Dis 8 reply
kiace1
First student (use reference)
Adam
There are two main types of commercial software solutions; the first is COTS, or commercial off the shelf, which is software that is a one-time purchase and installed at the user location. The second type is the SaaS, or software as a service - this is a software solution that is typically leased or subscribed to, while still being owned by the vendor (UMGC, 2021). In this scenario, MTC has opted for the SaaS as an IT strategy. As with any decision in a company, there are pros and cons to each method which ultimately must be weighed against each other.
- List two benefits of the IT Strategy to use a SaaS solution to support the hiring process.
- The first benefit is that using a SaaS solution to support the hiring process will be time effective; MTC does not have much time to build a service from scratch, run user testing, and continually make changes to perfect it. However, by subscribing to one that is already up and running and optimized for ease of use, MTC will not have trouble purchasing and transitioning to the new system in a short amount of time.
- The second benefit to choosing a SaaS solution is the support and assistance from the vendor that is provided along with the new software in helping to get employees oriented with the new system, as well as providing troubleshooting and answering any questions that the users of the system may have. As mentioned in this week's readings, change is often met with resistance, however, with the support of the vendor of the SaaS, that change will become easier to accept and adapt to (UMGC, 2021).
2. Identify three things the CIO and his team should look for as they consider which SaaS vendor to select. Explain what they are and why they are important to MTC's business.
- The first thing the CIO and his team should look out for is the usability of the new system offered by the SaaS vendor. Quite simply, usability is a quality attribute that determines how easy a system is to use (Nielsen, 2012). For MTC, usability is very important because the system needs to be adopted in a short period of time and by a large number of users, so there is no time that can be spent on a significant learning curve or reading through large user guides, as the director of HR mentioned in his interview.
- The second thing that the team at MTC should look out for when selecting a SaaS vendor is the pricing of the system and the other costs of migration to the new system. One of the risks involved in implementing a new system is the sunk costs if it fails, so the CIO needs to make sure that he can hedge his risk just in case something does not work out with the new system.
- Finally, MTC needs to look at the credibility of the SaaS vendor. How long have they been offering the service? What do other users think of the system? What are some of the main complaints against the vendor? By analyzing the responses to these questions, the CIO can assess whether or not the vendor is right for MTC, and whether the issues that others have vocalized are relevant to the usage that MTC plans on utilizing the system for.
3. Then, explain what you think is MTC's biggest risk in outsourcing this IT function, why you selected that risk, and what MTC's IT department's key responsibilities are to minimize risk and protect the business as they select and use a SaaS solution.
- In my opinion, one of the biggest risks in outsourcing the hiring function via a SaaS solution is the security and protection of the system given that the data may be sent outside of the company and stored in cloud services. While the old, manual system that MTC previously had was slow, it did have one benefit; that the paper trail it left could not be easily accessible to hackers or anyone who would want valuable company information unless they physically broke into MTC headquarters. However, with a cloud-based system, not only does the vendor who provided the service have easier access to it but also anyone else online who might try to illegally access confidential MTC data. As mentioned by the CIO in the interview, the hiring system must have clear security measures and control access and data, so that is an aspect where MTC certainly needs to watch out for the risk of attacks or other malfunctions.
References
Nielsen, J. (2012, January 3). Usability 101: Introduction to usability. Nielsen Norman Group. https://www.nngroup.com/articles/usability-101-introduction-to-usability/
UMGC. (2021). Implementing a SaaS Solution. umgc.edu. https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/614401/viewContent/23105704/View
UMGC. (2021). Change Management. umgc.edu. https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/614401/viewContent/23105702/View
second student
Jaclyn Valentino posted
List two benefits of the IT Strategy to use a SaaS solution to support the hiring process.
A software-as-a-service solution, also known as SaaS, is a software program that is owned by the vendor, runs on the vendors hardware and is accessed via the internet. It is usually leased or subscribed to by the customer. Having a SaaS solution will benefit MTC’s hiring process because it is run by the vendor. The vendor will be in charge of implementing software upgrades, maintenance and the day-to-day operation of the system allowing MTC to focus on hiring and not on maintaining the system or fixing any issues that may arise from the system. Another benefit of using a SaaS is the cost. Because they are renting or leasing the software they are able to make monthly payments or annual payments. This could be based on how many users they have signed up, so in the long run this could save MTC money.
- Identify three things the CIO and his team should look for as they consider which SaaS vendor to select. Explain what they are and why they are important to MTC's business.
Usability is really important to Raj Patel and his hiring team. Since MTC is looking to hire as many as 150 consultants in a 2-month period they will need to make sure that the SaaS is easy to install, will interface with their existing systems and is user-friendly. Being able to get the system up and running in short amount of time and with little training will help MTC hire the consultants that they need in the short amount of time.
According to CIO Raj Patel, “Any security breach of our applicants’ data could have a devastating effect to our ability to compete for new business as well as maintain current clients.” Since the SaaS is run through the vendor it is much more likely that they will have a higher level of security for the system. The vendor is able to hire security experts that will be able to manage the system. Making sure that the SaaS has security measures in place will be important for MTC. They will want to know about the user authentication, is there a firewall in place, how does the system prevent unauthorized users from accessing the information. Knowing these answers will help MTC ensure that the data is secure.
Another important thing that MTC is looking for is making sure that the hiring system is accessible on all electronic devices including mobile devices. Because the SaaS works off the internet anyone would be able to access it on any device that has an internet connection. This will be important for MTC since they are dependent on mobile computing. This will also help with MTC wanting to expand globally. Everyone around the world will have access to the system and will be able to submit their applications and resumes wherever they are located.
- Then, explain what you think is MTC's biggest risk in outsourcing this IT function, why you selected that risk, and what MTC's IT department's key responsibilities are to minimize risk and protect the business as they select and use a SaaS solution.
I think one of the biggest risks in outsourcing is loss of control over priorities and timing of fixes and enhancements. MTC will need to make sure that they select a SaaS that will be able to grow with them. They are looking to expand their company and they will need to see if the SaaS has the same focuses and goals that they do. MTCs IT department will need to make sure that the SaaS is functioning all hours of the day and working properly. If the system isn’t working properly MTC’s IT department will need to work with the SaaS vendor to fix the issue to get the program running again. MTC’s IT department will also need to make sure that enhancements are done in a timely manner and benefit the hiring solution.
Build, Buy, or Outsource https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/614401/viewContent/23105689/View
Implementing a SaaS Solution https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/614401/viewContent/23105702/View
Third student
Demetria Craig
List two benefits of the IT Strategy to use a SaaS solution to support the hiring process.
- Cost Effective - In the long run, using a SaaS is more cost effective and less straining on MTC as a company. They are able to save money by subscribing to a vendor for a technology solution rather than building their own or opting for a COTS.
- No additional hardware - Since the applicant tracking software MTC is using will be leased or subscribed to, there is no need to purchase additional hardware. The software is owned by and ran on the vendor's hardware. The ATS is only accessed as an internet service to the company. (UMGC, 2021)
- Identify three things the CIO and his team should look for as they consider which SaaS vendor to select. Explain what they are and why they are important to MTC's business.
- Longevity - It is important to MTC for them to create a long-term relationship with the vendor of their choice. The Company then becomes reliant on this vendor for all of their system needs. It is crucial that MTC finds an SaaS solution that will benefit them for years to come. It was be expensive for an investment in an SaaS that fails, as the company would result to spending thousands more on investing into another SaaS.
- Vendor Pricing - MTC should look to remain within a set company budget on their pursuit of an SaaS. The CIO and his team need to look into, monthly or yearly subscription prices for services, consider asking the question if it is a flat rate or does it fluctuate.
- Vendor Resources - MTC should be aware of the scale of resources the vendor will be able to provide. The CIO and his team will need to ensure the vendor can meet all of MTC's user and system requirements that align with the business strategy and strategic goals. (UMGC, 2021)
- Then, explain what you think is MTC's biggest risk in outsourcing this IT function, why you selected that risk, and what MTC's IT department's key responsibilities are to minimize risk and protect the business as they select and use a SaaS solution.
- MTC's biggest risk in outsourcing an IT function is the protection of proprietary and personal information transmitted via the internet. I selected this risk because protection of PII is of high importance. It would be devastating for the company if their applicant information as well as employee, and payroll information were to leak from within the system. The company will be at risk for losing credibility, resources and its clientele. MTC's IT department should contact the vendor and inquire of their security services and cloud storage. Their responsibilities to minimize the risk are incorporating a 2-factor authentication upon login and an encryption of all user and applicant data when it is entered into the system.
Resources University of Maryland Global Campus. (2021). Implementing a SaaS Solution. Document posted in UMGC IFSM 300 online classroom, archived at Implementing a SaaS Solution - IFSM 300 6393 Information Systems in Organizations (2218) (umgc.edu)
