Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/98946
ILTA's 2012 Financial Management Poll Results Attorney: My firm is being squeezed by rising operational costs (particularly related to technology) and client demands for the reduction of legal fees. Decisions about whether or not to litigate are strongly influenced by the cost of pretrial discovery. Cloud Executive: Your situation is not unusual. Most firms face similar financial and budgeting challenges, but have you considered moving your firm's and your clients' electronic data to the "cloud"? It's possible to experience significant savings by shifting some or all of your firm's infrastructure and data operations to a cloud service provider. Attorney: We've given cloud computing a preliminary look — and the options seem interesting — but we have concerns about data security, flexibility under contracts with cloud vendors and the overall cost. Cloud Executive: Cloud computing can reduce hardware and software costs substantially. Most vendors will customize their services to give you exactly what you need and will provide secure transmission and access to your data on a 24/7 basis. Attorney: It's hard to keep up with all the changes in technology and practice law at the same time. Cloud Executive: You and I should meet with your practice support director to discuss cloud computing services. I'm sure there are offerings that can enhance your practice. ILTA White Paper 17