The cloud revolution has taken over legal technology, wiping out on-premise legal software and replacing it with more cost efficient, convenient, and innovative options. From solo practices to big firms, many lawyers have recognized the value of cloud-based software. Those who haven’t are still dealing with the inefficiencies and headaches of antiquated software systems, resulting in lost time and lost revenue.
The cloud is the wave of the legal tech future and here’s why:
1. Security
With more and more attorneys working away from their physical offices, the risk of stolen data is at an all-time high. Laptops get stolen or left somewhere or lost. When this happens, all of the files stored on the computer can become available to whomever comes into possession of it. You could lose valuable firm information, along with sensitive client data.
Cloud-based software provides your firm with an elevated level of security. With the cloud, your data is stored on remote servers managed and maintained by the service provider. These professionals work hard to keep their servers secure from physical and cyber-related attacks. Many of them employ security experts who spend their days identifying potential threats and implementing measures to prevent attacks.
Because your data is stored in the cloud, it remains safe regardless of what happens to your computer. If your laptop does get lost or stolen, a cloud-based system even allows you to remotely wipe data from it before any sensitive information lands in the wrong hands.
Cloud technology is also much more secure than traditional software that requires an on-site server. These servers can be vulnerable to physical breaches within the office, as well as cyber breaches. They can also break down quite often, leaving your staff members without the tools they need to keep the practice running.
With the cloud, you don’t have to worry about the vulnerabilities of these on-site systems. You can rest assured that your data is being maintained within a safe, and highly available system.
2. Mobility
Cloud-based software is designed to handle the mobility of today’s legal professional. Whether you need to access a law firm system while eating at your favorite lunch spot, or you need access to a client file during an out-of-office settlement meeting, cloud software allows you to retrieve the data you need when and where you need it.
Even if you are using a borrowed or public computer, you can access your files quickly and securely by entering the right credentials into the cloud network. The experience you have in the office is the same as what you experience when logging into the system remotely.
This accessibility translates into convenience for all members of your firm. Some cloud-based legal software, like the TImeSolv legal billing system, offers mobile applications, allowing your staff to access their systems from their smart phones or other devices. Your staff members can easily and conveniently access the app to remotely track their time as they complete tasks.
3. Cost Savings
Most cloud-based systems offer cost structures that are much more affordable than traditional systems. Instead of paying for an expensive on-premise server, firms essentially “rent” space on the service provider’s cloud system. Most of these services are offered on a subscription basis, where you pay a set fee each month.
There are no maintenance and repair costs because you leave all of that up to the service provider. They handle software updates and take care of costly repairs when issues arise.
4. Reliability
Cloud service providers work hard to ensure that their systems are highly available to your firm when you need to access them. They handle regular software and security updates remotely, so you don’t have to worry about taking time and resources away from your practice to handle these tasks onsite. This level of reliability means that you and your staff can focus on the things that matter instead of wasting time maintaining your on-site systems.
TimeSolv uses the latest and greatest, state-of-the-art agile development environment to provide law firm clients with virtually 100% uptime. They understand how important your data is to your practice, so they work hard to make sure their service is reliable, and your data is available.
5. Disaster Recovery
Every law firm should have a recovery plan in place in case disaster strikes. Whether your practice is affected by a natural disaster or an accidental event, you need a plan in place that allows you to get up and running as quickly as possible, so you can continue meeting your legal service responsibilities.
Cloud-based systems should be a part of any law firm’s disaster recovery program. With this software, your files are stored remotely, safe from any physical disasters that may occur. So, when problems arise, you can still access the data you need to keep your practice going and your clients satisfied with your services.
6. Legal Project Management
Project management has long been a part of professions like engineering and information technology. In recent years, law firm leaders have begun recognizing the value of project management and implementing it into their practices.
Cloud-based technology makes legal project management much more doable for you and your firm. With it, staff members can access, edit and share documents anytime, from anywhere. It gives them the tools to work together more efficiently, allowing for file sharing, real time updates, and full collaboration.
7. Document control
Back in the days before cloud technology, data sharing meant sending physical files or email attachments back and forth to be worked on by one staff member at a time. It’s no wonder that law firms often ended up with messy files, filled with conflicting content, inconsistent formats, and outdated file versions.
Cloud based systems provide your law firm with real document control. All files are stored centrally, so all authorized users have access to the same files in real time. This results in improved collaborations, better work environments and a healthier productivity.
The cloud is wiping out on-premise legal software and there are real reasons why that’s happening. If your law firm is still relying on old on-premise software, it’s time for an upgrade to the cloud. To learn more about TimeSolv’s cloud-based legal billing system, click here for a free, no-obligation trial.
