Cloud vs Desktop Accounting Software for Businesses in Nepal

Desktop and cloud software compared

When desktop software is the better choice

• Your office often has no internet, or a slow connection for hours.
• One person keeps the books on one computer, and nobody else needs them.
• You already paid for a licence that does what you need, and someone takes backups every week.

If all three are true, there may be no reason to move yet.

When cloud software is the better choice

• The owner wants to see sales, bank balances and what customers owe while away.
• The business has a branch, or staff who work from home.
• Your accountant or auditor works in another office.
• Nobody takes backups, or the only copy of the books is on one computer.
• You do not want to install updates on each computer when IRD's rules change.

The cost over three years

Add up what each one needs over three years:

• Desktop: the licence, the yearly update fee, more user licences, remote access if you need it, a backup drive, and staff time for backups and updates.
• Cloud: the plan's fee and an internet connection. Backups and updates are in the fee.

For example, CAS360's Personal plan is NPR 10,000 a year, so NPR 30,000 over three years before VAT. Business is NPR 25,000 the first year. Renewal is NPR 15,000 a year, so NPR 55,000 over three years for three users.

Questions to ask any cloud provider

• How often are my books backed up, and has a backup ever been restored?
• Can I download all my books, at any time, without asking?
• Who at your company can see my books?
• What happens to my books if I stop paying?
• Does it follow IRD's bill rules, and can it send bills to CBMS?
• When can I reach support, and how?

Ask us the same questions.

How to move from desktop software such as Tally or Busy

You do not need to type in old bills. The new software starts with balances, and the old program keeps the years before.

1. Choose the start day. 1 Shrawan, the start of a fiscal year, is easiest. The first day of a month also works.
2. Print the old trial balance as on the day before you start.
3. List what each customer owes you and what you owe each supplier on that day, bill by bill if you can.
4. Enter these as opening balances. The new trial balance must match the old one.
5. Enter every new bill in the new software from the start day. In the first month, compare the bank balance in both each week.
6. Keep the old program and its backups. IRD and your auditor can ask for past records.

CAS360 cloud accounting

CAS360 is cloud accounting software for any business in Nepal, with special tools for travel agencies, tour operators and cargo companies. It is IRD compliant, uses Bikram Sambat dates and needs an internet connection. Your books are backed up every night, and you can download them in full at any time.

If you move to CAS360, we plan the move with you, set up your company with its ledgers and opening balances, and train your staff.

See cloud accounting with CAS360 and all plans and prices.