Cloud HR Software

HR software is now the preferred HR solution for businesses, replacing outdated paper-based HR methods, filing cabinets and disjointed systems, such as spreadsheets and word documents. Nowadays, businesses are moving towards using software as a service (Saas) on the internet for many business functions, including accounting and HR.

What is cloud HR software?

In a nutshell, cloud HR software is a HR system you access through the internet. To access the service all you need is an internet browser.

What types of companies use cloud HR software?

All sorts of companies use cloud-based software for their HR needs, from start-ups to large corporates. Breathe's software for small businesses has been developed to suit the needs of SMEs.

How much does it cost?

We believe in making HR software easily affordable to businesses when they need it most. Old-school desktop HR software solutions were often out of the financial reach of small businesses.

Our monthly subscription without any set-up fees makes HR accessible to all. Prices for micro-businesses with up to 10 employees start at £18 per month (excluding VAT). The price you pay is based on the number of employees you have.

How is cloud HR software beneficial to SMEs?

The upfront and upgrade costs of buying traditional desktop HR software is significant compared to the low monthly subscription offered to smaller businesses through a cloud solution.

Which browsers do you recommend?

Breathe runs from any of the following browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Internet Explorer
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari

What are the benefits of cloud HR software?

• Access
• Time efficiencies
• Cost savings
• Less paperwork
• Real-time data analysis
• Greater control and flexibility over user accessibility
• Easily integrate with other systems
• Increased employee engagement
• Automatic updates
• Easy to add users as your business grows

Cloud-based software versus desktop software

Cloud applications have considerable advantages over desktop software. Cloud-based HR solutions are less expensive, simpler to manage, and easier to update and use. Here are some of the main differences:

Installation

Perhaps the biggest advantage with cloud applications is that no installation is required and there are no large upfront investment costs.

Cost

With desktop software, the hardware and software requirements are much more expensive at the outset compared to cloud-based Saas (software as a service), where annual or monthly subscription fees are relatively low.

Upgrades

Upgrades for desktop software are often expensive and compulsory, whereas cloud-based software updates are more frequent and included in subscription fees. On the cloud, updates are managed by your service provider and occur automatically, which means you don’t have to plan for system downtime.

At Breathe we continually update over a 2-week development cycle based on feedback from our customers. There are no hidden costs – this is all included in our monthly subscription fees.

IT support

With cloud Saas you also won’t need to employ an IT specialist to deal with installation, system management and security. With Breathe, for example, you won’t need to do any back-ups and our support staff are on hand to resolve any issues you may have.

Access

One of the biggest disadvantages of desktop software is that it can only be accessed via the hard drives on which the software has been installed. With a cloud-based service you have the convenience of being able to access the HR program anywhere you have internet access, from any device. Of course, if internet access is a problem then a cloud-based solution would be problematic.

Security

With desktop software, your data is only as secure as your internal system. On the cloud, your data is secure and is automatically backed up. With a desktop solution, back-ups need to be carried out daily. When things go wrong with desktop data, restoring information takes time. Without a proper disaster recovery plan, data could be lost forever.
With all of your employee data in one place on the cloud, your HR professionals can update data from anywhere and provide strategic business information in real time.

Where is my HR data held?

With cloud-based software, employee data and HR records are safely hosted and stored on remote servers instead of your in-house computers.

With Breathe, your data is held in our highly secure data centre in the UK that has complete CCTV coverage, motion sensors, reinforced doors, controlled key storage systems and other additional physical controls. The UK’s data protection regulations are some of the best in the world.

When can I access my data?

You can access your data 24/7, seven days a week. Access anywhere you have an internet connection regardless of time or location, which means staff working at different locations, in different time zones, or even during travel, can action any essential HR activities, such as leave management or reading important company documents.

You can access Breathe from any device (PC, Mac, Tablet or mobile phone).

Is my HR data secure on the cloud?

With an estimated 70% of organisations using the cloud, data privacy and software security is something that businesses are rightfully concerned about.

At Breathe, we take the security of your data extremely seriously. We use HTTPS encryption to ensure your data is always encrypted as it travels between our servers and your web browser. For more information, check out our Security Page.

Your data with Breathe is secure, DPA compliant, safe, and available only to you. Breathe has responsibly adopted the ISO27001 security standard.

How do I get started?

Simply sign up to Breathe and we’ll help you transform the way you manage your HR admin, saving you time and money. Sign up to our FREE 14-day trial to see how Breathe can make HR easier with no obligation to continue.

We offer comprehensive online video tutorials to ensure you get the most out of Breathe, and our support team are also on hand to offer guidance across instant chat, email and phone.

The cloud: a vast network of remote servers linked together that store data, run applications or deliver content or services that run on the internet.

HR software: a type of business software that stores and enables the management of employee data. It enables businesses to manage employee data and automate time-consuming HR admin tasks all in one place. This includes storing employee documents, managing holidays and absence, tracking performance, recognising and rewarding employees, inputting expenses, and handling all aspects of people admin.