Cloud-based, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) computing has become more widely accepted by many law firms over the past two years. That recognition has received a huge jump-start as a result of the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown of so many offices. Cloud computing during the pandemic has grown enormously during the past few months, and is likely to continue its exponential growth as the pandemic lingers into the summer and fall.
Firms that have experienced the “access from anywhere” versatility that these computing platforms provide are not likely to return to the more traditional on-premise software approach when the pandemic finally subsides. More interestingly, many firms will choose to drastically scale back on office space, or even abandon rental office space entirely, once they become comfortable with remote access to all of their key business software. And this means there will no longer be a home for that server you use now.
There is a small learning curve, however, to understanding the full functionality of Cloud-based, Software-as-a-Service computing. Not everyone “gets it” immediately.
For instance, our friends at TimeSolv, a popular Cloud-based time billing application, report that they have received many calls during the first few weeks of the pandemic from customers who said they either needed to cancel their subscription because they weren’t in the office or wanted to know how they could install TimeSolv on another computer so they could access TimeSolv from home. It took some “graceful” reminding by TimeSolv support reps that, as long as the client had access to the Internet and a web browser, it didn’t matter what computer they were using.
The power and versatility of Cloud computing, Software-as-a-service, hosted applications, etc. has never been more apparent than in these times of office shutdowns and social isolation – but only if you understand how the technology you take for granted every day really works. And learn how to use it in a mobile world.
The “wave’ of Cloud-based Software-as-a-Service is growing and building momentum rapidly, fueled by the pandemic and the social upheaval of the past few months. Don’t get caught unawares and be overwhelmed by the rapid changes this can cause.
Related articles:
https://www.crosspointecg.com/2020/05/9-things-to-do-before-business-picks-back-up/
https://www.crosspointecg.com/2020/04/keeping-in-touch-with-clients-securely/
Need help understanding the Cloud and its many “flavors”? As software consultants with feet firmly planted in both Cloud-based and on-promise law office management applications we can help you navigate these tricky waters. Contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 877-357-0555 to ask for help.
Jack Schaller has been active in the field of law office technology since 1989, and has worked with a variety of commercial accounting, legal billing, practice management, and document management software products during his twenty plus years in the software consulting field. During his tenure as a software consultant he has garnered many sales and service awards for his work with legal software products. Jack is a frequent presenter at legal conferences and seminars, and is a regular contributor to TechnoLawyer and other technology publications.