It’s no surprise that law firms have started using cloud-based legal practice management software. After all, many industries are making the switch to cloud-based management… and for good reason, as these systems have a slew of business benefits.
According to Statista, 72% of law firms stated that they intended to significantly increase their cloud presence by 2020.
This article will explore the main reasons why legal organizations are making this move, highlighting the benefits your firm will enjoy by investing in cloud-based legal practice management software.
7 Reasons To Switch To A Cloud-based Legal Practice Management Software
1. Security Benefits
Data security is everything in this day and age. As such, legal software designers invest thousands of dollars in creating robust, reinforced security systems. Cloud-based legal software is even more secure than non-legal alternatives. In many ways, your firm’s confidential information is more secure on these systems than on traditional on-premise software.
Most of the latest security developments cater to or are specifically designed to protect information stored on the cloud. This means that investing in cloud-based legal practice management software will ensure that you can protect your information with the best and latest technology.
2. Software Updates
On-premises solutions require manual software updates and maintenance that can be a huge inconvenience and longer system downtime. This wastes time, sacrificing productivity for the duration of the updates. It also wastes money, as you have to pay your providers for each update.
On the other hand, cloud-based solutions are constantly updating software. Most updates happen automatically, with no additional costs or wasted time. That way, your management system’s performance, and functionality constantly improve without a fuss!
3. Remote Accessibility
Working from home is the new normal. Unfortunately, what many firms have realized is that you need a VPN to access an on-premise solution remotely. This complicates running your organization whilst everybody’s away from the office.
Remote access is far easier on cloud-based solutions. Anyone with the relevant security clearance can access and collaborate on files remotely, with no VPN. Most cloud-based systems also boast a mobile app, which makes remote access even simpler!
4. Improved Software Integration
Integrating multiple software stacks can be a frustrating task with traditional on-premises management solutions. Cloud-based management software designs support simple integration.
With on-premise software, the difficult process of integrating additional software solutions can be time-consuming and costly—if it’s even possible at all. However, cloud-based software providers build software that simplifies this process, allowing you to connect to other tools you already use (Microsoft Office 365, Google calendar, SharePoint, etc.).
5. Fewer IT Tickets
Many law-firm-based IT professionals have found themselves bogged down by small service requests within the firm. This can be a huge time and money-waster for your firm!
Cloud-based legal practice solutions usually have top-notch support services, with 24/7 live chat and phone support. That way, you can outsource any IT woes, and free up your in-house team for larger jobs, or forego an in-house team altogether!
6. Lower IT Costs
On-premise software solutions have a lot of costs to consider- installation, maintenance, and a team to run the solution. You also need to factor in VPN issues. When your practice management software is on-premise, you need virtual private networks (VPNs) to allow access to essential interfaces and documents.
With cloud-based software, lawyers can securely access the information and collaborate on cases from anywhere – no VPN required, just an internet connection and computer. And there’s a mobile app as well, so lawyers can check or add the necessary details on the go.
Investing in a cloud-based system outsources all the heavy IT-lifting to IT professionals in charge of maintaining your firm’s servers themselves. That way, you don’t have to pay costly maintenance fees; it’s all covered in the monthly service fee you pay to access the cloud-based system.
7. Scalability
Your firm needs room to grow, of course, but growth can be tough on your IT team when your firm relies on in-house solutions. Your team becomes responsible for purchasing and installing new servers, and running the system. They also have to make time to set up access points for new members and train them on the do’s-and-don’ts of using the software.
But with cloud-based systems, providers can handle your firm’s growth. You pay a subscription fee based on the size of your company, and the software company simply adjusts this as your numbers grow.
That way, firm growth doesn’t have to come with IT-related growing pains.
Final Thoughts
Trying something new can be stressful in the beginning. But staying up-to-date on technological trends is extremely important for staying relevant and offering competitive legal services.
Cloud-based legal practice management software is designed especially for the legal industry, targeting all the needs of legal firms, small law practices, and other legal organizations.
Impressed by the benefits listed above? Try out our software at Amberlo to test them out for your firm!
