Peer to Peer Magazine

Once an attorney signs up for a service like Dropbox, the firm loses all control over data distribution. Attorneys can even siphon off data automatically to rival firms, as one firm is alleged to have done in the recent news story, "Pa. Firm Claims Ex-Partner Used Portable Drives to Steal Client Files." The bottom line for law firms: Users need a way of sharing files securely across their devices in a way that allows the firm to monitor and control the distribution of files. The file-sharing service should support all types of devices that attorneys are carrying — from BlackBerry devices to Android phones to iPhones and iPads — while providing centralized control and rigorous encryption to ensure that the firm's files are always safe. The convenience of file-sharing should never come at the expense of data security and centralized control. Internal and Cross-Boundary Communication Many data security solutions protect data as long as it is shared only with internal users (i.e., users with accounts in the firm's LDAP directory). Inevitably, attorneys and other users need to share files with users outside the firm, such as clients. A secure mobile file-sharing solution should integrate with LDAP and Active Directory to take advantage of centralized access controls for internal users, but it should also support ad hoc file- sharing with trusted external users. It should enable attorneys to send files of any size or format to internal and external users. Attorneys should be able to share large files securely without resorting to technologies such as free file-sharing accounts or FTP, which require special accounts and often leave valuable files stranded on servers indefinitely. Integration with ECM Systems Over the past decade, many firms have invested in enterprise content management (ECM) systems. These platforms do an excellent job storing critical files for secure access by authorized users. But these platforms typically deny access to anyone who doesn't have an internal account. This makes it difficult for firms to share files securely with clients. A secure mobile file-sharing solution should integrate with ECM platforms, so that firms can continue to leverage all the security and archiving features these platforms offer. But it should also enable authorized mobile users to share files with authorized Legal Calendar and Docketing — Could it be that easy? Docket Enterprise provides a comprehensive calendar and docket solution that is ideally suited for both litigation and non-litigation practice areas. 88 Peer to Peer See just how easy it is. Contact

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