Talking Points: Cloud Software Delivers Unprecedented Interoperability

Most law firm data and information is ‘siloed’.  What I mean by that is that most law firm software is not able to ‘talk’ to each other.  In other words, data cannot be effectively pushed into or out of systems.  This is most always true of premise-based systems.  But, it can also be the case with cloud-based softwares, which can be directly connected, but is often not linked by law firms. 



One of the best reasons to shift to cloud-based software (or, more cloud-based software) is that cloud systems, by means of a secure internet connection, can pass data back and forth.  That’s why, for example, law practice management software is so useful as a hub for law firm operations, because you can add and aggregate data from other systems into it, allowing you to select a client or matter and see, more or less, a complete rendering of the history of that case.  And, while that concept works particularly well in the construct of case management software, interoperability between cloud softwares works pretty well everywhere, every time. 

 

The question is which systems you want to connect (as many as possible), and what data flows from one to the other.  With existing software integrations built via an API, that is largely built for you.  Data points are set up, and push back and forth; shared features are carved out; operations are available in one system that affect the other.  Without an API-based integration built directly by two companies working together to achieve that, you can still connect cloud softwares, either by using a bridge tool, like Zapier, or by hiring a software development company to build you your own integration. 

 

Whether you use an existing integration, cobble one together via Zapier or build your own, the ability to connect cloud systems, and to effectively share data, adds significantly to your efficiency, which is increasingly important in a work from home world, and is probably the single most important factor related to law firm revenue. 

 

. . . 

 
Whether you’re just getting started with the cloud or maximizing its efficiency, we can help you to get the most out of your technology platform. 

Through a unique partnership between the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar and Jared Correia’s Red Cave Law Firm Consulting, Maine attorneys have access to experienced law practice management consultants at a special discounted rate. 

To get started, visit Red Cave’s landing page for Maine attorneys, and start running your law practice like a business.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Nice and Naughty List: How to Pick New Software

Image
Selecting new law firm software can be a daunting prospect .  There are so many options, that attorneys are often waylaid by a paralysis of analysis, and then don’t end up making any positive changes at all .  This is why a lot of law firms end up relying on old and obsolete technologies, rather than updating to modern tools .  Once again, inertia becomes the single worst enemy of law firms.   But, when lawyers do end up selecting specific softwares , they often do so in a hasty manner, just to ensure the painful process end s quickly .  In that case, the selected software is often not a good fit for the law firm, so that attorneys and staff end up wasting time building inefficient workarounds, that dress up the problem, and make the software just a little more palatable for the law firm ’ s use case.     Neither option is particularly compelling.     And, the truth of the matter is that the process of selecti ng the right software for a law firm is not an easy one , and it takes
Read more

Buried Treasure: What Software Features Are You Missing?

Image
What’s been great lately, is that lawyers are increasing their reliance on technology .  That means that law firms are adding efficiency, and revenue.     This is fantastic , absolutely .  But, there’s still more work to do.     That’s because lawyers may be overpaying for technolog y; and, it’s largely because they’re buying new stuff without looking harder at what they already have.   In fact , there are lots of instances where attorneys will purchase a new product without assessing whether they have that tool already included as a feature in another technology platform .  This often happens with productivity software and law practice management software .  The former can include tools like video conferencing and internal chat as product features (meaning you don’t have to pay any more money to use them); and, the latter can include tools like e signature and epayment as product features .  In some cases, and depending on a user’s subscription level, there may limitatio
Read more

Arrested Development: What Do Modern Law Firm Associates Want, Anyway?

Image
There’s a lot in flux around the legal industry of late .  Work roles, places and preferences seem to be changing constantly .  Yet, law firms continue to require associates to move business forward.     Managing partners often think, in these instances, about what the law firm needs .  But, even if in an employer’s market, it pays to consider what your associates ( and potential associates ) actually do want – especially if you want those associates to stick around for a while, along with all the capital you’ve invested in them.   One of the major challenges of hiring is that those doing the hiring are often a generation (or more) removed from those they are hiring .  There’s lots of barriers there to begin with; and , most of those hiring partners are not going to take the time to learn more about candidate preferences.     So, let’s do a quick crash course on what millennial ( and younger ) employees want out of an associate position:     Flexibility. Especially with the m
Read more