Software as a Service (SaaS) may not be a mainstream term to many non-technical computer users, but it is growing in popularity and is very much a legitimate alternative to enterprise software offerings. When solo and mid-sized law offices and professional practices utilize SaaS solutions, they quickly find themselves on an even playing field with their large company competitors that have huge IT budgets.
Although SaaS has been around for some time now, many small firms are slow to take advantage of this technology. One reason may be that they are comfortable in their current work routines, or they simply don’t understand the benefits of using SaaS. Here are just a few advantages of using SaaS.
Remote Access & Client Extranet
With gas prices steadily on the rise, people are opting to work from home more often. Many solo firms already operate primarily from their home offices and/or work with various partners and paralegals who work from different locations. Centralized servers are too expense to own and maintain for smaller firms. Yet, SaaS solutions such as the ConXPoint Business Center are an affordable alternative because it provides secure remote access to a collaborative workspace, a document library, and even integrates web conferencing to collaborate in real time.
The Business Center security settings also enable you to provide your clients remote access to their case-specific documentation, without seeing any other document in your library. A client extranet becomes another way to increase client satisfaction. Put yourself in your client’s shoes. If you don’t want to burn up gas fighting traffic just to meet and review and sign paperwork, nor do your clients.
As the “lawyer for lawyers,” Ben Cowgill, puts it,
“Why should a lawyer for lawyers have an extranet for his clients? Because lawyer-clients are entitled to expect total access to their files, immediate information about their cases and a seamless partnership with the attorney who serves as their counselor and advocate.”
A client extranet can do a number of things. One, it can increase non-billable revenues by charging for the service. Two, it frees up time that you would normally be using to answer client questions, such as the status of their case. Three, it creates a mechanism for your clients to provide detailed information and feedback without expending your time. It provides additional client services that sets your firm apart.
Storage, Backup, and Security
Many-a-articles have been written about storage and backup necessities. I group people into two categories, either you’ve had your computer crash and you lost all of your data or you haven’t. Those who have understand the value of backing up their data. Those who haven’t and don’t understand, well, you will probably find out one of these days.
All files stored in the ConXPoint Business Center are accessible online from your home or office computer. So, when your computer hard drive fails, your important work papers are not lost. Files stored on your ConXPoint server undergo weekly vulnerability scanning and is SAS Type II certified. On top of this, ConXPoint backs up this system to Iron Mountain for an added level of security. ConXPoint uses SSL Certificates for website identification and 128-bit encryption for data transfers between your computer browser and our servers. This means not even the 12 year old hacker next door can break in to your files.
Incorporates Your Current Technology
Many small firms may be reluctant to invest in new technology because they may feel they aren’t maximizing their current technology investment. This is a valid point. However, the ConXPoint Business Center doesn’t require that you learn how to use a wiki or some scaled-down open source tool. You can use the same software you’re using now, whether it’s Word, Excel, QuickBooks, etc. So, you don’t have to start from scratch learning how to use new software. See Technology for All Generations blog.
These are just a few of the benefits associated with using SaaS. We would welcome an opportunity to demonstrate how easy the Business Center can work for you. For more information or discuss other ways ConXPoint services may help you economically meet your customer service priorities and cost reduction initiatives, contact us by calling 866-907-6686. The ConXPoint web site (www.conxpoint.com) offers a brief 3‐minute movie providing more information and an option to sign up to participate in a 30‐minute interactive Web presentation called “Coffee with ConXPoint.”
