Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/98946
Cloud Computing: Data Has a New House that manages all of the electronic information in the cloud. This is an attractive model for law firms that want to achieve all the benefits of cloud computing and focus on the delivery of legal services to clients. For others, however, there might be some unique reasons to maintain a specific range of data management responsibility, either due to client concerns, business reasons or ethical restrictions in certain jurisdictions. The second model is partial outsourcing of individual client matters, software applications or law firm data. This is a sound model for firms that want the benefit of being able to scale-up rapidly to take on a large new matter or manage unexpected system demands. However, it might not make sense for firms that are seeking maximum cost-efficiencies in their data storage and retrieval. discussion of what cloud computing can offer, resolve to move forward into a likely partnership: Attorney: I'm glad we talked about the cloud. I see the potential advantages and would like to explore the costs and contract terms of going forward. Of course, we'll need some strict performance representations and warranties in the cloud hosting service agreement. Cloud Executive: Naturally. You'll also want to talk to some other legal professionals who have experience with cloud computing to get their perspective on the opportunities and challenges with this kind of technology strategy. When you decide to move to the cloud, I'm confident you'll find a customized approach that creates the perfect home for your firm's data. A Question of Public or Private Once the appropriate business model is chosen, there is one more decision to make: Do we want to move to a "private" cloud or a "public" cloud? A private cloud arrangement guarantees the dedicated hosting of the law firm's data and software applications at a specific data center operated by a cloud services provider. This option provides law firms with knowledge of where their data reside and gives them direct access to the physical servers, administrators, backup hardware and storage procedures in place for protecting their data. A public cloud arrangement means the law firm's electronic information is hosted with a service that is available to the general public, securely over the Internet. This option is less expensive to use and easy to set up by the firm with just a series of mouse clicks and an encrypted data upload. IT'S ABOUT DOING IT SMARTER. The right pieces in the right place makes all the difference. HBR CONSULTING helps you leverage change, making informed decisions about IT investments that reduce risk, manage cost, and deliver the services needed to achieve the firm's strategic goals. hbrconsulting.com A Place To Hang Your Hat Hildebrandt Baker Robbins is now HBR CONSULTING And so we return to our fictional conversation, where the attorney and executive, after a thorough face-to-face BENEFIT FROM OUR EXPERIENCE ILTA White Paper 21