The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/163881
case studies infrastructure (VDI), which will drive down the cost of a desktop machine even further. VDI will enable us to deploy very low-cost machines as desktops, thus making the cost difference between a laptop and a desktop-plus-iPad much more substantial. We are planning to deploy VDI later this year. TOP FIVE LESSONS LEARNED 1. If you plan to offer iPads instead of laptops, get in front of users and help them understand its uses. Promotion is key. 2. While we offered Bluetooth keyboards in our pilot, most users preferred to use a computer for large amounts of typing. People who want a physical keyboard for the iPad would rather choose the keyboard and keyboard case themselves and will buy their own. 3. Citrix on the iPad has gotten some real use, mostly when users are in a pinch. 4. We had to work out some logistical issues deploying apps to the iPads, which introduced the need to track more equipment inventory. Other than that, most users don't require much more support. Here to Stay We've learned that most individuals who chose to move forward with the swap were those who were comfortable figuring things out on their own or who previously owned an iOS device. During our iPad rollout, approximately 20 percent of the lawyers and managers within our organization made the switch, and the reviews have been quite positive. Of the individuals who swapped for an iPad, only five percent (17 individuals) moved back to the laptop platform. The number of individuals who reconsidered after switching platforms is partially skewed because of individuals who decided to purchase their own tablet device instead, and keep a laptop as well. DLA Piper's decision to offer a desktop computer and iPad combo in replacement of a laptop has proven to be a good move. The iPad's ability to provide seamless, secure access to the firm's primary business applications, its light-weight form-factor, userfriendly interface and the probable long-term cost savings signal this change is here to stay. Darien A. Palmer is a Software Analyst for DLA Piper LLP, a multinational law firm with 5. Don't worry about being ready to train users on every app in the App Store. The demand for help with non-firm apps dropped off quickly. iPad users understood that we support firm apps and can only give them some advice on non-firm apps. more than 77 offices in 30 countries. He is a technology and Microsoft Office specialist who provides daily software support for over 1,300 attorneys in the Americas. Darien is responsible for the configuration, deployment and support of enterprise-wide software applications and integrations. He has been an IT professional for 10+ years, spending more than seven years in the legal IT arena. Contact Darien at darien.palmer@dlapiper.com. Chris Swanson is an IT Training Supervisor at DLA Piper LLP (US). He leads the training team's e-learning efforts, as well as IT's involvement in DLA Piper University, the firm's staff development program. Chris has over 15 years of experience in the legal market and over 20 years of experience in education and adult learning. Prior to working as a trainer and consultant to law firms, Chris worked as a college-level teacher of German and as a TV news producer. Contact him at christopher.swanson@dlapiper.com. 38 Peer to Peer