Irish company uses cloud to give SMEs access to the same HR tools as large firms
28 January 2011
In this case study, you can read about an Irish company which is enabling SMEs in Europe by developing multi-featured and highly customisable HR management tools through cloud computing.
HR Locker gives SMEs access to the kind of HR management tools that would usually be available only to larger organisations. Combining many great HR tracking features into a single, highly-customisable package, this reduces administration costs and saves time.
Companies typically have a variety of HR issues with which to deal: national holidays, time sheets, vacation and staff handbooks. Large multinationals usually have deep enough pockets to invest in HR departments and employee management systems, but what about the many SMEs – typically with 20-300 staff – who share the same issues, but don’t have the same resources?
HRLocker.com solves this problem, by giving those SMEs – whether in single offices or multiple locations - access to the same HR functions as large organisations, but using online tools, accessible anywhere and for an affordable fixed price.
All this has been made possible by cloud computing, which from day one, CEO John Dennehy knew was integral to HR Locker’s strategy. John is a seasoned entrepreneur, with a number of successful ventures behind him and so speaks from experience when he comments on what makes a successful business plan.
“Our solution has to be available everywhere, and cloud computing avoids the need to install servers in other people’s premises, which is a nightmare to manage,” explains John Dennehy, “ And new software versions can be rolled out in real time.”
The cost savings of using cloud computing for a company of HRLocker’s size and stage of development are significant. “Previously we would have been looking at a seven figure investment in infrastructure. With cloud, it’s a much lower annual cost.”
This is because cloud computing enables HR Locker to avoid the expense of buying and managing its in-house global technology. Instead HR Locker “rents” IT infrastructure from Microsoft’s Azure platform. “It removes all the pain of managing infrastructure, and we can rely on Microsoft to deal with that.” Such is John Dennehy’s enthusiasm for the Azure platform that he has set up Ireland’s first user group for Azure customers.
HRLocker has also benefitted from Microsoft’s BizSpark start-up program. The scheme provides young companies with access to Microsoft technologies – including the Windows Azure platform – as well as support, training and business development assistance.
“Working with Azure is very easy and Microsoft provides credibility, as well as peace of mind, for us and our customers,” says Dennehy.
Since launching, HRLocker has gone from strength to strength, with recent landmarks including commercial success in China. This expanding Irish company is just one of many examples of how cloud computing can help entrepreneurs turn great ideas into competitive global businesses, quickly and cost-effectively.
Key cloud computing benefits for HR Locker
- Accessible everywhere
- Gives customers access to the same functions as large organisations at an affordable price
- Leverages the reliability and scalability of the global Azure platform
- Lowered annual infrastructure costs
Small & Medium Enterprises are the backbone of Europe’s economy. We work hard with governments and industry to ensure that SMEs get the most out of technology. Thanks to cloud computing that has pervasive benefits throughout the economy, SMEs can now exploit economies of scale, to rapidly expand their business and offer innovative solutions with less risk. This space on our website is dedicated to innovative European SMEs and the added-value of cloud computing to their businesses.
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