Pioneered in the US, the ‘Freemium’ model is based on free and premium/paid services, which means SMEs can access some functionality for free (without buying any software) and thereafter can pay for certain extended functionality and services as and when they need them.
PeoplePlus’ freemium model uses Software as a Service (SaaS), to make productive HR and Payroll functionality available on screen for free. This includes disciplinary procedures, in addition to the ability to print a payslip.
“SMEs only pay for further Premium modules, such as those that give you efficiency, communications, risk reduction or put cash in your pocket. This is a model that has been widely used in consumer markets but is seldom seen in business applications,” says Rodney De Villiers CEO of PeoplePlus and Talenger Holdings.
“The structure of the offering enables the business customer to self select any high value or efficiency functionality, in a modular manner, allowing them to directly control their costs to suite purse or purpose,” explains De Villiers.
How it works
PeoplePlus’ freemium model is based on a ‘why pay for it until you need it?’ principle. Telephone support is a paid premium service, but the company is confident that its easy-to-use full contextual help videos, practical ‘how to’ guides, and policy, procedure and contract templates will offer SMEs a great starting service at no cost.
The premium pricing packages start at R64 per month for a full report writer & BI (Business Intelligence). The monthly fee is based on what is selected above the free modules, which allows SMEs to determine – and pay for – what is of value to them. The offering has no long term contracts, no up-front payments and businesses do not need to wait for consultants.
“Although the PeoplePlus offering is initially targeted at the 1 – 200 employee-sized company, we can service any sized company and have listed companies amongst our clients,” says De Villiers.
“Employers are seeing and likely will see more workplace militancy and difficulties than in the past, and that can pose a huge risk to a business’s cash flow and ultimately its survival. Not using a properly proven web-based HR and Payroll system opens up a business to IT risks and costs, not to mention risks of general non-compliance or potentially massive adverse awards against it at the CCMA and other legal forums,” concludes De Villiers.
Test the freemium model today:
Visit www.PeoplePlus.co.za, register using this Entrepreneur promotional code ZA-EAZ-WD-109-AE and access your freemium model.