Law Firms Digital Transformation Solutions
Research shows that a vast majority of organizations have embraced cloud technology. Nine out of ten companies will soon have part or all of their applications in cloud-based storage solutions. This is not surprising, as the benefits of using the cloud are evident, including reduced costs of operation, rapid deployment, and ease of scalability. Cloud solutions also enhance productivity by reducing the burden on internal IT teams.
However, the legal industry seems to be a little reluctant about cloud solutions. Some law firms have concerns about the level of security in the cloud and fear that it could expose their client’s confidential information to the internet. This explains their preference for server-based applications and on-premise servers.
Besides, many practice management and various software packages require a server. Traditionally, the requirement has been for in-site servers, which makes the adoption of the cloud daunting. However, this is not to say that on-premise servers are more secure than hosted services.
As companies undergo digital transformation, customary solutions are no longer enough. Security concerns should not keep law firms from enjoying the many benefits that come with cloud-based solutions.
Reasons for Law Firms to Move to The Cloud
Law firms manage their clients’ cases, documents, employees, and court cases. They also manage their business operations and administrative tasks. All this put together is a lot of work to manage, especially as a firm grows. Within all that, cloud technology solutions can provide a competitive edge for the following reasons:
Reduced Costs
Cloud-based technology solutions help to cut down the cost of operation by an average of 30%. Many of these savings come from not having to set up on-premise hardware and internal servers. With cloud technology, firms don’t have to meet the costs of long-term contracts or invest in any hardware. Instead, they can use the technology they already have, like smartphones, laptops, or tablets to start using cloud solutions.
Ease of Scalability
Businesses must use technology solutions that they can scale fast enough in today’s fast-changing markets. Unfortunately, traditional IT systems place a limit on companies based on the physical assets on-site. For example, physical assets can run out of space, making it necessary to buy and install more. This solution can be time-consuming and costly.
On the contrary, the cloud is unlimited in storage space, and firms can always call upon more server resources when needed. As business changes, cloud servers can scale up or down, providing genuine flexibility for safe and controlled IT growth.
Mobility
Access to applications, data, and tools at any time and from anywhere, is crucial for the smooth flow of business. Cloud technology makes it possible to synchronize data on multiple devices like tablets, computers, and phones for ease of access. It also makes it possible for teams to work together in real-time, regardless of whether they are in a shared location or not.
Improved Security and Controlled Access
Law firms can get the benefit of superior protection against network attacks when using cloud-based solutions. They also can work with professional, committed, and experienced security teams for:
- More efficient compliance analysis,
- Meaningful investments in security frameworks
- Low-cost data storage and recovery solutions
- Real-time threat detection
- Around-the-clock monitoring of their systems
Regarding data access, cloud storage provides physical separation of data from employees, vendors, and visitors. Everyone must have specific access permission. This makes it hard for unauthorized people to stumble upon information and misuse it because they lack access permissions.
Data protection is all about reducing the chances of a breach. This is why moving it to the cloud is crucial, as monitoring and control of access are easy. Besides, cloud storage also minimizes the level of human risk and shows lines of accountability if a problem arises.
Less Susceptibility to Data Loss
Disasters that lead to data loss come in many forms, including cyberattacks and system failure. With a traditional IT system, the liability for disaster prevention lies on the in-house IT team and the limited resources available. This puts firms that rely on traditional IT infrastructure at more significant risk of data loss. If the on-site systems are destroyed in a disaster, the whole IT system goes down.
Cloud storage changes the landscape by automatically backing everything up in regular intervals. As such, the potential for data loss is small. Furthermore, data backup and restoration via the cloud can be initiated from anywhere, even if the physical IT systems are destroyed.
Make Use of Data Analytics
Another reason law firms should use cloud-based solutions is to focus more on data analytics. These are crucial details that facilitate visibility into metrics like client success rates and the areas the firm needs to improve its efficiency. A firm that creates a myriad of documents can benefit from a cloud-based document management system. It can quickly track the usage of files while allowing for the efficient retrieval of information to establish where processes need to be automated.
How to Get Started with Cloud-Based Solutions
If cloud computing sounds like a viable solution for your law firm, why not get started with the transition? The best starting point is to consider three crucial things:
- Your law firm’s business needs
- The needs of your clients
- The kind of cloud service provider that can address both needs
When thinking about your business needs, consider that cloud computing may not be the solution to all your law firm’s needs. However, a big part of the picture is accounts software and integrated practice management. These two will form a basis for you to choose the best solution, which should be more efficient and functional than what you currently have.
Your clients are crucial to your business, and it is their data that you will store in the cloud. Clients expect their information to be secure and safe in storage systems, which should be GDPR-compliant. Secondly, since you’re in control of their data, you need to determine that all security measures conform to GDPR data transfer requirements.
In choosing a cloud service provider, look for one that has been in operation for some time and has the experience to handle cloud-based services. Choose a specialist in cloud solutions as opposed to a generalist. At MainStreet IT Solutions, that’s who we are. We specialize in providing reliable cloud solutions to our clients, and we can do the same for you. Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can help you leverage cloud-based technology for enhanced efficiency.
