Tally ERP is one of the most popular accounting and business management software used by millions of organizations worldwide. With the rise of cloud computing, many businesses are moving their Tally installations to the cloud for better accessibility, scalability, and security. Installing Tally on the cloud allows users to access their accounting data from anywhere, anytime, and collaborate seamlessly across multiple locations.
This knowledgebase article provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to install Tally on the cloud, including pre-requisites, benefits, and best practices to ensure smooth deployment.
What is Tally on the Cloud?
Tally on the Cloud means hosting your Tally ERP software on a cloud server rather than a local machine or traditional on-premises server. The cloud server can be a Virtual Private Server (VPS), Dedicated Server, or any cloud hosting platform that supports Windows OS. Once installed, users can connect to Tally remotely through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or similar tools, enabling anytime-anywhere access.
Why Install Tally on the Cloud?
Before diving into the installation steps, here are some key benefits of running Tally on the cloud:
Accessibility: Access Tally from any device (PC, laptop, tablet) with an internet connection.
Collaboration: Multiple users across different locations can work on the same Tally data simultaneously.
Data Security: Cloud providers offer enhanced security features such as firewalls, backups, and encryption.
Cost Efficiency: Pay-as-you-go cloud models reduce upfront infrastructure costs.
Scalability: Easily scale your cloud resources (CPU, RAM, storage) as your business grows.
Disaster Recovery: Cloud backups ensure quick recovery in case of data loss or hardware failure.
Prerequisites for Installing Tally on the Cloud
Before installing Tally on the cloud, make sure you have the following ready:
Cloud Hosting Account: Choose a reliable cloud hosting provider that supports Windows servers. Examples include Cyfuture Cloud, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or any VPS provider.
Windows Server: A Windows Server OS (Windows Server 2016/2019/2022 or Windows 10/11) installed on the cloud instance.
Tally Software: A valid Tally ERP 9 or TallyPrime license with installation files.
Remote Desktop Access: Ensure you can connect to the cloud server remotely via RDP.
Internet Connection: A stable internet connection for remote access and downloading any required files.
User Credentials: Admin or root access to the cloud server to perform the installation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Tally on the Cloud
Step 1: Set Up Your Cloud Server
Log in to your cloud hosting provider's management console.
Create a new virtual machine (VM) or server instance with the required specifications (CPU, RAM, storage).
Select a Windows Server image (preferably Windows Server 2016 or newer) or Windows desktop OS.
Configure network settings, including opening ports for Remote Desktop Protocol (default port 3389).
Launch the server instance and note the public IP address and administrator credentials.
Step 2: Connect to Your Cloud Server via Remote Desktop
Open the Remote Desktop Connection application on your local computer (Windows: mstsc.exe).
Enter the cloud server's public IP address.
Login with the administrator username and password.
You will now see the remote Windows desktop interface of your cloud server.
Step 3: Download or Upload Tally Installation Files
If your cloud server has internet access, download the latest Tally ERP or TallyPrime installation files directly from the official Tally website.
Alternatively, you can upload the installation files from your local machine to the cloud server using Remote Desktop�s file transfer or an FTP/SFTP client.
Step 4: Install Tally on the Cloud Server
On the remote desktop, locate the Tally setup file (.exe).
Double-click the installer to start the installation wizard.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation:
Accept the license agreement.
Choose the installation directory (default is usually fine).
Select additional features if prompted.
Once the installation completes, launch the Tally application to verify it's working.
Step 5: Activate Your Tally License
Open Tally and navigate to the License Activation section.
Enter your valid Tally serial number, activation key, and other required details.
Activate the license to enable full functionality.
Step 6: Configure User Access and Security
Set up user accounts within Tally for your team members.
Configure password policies and permissions based on roles.
Secure your cloud server by enabling Windows Firewall and antivirus software.
Optionally, restrict Remote Desktop access by IP address or through a VPN.
Step 7: Back Up Your Tally Data Regularly
Use Tally's built-in backup feature to save company data frequently.
Configure automated backups to cloud storage or external drives for disaster recovery.
Verify backups regularly by restoring data on a test environment.
Best Practices for Running Tally on the Cloud
Choose the Right Cloud Plan: Ensure your cloud server has sufficient CPU, RAM, and disk space to handle your Tally workload and user concurrency.
Use Reliable Internet: Both the cloud server and end-user devices should have stable internet connections to avoid disconnections.
Secure Remote Access: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote desktop logins.
Regular Updates: Keep your Windows server and Tally software updated with the latest security patches.
Monitor Usage: Track server resource utilization and upgrade your plan proactively as needed.
Consult Support: Leverage your cloud provider's support team for setup, troubleshooting, and optimization assistance.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Remote Desktop Connection Fails: Check firewall settings and ensure port 3389 is open. Verify IP whitelisting if applicable.
Tally License Activation Errors: Confirm internet connectivity and license details. Contact Tally support if activation fails repeatedly.
Performance Lag: Upgrade server specs or optimize network bandwidth.
Backup Failures: Verify backup paths and permissions. Test restore operations regularly.
User Access Problems: Revisit user roles and permissions in Tally. Reset passwords if needed.
Conclusion
Installing Tally on the cloud offers significant advantages in terms of flexibility, accessibility, and business continuity. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly and securely deploy Tally ERP software on a cloud server and empower your team to work more efficiently from any location.
If you are considering cloud hosting for your Tally installation, Go4hosting offers dedicated Windows cloud servers optimized for Tally, with expert support, flexible pricing, and reliable uptime. Get in touch with us to learn how we can simplify your Tally on the cloud journey.