Peering Beyond the Cloud

Over the past decade, cloud-based technology has rapidly increased in popularity and become an indispensable feature of the modern legal industry. Cloud-based SaaS (software as a service) solutions are the new standard in terms of how law firms evaluate, select, and ultimately access software; most applications that firms rely on for their daily operations either currently operate in the cloud or are planning to do so in the future.

While cloud-based software and SaaS are related and often used interchangeably, it is important to distinguish between the two. Cloud-based software, put in the simplest terms, is software that is hosted on the internet and remotely accessible. SaaS is the method by which software is packaged, sold, and serviced by vendors, removing the burden on firms of managing an on-prem solution. While distinctive components, cloud-based access and subscription payment models are not the only components of a SaaS solution. In fact, the service component of SaaS is the main factor driving rapid adoption.

For law firms, the benefits of service offerings delivered through SaaS solutions include the following:

#1: Infrastructure Management

With secure cloud hosting, the vendor is responsible for time and resource-intensive activities required to manage infrastructure, technical issues, and maintenance. This ensures that your team always has access to a secure, updated solution and allows the IT team to focus on other areas, translating to added strategic value for the firm.

#2: Secure Client Data

An abundance of sensitive client data makes law firms of all sizes and practice areas lucrative targets for cybercriminals. By adopting a SaaS solution that offers enhanced cybersecurity, firms can avoid the expensive and arduous task of continually monitoring and responding to security threats in a rapidly evolving risk environment. Many SaaS vendors utilize cloud-hosting providers like Amazon Web Services, a known leader in data protection, to provide reassurance that client data is maintained in accordance with the most rigorous and current security standards.

#3: Minimized Downtime

When a firm manages their solutions in-house, the IT department often struggles to balance the necessity of software updates with the inconvenience of coordinating downtime across the firm. When attorneys are unable to access software necessary for daily operations, the firm risks a loss of billable hours. When using a true SaaS solution, the vendor ensures that software is available without interruption and that users have access to the most recent version without unplanned and lengthy downtime.

#4: Performance

Firms require infrastructure that can be scaled to meet the evolving needs of their users. SaaS solutions can offer consistent load tracking to ensure optimal performance. The vendor can make appropriate adjustments based on their continual monitoring to ensure that the system is meeting the firm’s needs without requiring any attention from the firm itself. SaaS solutions allow your firm to focus on client matters rather than technical ones.

While cloud-based software brings convenience to users, a true SaaS model focuses on managing the service demands of software solutions and enables your firm to focus resources on high-value tasks while enjoying the confidence that your software is reliable, and your data is secure.

Are you looking to implement a SaaS practice management solution? Get in touch with us to learn more about how Expert Sierra can support your goals.