You keep accountancy software like QuickBooks updated without disruption by staging upgrades: testing a new version on a pilot user first, then rolling it out across PCs, file servers and the hosted desktop only once it’s proven stable. New versions often have early bugs, so going firm-wide on day one is a risk. A careful, staged approach means your team gets the update once it’s known to work, with no mid-rollout surprises during a busy period.
Software updates are necessary but can break things if rushed. Here’s how we manage them.
1. Test before you roll out
We put a new version on one user or a small group first and check it works with your other software and data. Only once it’s proven do we roll it out to everyone, so an early bug doesn’t hit the whole practice.
2. Roll out everywhere it’s needed
Accountancy software often runs in several places: individual PCs, a file or manager server, and the hosted desktop. We make sure the update reaches all of them consistently, so everyone is on the same version.
3. Keep older versions in check
Old versions left lying around cause compatibility headaches, especially when you work with clients on different versions. We help you tidy up and standardise, so the firm isn’t held back by ageing software.
4. Time it around your deadlines
We plan upgrades to avoid your busiest periods, so a change never lands in the middle of a filing rush. Good timing is half of a smooth upgrade.
A real example: cautious, staged upgrades
We support a London accountancy practice serving music and entertainment clients where we stage successive software upgrades, testing on a pilot user before rolling out to all PCs, the file-manager server and the hosted desktop. As their own note put it, they “never like to go for the new version until it’s had the initial bugs ironed out,” and our approach matches that caution.
For a London accountancy practice serving music and entertainment clients, this is part of managed IT and security that usually costs about £45 to £100 per user per month, scaling with headcount, your hosted desktop or CCH setup, and the security your high-profile clients expect.
Why music and entertainment accountants choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002, including London accountancy practices serving music and entertainment clients. We know the software your firm runs every day: CCH, QTAC, QuickBooks, payroll software, FYI and INVU, alongside Microsoft 365 and hosted desktops, and we understand the discretion high-profile clients expect. We support accountancy practices in London and across Essex and Hertfordshire. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support organisations with 10 to 100 employees across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford.
Book a free IT and cyber security review
Want software updates that don’t disrupt your practice? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll manage them properly.