Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/98946
www.iltanet.org Cloud computing and managed services now offer real competitive options that relieve firms of significant investment burdens. Computing practices and technology services for the legal profession are changing rapidly. This year, the industry buzz continues to focus on the exciting promise of cloud computing as an increasingly valuable way of delivering computing platforms, software and services to law firms and legal practitioners. We understand that cloud computing is a paradigm shift that requires careful analysis and detailed planning to anticipate legal and operational issues. However, cloud computing creates opportunities to simplify legal technology, reduce concerns about network capacity, system backup and computer performance, and even reduce that constant and critical concern regarding data security. The idea that most computing needs and services can be delivered cost-effectively to users from the cloud — whenever and in the capacity needed — is one that virtually all legal technology professionals can embrace. What Is Cloud Computing? "Cloud computing" describes the delivery of hosted IT services over the Internet. Three general services provided in the cloud include: • Software As a Service (SaaS): Software applications are hosted by a cloud vendor and made available to users over the Internet. There are few true SaaS 18 ILTA White Paper offerings available in the legal market today, but this is an area in which we can expect innovation in the years ahead. For now, there are some "single-tenant" software applications available in the cloud (i.e., tailored to each company seperately). • Infrastructure As a Service (IaaS): This permits users to outsource computer equipment and the operations that support the organization. Costs of operating the actual equipment are the responsibility of the service provider; the user generally pays for the infrastructure on a per-use contract. • Platform As a Service (PaaS): Software developers use this in an environment in which operating system features can be changed on-the-fly and new performance can be evaluated quickly. Development teams can collaborate on system changes, rather than perform separate evaluations on duplicate or incompatible systems. In general, cloud services are sold on-demand and are therefore flexible and elastic. Purchasers can buy cloud services as needed and reduce the service if demand declines. Cloud services are managed by the service provider, and users need only a computer and Internet connection to access cloud services.