Cloud computing is an effective way for your law firm or chambers to reduce cost, improve collaboration and provide 24/7 access to software that adheres to the highest data security standards.
The rise of cloud computing has seen many firms shift their on-premise model to the cloud in a bid to drive efficiency gains and seek a competitive advantage. Cloud computing simply delivers scalable, on-demand resources on a pay-as-you-go basis through the use of the internet rather than using traditional, less flexible on-premise solutions to run and manage applications. This means no significant infrastructure cost and no drawdown on hard drive storage, as your data and software are all stored in the cloud and not locally on a computer. This allows cloud software like HyperLaw to be accessible anywhere at any time and not be restricted to a single device.
Many ways in which we interact in today’s world is driven by technology. Technology is constantly redefining the way we do business, the way we interact with our customers and there is no business that hasn’t benefited from the use of the internet
How does cloud computing help your law firm or chambers?
Here are some of the core benefits of moving to the cloud:
Improved Security
Cloud-based solutions offer best-in-class security measures for when it comes to protecting your data, helping you to maintain the reputation of your firm. From the onboarding of a client to case completion, law firms and chambers process vast amounts of confidential information and need robust software solutions to support their everyday requirements. You have to have complete trust and confidence in the cloud-based supplier that you choose, whether it’s cloud-based software for payroll, document storage or emails – you need complete assurance that your data is protected at all times.
Data Encryption
One of the most secure and popular security methods that cloud-based providers use to guard your data is through the use of encryption. You will often see providers apply AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard your data in transit and at rest, which should be a must-have on your list of requirements if you are shopping around for new cloud-based software.
Data Storage
The security built-in to cloud-based solutions is remarkable. Leading cloud-based providers like Microsoft Azure, for instance, store all customer data in their state-of-the-art data centres with industry-leading security measures in place to protect it. You can be assured that your data will be secured to the highest standard possible.
Access Controls
Upon signing up to cloud-based software, you are normally asked to state a preferred username and password to access the service. Without realising it, this acts as a fundamental layer of security, as without the correct username and password you cannot access the service and of course the data.
Two-Factor Authentication
A strong password is always a necessity if you want to keep your data safe, and using a different password per application is recommended. However, strong a password is only ever a single layer of security between you (or someone else) and your data. Two-Factor Authentication, often abbreviated to 2FA, allows you to add another step to the login process where an application sends a code to a registered device and must be entered into the application to authenticate. Two-Factor authentication is, as standard, available in HyperLaw.
Automated Backups
Regular and automatic backups are engrained in cloud-based software on the market today, meaning you don’t have to waste time manually backing up data to physical servers which takes up space and adds significant cost to your business.
Lower Costs
Working in the cloud drastically cuts investment in new hardware and upgrades, constant electricity for power and cooling equipment for your IT infrastructure to run smoothly. The cloud delivers a compelling business case, given you immediately save on the cost of buying, maintaining and storing your IT equipment.
Scalability
Modern businesses demand the flexibility and agility of cloud-based solutions, as opposed to fixed on-premise solutions. You can grow quickly with cloud-based technologies, as on-demand cloud scalability allows you instantly scale up resources and pay for only what is used, without experiencing any intensive or costly manual processes. An on-premise solution will inevitably have a limit, at which point it will require replacing and is always running at 100% even when demand is low.
Accessible 24/7
Cloud software is accessible anywhere, anytime. All you need is access to a computer, an internet connection and away you go. Take for instance HyperLaw, being cloud-based means our customers have constant access to their data, can access it wherever they are in the world and can obtain a reliable uptime of 99.9%.
Automatic Updates
Access automatic updates without intervening and without any cost to your business. You and your firm are always working with the most up-to-date version of the technology, including new and updated features when they are released. Compare this to on-premise software which requires everyone to physically download the latest version and run an admin task of checking no one has encountered any issues during installing the updated version, it saves time and makes the whole process easier.
Product Support
Most cloud-based solutions usually provide you with on-going product support over the phone, by email, by live chat or from an array of online support materials. It’s important you do your research and make sure your chosen cloud-based solution offers everything you need from a support perspective. Readily available support is a significant benefit to your firm, as it frees up valuable time for your IT team and allows them to focus on commercially important work, rather than fixing minor technical issues that can be resolved externally without any expense or time invested internally.
To learn about the benefits of moving to the cloud, read Microsoft Azure’s top reasons for choosing cloud computing.
Fully adopting the cloud
We’ve talked about moving your process and workflow to the cloud by using software such as HyperLaw, but there is much more you can choose to do in improving the efficiency and security of your law firm or chambers.
When transitioning to the cloud, you may require expert assistance to guide you through the process. In the legal sector, Sprout IT are specialists for when it comes to handling your IT requirements and offer a wide range of services which include setting up, managing and supporting your cloud infrastructure 24 hours, 7 days a week. Sometimes we need assistance when implementing new technologies so that we can maximise the return on investment.
Just imagine the impact of losing or damaging a laptop can have on your work, it leads to delays, data loss, expenses and even data breaches. Thankfully, cloud solutions reduce these risks, giving you complete peace of mind knowing your data is safe and secure.
How do I find out more?
You can contact us via one of the following options to discuss how HyperLaw can help your law firm or chambers with paperless case preparation in the cloud:
- Sign up to a free demo to see how you can take case preparation beyond PDF editing
- Call us to speak to a friendly member of the HyperLaw team on 01785 241 492
