Michael Page tightens security for global IT project

Recruitment firm uses identity management software to support global IT revamp

Recruitment firm Michael Page is rolling out new IT systems globally

Recruitment firm Michael Page has implemented Microsoft's Forefront Identity Manager (FIM) software as part of a project to simplify and standardise the job of its recruitment consultants.

Microsoft Forefront Identity Manager is a solution that manages identities, credentials and identity-based access policies across Windows and heterogeneous environments.

It also automates many common identity management tasks.

“The drivers for integrating this tool include working towards better data, better business development and growth. As with any sales business – which is what recruiting essentially is – management of data is crucial,” said Winter.

He added that the recruitment firm wanted to know how it was performing with every client, in every country, every discipline and every individual.

“You need to have good information in your systems in order to do that,” said Winter.

"The current system was created 20 years ago and it has evolved over time, but this means that there are multiple entries of staff data, and all that data and means higher costs and poor management of information. That’s the problem that I was trying to solve.”

According to Winter, a potential data security problem in the recruitment industry occurs when consultants sometimes take details of candidates and employers with them when they leave or set up a new firm. FIM restricts access to this data for such consultants.

“Making sure there are controls on that data is a key security issue for us,” said Winter. “Having a standardised identity management system with good process controls on that is essential.”

He added that it made sense for Michael Page to use a Microsoft product because the company is a Microsoft user at its core; it uses Microsoft Exchange and the Windows operating system.

The move is part of a broader programme, called Gateway, which will replace every IT tool the consultants use.

“[Gateway will standardise] everything from business development tools to how staff contact, interview and fit candidates to roles – the whole front-office cycle of our business will be underpinned by new technology,” explained David Winter, chief technology officer at Michael Page.

As part of the IT revamp, Michael Page is standardising the job functions of its employees globally, so that it can map those to its IT systems and processes.

The Gateway suite will go live in Ireland in October 2010, before being rolled out across the rest of the 28 countries that it operates in. The company is currently conducting final tests on the system.