Web Based Recruitment Software
How does it differ from a desktop based solution?
The internet has quite literally revolutionised the way that people work, play and connect with each other.
Each day, millions of users rely on the internet to provide them with the tools they need to get the job done and the recruitment industry is a fantastic example of this new way of working in action.
Over the past few years, the shift from traditional desktop-based applications to web based software has been huge.
Web based recruitment software offers a wide range of benefits over traditional desktop software - most of which will become apparent from the moment you decide to make the switch.
What should you consider when comparing desktop & web based recruitment software?
Desktop based recruitment software requires dedicated client hardware.
First of all, desktop based recruitment software requires dedicated hardware in order to run. Such systems are normally developed to target a specific operating system. Not only does this increase the initial cost of ownership, it also means that the software must be installed and maintained on each and every device separately which can drastically increase ongoing upgrade and maintenance costs.
Web based recruitment software is hosted in the "cloud". All that is required to access such a system is a web browser and an internet connection. The user's hardware and operating system are no longer a concern because web based applications are generally developed to be platform and hardware independent. In addition to this, upgrades and maintenance are normally taken care of by the software provider which greatly reduces or even eliminates the client-side maintenance costs altogether.
Desktop based recruitment software limits accessibility.
Generally speaking, desktop based applications are only available from the device on which they are installed. This is fine if you are a 100% office-based recruiter, but how do you cater for the growing number of mobile or remote workers? Traditionally, providing remote users with access to their desktop applications required yet more investment in the form of additional hardware and software as well as the expertise of someone to implement the required changes.
Web based recruitment software eliminates all of these issues as soon as it's been implemented. Now, it no longer matters where you or your colleagues are working from and there's no additional expense involved in enabling remote access to your recruitment software. All that's required is a web browser and an internet connection.
Web based recruitment software offers greater financial flexibility.
Traditional desktop applications are normally licensed on a per-user basis. In addition to this model, it's not uncommon for vendors to also charge an additional sum for upgrades and maintenance of the software on a quarterly or annual basis. Also add to this the cost of any additional training, hardware or software licenses that are required to be purchased in order to run the software and you're initial quotation is most likely going to be much higher than you first anticipated.
Web based recruitment software not only eliminates the additional hardware and software costs but also offers much greater financial flexibility by allowing you to easily upscale or downscale your user licences as required. Most web based recruitment software vendors offer access to their software via a monthly subscription which is a great way to spread the cost of your recruitment system on a pay-as-you-go basis whilst also eliminating the need for lengthy or unnecessary upgrade and maintenance contracts.