if you need a hand.
Additionally, we’ve observed a reluctance among clients working with accountants to adopt the online platform, partially fueled by the accountants' hesitation or fear of the new system. Whether this stems from a concern over being replaced by digital solutions for tasks traditionally billed for or a genuine difficulty in adapting to new technology is subjective. Nonetheless, a small business must carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages before committing to a software direction. The trend towards online subscription-based services appears to be the new norm, waiting only for a disruptor to challenge the status quo.
Our experience with QuickBooks Online has been mostly positive, despite our reservations about cloud-based solutions. It has streamlined various processes, lending a degree of automation and simplicity to our operations. However, our longstanding grievances regarding the inconsistency of Intuit’s customer support remain.
