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How can I deploy Acctivate for users across multiple networks?

Compare options for hosting Acctivate across networks, including Alterity Hosting, cloud servers, RDP, and VPN.

Acctivate v14 can be deployed in multiple environments to accommodate users across different physical locations or networks. The best option depends on factors like company size, IT resources, application usage patterns, and security requirements. Below is a breakdown of each option with key considerations:

1. Alterity (Acctivate) Database Hosting Service (Fully Hosted Database)

Why choose it?
Best for small to mid-sized businesses wanting minimal IT involvement while maintaining access to Acctivate from anywhere. Learn more about hosting your data with Acctivate

Considerations:

  • Local installation for users, no RDP or VPN.

  • Simplifies setup: No local SQL Server needed.

  • Vendor-managed backups, security, and maintenance.

  • Performance may vary for users geographically distant from the hosted environment. Alterity will attempt to assign the closest server but you must evaluate latency for remote offices or international users.

  • User and database size limits (~20 users, up to 10 GB database recommended).

  • Not suitable for companies using QuickBooks Desktop in a terminal server environment.

2. Cloud / Virtual Server Deployment

Why choose it?
Ideal for businesses needing scalability and remote access without maintaining physical servers. Learn more about Cloud hosting options.

Considerations:

  • Supports larger databases and more concurrent users than Alterity-hosted SQL Express.

  • Flexible resource allocation (CPU, RAM, storage).

  • Allows central management of Acctivate and related applications (like QuickBooks Desktop).

  • Requires IT management or a hosting partner to handle configuration, security, backups, and maintenance.

  • Ongoing hosting costs and network egress fees apply.

3. Remote Desktop (RDP/RDS/Third‑Party Applications)

Why choose it?
Useful when users need remote access to Acctivate without exposing SQL Server directly over the internet. View our technology partners (Type of Integration: Hosting)

Considerations:

  • Centralized control over Acctivate and QuickBooks Desktop.

  • Reduces WAN traffic by transmitting only screen data, not full database queries.

  • Licensing requirements for RDS or third-party remote desktop tools.

  • Must ensure server capacity for concurrent sessions and user load.

  • May require IT expertise to configure security, multi-user access, and maintenance.

4. Local Server with VPN Access

Why choose it?
Works well for businesses that prefer to host everything on-premises and have existing VPN infrastructure.

Considerations:

  • Relatively simple for companies already managing local servers.

  • Provides off-site access without exposing SQL Server over the open internet.

  • Performance depends on internet bandwidth and VPN quality.

  • Requires IT support for VPN setup, firewall rules, and SQL Server access configuration.

  • Less scalable and more maintenance-intensive than cloud or hosted options.

✅ Deployment Overview

Deployment Option Best For Key Consideration
Alterity Database Hosting Small-to-mid-size businesses Latency for remote locations
Cloud / Virtual Server Growing companies, larger teams IT-managed setup and costs
Remote Desktop (RDP/RDS) Centralized access, multi-user Licensing and server capacity
Local Server + VPN In-house IT, simple setups VPN performance and maintenance

See our docs page for more on the standard local network setup. For system requirements go here.