In the HR workplace today there are many benefits to using cloud computing applications. The average corporation uses a ratio of one human resource professional to every one hundred employees and considering that many corporations are either international or perhaps dispersed across a large country, HR teams are often not all based in the same place. Additionally many people now work remotely, a perk often given by companies to appeal to those wishing to avoid a long commute, or who don’t want to place young children in daycare. Having employees work from home is also environmentally friendly, since it reduces the number of cars on the road; however, it can be very costly for businesses to set these employees up with their own hardware and software licenses and it can also be logistically difficult to service both hardware and software when an employee is not situated in an office, with an in-house IT support team available. This, of course, leads to one of the main benefits of using cloud computing applications.

They negate the need for costly hardware that can host a large software application (cloud applications are hosted on the cloud so companies do not need to provide the server space for hosting); an IT support team (cloud application providers take care of technical support); software licenses, and software installation, period; the cloud can be accessed from anywhere, anytime.

Furthermore, the HR department typically deals with sensitive information; having this information securely stored on a remote server reduces concerns about loss of information, should the company experience a breach of security or damage from fire, water or a natural disaster. HR application provider, Shift iQ, protects its data centers from these perils with the use of the latest VESDA smoke-detection technology and FE-25 clean-agent fire-suppression technology. Cloud computing application providers also back up information, just in case anything should happen to it on their end, and take care of upgrades.

However, the primary concern expressed about cloud applications is the security of information. Shift iQ has taken numerous steps to ensure security due to the fact that it is designed specifically for HR professionals. These measures include storing Shift iQ’s off-site data in a Fire King DS-Series data safe with biometric and employee-specific pass codes being required for all security checkpoints. All internal and external entry points are protected with reinforced steel doors and door frames, safety glass and walls. Video recording of all entry points is archived for a year. There are also glass-breakage sensors, visual alarms and audible alarms to alert staff in the event of a break-in attempt. With regards to online security, Shift iQ is certified through McAfee Secure and VeriSign to protect from hacking attempts and client communication is kept secure using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption certified by VeriSign.

The multiple benefits of cloud computing applications have proven that they are the way of the future for companies’ technical needs. In dealing with the modern business world, there is no more effective way of sharing information in a secure, technological and cost-effective manner.

Launched in August 2010 by InSite Systems, Shift iQ is a purpose driven solution designed to revolutionize the HR industry by optimizing human resources and organizational talent.