Digital White Papers

MOBILE COMPUTING IN THE SMALL FIRM edit and modify documents. They will want an easy way to move documents to and from mobile devices and to keep documents synchronized. Try to anticipate this, and be ready to accommodate. UTILIZE A VPN Resources are always at a premium in small law firms, so find ways to use them wisely. A virtual private network (VPN) will likely be an important part of your solution. Look for one that offers the flexibility to grow, so additional capabilities can be added in the future. You should also enable mobility within the office. If the firm has a guest wireless network or other Wi-Fi outside the firewall, you can use your VPN to work anywhere in the office — without spending thousands of dollars on a wireless network controller. Look for a VPN product or software that can be used to enable BYOD features, such as providing secure access to email, enabling secure access to the LAN for laptops and managing terminal servicesstyle remote computing for use from tablets, home computers and other non-firm assets. MIND THE CULTURE Some attorneys will be heavy drivers of this mobile technology. Consider these questions: • re they rainmakers or just the attorneys A who always have the latest toys? • ill they bring the whole firm along or W only focus on their own needs? It's always easier to give something or loosen restrictions than it is to take something away, so consider all the ramifications carefully before adopting new policies and technologies. Be sure you've got the right reasons for proceeding and the right communication style to make it a success. Education on plausible risks — and how to manage those risks — is an important component of any mobile strategy. If your standard support mode includes a lot of hand-holding, you may need extra assistance from vendors or consultants to find, enable and provide education on a BYOD mobile computing solution that is right for your firm. OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WILD WEST There is no single answer that will address all the concerns small firms have about mobility. Providing the benefits of mobility while managing the challenges will continue to be a balancing act. As IT professionals, we are back in the Wild West with BYOD. But hiding among all the options, risks and costs, there are productivity opportunities waiting to be found. Take advantage of the paradigm shift, and find them. Nathan Smith is the I.T. Director at McKee, Voorhees & Sease, P.L.C. He is also on ILTA's Emerging Technologies Peer Group Steering Committee. Contact Nathan at nathan.smith@ipmvs.com.

• Cover