ITspace: It’s a pleasure to have you with us! What kind of innovative technologies do you use at JobStreet.com for online recruitment?

AlbertWong: We are currently looking at technologies such as components for multi-tier distributed systems, specifically COM+ and XML for data exchange and integration.

Sunil: Mr. Albert, what do you feel about the future of IT?

AlbertWong: One problem with the Internet is that international bandwidth is still problematic at times. We need to build systems which can be located close to them and also be integrated. Distribution and data exchanges are important aspects for the future of IT.

Squareonthehypotenus: Does the ASP model that you seem to be propagating work well in an environment like India?

AlbertWong: Right now, it’s more limited to larger companies who have the bandwidth/infrastructure. However, these are our target customers anyway, so it works well for us.

Anita: Dr. Wong, what is your view on the US economic slowdown?

AlbertWong: I think it looks quite serious, worse than the 1997 Asian recession. The thing is that the Asian economy depends so much on the US economy, hence it is quite a challenge for us. But with the interest rates being cut so much, we hope to see a rebound by next year. But it’s a good time to build a strong business base.

Tintin: Has JobStreet started operations in Mainland China? What do you think of China as a market?

AlbertWong: We have a person who is spending a lot of time in China setting up some partnerships and doing a market survey. At this current point, the market is still not there as Internet usage is still limited. We will try to concentrate on niche markets where we can bring people in or out of China for now.

Guest0: Will big corporates entrust their data to an ASP in future?

AlbertWong: Trust is always a big issue when it comes to confidential data. I think it all depends on an individual company that is providing the ASP and the relationship or reputation. People also worry about the support that an ASP service provider gives, etc. Fortunately recruitment data is not as confidential as payroll or financial data and we have been in the business long enough and because of the kind of reputation we have, people do trust us with storing their recruitment data. But we do have examples in US where confidential data handling are outsourced, e.g., payroll handling. As I say, it will depend on the reputation the ASP provider has built.

Christine:< When talking about the technology related to jobsites, how does JobStreet.com’s technology come across as user friendly?

AlbertWong: Recruitment is a very good business model suited to the Internet, so we think career sites will do well. Now, which one does well depends on their execution. If we can guarantee that a large portion of jobseekers get jobs on our site and employers get hires, that will be enough as recruitment spending is in the billions. How to do it well is the question.

Tintin: Mr. Wong, considering the fact that jobs portals have suddenly made a killing out of ad revenues thanks to the slowdown and the number of people hitting job sites, do you think it will be easier for jobs portals to attract investments and hasten the process of breaking even?

AlbertWong:< Yes, in general job sites are less immune to a slowdown, as even in slow downs people needs jobs more. As to whether it hastens the break-even process, job sites normally get most revenue from "jobs", so revenue will also decrease. But it’s a good time to build a strong business base as there will be less competitors out there and hence the strong will usually get stronger - and attract investments.

VG: Hello, Albert. I understand that JobStreet is in e-Recruitment space. SiVA I understand is the best tool for recruiters and it has won the best software award. Is SiVA a customized solution?

AlbertWong: We have a basic SiVA, which is not customized and is available for all of our customers. For some customers, we do customize it to fit their requirement or recruitment process. Generally, these are larger customers where we provide a more complete solution including powering their career sites

Darrell: How far has e-Recruiting made inroads in India?

AlbertWong: We still have a ways to go and hence lots of opportunities :-)

P00: Dr. Wong, could you please give me an overview of the technology involved in e-Recruitment?

AlbertWong: Actually, the concepts are quite simple. Capture profile of jobs and job seekers. Try to match them up so the right job is matched with the right person. And because there are so many people applying to jobs, provide ways to manage and track the applications and to rank them so recruiters do not have to spend a lot of time on finding the right candidates. So technology used includes database management, matching and evaluation algorithms, skill classifications, and of course good user interface for people to enter and get to the resumes.

Tintin: How important is (it) for jobs portals to have offline support?

AlbertWong: It’s very important, as a lot of customers are still not that comfortable with the Internet and with the concept of self-service online.

P00: As an HR manager how will I be able to use the solutions from JobStreet.com to the best of my advantage, despite the fact that I am not too technology oriented.

AlbertWong: No, you do not need to understand what is an ASP in detail. Actually, all you need is a browser and an Internet connection. You also don't need to install any software, etc. You just need to contact our Indian office, and we can set you up with an account. And if you are familiar with web applications, I think it should not be a problem. Our service people will be there to help if needed.

Deepak-D: Hi! I have been using your software and I am very impressed by it. My question to you is, is there a possibility of having virtual interviews as a next add on to your current module.

AlbertWong: Yes, there is a possibility but are we ready for it? I think the answer is “no” at this point, as the bandwidth is still not sufficient nor technology is simple enough. For example, I had a hard time getting connected today because my browser might not be compatible.

OnStreetlOOking4JOB: Dear Dr. Wong, with the downsizing trend happening at the moment, what are the chances of a fresher getting a job in the IT industry?

AlbertWong: IT industry is definitely still a growth industry. If you have the right skill sets, the chances are definitely still good for finding a position. Maybe it will take longer than before or there may not be positions in certain companies. But that will turn around soon, too.

ITspace: It has been great talking to you! Any message that you will like to leave for our participants this evening?

AlbertWong: It’s been nice talking to you all. Thanks, ITspace, for the opportunity. Wish you all the best! :)