Diligent research, careful crafting of arguments and documents, and persuasive advocacy on behalf of a client are all core elements of the practice of law. But most attorneys will admit that they spend a frustrating portion of their working hours away from those duties, focused instead on the mundane but necessary business and clerical responsibilities of a working law practice. To handle these responsibilities, attorneys turn to specialized software developed for the legal industry, including software for case or practice management, time and billing, document assembly, and trial presentation.
Most legal software follows the traditional software model: attorneys purchase the software by license (individually or in bulk) and install it onto their computers via disk or download. Data created and used by the software is stored on the user's computer and often backed up to the firm's central file server. Minor updates and security patches are applied occasionally, but for the most part the software's functionality remains static. Every few years the developer will release a major revision to the software which requires a new license -- sometimes available at a reduced "upgrade" price point for existing customers.
In recent years, a new software model has emerged: Software as a Service (or "SaaS"). SaaS is distinguished from traditional software in several ways. Rather than installing the software to your computer or the firm's server, SaaS is accessed via a web browser (like Internet Explorer or FireFox) over the Internet. Data is stored in the vendor's data center rather than on the firm's computers. Upgrades and updates, both major and minor, are rolled out continuously. And perhaps most importantly, SaaS is usually sold on a subscription model, meaning that users pay a monthly fee rather than purchasing a license up front.
Is a legal SaaS solution right for you firm? Here are some of the factors you should consider when evaluating SaaS, and some specific questions you should ask SaaS vendors before signing up.
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