Even beyond recruitment software, misconceptions still exist about what it truly means to be “in the cloud” and the benefits that come with it. Terms like “Cloud Software,” “Cloud Solutions,” and “The Cloud” have become overused marketing buzzwords, leading to widespread confusion among recruitment agencies when attempting to attract top candidates.
Before we can fairly compare cloud-based and desktop recruitment systems, it’s important to clarify what “the cloud” actually means and what it doesn’t.
1. Cloud as Recruitment Agency Software
One common misunderstanding is that cloud-based software must be browser-based, leading to the assumption that:
Browser-based software = Cloud
Desktop-based software = Not Cloud
This is incorrect.
Both browser-based and desktop-based recruitment agency software can operate on cloud-based infrastructure, just as each can be hosted on-premise. There’s no need to sacrifice the benefits of desktop recruitment automation software to take advantage of cloud technology. The two are not mutually exclusive and can make an equally beneficial contribution to the recruitment process.
In fact, desktop applications have distinct advantages over browser-based software:
Speed & Stability: Desktop applications generally run faster and more reliably since they don’t rely on a web browser to function.
Security: Desktop apps often offer stronger security, a crucial factor when handling sensitive information on a candidate database.
Power & Customisation: They tend to be more powerful and customisable, allowing for better performance and user experience during the recruitment process.
That’s not to say browser-based recruitment software doesn’t have benefits. It:
Works instantly without installation or configuration.
Is easier for IT teams to deploy and manage licensing.
Enables access from anywhere without setup hassles.
Often looks more modern due to web-based UI design.
However, selecting software based solely on modern aesthetics can lead staffing firms to choose less functional browser-based apps over superior desktop solutions.
2. Cloud as a Licensing Model
Another misconception is that cloud-based software always follows a subscription (SaaS) model, while desktop software is a one-time purchase.
False.
While SaaS models are common in cloud-hosted solutions, they are not exclusive to browser-based software. Many desktop-based recruitment applications, including Eclipse SaaS, offer subscription-based licensing while maintaining the advantages of a powerful desktop solution. Conversely, some browser-based applications can still require large upfront costs.
3. Cloud as a Hosting Location
Here’s what defines a cloud-based recruitment solution:
Cloud Hosting: The IT infrastructure, database, and backups are managed externally in a remote data centre.
On-Premise Hosting: Your IT department maintains the servers, backups, compliance, and security in-house.
This distinction is correct. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each approach.
Cloud-Hosted Recruitment Software
Pros
- Lower upfront cost: Subscription-based pricing is budget-friendly compared to large initial investments in hardware and IT staff.
- Scalability: Easy to expand as your recruitment agency grows, with minimal infrastructure upgrades.
- Quick deployment: No need for local installation or configuration.
- Reduced IT burden: Security, backups, and compliance are managed externally.
- Remote access: Work from anywhere with an internet connection.
Cons
- Long-term costs: Monthly subscriptions to recruiting agency software can add up over time.
- Vendor dependency: Pricing and service depend on the provider, and fee increases are beyond your control.
- Data security concerns: If dealing with a firm’s highly sensitive recruitment data, cloud storage on a third-party server may present risks.
- Regulatory considerations: If storing EU citizen data outside the EU, compliance with GDPR and other regulations must be ensured.
On-Premise Recruitment Software
Pros
- One-time investment: A single upfront cost (excluding maintenance and IT staff) instead of ongoing subscriptions to recruitment agency software.
- Full control: You manage security, compliance, the monitoring of job boards, integrations, and the customisation of your recruitment website.
- Enhanced security: Data stored on a private network reduces potential breaches of potential candidate’s data.
- Offline access: If your local infrastructure is in-house, you can continue pursuing candidate sourcing and general business growth even during internet outages.
Cons
- Higher initial cost: Hardware, IT staff, and installation costs for recruiting firms can be significant, particularly for enterprise recruitment firms.
- Maintenance required: Internal IT teams must handle security, updates, backups, and troubleshooting to keep business processes going.
- Limited scalability: Expanding requires purchasing and configuring new infrastructure.
Eclipse SaaS: The Best of Both Worlds in Candidate Matching
With the latest advancements in recruiting agency software, solutions like Eclipse SaaS bridge the gap between cloud and desktop. Eclipse SaaS is a cloud-enabled desktop solution, providing:
- The power, stability, and security of a desktop application.
- The scalability and convenience of cloud hosting.
- A flexible licensing model tailored to ensuring business needs are met.
This means recruitment agencies no longer have to choose between cloud-based or desktop software; they can have both.
Final Verdict: Which Recruiting Software You Choose?
The best choice depends on your business’s specific needs. Consider:
- Budget: Cloud solutions reduce upfront costs, while on-premise is a one-time investment.
- Growth Plans: If rapid scaling is needed, cloud-based software offers flexibility.
- IT Resources: Companies with limited IT support may benefit from externally managed cloud solutions.
- Data Sensitivity: Highly regulated industries may prefer in-house hosting for security.
With Eclipse’s SaaS, you don’t have to compromise on client support, job posting, or interview scheduling. Get the power of a desktop solution with the flexibility of the cloud.
