No, I’m not holding up a sign, and talking about the end times. I am, however, addressing software versions. Even now, I regularly run across law firms that operate different versions of local applications. So, maybe three different vintages of Adobe Acrobat, with different settings and different costs, all ostensibly meant to do the same thing: manage PDFs. Now, you might be thinking to yourself, ‘Hey, I have, like, seven different versions of Adobe Acrobat – it’s all good in the hood!’ However, running that many different versions of a software can be problematic, for a variety of reasons.
For one, thing it’s more difficult to train/update employees and troubleshoot existing issues. Internally, someone trying to a question about how to use a program may be flummoxed by the fact that their process (built in one version) may not work for the questioner (who may be using another version). That issue can also be exacerbated when clients deal with multiple staffpersons, who themselves are attached to different systems. From a budget management perspective, your replacement table may be all over the board (meaning you won’t effectuate it — because it’s harder to do), and the different payment requirements for different versions means that it will be impossible for you to flatten your cost allocations. Law firms are also historically bad at updating local software applications. Not only does that mean that your systems won’t be working as effectively as they could be, it could also leave you exposed to viruses and nefarious data hacks.
Neither is this problem localized to non-cloud-based technology infrastructures. There are plenty of law firms running different desktop versions of cloud-based software that they also utilize. For example, there are a lot of law firms that use Office 365, along with other version of Office, all the way down to Office on XP — which is a dangerous thing to do.
This is all so much easier with cloud-based software. Let the developers worry about the versions. All you need to know is that, since the software is cloud-based, your version is always the latest version. Everyone is working with the same tools, in the same way. Clients are exposed to the same features. Your payment schedule is synchronized and predictable.
Now, that’s a version of events you can stick to.
. . .
Liner Notes
The Eagles are alright; but, if you’re really talking about the evolution of the pop country sound, Poco is where it’s at. They’re one of the most underrated bands of all-time, led by one of the most underrated band leaders of all-time: Richie Furay, who is less than famous.
Here’s a smattering:
Man, that is SO good.
Know that I do celebrate Poco’s entire catalogue, and could go on — even though I won’t.
]]>Other times, not so much: The Tacoma Narrows Bridge was, um, rather shaky.
Lawyers love to tinker. Especially solo and small firm lawyers, whose businesses are so completely in their own hands. If they can’t find a system that works for them, they build one. I once met a lawyer who kept a 40-year-old computer in a closet in his office, and that’s how he managed his practice. He kept it up and running, like an old Dodge.
For a long time, it was hard to find useful software that was built for lawyers. So, lawyers jury-rigged their own. Even now, attorneys are still comfortable working with what they have. Many use productivity software for case management. If they can’t find a better way to store emails, they’ll PDF them and save them to their desktop. I mean, any database can be replaced by a spreadsheet, amiright?
I certainly understand how the mindset developed. If a professional is unable to find what he needs on the market, he creates his own solution.
But, the times they have a-changed.
Over the last decade the ramp-up on legal technology has been absolutely phenomenal, to the point where we are talking about artificial intelligence. At this point, the point is that lawyers no longer have to create what they need, because it already exists. Case management systems can deliver the majority of basic functionality that law firms require. Document automation tools are sprouting in a field where professionals have trafficked in documents for years. Even CRM tools are being developed for the legal market. And, there’s no end in sight; not only is development continuing apace, but venture capital funding continues to pour into the legal sector. Once a factor in choosing to build, rather than rent, buy-in on cloud-based products, charged on a monthly subscription basis, has made high-level software cost-effective for solo and small firms.
So, if you’re trying to cobble together your own technology solutions, stop wasting your time.
Get online, and find some information about what’s out there. And, if you get overwhelmed or can’t decide, a consultant can help you to make the right choice.
. . .
Liner Notes
‘If I Were a Carpenter’ by Bobby Darin
This is my all-time favorite version of this song. Though, I also like what Johnny and June do with it.
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