The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/163881
We found that demonstrating apps in this manner elicited interaction from our attorneys, as they discussed ways they could be used in practice. This method turned out to be very effective — it not only got attorneys involved with the presentation, it also triggered a level of interaction among all attendees that was very positive and constructive. A portion of our presentation touched on various accessories that complement the iPad, such as keyboards, styluses, wireless printers and speakers, and the Apple TV. As with the apps, we presented these accessories to attorneys in a manner that explained the pros and cons of each. Many of these accessories were leveraged during the presentation, allowing us to demonstrate their effectiveness. Give Security a Chance With the amount of information presented, we would have been remiss if we did not address security concerns that come with a mobile strategy. The biggest hurdle is that, with BYOD, the devices attorneys bring into the firm contain both personal and workrelated data. The focus was to make the attorneys aware of our goal of keeping the two groups of data separate. While our intention is to ensure the safety and security of firm and client data, we stressed this could be done with limited impact to the personal data on their devices. We introduced them to the concept of creating an isolated environment on their devices that could better manage the integrity and security of the firm's data by utilizing our MDM solution. Our entire presentation touched on this, as we demonstrated the best use of each app highlighted. With a BYOD environment, we now have to rely on our end users more; they must now play their parts to assist the IT department in ensuring the integrity and security of firm data. Cloud storage is another security issue, but at the time of our presentation we did not have a cloud storage solution in place. It was our recommendation to avoid products like Dropbox, SkyDrive and Box due to an inherent lack of management and oversight. We suggested the use of both our mobile email client and our mobile DMS app in place of any cloud storage products until a secure cloud storage solution could be identified and implemented. wishing to utilize the technology during an internal meeting. The department has also begun actively testing a separate Apple TV for use during trials. In addition to these changes, we created an internal mobile technology blog. Our intent is to use it to communicate information on new apps, products and news of interest to the firm. We're hopeful the blog will become the primary method of communicating the firm's ongoing mobile strategy. Since the roadshow, we have begun working to test and evaluate cloud storage solutions that allow enterprise-level management and control of data. We are exploring various scenarios on how these solutions will fit within the firm as well as with clients and in courtroom situations. Efforts are being concentrated on Box as our cloud storage solution, and the department is piloting the enterprise product within the firm. Box not only offers full user access and content management, it also integrates well with our Good Technology MDM platform. We are optimistic our pilot will demonstrate how we can leverage Box with our mobile users, allowing them ease of access to all forms of data while away from the office. Imagine a Mobile Future The intent of our roadshow was to introduce attorneys to the endless possibilities available via iPads and other mobile devices; they responded by embracing this strategy with enthusiasm, despite the fact it's continually evolving with each new request and each new app. What we have accomplished so far is just the tip of the iceberg. The department sees mobile devices as a method for streamlining and enhancing what attorneys are already doing in the office. In the end, we aim to break the tether connecting attorneys to their desktop computers, providing a way to take their practice with them while on the go. Times They Are a-Changin' We completed our roadshows in mid-March and immediately observed an increased interest in the information presented. We made a point to cover a broad selection of apps that would benefit the firm as a whole, and we are now seeing requests for apps that will aid specific practice areas. Our department has plans to begin meeting with each practice group to identify additional ways we can leverage mobility for their specific areas of law. As a direct result of the presentation, we have also begun a pilot test in our main office with Apple TV, making the device available in the main videoconference room for any attorney Charles Collins is the Applications Administrator for Ward and Smith, P.A. located in New Bern, North Carolina. He has over 12 years of technical experience within the legal profession and has been with the firm for three years. Charles works to identify, develop and implement automated processes to increase productivity and reliability throughout the firm. His areas of responsibility also include providing customer service, second-level user support and administering enterprise-wide applications. Contact him at coc@wardandsmith.com. Peer to Peer 117