Outsourced Payroll Services - Plan Your Exit Strategy Before You Buy

When considering the various Outsourced Payroll Services, leaving the company you are currently considering is often the last thing on your mind. But buyer beware: this key feature could make accessing your past payroll data a breeze after you part ways, or a nightmare if you don't have it.
Not all Outsourced Payroll Services are created equal; while many features and functionality are similar in many payroll processing services, one feature to look for is one you won't miss until you opt to end your relationship with the payroll company: Virtual Web Hosting.

Many payroll outsourcing services providers give the client a product that uses an application which collects the data and processes payroll. The client connects to the application; within this application there are also other organizations which share this application to process payroll, which could cause connectivity issues, or worse, a security breach.

With Virtual Web Hosting, you are given a dedicated I.P. address to a virtual private server.This protects your company from any connectivity issues, but you also never need to fear a security breach because no other organizations are accessing this. No other company has access to this I. P. address.

Typically, when you terminate, most payroll companies keep all of your data and you will end up with excel reports, CD’s or worse, paper reports to look back to.

Outsourced payroll services that offer Virtual Web Hosting provide you with the ability to load the application on an internal server. You can then run reports, use the report writer, and even look at a payroll register based on the date range you choose…even though you are no longer in a partnership.

One potential downside to this feature is the added cost. National outsourced payroll services typically charge around $25 per month per user. You will have no additional charges if you do not have this feature available; however, many midsized clients feel the benefits of this outweigh the added cost You should do the math to determine whether this is a feature you will find cost-effective.

Thinking about your exit-stratgey may be the last thing on your mind as you consider the various outsourced payroll services available. But it may prevent some headaches when the honeymoon is over.

For more advice on choosing outsourced payroll services,
visit SavingsForDoctors
.

By Suzanne Gianattasio
Published: 9/14/2009
 
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