Just to clarify: "They take all your client information and put it on their server where you can't access it only through their remote portal. This way they can cut you off of your information whenever they choose."

Yes, when you move to a Hosted installation, you no longer own and run the program on your computer or even your own network. You agreed to let the Host deal with it. That isn't a remote portal any more than a neighbor's front door is a remote portal. It's directly how you access what you are paying them to manage for you. Think of Hosting as, instead of sleeping at your own house, you are going to a Hotel and they will take care of everything.

Cloud is a bit different. Cloud is when you are using something that exists through the internet. Hosting means you are accessing someone elses' computer. Cloud means the whole thing is through the internet, not just the connectivity. ProConnect is Cloud. It can't be installed locally or own your own server or even a Host system. Intuit offers it and Intuit owns it and Intuit runs it and Intuit provides access through the internet and it creates web-type of screens and experiences.

So, Right Networks is like the Hotel that just locked you out? But won't cancel your reservation for a room with them?

Maybe that will help for next time, when you try to shop for services, and now you will better understand local, server, Cloud and Hosting. It can be a bit of a moving target.