Simultaneous work for two users in 1С: how to do it cost-effectively

Enabling Simultaneous Work for Two Users in 1C:Accounting Basic Edition with Minimal Costs

In 1C:Accounting Basic Edition, it’s possible to ensure simultaneous work for two users with minimal costs through an upgrade to the PROFESSIONAL edition with the purchase of only one additional client license, as well as using a licensing server and specialized distributions for the transition.

Table of Contents

• Problem with Basic Edition Licensing
• Option 1: Upgrade to PROFESSIONAL with One License
• Option 2: Licensing Server
• Option 3: Virtual Machines with Proper Licensing
• Option 4: Using Free Licenses
• Cost Comparison
• Selection Recommendations
• Conclusion

Problem with Basic Edition Licensing

1C:Accounting Basic Edition has a significant limitation - it allows work for only one user simultaneously with the database. This is created architecturally by the configuration itself and does not depend on the organization’s technical means.

According to 1C documentation, the basic version is intended for individual work of one specialist with the accounting database. Attempts to organize multi-user access in the basic version are technically impossible.

Your situation with two accountants requires either switching to the PROFESSIONAL edition or using alternative licensing schemes. It’s important to note that the standard upgrade actually assumes buying a package of 5 client licenses, but there are more economical solutions.

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Option 1: Upgrade to PROFESSIONAL with One License

The most correct and economical solution is to upgrade the Basic Edition to PROFESSIONAL with the purchase of only one additional client license.

Upgrade Process:

1. Check current version

   • Ensure your database is up-to-date and compatible with the PROFESSIONAL version
   • Check the release through the “Help” → “About the program” menu

2. Get a special distribution

   • Download the distribution for transitioning from Basic to PROFESSIONAL version
   • According to research, special distributions for upgrading are available for download

3. Install PROFESSIONAL version

   • Install the PROFESSIONAL version over the Basic version
   • Save all data and settings

4. Activate license

   • Use the pin code to activate the base license of the PROFESSIONAL version
   • Buy and activate one additional client license

Economic Benefit:

• Instead of buying a full PROFESSIONAL package (5 licenses), you only purchase 1 additional license
• The cost of one PROFESSIONAL client license is significantly less than the cost of a full package

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Option 2: Licensing Server

To organize proper multi-user access, you can use a 1C licensing server, which allows efficient license management.

Main Advantages:

1. Centralized management

   • All licenses are stored on one server
   • Convenient distribution among users

2. Efficient use

   • Licenses don’t “hang” on inactive workstations
   • Automatic release of licenses when work is completed

3. Support for remote access

   • Allows connection from different locations
   • Works via remote desktop as you planned

Technical Implementation:

• Install the licensing server on a dedicated computer or server
• Configure client workstations to work through the server
• Activate the required number of licenses

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Option 3: Virtual Machines with Proper Licensing

Your option with virtual machines is technically possible, but requires a proper approach to licensing.

Correct Working Scheme:

1. One physical computer

   • Install a hypervisor (Hyper-V, VMware, etc.)
   • Create two virtual machines

2. Shared database

   • The database is placed on a separate server or on one of the VMs
   • Configure network access to the database

3. Licensing

   • Each virtual machine requires its own license
   • Optimal - PROFESSIONAL version license for each VM

Important Notes:

• Basic version in virtual machines doesn’t solve the problem of simultaneous access
• Requires purchasing licenses for each virtual machine
• Additional performance issues may arise

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Option 4: Using Free Licenses

There is a possibility to use the free Community license of 1C for one of the users.

Implementation Scheme:

1. One user on Basic version

   • The main accountant works with the licensed Basic version

2. Second user on Community license

   • The second accountant uses the free Community version of 1C
   • Works with the same database via remote access

Community License Limitations:

• Only basic functions are available
• No possibility of configuration and customization
• Not suitable for complex accounting operations
• Requires constant internet connection

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Cost Comparison

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Selection Recommendations

For your situation with a small office and two accountants, the most optimal option is to upgrade to the PROFESSIONAL version with the purchase of one additional client license.

Why This Option is Best Suited:

1. Economic efficiency

   • Minimal costs to solve the problem
   • Don’t overpay for unnecessary licenses

2. Technical simplicity

   • Simple transition process
   • Remote desktop support “out of the box”

3. Full functionality

   • Both accountants have access to all program features
   • No limitations as in the Community version

Step-by-Step Implementation:

1. Check compatibility

   • Ensure your current database can be converted to PROFESSIONAL version
   • Make a backup of the database

2. Purchase the upgrade distribution

   • Contact an official 1C partner
   • Download the special distribution for the transition

3. Install PROFESSIONAL version

   • Follow the installation instructions
   • Save all settings and data

4. Activate licenses

   • Use the existing pin code for the base license
   • Buy and activate one additional client license

5. Configure remote access

   • Organize work via remote desktop
   • Check simultaneous access for both users

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Conclusion

Enabling simultaneous work for two users in 1C:Accounting with minimal costs can be done in several ways, but the most economical and correct solution is to upgrade the Basic Edition to PROFESSIONAL with the purchase of only one additional client license.

Key Conclusions:

1. Basic version does not allow multi-user access due to its architecture
2. Upgrade to PROFESSIONAL with one license - optimal price-to-functionality ratio
3. Virtual machines require proper licensing and don’t solve the savings problem
4. Community license is free but has serious functional limitations

For your small organization, we recommend choosing the upgrade option, which will allow both accountants to work fully with the database without unnecessary costs and compromises in functionality.