HR Cloud Solutions

HR software is now considered an essential business feature for all organisations from charities and small businesses to large corporations. Computerised HR systems are replacing outdated paper-based HR methods, spreadsheets and Word documents.

Cloud-based HR solutions are used by an increasing number of small and large businesses for better employee management. There are many different HR software options available. Some offer a full range of functionality to cover all areas of HR, while others specialise in specific areas.

What are HR cloud solutions?

Cloud-based HR is a Saas (software as a service) HR option that is accessed via your web browser on the internet. Many businesses are choosing to move their business processes to the cloud.

The main difference between cloud-based software and desktop software is that the system and data are stored on third party servers rather than on the computers in your office.

What are the benefits of HR cloud solutions?

Cloud HR solutions have many benefits over traditional desktop software solutions.

These are:

• Installation - No installation is required, you simply sign up to the service and it’s easy to get started
• Access - You can access your cloud-based HR system from anywhere you have an internet connection from any device including PC, Mac, tablet, and mobile
• Efficiency - Being able to access the HR system from anywhere at anytime brings efficiency savings and offers the advantage of keeping data up to date in real-time
• Back-ups - Data is stored remotely and is automatically backed up
• Cost - Unlike desktop software, the cost is spread over low monthly subscription payments without large upfront costs
• Updates - Updates on the cloud happen automatically
• Support - Saas HR providers generally offer robust system support via email and online chat. Breathe also offer telephone support, which is unusual for a Saas HR provider. Cloud solutions cut down the need for an internal IT specialist
• Compatibility - Cloud applications run on a browser so it doesn't matter what operating system or platform you are using

Is cloud-based software better than desktop?

Generally speaking, cloud HR solutions offer many more advantages over desktop HR software, as per the benefits outlined above. The only real possible negatives for cloud software solutions are the need for a high-speed internet connection and the reliability and downtime of providers.

Breathe uses a robust elastic server solution to meet the needs of businesses, with uptime at an impressive 99.99 percent.

All sorts of companies across a wide range of sectors use cloud-based software for their HR needs, from start-ups to large corporates. Breathe HR software for small businesses has been developed to suit the needs of UK based SMEs up to 200 employees.

How much does it cost?

Cloud-based HR has transformed accessibility to HR software, which traditionally cost a lot more upfront and required IT expertise to install and update. With Saas, the pricing of HR has changed dramatically for the better, making it affordable to small businesses.

Breathe’s monthly subscription fees start at £18 per month (excluding VAT) for micro-businesses. The price you pay is based on the number of employees you have, not per employee.

See Breathe pricing here. 

Is there a set-up fee?

Not usually. Most HR cloud solutions are charged on a monthly subscription basis. Breathe don’t charge set-up fees and we don’t charge cancellation fees either.

How easy is it to access data in the cloud?

It is super easy to access your data, as long as you have an internet connection and a device with a web browser.

Where is my HR system and data hosted?

Your employee data and HR records are safely hosted and stored on remote servers. With Breathe, all of your data is held in our highly secure data centre in the UK. Our data centre has complete CCTV coverage, motion sensors, reinforced doors, controlled key storage systems and other additional physical controls.

Read more about Breathe security standards here. 

How secure is my data in the cloud?

Cloud-stored data is generally more secure than locally stored data. Your data with Breathe is secure, DPA compliant, safe, and available only to you.

We use HTTPS encryption to ensure your data is always encrypted as it travels between our servers and your web browser. Breathe has responsibly adopted the ISO27001 security standard so you’ll have guaranteed peace of mind knowing that all bank details, national insurance numbers and other sensitive details are safely stored in one online place.

Breathe is compatible with any web browser, we would always recommend you use the most up to date version of any internet browser for security. The browsers we would recommend are:

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

How often are HR cloud solutions updated?

Cloud solutions are generally updated much more regularly than with desktop software. Breathe software is continually updated with releases and updates of any size being released every week. 

Can HR cloud software be integrated with other systems?

Integrating systems is a great way to streamline processes and make business operations more efficient. Most businesses have some systems that need to talk to each other (for example, integrating employee data within an HR system with payroll and accounts).

Breathe’s open API system offers the perfect solution for syncing data to save you the trouble of manually inputting the same data into multiple systems.

Can I export data to a payroll system?

Yes. With most HR systems you will need an API to do this. Breathe anticipated this need and include a payroll export feature in their HR product.

How do I get started?

Simply sign up to our FREE 14-day trial to see how easy Breathe is to use. Our software has all the powerful HR features you need to effectively manage your people. In as little as 30 seconds you could be using Breathe’s all-in-one HR system.

HR software: software designed to manage employee data and automate human resources tasks, from storing employee documents and payroll information, managing holidays and absence, and tracking performance, to recognising and rewarding employees, inputting expenses, and handling all aspects of people admin.

The cloud: short for cloud computing, the cloud is a vast network of remote servers linked together that store data, and deliver applications and services that run on the internet.

API: short for Application Programming Interface, an API is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other and exchange information.