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Hosted Accountants have successfully deployed their hosted desktop to enable a cloud computing solution for The Bean Counters, an accountancy firm in Staines, providing both time and cost savings. |
The solution enables The Bean Counters to access a wide range of accountancy software from wherever they are, whether using laptops, iPads or regular desktops. Hosted Accountants provide virtual hosted desktops and IT support to accountants across the UK, by packaging their hardware and software into one location on a secure server. The Bean Counters are a proactive firm which have taken on board messages from the 2020 Group, who are advocates for hosted desktop solutions.
Background
The Bean Counters had previously been using a supplier of hosted desktops, but identified a need for a new solution, as support levels were not meeting their requirements. The company has a best-of-breed approach regarding practice software, using a range of different products from a number of providers, including BTCSoftware, CaseWare, Sage 50 & Sage Forecasting, Virtual Cabinet document management, 2020 Tax Tips and Tools and several others. Lars Swann, owner of The Bean Counters, says: “I had a very clear idea of the type of solution I was looking for. I wanted my whole practice on a hosted desktop in a secure environment, with my practice's accountancy software running alongside MS Office and MS Outlook. I also wanted to be able to access the whole suite of products from any location, which cloud computing gives me.” Lars spent a long time planning in order to ensure that all areas of the practice would be covered and created a detailed schematic of his current and desired setup. After researching the market, Lars discovered Hosted Accountants via a recommendation. Lars explains: “We chose Hosted Accountants because of their industry knowledge and I was extremely impressed by their hosted desktop solution and its value for money.” Hosted Accountants were established to help accountancy firms and their clients take advantage of the benefits and flexibility of cloud computing through hosted desktop solutions whilst also outsourcing IT Support.
Solution / Benefits
Once requirements were mapped out, Hosted Accountants carried out a site visit where a full understanding of the current systems was gained, and deployment of the hosted desktop commenced in November 2011. The installation was completed in a short space of time, with Hosted Accountants working closely with BTCSoftware throughout the implementation. During the process of moving the practice to the cloud, Hosted Accountants ensured that a high level of communication was maintained with Lars, to make the process run as smoothly as possible. Now the solution is installed, Lars explains: "Cloud computing means I can now complete my clients’ self-assessment returns on my iPad. I recently moved my BTCSoftware tax solutions onto the hosted desktop service provided by Hosted Accountants and I’m delighted to report that the combination is working really well. Operationally there is no difference from using the software on my desktop but I can access it from anywhere at any time. Both companies understand and cater for the needs of my small but growing practice and their support is excellent." The Bean Counters have found the new solution to be intuitive and flexible.
Conclusion
Lars says: “I was extremely impressed by the knowledge, expertise and great customer service demonstrated by Hosted Accountants and BTCSoftware throughout the deployment. Their many years in the business mean that they understand accountants’ requirements, as well as the complex market in which they operate. The deployment was straightforward, did not disrupt the business and represents significant cost savings – and peace of mind – for my business.” David Watson, Technical Director at Hosted Accountants says:
“It has been a pleasure working with the Bean Counters and BTCSoftware on the roll out of his hosted desktop and cloud computing solution, we are all delighted with the results.
The idea of paying for what you need, when you need it, is very appealing to many firms, both those looking to expand or streamline their business. We are speaking to many firms who want to take advantage of our services, due the cost savings and peace of mind that comes from having data regularly backed up at multiple locations”.
Follow the link to organise a free trial of our virtual hosted desktop or feel free to call us on 0800 440 2282.