Human resources management - or human capital management, to use the trendier term - was one of the first markets addressed by software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers, but for various reasons it never drew as much attention as SaaS customer relationship management (CRM). However, today SaaS HR offerings are growing in both number and sophistication, and the category is gaining more prominence. In a tough economy, and amid heightened competition, companies should examine these offerings for their potential to reduce costs and provide strategic advantage by improving workforce hiring, retention, performance and satisfaction.