Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/16612
point applications that offer varying degrees of configuration as a software development kit. In these cases, the applications are limited to the functionality or infrastructure provided by the applications themselves. In order to extend the application, the options are to customize the application code or develop custom user interfaces that are integrated with the application database or API. Therefore, these systems simply do not provide the benefits of a “true” technology platform. Not All Platforms Are Created Equal Well-known general software platforms (a.k.a., application development platforms), such as Java and .NET, don’t deliver the same capabilities as a true technology platform, especially one designed specifically for the legal industry. Rather, Java and .NET are lower-level platforms that provide the basis for a higher-level technology platform designed to truly unify and simplify a legal systems portfolio. As for content management platforms, they lack any of the legal-specific capabilities or best practices offered by a technology platform that has been configured for the legal industry. Lower-Level Software Platform (e.g., Java, .NET) Facilitates rapid application development with reusable user interface components (e.g., buttons, drop-down boxes, etc.) Applications can be built on top of the platform and leverage base platform infrastructure Built on top of a lower-level software platform Content Management Platform (e.g., SharePoint) X X X X X 40 Infrastructure Technologies ILTA White Paper Higher-Level Technology Platform for Legal X X X