I appreciate the thorough background you've provided, Jeffrey. Your focus on enhancing efficiency within your accounting firm stands out, and I'm here to support you in making informed decisions for your setup.
To begin, I want to confirm that your understanding of the QuickBooks Database Server Manager setup is accurate. Since your staff works with files individually and there are no multiple users accessing the same file simultaneously, there is no need to install the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
Furthermore, you are correct that if you plan to support the QuickBooks Database Server Manager, creating an EC2 instance, installing the QuickBooks Database Server Manager on it, attaching the S3 bucket to the EC2, and having the server manager scan for QuickBooks files is an excellent approach.
Regarding your plan to utilize an S3 bucket for storing QuickBooks files on AWS, while S3 can serve as a storage solution, QuickBooks Desktop requires direct access to company files on a local drive or network share. Mapping an S3 bucket as a drive will not provide the necessary functionality, as QuickBooks expects files to be located on a local file system rather than in cloud storage.
However, you can use third-party applications to map an S3 bucket to your desktop, allowing access as if it were a local drive. This would enable file uploads and downloads directly from your desktop.
I recommend visiting the QuickBooks App Store and navigating to the CATEGORIES section to explore tailored solutions that meet your needs for managing QuickBooks files.
I've included a screenshot for reference:
Additionally, I'd like to share some valuable resources for tips on troubleshooting QuickBooks performance and providing insights on managing data files effectively for optimal performance:
Thank you for your insights and for sharing your plans regarding the QuickBooks Database Server Manager. Your input demonstrates your commitment to optimizing your accounting processes. If you have any more questions or need further assistance as you move forward, revisit us in this channel. The QuickBooks Community team is always here for you.
