Accounting software is crucial to the financial success of any business. Accounting software systems began as desktop applications, also known as installed or on-site. Years ago, much to the delight of many software users, the cloud became available as a deployment method for accounting and software. Accounting software companies began offering the cloud as an option, and then many companies stopped offering the desktop option altogether. (Red Wing Software continues to offer both deployment methods for its CenterPoint Accounting software and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.) Here are some of the main reasons a business may want to use desktop accounting software rather than moving to the cloud:
Security. The security of your accounting data is dependent on various factors. If your data is stored locally on you own servers, (aka ‘desktop software’), your company is in charge of its security, and its safety is largely dependent on the staff who manage that. On the other hand, having your data in the cloud with a reputable host can mean that data remains safe from cyber-attacks. Those who still prefer to manage their own data on their servers prefer to have the desktop version available to them.
Offline Access. Desktop software does not require an internet connection to function, making it more reliable in environments where the internet is unavailable, limited or unreliable.
Cost. Some businesses may find desktop accounting software more cost-effective in the long run, since they traditionally pay for the software once, (often with optional annual support/update fees), rather than a monthly recurring subscription. (This greatly varies by software company, so be sure to check for yourself.)
While cloud-based accounting software has in recent years become increasingly popular, there is still a place and a demand for desktop accounting software. Red Wing Software has been developing accounting software since 1979 and stays current with the latest trends. Customers using Red Wing Software’s CenterPoint Accounting for businesses, or other versions for Agriculture, Municipals or Nonprofits, can choose between desktop or cloud deployment, and the software is the same.
For more information about CenterPoint, please visit the page that fits your organization’s needs best.