Peer to Peer Magazine

they work to have a "green" policy, practices are proactively seeking ways to reduce their paper usage. The end result of a smaller carbon footprint benefits the client, firm and environment. Partnering for Long-Term Value While most firms would agree that new technology can be exciting, the rate at which technology changes can be daunting and often outpaces most firms' ability to react. In fact, I'm sure many law firm IT departments were caught by surprise at how quickly their attorneys not only adopted iPhones and iPads, but also how they demanded that their firms support this technology in their normal course of doing business. In the face of change, firms often look to their peers, trusted vendors, industry experts and others before adopting the latest innovations. Understandably, they don't want to undergo time-consuming and expensive technology changes that will affect everyone in the firm without proof that it's going to be worth the effort. But once a firm decides a change is needed, it's critical the technology investments and upgrades deliver new capabilities that will give the firm distinct and measurable gains, as well as be an investment that will carry them forward for many years. Firms are also seeking innovative tools that give them a lower total cost of ownership, while reducing their investment risk. By using Microsoft-based industry-standard technology — as opposed to proprietary technologies — firms benefit from solutions that are easier to install, use, maintain and customize. As a result, firms tend to experience higher levels of adoption with Microsoft-based technologies, in addition to being able to find a plethora of skilled resources available to work on projects for reasonable rates. As the pace of business quickens, simplicity is the key. For this reason, companies — law firms included — are consolidating the number of outside vendors with which they do business. Born out of the need to simplify, there are added benefits to reducing the number of vendors with which a company works, including reducing costs and forging stronger, deeper relationships with those vendors. As a result of these new working relationships, both parties are vested in one another's success, and both will work hard to maintain and grow the relationship. This type of mutually beneficial relationship works particularly well when law firms set out to find a technology partner. In this scenario, technology partners tend to offer a broader suite of products that deliver more options to their clients. Law firms benefit from increased bargaining power, products that are more tightly integrated and better customer support. In addition, firms might gain access to product management teams and the ability to influence future development and ongoing enhancements. Firms that work with technology partners that have a good understanding of their business, opportunities and challenges will profit from solutions tailored to meet current and emerging market trends. 66 www.iltanet.org Peer to Peer People Rule … But Technology Shines, Too The business of law is really the business of people and relationships, but the underlying technology that enables those relationships — and the business — to grow and thrive is essential. Firms can gain a competitive advantage, empower their people, better serve their clients and make better decisions through the strategic application of technology. While it's not always clear at the start which new technology is best for your firm, trusted advisors play a critical role in helping to level the playing field, giving firms insights and recommendations that will help them meet their objectives and better serve their clients. ILTA Chris Giglio is the Chief Executive Officer for ADERANT. With more than 23 years of executive management experience, he has an extensive background in software company operations, professional services, sales and marketing leadership. Before joining ADERANT, Chris served in leadership roles at Surgical Information Systems, McKesson Provider Technologies and Accelerated Solutions Center (ASC), where he has successfully implemented innovative service offerings and dramatically decreased product implementation times. Chris can be reached at chris.giglio@aderant.com. Is discovery straining your very last nerve? LEXBE ONLINE is a web-based document management/review tool that makes even the most complex, document- intensive litigation a breeze to handle. v Lightning-fast document review. Powerful search; flexible coding; Bates stamping; auto production/privilege logs. v Up-and-running in minutes. Simple user interface; easy to learn and use; free training and support. v Secure, multiple-level access. 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