VPS for accounting teams and remote work
Accounting software was designed for the office: the database sits on one computer and everybody connects to it over the local network. The moment the team scatters to their homes, that arrangement breaks — the database is still on a machine somebody has to leave switched on.
A virtual server restores the familiar arrangement, except the central computer now lives in a data centre and is reachable from anywhere.
For accounting teams
You install the same programs you would on a desk machine: accounting and tax-reporting software, bank clients, the archive of source documents. You get Windows Server with administrator rights, so you install whatever you need — no restrictions from our side.
- One shared database. The accountant, the assistant and the director all work on the same data. No emailing copies around and reconciling edits afterwards.
- Data is not on a laptop. A lost or broken laptop no longer means a lost database — it lives on the server.
- Reporting on schedule. The server runs around the clock, so filing and document exchange do not depend on whether someone's computer happens to be on.
- Keys and signatures. File-based signing keys live on the server next to the software. A hardware USB token works too: it stays in your own computer and is forwarded into the server session over the network — either through RDP's built-in smart-card redirection or via USB-over-IP. See forwarding a USB token.
For remote workplaces
The same server covers a shared workspace for a small team: managers, operators and contractors connect to one environment and see the same programs and files.
- A new hire needs no machine setup — you create an account on the server and the workplace is ready.
- Work survives a change of device: close the laptop at home, connect from another, and every window is where you left it.
- When someone leaves you simply disable their account. The data stays with you rather than on their personal computer.
How many people can work at once
Worth settling before you order, because the answer depends on Microsoft licensing rather than on our plans.
Windows Server allows two simultaneous Remote Desktop sessions out of the box — enough for an accountant and an assistant, or for administration. To have three or more people working at the same time, you need to deploy the Remote Desktop Services role and buy RDS CAL licences from Microsoft or a partner.
That is Microsoft's requirement, not a ServerDale limitation: the licences are bought separately and are not included in the price of the server. If you expect more than two concurrent users, get in touch before ordering and we will explain how to arrange it properly.
Note that the limit applies to concurrent connections. If five staff work in shifts and never sign in at the same moment, two sessions are enough.
Which plan to choose
SD-Trinity is the baseline for an accounting workload: accounting software with its database, tax reporting, a browser and email all at once. 6 GB of memory keeps those from competing for resources.
SD-Duo works if one person is using it and the software set is modest — reporting software and a bank client, say.
SD-Quad or SD-Octo is the right call when several people work simultaneously, the database is large, or you also plan to keep a file archive on the server.
SD-Solo is not recommended for database-backed accounting software: 2 GB is not much once a browser is open alongside it.
Which Windows version to choose
Windows Server 2019, 2022 and 2025 are available. The rule of thumb: check your accounting vendor's requirements, as they usually list supported Windows versions in their documentation. With no specific requirement, 2022 is the safest pick for compatibility and remaining support life.