The choice of cloud-based options for the recruitment market continues to grow with the launch of AppLayer’s Recruitbox app store. AppLayer takes a ‘business-in-a-box’ approach to the cloud by providing a choice of hosted software applications for a monthly fee.

The technology is designed to enable an agency to build its own secure cloud IT solution. New applications can be added as and when required. Software available via the app store includes Filefinder, Voyager, Microdec and Bullhorn Reach, as well as security software such as Spectresoft. 

Andrew McLean, AppLayer chief executive officer, told Recruiter that cloud computing should be the first choice for a recruitment agency that is starting out, and that such agencies stand to benefit more than many other businesses. “Due to the fluid nature of their business and rapid expansion plans, with Recruitbox all your applications are in one place, all your data is in one place and all your billing is in one place,” he said.

McLean acknowledged that some recruiters still have concerns about security and accessibility of data in the cloud, but claimed the company offers “government-grade cyber security”. He added that the technology addresses the security fears associated with the increasing trend of ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD), whereby employees use their own personal device to access applications and data: no information sits on the device itself and when an employee leaves the company, access to Recruitbox is switched off. 

One of the early users of AppLayer is global recruitment group Phaidon International. Phaidon CEO Adam Buck said that centralised cloud computing helps the organisation manage its global business and removes the headache of tech support. “Opening new offices overseas couldn’t be easier, as each staff member requires only an internet-connected device, not the long-drawn-out process of involving IT companies,” he said.