Best of breed.
Seamless.
Integrated suite.

The first phrase used to pertain only to cat and dog shows! Now youre more likely to hear it when a software vendor does their dog and pony show. The second word sounds better describing a pair of slacks than a computing process. And phrase number three works best when it describes having one room in a hotel for you and your partner and an adjoining room for the kids.

Unfortunately, these buzzwords are here to stay. But they bring up practical questions as well. How do you evaluate the most effective integrated talent management platform? Whats the difference between native integration and less direct forms of integration? Native integration and true platform interoperability certainly have production performance, reliability, and upgrade advantages. This is especially important when it comes to the more technically demanding operating environment of on demand software as a service. We believe that long term value comes from investing in what you believe is the best platform.

For an amusing perspective that rings of truth in the buyer beware department, read Bill Kutiks column in Human Resources Executive Online titled A Cynic’s Six Steps to Application Integration. He will take you on a tour of some of the less direct forms of integration.