Accounting
2018 Review of Cetrom CPA Cloud
Oct. 15, 2018
From the Oct. 2018 reviews of Cloud Hosting systems for accountants.
Cetrom is an application hosting provider that is well suited for CPA and accounting firms, along with other types of businesses, including nonprofits and travel management businesses. Cetrom offers easy access to hosted applications from any type of device including desktop, laptop, smart phones and tablets.
For accounting and CPA firms, Cetrom offers Cetrom CPA Cloud, a hosting solution designed specifically for accounting professionals that offers hosting for over 150 applications. They also offer Outsourced IT Services including Virtual CIO and Virtual Cyber Security.
Cetrom offers two cloud data centers; in Virginia and Colorado. Both facilities are SSAE C16 and SOC 2 compliant, and utilize multi-level physical security measures including controlled access, biometric scanning systems, and 24-hour manned security.
Since 2001, Cetrom has had zero percent downtown, ensuring reliability and true 24/7 access. Data is dispersed geographically between the two data centers in Virginia and Colorado, offering automatic protection against system failure. Additional security measures employed by Cetrom include alarmed hallways at both data centers, fire suppression, intrusion protection systems, and backup power generators. Data backups are performed daily, and the Cetrom system requires two-factor authentication in order to access data, with all equipment FIPS 140 compliant as well.
Along with standard application hosting, Cetrom also offers hosted email services that allow users to access their Outlook email from any location using the device of their choice. Virtual Desktop services are also available, that offer easy access to desktop applications. Cetrom also offers the Cetrom Hybrid Solution, which stores data on the Cetrom servers, with a backup server maintained onsite, which provides some reassurance to those that are uncomfortable putting data 100 percent online.
A file-sharing option; Cetrom FS, offers bi-directional file sharing capability, synching local and cloud files seamlessly. All data is encrypted when stored on the device as well as when in-transit. Cetrom FS can also be branded with firm details, so it can be used for client access as well as an internal file sharing application. A Managed Services Portal is available, which allows Cetrom to proactively monitor hardware performance and detect common issues such as overheating or update requirements. Cetrom also handles the entire data migration process from initial review to the go live date.
Cetrom is an authorized Standard QuickBooks host, with the product also able to host more than 300 common applications, including Office 365, as well as numerous CPA/accounting industry-specific applications including Thomson Reuters CS Professional Suite applications such as Accounting CS, Fixed Assets CS, Planner CS, Practice CS, and UltraTax CS, BNA Fixed Assets; Wolters Kluwer CCH ProSystem fx applications such as ProSystem fx Engagement, ProSystem fx Practice Management, and ProSystem fx Document; , and Sage 50 Accountants Edition, Sage 50 Quantum Accounting, and Sage 100 ERP, with Cetrom able to host just about any program a business may need.
Cetrom offers top-notch user support, with both email and phone support available 24/7, year-round with all support personnel Level 3 trained engineers. Cetrom also offers a six month guarantee, which allows users to try the system for up to six months, and will switch users back to their previous IT environment without penalty.
Cetrom is a good fit for accounting and accounting firms, but also works for businesses such as nonprofits, associations, and travel management businesses. Cetrom creates a custom platform for each customer, with pricing customized depending on programs hosted and other services purchased, with options to purchase services in addition to hosting, including email service, virtual remote desktop service, a file sharing option, and a hybrid cloud computing option.