As we move into the second decade of the 21century, we can clearly state that this time in history can be described as the "information age". The need for "information" has now not only created the IT industry, it has created a whole "Eco-system"; from those providing it, to those creating tools to obtain it;to of course the final consumer.

Every day the "information economies" around the world are developing at a rate that allows us to obtain "real time" information as we require it.  Also, they are providing the consumer with an unlimited choice of "tools" to choose from, in an attempt to utilise the information they seek. Now, people have all the information they need at their fingertips and what they require are the tools to make better use of the information; to gain better resources and knowledge on how to understand how to use this information.

Being able to use this information in a more productive manner allows the user to work in an environment that they can perform at their optimal level, so as they obtain the data that they can use it to their advantage. In addition, by being able to visualize all the information in context they are able to have a different relationship and understanding of the information. As David McCandless so wonderfully highlights in his presentation: "The beauty of data visualization" (http://www.ted.com), the key is to have all the information that you need all together in front of you, to make sense of the fuller picture; to be able to make better decisions; to be able to create more innovations; to be able to change your behavior ; it is the "must have" item in the 21^st century.

One such tool that has been created to meet this demand is the development of Cloud computing. Even though Cloud Computing is in its infancy, many large and often described as vanguard companies are utilizing this concept and delivering a number of cloud-based services, from HR applications, to storage services, to spam filtering. For example, at present Hewlett-Packard is attempting to outbid DELL in its attempt to purchase 3Par Inc,a company whose data-storage machines are designed for "cloud computing" or delivering services over the Internet.

As Knorr and Gruman (http://www.infoworld.com) highlight, it allows you to increase your capacity for information storage and add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. To utilize this concept even more, new SaaS (software as a service) providers have created tools to include client management applications for industries from HR Consulting to Advertising to Finance. All with the aim to offer the client the flexibility and functionality in handling vital corporate operational information in a more cost-efficient manner.For example, information relating to staff data storage,leave planning, performance evaluation to even managing the hiring process end-to-end can be accessed on demand in a fast and easy to obtain manner;without having to own expensive and often complicated software and not to mention the need for an excessive amount of computer hardware.

It is now the time where international teams are the norm, and the need to share information via the internet; whether it be to share documents, allocate work duties or create dialogue about the hiring of a new employee is required. Even though e-mail has so far been adequate, clearly with the potential to have your computer hacked, crash or have your hard-drive just die,your information might get "Lost" in cyper-space or forever! Now with the benefit of "Cloud Computing" companies are able to have more privileged user access and data located at a place that they will always have access to it and most importantly their employees can access information wherever they are, rather than having to remain at their desks.

To conclude, to take full advantage of these tools/applications in the HR Industry and allow companies to manage their information more efficiently, they should be “Looking TOWARDS the CLOUDS” and the interconnection of computer data in the future to manage information in this new Global world.

Milton Miltiadous

Managing Director EYENOO K.K.

www.eyenoo.com

milton@eyenoo.com