QuickBooks Pro
You buy the box for about 199 and if you want an upgrade you buy the box all over again. Generally this is a starter product.
QuickBooks Premier
You buy the box for about 399 and if you want an upgrade you buy the box all over again. Extra features – sales orders and inventory assemblies. There are industry specific editions that have extra canned reports, no extra functionality.
QuickBooks Enterprise
You purchase the program for about 3000 for a bucket of 5 users. Each year you renew your full service support plan and you stay on the latest version. Extra features: FREE U.S. based tech support, open two company files at the same time, run reports on multiple company files, password retrieval service, online data backup, business plan program, designed to run faster on servers, remote access, Intuit Statement Writer, create custom reports using ODBC ~ direct connection to QuickBooks data base, EDI, training CD, larger list capacity (14500 pro/premier and over 100,000+ for enterprise) and advanced User Permissions (restrict access to reports, bank accounts, lists and activities), and the ability to grow up to 30 users. Generally this is a great product for small to mid sized growing businesses.
Enterprise also has built in features that can be unlocked for an extra fee – advanced inventory feature (track by location), and field service management (HVAC – perfect fit)
QB Pro and Premier are available through direct, office warehouse stores, and Intuit Solution Providers.
QB Enterprise is only available through direct and Intuit Solution Providers at a fixed price determined by Intuit.
The reason Enterprise is only available this way is that Intuit wants to ensure you have support in getting it setup properly.
Support local business and find a local Intuit Solution Provider in your area to guide you in your purchase decision.
Intuit Solution Providers are leading edge experts in all things QuickBooks that have been authorized resellers for Intuit. Commitment is shown by certifications, required annual summit meeting of classes and networking, monthly webinars and by having to pay a large annual membership fee.
There are only 500 ISPs. Many are also Advanced Certified ProAdvisors (1500), and Certified ProAdvisors (15000). Some are also CPAs.