Uncovering 5 SaaS Secrets Most Staffing Software Providers Prefer To Keep Hidden
Staying within budget, while avoiding the limitations of traditional software systems, has led many staffing companies up into the internet technology cloud that is SaaS (Software as a Service.)
Those companies that have leveraged this new technology experience a world where upgrades are performed automatically, budgets are reduced and internal server limitations are a thing of the past. With little more than an Internet connection, SaaS has instantly streamlined their processes and helped them achieve both their company and client objectives.
But with the promise of the new comes the peril of the Internet, and SaaS staffing software is no exception. Before diving into a SaaS partnership with a staffing software provider, know that potential issues regarding everything from bandwidth to security could be lurking just beneath the surface of a sales pitch.
Below, find five questions that will help reveal these secrets and uncover a SaaS provider you can trust:
1. How much experience does your company have offering SaaS?
SaaS is less than ten years old; so many providers will likely only have a few years of experience. In other words, don't be too strict here in terms of number of years. Focus more on the type of experience that is offered in response to this question. Ask follow-up questions regarding the size of companies they work with, testimonials, case studies and how they deal with problem scenarios. Now, if the firm truly is brand new - and every company starts somewhere - be sure to dutifully ask each of the questions below.
2. How much bandwidth does your SaaS system currently employ?
Ongoing enhancements are one of the primary benefits of a SaaS system. But there is a big difference between a provider whose current SaaS bandwidth can meet your needs today versus 'within the next 90 days?' The answer to this question is, of course, a natural lead-in to…
3. When do you anticipate needing to increase the bandwidth of your SaaS system?
With this question, you'll find out both how quickly the company plans to grow and how seriously it takes the need to consistently enhance it capabilities. Be sure to ask follow-up questions here. It's not just an increase in bandwidth you are trying to find out - but how this increase in bandwidth will make your everyday staffing operations easier. Make sure you also understand the bandwidth you will need to provide to properly run any Saas solution, especially with remote office where internet access, speed and reliability can be a problem.
4. How do you ensure business continuity?
Your SaaS provider will not always perform for one simple reason: the Internet will not always perform. Focus not on what the provider can't control, but rather, on what they can. Will the provider offer to audit your company's current connectivity to ensure it is built with current best practices and little to zero redundancy? Do they offer themselves as a conduit between your company and your ISP to quickly identify and correct any problems before and after they occur? If your service can only ever be as good as your connection, ensure your provider knows that connection inside and out.
5. How do you ensure your SaaS system is secure?
Michael Healey of Information Week offers the apt terminated employee scenario: 'if an employee is terminated on Friday, how can you ensure this now ex-employee is locked out of the system on Saturday?' Demand to see any potential vendor's incident response plans for this type of scenario. Then, go one step further and ask to see recent results of when one such scenario was tested. Any reputable provider will gladly provide this data, and in fact, will likely have it ready for you at the push of a button.
We welcome you to ask us any of the questions above during a complimentary demo of eEmpACT On Demand, the first and only complete SaaS staffing automation software solution.
