In the past, the servers of law firms were the primary way to store documents. This setup was expensive, requiring them to invest in software, hardware security solutions, as well as data backup systems. It also meant they had to dedicate area in the office to the server room.
The good news is that today there are a myriad of alternatives to the traditional server-based method. Cloud computing has given lawyers more options to collaborate with clients and work remotely than ever before.
Cloud storage is generally cheaper and easier to manage compared to physical files on servers located on premises or in file cabinets. While a physical server system requires an IT specialist to manage software updates, security patches, and other technical issues, a cloud-based system is managed by the service provider on a pay as you go basis.
Moreover, the best cloud-based solutions for law firms provide simple and easy tools for document collaboration. Multiple users can post comments on the same document from multiple locations, and simultaneously, removing the need to manually edit files. This improves the speed of the process and improves the quality of legal representation.
Some law firms are reluctant to implement cloud technology because of misconceptions regarding the security of cloud-based services. However, advances in cybersecurity have made cloud services important link generally safer than servers on-site. Cloud providers offer a myriad of benefits to law firms, which can aid in reducing costs.
