Pay-as-you-go web services are best defence against software supplier failure

Rod Smyth, CEO of recruitment software developer Arithon, advised today how agencies can defend against the risk of software supplier failure.

ëWe have heard it rumoured that a couple of recruitment software companies are facing financial difficulties.í Said Rod Smyth. ëThis is hardly surprising in the current economic climate but not very helpful if your agency is using their software. Recruitment process systems are absolutely critical to the workflow of an agency so itís wise to ensure as far as possible that this element of your business is protected. While we at Arithon are happy to consider approaches from other suppliers who are facing difficulties or just want to sell their business, we can also give some tips to agencies to mitigate the risk of software providers failing:

By far the best hedge against losing large amounts of money is to select pay-as-you-go recruitment software say on a monthly licence and available from 50 per month, rather than stump up substantial up-front fees.

Switch to web-based software because it allows greater flexibility; if you need staff to work from home or you want to move office there is no problem with consultants accessing systems.

Finally, if you have any doubts at all about the viability of your supplier back up your databases daily on disc and review alternative services just in case. If the worst comes to the worst and your provider goes out of business you can access a new web-based service and have it up and running in a matter of hours using your back up discs.í Concludes Rod Smyth.