As the business world is getting more competitive, it is important to keep abreast of trends in technology in order to stay on top.
Cloud computing has been a game changer for many businesses in recent years. In fact, just over 50% of UK businesses say shifting to a cloud-based business model saved their company from collapsing during the Covid-19 pandemic. As restrictions ease with regards to remote working, interestingly many businesses are moving away from the strictly traditional work model to one that allows more flexibility and diversity. Cloud computing can be used to improve efficiencies and productivity for organisations across many businesses, including the legal sector. Let’s explore how your law business can benefit from cloud computing.
Cloud computing explained
Essentially, cloud computing is accessing IT computing resources, such as servers, storage, networking, software, and databases, via the internet. Rather than investing in IT infrastructure like servers, storage, hardware, or networking, it can all be accessed online.
Cloud computing is a great option for businesses and individuals who want to save on storage, maintain data, and keep it safe. Cloud services also scale up or down as needed with no loss in performance.
Cloud computing for law firms
With cloud-based computing, law firms are transforming the way they operate. With flexible and agile solutions, there is no need to invest in hardware and software that is costly to purchase and maintain, as well as finding space for storing paper documents and legal resources.
Accessibility
Cloud storage offers a reliable and secure way to store your data, which you can access from anywhere in the world. Lawyers can need to work from various different sites, so having access to their files from different locations makes it much more convenient. With cloud computing, the location of any data that you need is always available and there is no need to worry about hardware breakdowns.
Collaboration enabled
Cloud computing enables legal practises to share documents and collaborate on client data in real time. Cloud-based Microsoft 365 has a suite of productivity and collaboration tools with a familiar interface (think Word, PowerPoint, Excel), making it simple to edit documents and keep the team up to date on client files and cases. Legal practice management can generate invoices and reports with web-based software that is easily accessible to clients and stakeholders. Communication tools such as Microsoft Teams allows legal staff to conference with colleagues or clients even when not in the same location.
Cloud data storage and management
Law firms can generate a huge amount of data, which needs storing securely. This can mean physical space is at a premium or needs to be hired separately to law offices. Access to data on the cloud is not only far more efficient and cost-effective, it allows transparency so those with access rights can find information quickly. Cloud data storage and management removes the need for expensive archiving systems.
Stay secure
Using cloud computing increases security for both data and devices, as well as being able to provide a solution for disaster backup and recovery, in the even of a disruption, natural disaster, or cyber threat. These can all put business data at risk of being lost, which is why it’s important to ensure data backups are automatic in real-time on multiple services. This will prevent sensitive and critical information being lost in the event of a serious disruption.
Data privacy legislation should be considered when choosing a cloud service provider. It is vital to keep client data secure, ensure data regulations are not being breached. An IT security specialist familiar with legal cloud computing regulations and compliance can ensure no mistakes are made in this area.
Time and cost efficiencies
Cloud computing save in IT administration costs and reduces the need for extensive office space, which can be of huge value to law firms. Integration with mobile devices and apps means business continuity is upheld, no matter where employees are working day to day.
Businesses that use cloud technology can add on more advanced tools, such as machine learning and big data analytics, when needed, for example if a law firm is scaling up caseload or taking on new partners.
Cloud computing has many advantages, because it can save your firm money on expensive investments in hardware, office space, storage etc. All you need to do is pay for what you use on a subscription basis.
Cloud computing has become a popular and efficient solution for law firms and other businesses. With so many advantages like improved efficiency and productivity, it may be time to consider the benefits of this technology for your business.
If you are considering cloud computing for your law firm, speak with the cloud experts at Network IQ today and leverage your investment in cloud technology.