Cloud Computing

Abstract

The incorporation of technology in all firms; medical, business, networking, and even law firms has become quite widespread these days because of the immense benefits it imparts to these respective firms. The implementation of cloud computing in all the firms, especially the law firms has brought a great revolution in terms of reduction of costs Cloud computing is counted as one of the most significant developments of information and communication technology (ICT). It works on a simple principle; “move the computer processing power and data from the workstation (fixed / mobile) to large data centers” (Rittinghouse, 2010). The major drivers of this revolution count in the reducing costs of storage and the ubiquity of broadband access. The rise of ergonomics (planning, designing and evaluation of systems, environments, organizations, products, jobs, and tasksfor the order of making them compatible with the requirements, capabilities, and constraints of indviduals) and usability of its online applications, is one of the most prominent and remarkable expressions of this development. Cloud computing, being appealing for the developers as well as users, depends on the financial model of pay-as-you-go, which means paying in accordance with its development and its distinct requirements. Also, this model is the standard in majority of the economical sectors. Cloud computing facilitates on demand and convenient access to hardware, applications and shared data through the internet. Cloud computing supports sophisticated virtualization, provisioning and automation. It is significantly different from the conventional models of information technology, for the fact that software and data is decoupled from the storage systems and servers lying behind it (Corrado, 2011). All these and other benefits offered by the Cloud Computing technology serve as grounds for the implementation of cloud computing in law firms as well like other firms.

Definition of the Problem5

Introduction to Cloud Computing6

Specific Uses of Cloud Computing7

Implementation of Cloud Computing in Law Firms8

Private cloud - better for law firms9

Why Cloud for Law Firms?9

The Drive behind These Changes11

Data Security11

A Need for Flexible, Cost-Effective Software Applications12

Data Overload and Discovery Costs12

Implementation of Cloud Computing in Various Processes in Law Firms13

Client Communications14

Messaging, Content and Thought Leadership14

Collaboration Platforms15

Partner Portals16

Client Management (Web and Outlook)16

Outsourcing17

Knowing the Desired Outcomes18

Knowing When to Connect with an Expert18

Minimizing Risk, Maximizing Opportunity19

Understanding the Risks21

Privileged user access21

Regulatory compliance21

Where is the data located?21

Shared environment22

In case of a disaster22

Investigating inappropriate or illegal activity22

Long-term viability22

Case Study - Attlesey | Storm, LLP23

Time, Billing and Invoicing23

Electronic Signatures24

Client and Case Management24

Document Management25

Virtual Law Office Services25

Project Management25

Online Document Storage and Backup26

Remote Access26

Recommendations26

Data Security26

Work from Anywhere27

Cost Efficient27

Other Business Related Benefits27

Conclusion28

References30

Cloud Computing

Definition of the Problem

This study is based on the need of implementing cloud computing and cloud based methods and processes in law firms, highlighting the key roles served by cloud computing in a law firm, as well as the various benefits imparted by this technology to the different operations and processes going on in a legal firm. The recent years have reinforced the idea that processing of information can be conducted more efficiently and in a more centralized manner on massive storage farms and computing systems that the ...