Taking Human Resources Software as a Service (SaaS) Applications Offline: WebApps Offers Users the Ability to Collect Information For Later Use

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. - March 8, 2007 - WebApps, Inc., a leading provider of Software as a Service (SaaS), with a major push in Time and Labor Management, provides offline access to its robust software via several data collection device alternatives. Recently, interest in SaaS applications and their ability to be accessed offline in some way has gained much attention as the software niche continues to expand.

Articles on sites such as SearchSMB.com and Intelligent Enterprise have sprung up recently confirming that although the popularity of SaaS applications is on the rise, the desire for users to be able to take advantage of these tools when circumstances do not allow for an Internet connection is also growing. These articles, however, speak mostly of offline access in terms of downloading a very small file in order to access the application.

On the other hand, SaaS applications in the Human Resources space, such as WebApps’ software, are able to be used in the offline sense by utilizing the various options in the realm of data collection alternatives and synching that data at a later point to the software itself. By using portable devices that are able to collect and store employee punches as well as distribute labor hours, those organizations with mobile workforces can effectively utilize SaaS to record, store, and report on various issues surrounding their workforce.

The most widely used devices used for collecting information in terms of Human Resources consist of:
·Biometric - Devices that verify the identity of a person seeking access through the examination of a physical characteristic that is intrinsic to that individual (i.e - fingerprint, hand geometry, retina, etc.)
·Traditional Swipe/Keypads - A badge or keytag is swiped by an individual to grant access (i.e. - barcode, magstripe, proximity, etc.)
The availability of such devices are wireless, and thus, are able to collect data for remote personnel or conditions that don’t offer a hard-wire connection. Data is collected remotely in this fashion and later uploaded into the SaaS application. Some data collection devices are small enough to be carried from location to location and utilize a wand tip to scan a badge to record time. This type of device, like all the terminals WebApps’ software can interface with, uses the concept of middleware to store and forward information to the centralized SaaS platform. This approach allows users to use a remote data collection terminal, or even an existing Internet browser within their facility to collect and validate information even when Internet connectivity is lost locally. Additionally, a thin client or applet approach, consistent with many common financial applications, can allow a user to work in an offline mode on a laptop, sending updates to the SaaS application after Internet connectivity is re-established.

“With the understanding that HR-related applications delivered under a SaaS model can be limited due to Internet connectivity, it is important to address market needs by allowing certain aspects of an application to function in an offline mode if necessary,” said Bill Loss, CEO of WebApps. “Combining the effectiveness and affordability of SaaS with the fact that the architecture is flexible enough to accommodate use in some capacity offline makes a SaaS option to manage employees incredibly attractive.”

About WebApps, Inc. -
WebApps is a leading developer of web-based business applications for improving human productivity and organizational processes in the workplace. Delivering Software as a Service (SaaS), client sensitive data is collected, processed, and stored remotely without the need for technical resources on site. Software features are easily expanded or scaled back, making it easier to support a variety of size and industry specific clients with a single platform. Under a pay-as-you-go model, clients gain access to software that is more intuitive, easier to deploy, and offers lower total cost of ownership than client-installed software - www.SaaS.com.

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